Virtual ATI Green Light Comprehensive Predictor 2026 Updated
Questions and Answers | Complete ATI NCLEX Readiness Study Guide with
Verified Solutions, Detailed Rationales, Medical-Surgical Nursing,
Pharmacology, Fundamentals of Nursing, Maternal-Newborn Nursing,
Pediatric Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Leadership and Management,
Community Health, Prioritization, Delegation, NGN Clinical Judgment and
Comprehensive NCLEX-RN Preparation
Question 1: A nurse is caring for a client who has just returned from surgery and is
experiencing acute pain. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Administer the prescribed opioid analgesic. B. Assess the client's pain using a
standardized pain scale. C. Reposition the client for comfort. D. Apply a cold compress
to the surgical site.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Assess the client's pain using a standardized pain scale.
Rationale: The nursing process dictates that assessment is the first step. The nurse
must evaluate the pain level before administering medication or implementing non-
pharmacological interventions.
Question 2: A nurse is preparing to administer a blood transfusion to a client.
Which of the following actions is the priority before starting the transfusion?
A. Obtain the client's baseline vital signs. B. Prime the IV tubing with normal saline. C.
Verify the blood product with another nurse. D. Ensure the client has signed the consent
form.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Verify the blood product with another nurse.
Rationale: Verifying the blood product with another licensed nurse is the priority safety
measure to prevent a potentially fatal hemolytic transfusion reaction due to ABO
incompatibility.
Question 3: A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is
admitted with an exacerbation. Which oxygen delivery method is most appropriate
for this client?
A. Non-rebreather mask at 15 L/min B. Venturi mask at 24% to 28% C. Simple face mask
at 6 L/min D. Nasal cannula at 4 L/min
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Venturi mask at 24% to 28%
Rationale: Clients with COPD rely on a hypoxic drive to breathe. A Venturi mask delivers
a precise, low concentration of oxygen, preventing the suppression of the respiratory
drive.
Question 4: A nurse is caring for a client with a nasogastric (NG) tube connected to
low intermittent suction. Which finding indicates the tube is functioning properly?
,A. The client reports severe nausea. B. The drainage is greenish-yellow. C. The client has
active bowel sounds. D. The suction canister contains 100 mL of drainage.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The drainage is greenish-yellow.
Rationale: Greenish-yellow drainage indicates the presence of gastric secretions,
confirming the NG tube is properly placed in the stomach and effectively
decompressing it.
Question 5: A nurse is teaching a client about the proper use of a metered-dose
inhaler (MDI). Which statement by the client indicates understanding?
A. "I will inhale the medication as quickly as possible." B. "I will hold my breath for 10
seconds after inhaling." C. "I will shake the inhaler after I take the puff." D. "I will exhale
fully after I have inhaled the medication."
CORRECT ANSWER: B. "I will hold my breath for 10 seconds after inhaling."
Rationale: Holding the breath for 10 seconds allows the medication to settle deep into
the airways, maximizing its therapeutic effect.
Question 6: A nurse is assessing a client with a suspected deep vein thrombosis
(DVT). Which finding is most characteristic of this condition?
A. Bilateral leg edema B. Unilateral calf swelling and warmth C. Decreased pedal pulses
D. Pale, cool extremities
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Unilateral calf swelling and warmth
Rationale: Unilateral swelling, warmth, erythema, and pain in the calf are classic signs
of DVT, resulting from venous obstruction and inflammation.
Question 7: A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 day postoperative following a total
hip arthroplasty. Which position should the nurse maintain for the affected leg?
A. Adducted and internally rotated B. Abducted and externally rotated C. Adducted and
externally rotated D. Abducted and internally rotated
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Abducted and externally rotated
Rationale: Keeping the affected leg abducted and externally rotated (often with an
abduction pillow) prevents dislocation of the new hip prosthesis.
Question 8: A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus reports feeling shaky,
diaphoretic, and confused. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Administer subcutaneous regular insulin. B. Check the client's blood glucose level.
C. Provide 4 ounces of orange juice. D. Notify the healthcare provider.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Check the client's blood glucose level.
,Rationale: The nurse must first confirm hypoglycemia by checking the blood glucose
level before administering any treatment, ensuring the symptoms are not due to another
cause.
Question 9: A nurse is caring for a client receiving IV potassium chloride. Which
finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Urine output of 40 mL/hr B. Burning sensation at the IV site C. Heart rate of 72
beats/min D. Blood pressure of 128/78 mm Hg
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Urine output of 40 mL/hr
Rationale: Potassium is excreted by the kidneys. A urine output of less than 30 mL/hr
indicates renal impairment, increasing the risk of life-threatening hyperkalemia. The
infusion should be stopped.
Question 10: A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter for a
female client. Which action is correct?
A. Cleanse the meatus from back to front. B. Inflate the balloon before inserting the
catheter. C. Insert the catheter 2 to 3 inches until urine flows. D. Use sterile technique
throughout the procedure.
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Use sterile technique throughout the procedure.
Rationale: Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter is an invasive procedure that
requires strict sterile technique to prevent healthcare-associated urinary tract
infections.
