ATI RN Comprehensive Predictor Exit Exam 2026 | 100 Verified
Questions & Answers with Detailed Rationales | Latest Version
1. A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure. Which finding indicates fluid volume
overload?
A. Weight loss of 1 kg in 24 hr
B. Crackles in both lung bases
C. Dry mucous membranes
D. Decreased blood pressure
Answer: B. Crackles in both lung bases
Rationale: Crackles indicate pulmonary congestion caused by excess fluid accumulation, a
common sign of heart failure exacerbation.
2. A nurse is caring for a client receiving heparin therapy. Which laboratory value should the
nurse monitor?
A. INR
B. PT
C. aPTT
D. Platelet count only
Answer: C. aPTT
Rationale: Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) evaluates the therapeutic
effectiveness of heparin.
3. A nurse is teaching a client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus about hypoglycemia. Which
manifestation should the nurse include?
A. Fruity breath odor
B. Warm, dry skin
C. Tremors and diaphoresis
D. Kussmaul respirations
Answer: C. Tremors and diaphoresis
,Rationale: Hypoglycemia activates the sympathetic nervous system, causing sweating,
shakiness, and tachycardia.
4. A nurse is caring for a client following a thyroidectomy. Which finding requires immediate
intervention?
A. Pain at incision site
B. Hoarseness immediately after surgery
C. Tingling around the mouth
D. Mild nausea
Answer: C. Tingling around the mouth
Rationale: Tingling indicates hypocalcemia due to possible parathyroid gland damage and
can progress to tetany.
5. A nurse is assessing a client with a deep-vein thrombosis. Which action is appropriate?
A. Massage the affected leg
B. Apply sequential compression devices
C. Encourage ambulation without anticoagulation
D. Administer prescribed anticoagulants
Answer: D. Administer prescribed anticoagulants
Rationale: Anticoagulants prevent clot extension and reduce the risk of pulmonary
embolism.
6. A nurse is caring for a client with COPD. Which oxygen delivery method is preferred?
A. Nonrebreather mask at 15 L/min
B. Nasal cannula at low flow rate
C. Face tent at 12 L/min
D. Venturi mask at 100% oxygen
Answer: B. Nasal cannula at low flow rate
Rationale: COPD clients require controlled oxygen administration to prevent suppression
of respiratory drive.
, 7. A nurse is teaching a client about warfarin therapy. Which statement indicates
understanding?
A. “I will increase my spinach intake daily.” B. “I will use a soft toothbrush.” C. “I should stop
taking medication if bruising occurs.” D. “I can take aspirin for headaches.”
Answer: B. “I will use a soft toothbrush.”
Rationale: Warfarin increases bleeding risk; a soft toothbrush helps prevent gum injury.
8. A nurse is caring for a client with bacterial meningitis. Which isolation precaution is
required?
A. Airborne
B. Contact
C. Droplet
D. Protective
Answer: C. Droplet
Rationale: Bacterial meningitis spreads through respiratory droplets.
9. A nurse is caring for a client receiving morphine IV. Which adverse effect is the priority?
A. Constipation
B. Nausea
C. Respiratory depression
D. Dry mouth
Answer: C. Respiratory depression
Rationale: Respiratory depression is the most life-threatening complication of opioid
administration.
10. A nurse is assessing a client for increased intracranial pressure. Which finding is
expected?
A. Hypotension
B. Bradycardia
C. Tachypnea
Questions & Answers with Detailed Rationales | Latest Version
1. A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure. Which finding indicates fluid volume
overload?
A. Weight loss of 1 kg in 24 hr
B. Crackles in both lung bases
C. Dry mucous membranes
D. Decreased blood pressure
Answer: B. Crackles in both lung bases
Rationale: Crackles indicate pulmonary congestion caused by excess fluid accumulation, a
common sign of heart failure exacerbation.
2. A nurse is caring for a client receiving heparin therapy. Which laboratory value should the
nurse monitor?
A. INR
B. PT
C. aPTT
D. Platelet count only
Answer: C. aPTT
Rationale: Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) evaluates the therapeutic
effectiveness of heparin.
3. A nurse is teaching a client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus about hypoglycemia. Which
manifestation should the nurse include?
A. Fruity breath odor
B. Warm, dry skin
C. Tremors and diaphoresis
D. Kussmaul respirations
Answer: C. Tremors and diaphoresis
,Rationale: Hypoglycemia activates the sympathetic nervous system, causing sweating,
shakiness, and tachycardia.
4. A nurse is caring for a client following a thyroidectomy. Which finding requires immediate
intervention?
A. Pain at incision site
B. Hoarseness immediately after surgery
C. Tingling around the mouth
D. Mild nausea
Answer: C. Tingling around the mouth
Rationale: Tingling indicates hypocalcemia due to possible parathyroid gland damage and
can progress to tetany.
5. A nurse is assessing a client with a deep-vein thrombosis. Which action is appropriate?
A. Massage the affected leg
B. Apply sequential compression devices
C. Encourage ambulation without anticoagulation
D. Administer prescribed anticoagulants
Answer: D. Administer prescribed anticoagulants
Rationale: Anticoagulants prevent clot extension and reduce the risk of pulmonary
embolism.
6. A nurse is caring for a client with COPD. Which oxygen delivery method is preferred?
A. Nonrebreather mask at 15 L/min
B. Nasal cannula at low flow rate
C. Face tent at 12 L/min
D. Venturi mask at 100% oxygen
Answer: B. Nasal cannula at low flow rate
Rationale: COPD clients require controlled oxygen administration to prevent suppression
of respiratory drive.
, 7. A nurse is teaching a client about warfarin therapy. Which statement indicates
understanding?
A. “I will increase my spinach intake daily.” B. “I will use a soft toothbrush.” C. “I should stop
taking medication if bruising occurs.” D. “I can take aspirin for headaches.”
Answer: B. “I will use a soft toothbrush.”
Rationale: Warfarin increases bleeding risk; a soft toothbrush helps prevent gum injury.
8. A nurse is caring for a client with bacterial meningitis. Which isolation precaution is
required?
A. Airborne
B. Contact
C. Droplet
D. Protective
Answer: C. Droplet
Rationale: Bacterial meningitis spreads through respiratory droplets.
9. A nurse is caring for a client receiving morphine IV. Which adverse effect is the priority?
A. Constipation
B. Nausea
C. Respiratory depression
D. Dry mouth
Answer: C. Respiratory depression
Rationale: Respiratory depression is the most life-threatening complication of opioid
administration.
10. A nurse is assessing a client for increased intracranial pressure. Which finding is
expected?
A. Hypotension
B. Bradycardia
C. Tachypnea
