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ATI Comprehensive Exit Exam Version 2 Newest Exam
Preparation With Complete Questions And Correct Answers
With Rationales Already Graded A+ Brand New Version!!
QUESTION 1
A nurse is caring for a client who has just been diagnosed with terminal
cancer. The client states, "I can't believe this is happening to me. I feel
so angry." Which of the following responses by the nurse is most
therapeutic?
A. "You should not feel angry; this is a natural part of life."
B. "I understand you are angry, and it is acceptable to feel that way."
C. "Why are you angry? The doctors are doing everything they can."
D. "Let’s focus on the positive aspects of your treatment plan."
Answer: B. "I understand you are angry, and it is acceptable to feel that
way."
Explanation: This response validates the client’s feelings and
demonstrates therapeutic communication by acknowledging and
normalizing the emotional response to a terminal diagnosis. Option A
dismisses the client’s feelings and offers a platitude. Option C uses a
"why" question, which can be perceived as confrontational. Option D
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redirects the conversation prematurely without addressing the client’s
immediate emotional state.
QUESTION 2
A nurse is preparing to administer a blood transfusion to a client. Which
of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Verify the client’s identity using two identifiers.
B. Check the blood product expiration date.
C. Assess the client’s vital signs.
D. Obtain informed consent for the transfusion.
Answer: A. Verify the client’s identity using two identifiers.
Explanation: The priority action before any blood transfusion is to verify
the client’s identity using two unique identifiers (e.g., name and date of
birth) to prevent hemolytic transfusion reactions. While checking the
expiration date and vital signs are important, they occur after
identification. Informed consent should have been obtained prior to the
procedure.
QUESTION 3
A client with heart failure is prescribed furosemide. Which of the
following laboratory values should the nurse monitor closely?
A. Serum sodium.
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B. Serum potassium.
C. Serum calcium.
D. Serum magnesium.
Answer: B. Serum potassium.
Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that inhibits sodium and
chloride reabsorption in the ascending loop of Henle, leading to
increased excretion of potassium. Hypokalemia is a significant adverse
effect and can precipitate cardiac arrhythmias, especially in clients
taking digoxin. Monitoring serum potassium is essential.
QUESTION 4
A nurse is assessing a client who is 2 hours postoperative following a
total hip arthroplasty. Which of the following findings requires
immediate intervention?
A. Client reports pain level of 4 on a 0-to-10 scale.
B. The surgical dressing has a small amount of serosanguineous
drainage.
C. The client’s affected leg is externally rotated.
D. The client’s oxygen saturation is 89% on room air.
Answer: D. The client’s oxygen saturation is 89% on room air.
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Explanation: An oxygen saturation of 89% indicates hypoxemia and may
signal a pulmonary embolism, atelectasis, or other respiratory
complication, which requires immediate intervention. A pain level of 4 is
expected postoperatively. Serosanguineous drainage is normal. External
rotation of the affected leg may indicate dislocation but is not as
immediately life-threatening as hypoxemia.
QUESTION 5
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with a new
colostomy. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a
need for further teaching?
A. "I will empty my pouch when it is one-third to one-half full."
B. "I will irrigate my colostomy daily to promote regular bowel
movements."
C. "I can eat foods that I previously enjoyed, but I should introduce
them gradually."
D. "I should avoid drinking carbonated beverages to reduce gas."
Answer: B. "I will irrigate my colostomy daily to promote regular bowel
movements."
Explanation: Irrigation is not routinely recommended for all colostomies
and is typically used only for descending or sigmoid colostomies to
regulate bowel movements. Many clients manage with pouch changes
alone. The other statements reflect correct understanding: emptying at
one-third to one-half full prevents leakage, gradual food introduction
ATI Comprehensive Exit Exam Version 2 Newest Exam
Preparation With Complete Questions And Correct Answers
With Rationales Already Graded A+ Brand New Version!!
QUESTION 1
A nurse is caring for a client who has just been diagnosed with terminal
cancer. The client states, "I can't believe this is happening to me. I feel
so angry." Which of the following responses by the nurse is most
therapeutic?
A. "You should not feel angry; this is a natural part of life."
B. "I understand you are angry, and it is acceptable to feel that way."
C. "Why are you angry? The doctors are doing everything they can."
D. "Let’s focus on the positive aspects of your treatment plan."
Answer: B. "I understand you are angry, and it is acceptable to feel that
way."
Explanation: This response validates the client’s feelings and
demonstrates therapeutic communication by acknowledging and
normalizing the emotional response to a terminal diagnosis. Option A
dismisses the client’s feelings and offers a platitude. Option C uses a
"why" question, which can be perceived as confrontational. Option D
,2|Page
redirects the conversation prematurely without addressing the client’s
immediate emotional state.
QUESTION 2
A nurse is preparing to administer a blood transfusion to a client. Which
of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Verify the client’s identity using two identifiers.
B. Check the blood product expiration date.
C. Assess the client’s vital signs.
D. Obtain informed consent for the transfusion.
Answer: A. Verify the client’s identity using two identifiers.
Explanation: The priority action before any blood transfusion is to verify
the client’s identity using two unique identifiers (e.g., name and date of
birth) to prevent hemolytic transfusion reactions. While checking the
expiration date and vital signs are important, they occur after
identification. Informed consent should have been obtained prior to the
procedure.
QUESTION 3
A client with heart failure is prescribed furosemide. Which of the
following laboratory values should the nurse monitor closely?
A. Serum sodium.
,3|Page
B. Serum potassium.
C. Serum calcium.
D. Serum magnesium.
Answer: B. Serum potassium.
Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that inhibits sodium and
chloride reabsorption in the ascending loop of Henle, leading to
increased excretion of potassium. Hypokalemia is a significant adverse
effect and can precipitate cardiac arrhythmias, especially in clients
taking digoxin. Monitoring serum potassium is essential.
QUESTION 4
A nurse is assessing a client who is 2 hours postoperative following a
total hip arthroplasty. Which of the following findings requires
immediate intervention?
A. Client reports pain level of 4 on a 0-to-10 scale.
B. The surgical dressing has a small amount of serosanguineous
drainage.
C. The client’s affected leg is externally rotated.
D. The client’s oxygen saturation is 89% on room air.
Answer: D. The client’s oxygen saturation is 89% on room air.
, 4|Page
Explanation: An oxygen saturation of 89% indicates hypoxemia and may
signal a pulmonary embolism, atelectasis, or other respiratory
complication, which requires immediate intervention. A pain level of 4 is
expected postoperatively. Serosanguineous drainage is normal. External
rotation of the affected leg may indicate dislocation but is not as
immediately life-threatening as hypoxemia.
QUESTION 5
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with a new
colostomy. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a
need for further teaching?
A. "I will empty my pouch when it is one-third to one-half full."
B. "I will irrigate my colostomy daily to promote regular bowel
movements."
C. "I can eat foods that I previously enjoyed, but I should introduce
them gradually."
D. "I should avoid drinking carbonated beverages to reduce gas."
Answer: B. "I will irrigate my colostomy daily to promote regular bowel
movements."
Explanation: Irrigation is not routinely recommended for all colostomies
and is typically used only for descending or sigmoid colostomies to
regulate bowel movements. Many clients manage with pouch changes
alone. The other statements reflect correct understanding: emptying at
one-third to one-half full prevents leakage, gradual food introduction
