ATI RN Comprehensive Predictor Exam 2026–2027
Complete Study Guide, Verified Practice Questions &
Answers, Detailed Rationales, ATI RN Exit Exam
Preparation Bundle for Nursing Students – Pass the ATI
Comprehensive Predictor with Confidence
Question 1: A nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for digoxin. Which of the
following findings should the nurse identify as an indication of digoxin toxicity?
A. Bradycardia
B. Hypertension
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Tachypnea
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Bradycardia
Rationale: Digoxin toxicity often manifests as cardiac dysrhythmias, with bradycardia being a
common early sign due to the medication's effect on the AV node.
Question 2: A nurse is preparing to administer a blood transfusion to a client. Which of the
following actions should the nurse take prior to starting the transfusion?
A. Prime the tubing with 5% dextrose in water.
B. Verify the blood type with another nurse.
C. Administer diphenhydramine prophylactically.
D. Warm the blood in a microwave.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Verify the blood type with another nurse.
Rationale: Safety protocols require two nurses to verify the client's identity and blood
compatibility before initiating a transfusion to prevent hemolytic reactions.
Question 3: A nurse is assessing a client who has a closed head injury. Which of the following
findings should the nurse report to the provider immediately?
A. Pupils equal and reactive
B. Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15
C. Decorticate posturing
D. Oriented to person and place
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Decorticate posturing
Rationale: Decorticate posturing indicates severe brain damage and increased intracranial
pressure, requiring immediate medical intervention.
Question 4: A nurse is teaching a client who has a new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus
about insulin administration. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an
understanding of the teaching?
A. "I will store my open insulin vials in the freezer."
B. "I will inject my insulin into the muscle for faster absorption."
C. "I will rotate injection sites within the same anatomical area."
D. "I will shake the insulin vial vigorously before drawing up the dose."
CORRECT ANSWER: C. "I will rotate injection sites within the same anatomical area."
Rationale: Rotating sites within the same area ensures consistent absorption and prevents
lipodystrophy or tissue damage.
,Question 5: A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a total hip
arthroplasty. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of
care to prevent dislocation?
A. Keep the legs adducted.
B. Place a pillow between the legs.
C. Flex the hip beyond 90 degrees.
D. Encourage internal rotation of the foot.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Place a pillow between the legs.
Rationale: Abduction pillows prevent adduction and internal rotation, which are movements
that can cause prosthetic dislocation.
Question 6: A nurse is assessing a client who has a suspected pulmonary embolism. Which of
the following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Bradycardia
B. Sudden onset of dyspnea
C. Decreased respiratory rate
D. Hypotension only
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Sudden onset of dyspnea
Rationale: Sudden dyspnea is a hallmark symptom of pulmonary embolism due to blocked
blood flow in the pulmonary arteries.
Question 7: A nurse is caring for a client who has a chest tube connected to a water-seal
drainage system. Which of the following findings indicates the system is functioning
properly?
A. Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber
B. Fluctuation in the water-seal chamber with respirations
C. Drainage greater than 100 mL/hr
D. Clamping of the tube during ambulation
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Fluctuation in the water-seal chamber with respirations
Rationale: Tidaling (fluctuation) in the water-seal chamber indicates that the system is patent
and responding to intrathoracic pressure changes.
Question 8: A nurse is teaching a client about dietary modifications for hypertension. Which
of the following foods should the nurse recommend?
A. Canned soup
B. Pickled vegetables
C. Fresh fruits and vegetables
D. Processed meats
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Fresh fruits and vegetables
Rationale: Fresh produce is low in sodium and high in potassium, which helps manage blood
pressure according to the DASH diet.
Question 9: A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN).
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Change the tubing every 72 hours.
B. Monitor blood glucose levels regularly.
,C. Administer medications through the TPN line.
D. Increase the infusion rate if behind schedule.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Monitor blood glucose levels regularly.
Rationale: TPN solutions contain high concentrations of dextrose, increasing the risk of
hyperglycemia, requiring frequent monitoring.
Question 10: A nurse is assessing a client who has a suspected stroke. Which of the following
assessments is the priority?
A. Check pupil reaction.
B. Assess airway and breathing.
C. Determine time of symptom onset.
D. Evaluate motor strength.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Assess airway and breathing.
Rationale: Airway and breathing are the priority in the ABCs of nursing care before neurological
assessment or history taking.
Question 11: A nurse is caring for a client who has a nasogastric tube attached to suction.
Which of the following findings indicates the need for irrigation?
A. Green drainage
B. No drainage for 2 hours
C. Client reports nausea
D. Bowel sounds present
CORRECT ANSWER: B. No drainage for 2 hours
Rationale: Lack of drainage suggests the tube may be clogged or against the stomach wall,
requiring irrigation to restore patency.
Question 12: A nurse is teaching a client about wound care for a pressure injury. Which of the
following statements should the nurse include?