Question 11: A client is admitted with a diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. Which
medication should the nurse anticipate administering?
A. Warfarin B. Heparin C. Aspirin D. Clopidogrel
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Heparin
Rationale: Heparin is a rapid-acting anticoagulant used as the initial treatment for
pulmonary embolism to prevent further clot formation.
Question 12: A nurse is assessing a client with a chest tube. The water seal
chamber shows continuous bubbling. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Document the finding as normal. B. Check the system for air leaks. C. Clamp the
chest tube immediately. D. Increase the wall suction pressure.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Check the system for air leaks.
Rationale: Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber indicates an air leak in the
system, which requires immediate assessment and correction to maintain negative
pressure.
, Question 13: A nurse is caring for a client with a traumatic brain injury. Which
finding indicates increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?
A. Bradycardia and hypertension B. Tachycardia and hypotension C. Pupillary
constriction D. Increased level of consciousness
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Bradycardia and hypertension
Rationale: Cushing's triad, a late sign of increased ICP, includes bradycardia,
hypertension (with widened pulse pressure), and irregular respirations.
Question 14: A nurse is teaching a client about dietary management for heart
failure. Which food choice indicates the client understands the teaching?
A. Canned soup B. Fresh apples C. Processed cheese D. Salted peanuts
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Fresh apples
Rationale: Fresh fruits are naturally low in sodium. Clients with heart failure must
restrict sodium intake to prevent fluid retention and exacerbation of symptoms.
Question 15: A client is receiving a continuous IV infusion of magnesium sulfate for
preeclampsia. Which finding indicates magnesium toxicity?
A. Deep tendon reflexes of 2+ B. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths/min C. Urine output of 40
mL/hr D. Blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths/min
Rationale: Magnesium sulfate is a central nervous system depressant. A respiratory
rate below 12 breaths/min indicates toxicity and requires immediate administration of
the antidote, calcium gluconate.
Question 16: A nurse is caring for a client with a new colostomy. Which stoma
appearance requires immediate notification of the provider?
A. Pink and moist B. Red and slightly edematous C. Purple and black D. Pale pink and
dry
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Purple and black
Rationale: A purple or black stoma indicates ischemia or necrosis, which is a medical
emergency requiring immediate surgical evaluation.
Question 17: A nurse is preparing to administer a scheduled dose of digoxin. The
client's apical pulse is 58 beats/min. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Administer the medication as prescribed. B. Hold the medication and notify the
provider. C. Recheck the pulse in 15 minutes. D. Administer the medication with food.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Hold the medication and notify the provider.
Questions and Answers | Complete ATI NCLEX Readiness Study Guide with
Verified Solutions, Detailed Rationales, Medical-Surgical Nursing,
Pharmacology, Fundamentals of Nursing, Maternal-Newborn Nursing,
Pediatric Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Leadership and Management,
Community Health, Prioritization, Delegation, NGN Clinical Judgment and
Comprehensive NCLEX-RN Preparation
Question 1: A nurse is caring for a client who has just returned from surgery and is
experiencing acute pain. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Administer the prescribed opioid analgesic. B. Assess the client's pain using a
standardized pain scale. C. Reposition the client for comfort. D. Apply a cold compress
to the surgical site.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Assess the client's pain using a standardized pain scale.
Rationale: The nursing process dictates that assessment is the first step. The nurse
must evaluate the pain level before administering medication or implementing non-
pharmacological interventions.
Question 2: A nurse is preparing to administer a blood transfusion to a client.
Which of the following actions is the priority before starting the transfusion?
A. Obtain the client's baseline vital signs. B. Prime the IV tubing with normal saline. C.
Verify the blood product with another nurse. D. Ensure the client has signed the consent
form.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Verify the blood product with another nurse.
Rationale: Verifying the blood product with another licensed nurse is the priority safety
measure to prevent a potentially fatal hemolytic transfusion reaction due to ABO
incompatibility.
Question 3: A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is
admitted with an exacerbation. Which oxygen delivery method is most appropriate
for this client?
A. Non-rebreather mask at 15 L/min B. Venturi mask at 24% to 28% C. Simple face mask
at 6 L/min D. Nasal cannula at 4 L/min
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Venturi mask at 24% to 28%
Rationale: Clients with COPD rely on a hypoxic drive to breathe. A Venturi mask delivers
a precise, low concentration of oxygen, preventing the suppression of the respiratory
drive.
Question 4: A nurse is caring for a client with a nasogastric (NG) tube connected to
low intermittent suction. Which finding indicates the tube is functioning properly?
,A. The client reports severe nausea. B. The drainage is greenish-yellow. C. The client has
active bowel sounds. D. The suction canister contains 100 mL of drainage.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The drainage is greenish-yellow.
Rationale: Greenish-yellow drainage indicates the presence of gastric secretions,
confirming the NG tube is properly placed in the stomach and effectively
decompressing it.
Question 5: A nurse is teaching a client about the proper use of a metered-dose
inhaler (MDI). Which statement by the client indicates understanding?
