ATI Capstone Comprehensive Predictor 2026:
150 Practice Questions with Answers &
Rationales
QUICK REFERENCE
Topic Key Points
Exam Format 150 questions, 4 hours, randomized, NGN-style
Content Areas Med-Surg, Pharmacology, Maternal-Newborn, Pediatrics,
Mental Health, Leadership
Leadership Focus Delegation, Prioritization, Legal/Ethical Issues, HIPAA
Prioritization ABC framework, unstable vs. stable clients
Delegation RN → LPN → AP tasks within scope of practice
Common Lithium (NSAID interaction), Haloperidol (prolactin),
Medications Propranolol (asthma)
Exam Overview:
The ATI Capstone Comprehensive Content Review is designed to evaluate student
readiness for graduation and the NCLEX-RN licensure exam . The exam typically contains
150 questions across key nursing content areas including med-surg, pharmacology,
maternal-newborn, pediatrics, mental health, and leadership . Questions are presented in a
randomized, non-sequential format rather than grouped by topic, preparing students for the
real ATI and NCLEX-style testing experience .
SECTION 1: MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING (Questions 1-40)
Q1. A nurse is assessing a client who received 2 units of packed RBCs 48 hours ago.
Which finding should indicate to the nurse that the therapy has been effective?
,Answer: Hemoglobin 14.9 g/dL
Rationale: Packed RBCs are administered to clients who have a decreased level of
hemoglobin or hematocrit. A hemoglobin level within the expected reference range of 14-18
g/dL for males and 12-16 g/dL for females indicates therapy has been effective .
Q2. A nurse is caring for a client who has fluid volume overload. Which task should the
nurse delegate to the CNA?
Answer: Measure the client's daily weight
Rationale: Measuring daily weight is within the CNA's range of function, so the nurse
should delegate this task.
Q3. A nurse is preparing to administer mannitol 0.2 g/kg IV bolus over 5 minutes as a test
dose to a client who has severe oliguria. The client weighs 198 lb. What is the amount in
grams the nurse should administer?
Answer: 18 g
Rationale: The client's weight in kg is 198 ÷ 2.2 = 90 kg. 90 kg × 0.2 g/kg = 18 g .
Q4. A nurse is caring for a client who has hyperthyroidism. Which finding should the nurse
expect?
Answer: Tremors
Rationale: Tremors are a common manifestation of hyperthyroidism due to increased
sympathetic nervous system activity .
Q5. A client with COPD is receiving CPT (Chest Physiotherapy) treatments. Which
statement by the client indicates the teaching has been understood?
Answer: "CPT treatments will decrease my respiratory infections"
Rationale: CPT helps mobilize secretions, reducing the risk of respiratory infections in
COPD patients .
Q6. A nurse is reviewing findings for a client who is 3 days postoperative following an
abdominal hysterectomy. The AP reports the dressing is saturated with blood. What task
should the nurse delegate to the AP?
Answer: Obtain vital signs
Rationale: Obtaining vital signs is within the AP's scope of practice. The nurse must
assess the wound and dressing .
, Q7. A nurse is caring for 4 clients who are postop from surgery 24 hours ago. At 1200, the
nurse assesses the clients. Which client is priority?
Answer: The client whose BP at 0800 was 138/86 and at 1200 is 106/60
Rationale: A significant drop in blood pressure may indicate internal bleeding or other
complications requiring immediate intervention .
Q8. A nurse in the emergency department is triaging four clients. Which client should the
nurse recommend for treatment first?
Answer: A middle adult client who has unstable vital signs
Rationale: Using the stable versus unstable approach to client care, the nurse should
recommend priority treatment for the client who has unstable vital signs because this client
requires immediate treatment to reduce the risk of further injury or possible death .
Q9. A nurse is assessing a client with Cor Pulmonale. What is the underlying
pathophysiology?
Answer: Right-sided heart failure due to lung issues
Rationale: Cor pulmonale is right-sided heart failure caused by pulmonary hypertension
from underlying lung disease .
Q10. A client with a subdural hematoma has blood collection in which location?
Answer: Between the brain and dura mater
Rationale: A subdural hematoma is a collection of blood between the brain tissue and
the dura mater .
Q11. A nurse is caring for a client with a head injury who has increased intracranial
pressure. Which finding is a priority for assessment and intervention?
Answer: Airway obstruction
Rationale: Using the ABC framework, airway obstruction is the priority, especially in a
client with burns to the head, neck, and chest .
Q12. A client with peripheral edema is being assessed. What is the most likely mechanism
causing this finding?
Answer: Fluid retention in the tissues
Rationale: Peripheral edema results from fluid accumulation in interstitial spaces .