A. "Clean the wound from the outside in."
B. "Use hydrogen peroxide to clean the wound."
C. "Keep the wound moist to promote healing."
D. "Expose the wound to air for 30 minutes daily."
CORRECT ANSWER: C. "Keep the wound moist to promote healing."
Rationale: A moist wound environment facilitates granulation tissue formation and
epithelialization, speeding up healing.
Question 13: A nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for warfarin. Which of
the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor?
A. aPTT
B. INR
C. Hemoglobin
D. Platelet count
CORRECT ANSWER: B. INR
Rationale: The International Normalized Ratio (INR) is used to monitor the therapeutic effect of
warfarin therapy.
, Question 14: A nurse is assessing a client who has heart failure. Which of the following
findings indicates worsening condition?
A. Weight loss of 1 kg
B. Crackles in the lungs
C. Decreased heart rate
D. Improved activity tolerance
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Crackles in the lungs
Rationale: Crackles indicate fluid accumulation in the alveoli, suggesting worsening pulmonary
congestion and heart failure.
Question 15: A nurse is caring for a client who is in labor. Which of the following findings
indicates the transition phase of labor?
A. Cervical dilation of 3 cm
B. Contractions every 5 minutes
C. Irritability and nausea
D. Urge to push
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Irritability and nausea
Rationale: The transition phase (8-10 cm dilation) is often associated with intense contractions,
nausea, vomiting, and irritability.
Question 16: A nurse is teaching a parent about safety for a toddler. Which of the following
recommendations should the nurse make?
A. Keep small objects out of reach.
B. Allow the toddler to sleep with a pillow.
C. Use a walker for mobility.
D. Set the water heater to 60°C (140°F).
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Keep small objects out of reach.
Rationale: Toddlers explore orally, making small objects a significant choking hazard that must
be secured.
Question 17: A nurse is caring for a client who has a suspected myocardial infarction. Which
of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Administer aspirin.
B. Obtain a 12-lead ECG.
C. Start IV access.
D. Administer nitroglycerin.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Obtain a 12-lead ECG.
Rationale: An ECG should be obtained within 10 minutes of arrival to diagnose ST-elevation and
guide immediate treatment.
Question 18: A nurse is assessing a client who has a suspected appendicitis. Which of the
following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Pain in the left lower quadrant
B. Rebound tenderness in the right lower quadrant
C. Diarrhea
D. Hyperactive bowel sounds
Complete Study Guide, Verified Practice Questions &
Answers, Detailed Rationales, ATI RN Exit Exam
Preparation Bundle for Nursing Students – Pass the ATI
Comprehensive Predictor with Confidence
Question 1: A nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for digoxin. Which of the
following findings should the nurse identify as an indication of digoxin toxicity?
A. Bradycardia
B. Hypertension
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Tachypnea
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Bradycardia
Rationale: Digoxin toxicity often manifests as cardiac dysrhythmias, with bradycardia being a
common early sign due to the medication's effect on the AV node.
Question 2: A nurse is preparing to administer a blood transfusion to a client. Which of the
following actions should the nurse take prior to starting the transfusion?
A. Prime the tubing with 5% dextrose in water.
B. Verify the blood type with another nurse.
C. Administer diphenhydramine prophylactically.
D. Warm the blood in a microwave.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Verify the blood type with another nurse.
Rationale: Safety protocols require two nurses to verify the client's identity and blood
compatibility before initiating a transfusion to prevent hemolytic reactions.
Question 3: A nurse is assessing a client who has a closed head injury. Which of the following
findings should the nurse report to the provider immediately?
A. Pupils equal and reactive
B. Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15
C. Decorticate posturing
D. Oriented to person and place
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Decorticate posturing
Rationale: Decorticate posturing indicates severe brain damage and increased intracranial
pressure, requiring immediate medical intervention.
Question 4: A nurse is teaching a client who has a new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus
about insulin administration. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an
understanding of the teaching?
A. "I will store my open insulin vials in the freezer."
B. "I will inject my insulin into the muscle for faster absorption."
C. "I will rotate injection sites within the same anatomical area."
D. "I will shake the insulin vial vigorously before drawing up the dose."
CORRECT ANSWER: C. "I will rotate injection sites within the same anatomical area."
Rationale: Rotating sites within the same area ensures consistent absorption and prevents
lipodystrophy or tissue damage.
,Question 5: A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a total hip
arthroplasty. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of
care to prevent dislocation?
A. Keep the legs adducted.
B. Place a pillow between the legs.
C. Flex the hip beyond 90 degrees.
D. Encourage internal rotation of the foot.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Place a pillow between the legs.
Rationale: Abduction pillows prevent adduction and internal rotation, which are movements
that can cause prosthetic dislocation.