A. "I will inhale the medication as quickly as possible." B. "I will hold my breath for 10
seconds after inhaling." C. "I will shake the inhaler after I take the puff." D. "I will exhale
fully after I have inhaled the medication."
CORRECT ANSWER: B. "I will hold my breath for 10 seconds after inhaling."
Rationale: Holding the breath for 10 seconds allows the medication to settle deep into
the airways, maximizing its therapeutic effect.
Question 6: A nurse is assessing a client with a suspected deep vein thrombosis
(DVT). Which finding is most characteristic of this condition?
A. Bilateral leg edema B. Unilateral calf swelling and warmth C. Decreased pedal pulses
D. Pale, cool extremities
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Unilateral calf swelling and warmth
Rationale: Unilateral swelling, warmth, erythema, and pain in the calf are classic signs
of DVT, resulting from venous obstruction and inflammation.
Question 7: A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 day postoperative following a total
hip arthroplasty. Which position should the nurse maintain for the affected leg?
A. Adducted and internally rotated B. Abducted and externally rotated C. Adducted and
externally rotated D. Abducted and internally rotated
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Abducted and externally rotated
Rationale: Keeping the affected leg abducted and externally rotated (often with an
abduction pillow) prevents dislocation of the new hip prosthesis.
Question 8: A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus reports feeling shaky,
diaphoretic, and confused. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Administer subcutaneous regular insulin. B. Check the client's blood glucose level.
C. Provide 4 ounces of orange juice. D. Notify the healthcare provider.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Check the client's blood glucose level.
,Rationale: The nurse must first confirm hypoglycemia by checking the blood glucose
level before administering any treatment, ensuring the symptoms are not due to another
cause.
Question 9: A nurse is caring for a client receiving IV potassium chloride. Which
finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Urine output of 40 mL/hr B. Burning sensation at the IV site C. Heart rate of 72
beats/min D. Blood pressure of 128/78 mm Hg
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Urine output of 40 mL/hr
Rationale: Potassium is excreted by the kidneys. A urine output of less than 30 mL/hr
indicates renal impairment, increasing the risk of life-threatening hyperkalemia. The
infusion should be stopped.
Question 10: A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter for a
female client. Which action is correct?
A. Cleanse the meatus from back to front. B. Inflate the balloon before inserting the
catheter. C. Insert the catheter 2 to 3 inches until urine flows. D. Use sterile technique
throughout the procedure.
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Use sterile technique throughout the procedure.
Rationale: Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter is an invasive procedure that
requires strict sterile technique to prevent healthcare-associated urinary tract
infections.
Question 11: A client is admitted with a diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. Which
medication should the nurse anticipate administering?
A. Warfarin B. Heparin C. Aspirin D. Clopidogrel
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Heparin
Rationale: Heparin is a rapid-acting anticoagulant used as the initial treatment for
pulmonary embolism to prevent further clot formation.
Question 12: A nurse is assessing a client with a chest tube. The water seal
chamber shows continuous bubbling. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Document the finding as normal. B. Check the system for air leaks. C. Clamp the
chest tube immediately. D. Increase the wall suction pressure.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Check the system for air leaks.
Rationale: Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber indicates an air leak in the
system, which requires immediate assessment and correction to maintain negative
pressure.
, Question 13: A nurse is caring for a client with a traumatic brain injury. Which
finding indicates increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?
A. Bradycardia and hypertension B. Tachycardia and hypotension C. Pupillary
constriction D. Increased level of consciousness
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Bradycardia and hypertension
Rationale: Cushing's triad, a late sign of increased ICP, includes bradycardia,
hypertension (with widened pulse pressure), and irregular respirations.
Question 14: A nurse is teaching a client about dietary management for heart
failure. Which food choice indicates the client understands the teaching?
A. Canned soup B. Fresh apples C. Processed cheese D. Salted peanuts
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Fresh apples
Rationale: Fresh fruits are naturally low in sodium. Clients with heart failure must
restrict sodium intake to prevent fluid retention and exacerbation of symptoms.
Question 15: A client is receiving a continuous IV infusion of magnesium sulfate for
preeclampsia. Which finding indicates magnesium toxicity?
A. Deep tendon reflexes of 2+ B. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths/min C. Urine output of 40
mL/hr D. Blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths/min
Rationale: Magnesium sulfate is a central nervous system depressant. A respiratory
rate below 12 breaths/min indicates toxicity and requires immediate administration of
the antidote, calcium gluconate.
Question 16: A nurse is caring for a client with a new colostomy. Which stoma
appearance requires immediate notification of the provider?
A. Pink and moist B. Red and slightly edematous C. Purple and black D. Pale pink and
dry
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Purple and black
Rationale: A purple or black stoma indicates ischemia or necrosis, which is a medical
emergency requiring immediate surgical evaluation.
Question 17: A nurse is preparing to administer a scheduled dose of digoxin. The
client's apical pulse is 58 beats/min. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Administer the medication as prescribed. B. Hold the medication and notify the
provider. C. Recheck the pulse in 15 minutes. D. Administer the medication with food.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Hold the medication and notify the provider.