150 Practice Questions with Answers &
Rationales
QUICK REFERENCE
Topic Key Points
Exam Format 150 questions, 4 hours, randomized, NGN-style
Content Areas Med-Surg, Pharmacology, Maternal-Newborn, Pediatrics,
Mental Health, Leadership
Leadership Focus Delegation, Prioritization, Legal/Ethical Issues, HIPAA
Prioritization ABC framework, unstable vs. stable clients
Delegation RN → LPN → AP tasks within scope of practice
Common Lithium (NSAID interaction), Haloperidol (prolactin),
Medications Propranolol (asthma)
Exam Overview:
The ATI Capstone Comprehensive Content Review is designed to evaluate student
readiness for graduation and the NCLEX-RN licensure exam . The exam typically contains
150 questions across key nursing content areas including med-surg, pharmacology,
maternal-newborn, pediatrics, mental health, and leadership . Questions are presented in a
randomized, non-sequential format rather than grouped by topic, preparing students for the
real ATI and NCLEX-style testing experience .
SECTION 1: MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING (Questions 1-40)
Q1. A nurse is assessing a client who received 2 units of packed RBCs 48 hours ago.
Which finding should indicate to the nurse that the therapy has been effective?
,Answer: Hemoglobin 14.9 g/dL
Rationale: Packed RBCs are administered to clients who have a decreased level of
hemoglobin or hematocrit. A hemoglobin level within the expected reference range of 14-18
g/dL for males and 12-16 g/dL for females indicates therapy has been effective .
Q2. A nurse is caring for a client who has fluid volume overload. Which task should the
nurse delegate to the CNA?
Answer: Measure the client's daily weight
Rationale: Measuring daily weight is within the CNA's range of function, so the nurse
should delegate this task.
Q3. A nurse is preparing to administer mannitol 0.2 g/kg IV bolus over 5 minutes as a test
dose to a client who has severe oliguria. The client weighs 198 lb. What is the amount in
grams the nurse should administer?
Answer: 18 g
Rationale: The client's weight in kg is 198 ÷ 2.2 = 90 kg. 90 kg × 0.2 g/kg = 18 g .
Q4. A nurse is caring for a client who has hyperthyroidism. Which finding should the nurse
expect?
Answer: Tremors
Rationale: Tremors are a common manifestation of hyperthyroidism due to increased
sympathetic nervous system activity .
Q5. A client with COPD is receiving CPT (Chest Physiotherapy) treatments. Which
statement by the client indicates the teaching has been understood?
Answer: "CPT treatments will decrease my respiratory infections"
Rationale: CPT helps mobilize secretions, reducing the risk of respiratory infections in
COPD patients .
Q6. A nurse is reviewing findings for a client who is 3 days postoperative following an
abdominal hysterectomy. The AP reports the dressing is saturated with blood. What task
should the nurse delegate to the AP?
Answer: Obtain vital signs
Rationale: Obtaining vital signs is within the AP's scope of practice. The nurse must
assess the wound and dressing .
, Q7. A nurse is caring for 4 clients who are postop from surgery 24 hours ago. At 1200, the
nurse assesses the clients. Which client is priority?
Answer: The client whose BP at 0800 was 138/86 and at 1200 is 106/60
Rationale: A significant drop in blood pressure may indicate internal bleeding or other
complications requiring immediate intervention .
Q8. A nurse in the emergency department is triaging four clients. Which client should the
nurse recommend for treatment first?
Answer: A middle adult client who has unstable vital signs
Rationale: Using the stable versus unstable approach to client care, the nurse should
recommend priority treatment for the client who has unstable vital signs because this client
requires immediate treatment to reduce the risk of further injury or possible death .
Q9. A nurse is assessing a client with Cor Pulmonale. What is the underlying
pathophysiology?
Answer: Right-sided heart failure due to lung issues
Rationale: Cor pulmonale is right-sided heart failure caused by pulmonary hypertension
from underlying lung disease .
Q10. A client with a subdural hematoma has blood collection in which location?
Answer: Between the brain and dura mater
Rationale: A subdural hematoma is a collection of blood between the brain tissue and
the dura mater .
Q11. A nurse is caring for a client with a head injury who has increased intracranial
pressure. Which finding is a priority for assessment and intervention?
Answer: Airway obstruction
Rationale: Using the ABC framework, airway obstruction is the priority, especially in a
client with burns to the head, neck, and chest .
Q12. A client with peripheral edema is being assessed. What is the most likely mechanism
causing this finding?
Answer: Fluid retention in the tissues
Rationale: Peripheral edema results from fluid accumulation in interstitial spaces .