Question 6: A nurse is assessing a client who has a suspected pulmonary embolism. Which of
the following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Bradycardia
B. Sudden onset of dyspnea
C. Decreased respiratory rate
D. Hypotension only
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Sudden onset of dyspnea
Rationale: Sudden dyspnea is a hallmark symptom of pulmonary embolism due to blocked
blood flow in the pulmonary arteries.
Question 7: A nurse is caring for a client who has a chest tube connected to a water-seal
drainage system. Which of the following findings indicates the system is functioning
properly?
A. Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber
B. Fluctuation in the water-seal chamber with respirations
C. Drainage greater than 100 mL/hr
D. Clamping of the tube during ambulation
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Fluctuation in the water-seal chamber with respirations
Rationale: Tidaling (fluctuation) in the water-seal chamber indicates that the system is patent
and responding to intrathoracic pressure changes.
Question 8: A nurse is teaching a client about dietary modifications for hypertension. Which
of the following foods should the nurse recommend?
A. Canned soup
B. Pickled vegetables
C. Fresh fruits and vegetables
D. Processed meats
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Fresh fruits and vegetables
Rationale: Fresh produce is low in sodium and high in potassium, which helps manage blood
pressure according to the DASH diet.
Question 9: A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN).
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Change the tubing every 72 hours.
B. Monitor blood glucose levels regularly.
,C. Administer medications through the TPN line.
D. Increase the infusion rate if behind schedule.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Monitor blood glucose levels regularly.
Rationale: TPN solutions contain high concentrations of dextrose, increasing the risk of
hyperglycemia, requiring frequent monitoring.
Question 10: A nurse is assessing a client who has a suspected stroke. Which of the following
assessments is the priority?
A. Check pupil reaction.
B. Assess airway and breathing.
C. Determine time of symptom onset.
D. Evaluate motor strength.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Assess airway and breathing.
Rationale: Airway and breathing are the priority in the ABCs of nursing care before neurological
assessment or history taking.
Question 11: A nurse is caring for a client who has a nasogastric tube attached to suction.
Which of the following findings indicates the need for irrigation?
A. Green drainage
B. No drainage for 2 hours
C. Client reports nausea
D. Bowel sounds present
CORRECT ANSWER: B. No drainage for 2 hours
Rationale: Lack of drainage suggests the tube may be clogged or against the stomach wall,
requiring irrigation to restore patency.
Question 12: A nurse is teaching a client about wound care for a pressure injury. Which of the
following statements should the nurse include?
A. "Clean the wound from the outside in."
B. "Use hydrogen peroxide to clean the wound."
C. "Keep the wound moist to promote healing."
D. "Expose the wound to air for 30 minutes daily."
CORRECT ANSWER: C. "Keep the wound moist to promote healing."
Rationale: A moist wound environment facilitates granulation tissue formation and
epithelialization, speeding up healing.
Question 13: A nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for warfarin. Which of
the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor?
A. aPTT
B. INR
C. Hemoglobin
D. Platelet count
CORRECT ANSWER: B. INR
Rationale: The International Normalized Ratio (INR) is used to monitor the therapeutic effect of
warfarin therapy.
, Question 14: A nurse is assessing a client who has heart failure. Which of the following
findings indicates worsening condition?
A. Weight loss of 1 kg
B. Crackles in the lungs
C. Decreased heart rate
D. Improved activity tolerance
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Crackles in the lungs
Rationale: Crackles indicate fluid accumulation in the alveoli, suggesting worsening pulmonary
congestion and heart failure.
Question 15: A nurse is caring for a client who is in labor. Which of the following findings
indicates the transition phase of labor?
A. Cervical dilation of 3 cm
B. Contractions every 5 minutes
C. Irritability and nausea
D. Urge to push
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Irritability and nausea
Rationale: The transition phase (8-10 cm dilation) is often associated with intense contractions,
nausea, vomiting, and irritability.
Question 16: A nurse is teaching a parent about safety for a toddler. Which of the following
recommendations should the nurse make?
A. Keep small objects out of reach.
B. Allow the toddler to sleep with a pillow.
C. Use a walker for mobility.
D. Set the water heater to 60°C (140°F).
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Keep small objects out of reach.
Rationale: Toddlers explore orally, making small objects a significant choking hazard that must
be secured.
Question 17: A nurse is caring for a client who has a suspected myocardial infarction. Which
of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Administer aspirin.
B. Obtain a 12-lead ECG.
C. Start IV access.
D. Administer nitroglycerin.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Obtain a 12-lead ECG.
Rationale: An ECG should be obtained within 10 minutes of arrival to diagnose ST-elevation and
guide immediate treatment.
Question 18: A nurse is assessing a client who has a suspected appendicitis. Which of the
following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Pain in the left lower quadrant
B. Rebound tenderness in the right lower quadrant
C. Diarrhea
D. Hyperactive bowel sounds
