ATI PN Critical Thinking
Entrance/Exit Exam 2025/2026
40 Minutes | 40 Questions | 100% Correct Answers
Section 1: Introduction
This document includes fully verified and 100% correct answers for the ATI PN Critical
Thinking Entrance/Exit Exam, developed for the 2025/2026 testing cycle.
The exam features 40 questions to be completed in 40 minutes. Unlike content-based exams,
this test evaluates a candidate’s ability to reason, prioritize, and apply logic in varied
scenarios.
Key focus areas include:
Analytical Reasoning
Deductive and Inductive Thinking
Prioritization of Actions
Problem Solving and Inference
Decision-Making in Hypothetical Scenarios
Logical Sequencing and Interpretation
This A+ graded document aligns with ATI’s critical thinking framework and is intended to
assess a student’s readiness to apply sound judgment in clinical settings and beyond.
Section 2: Exam Questions and Answers
Format: Four answer choices per question (A–D). Correct answer highlighted. All
questions are structured to reflect ATI’s current critical thinking assessment format.
Question 1
A nurse observes a client with chest pain and shortness of breath. What is the priority action?
A) Administer oxygen
B) Assess vital signs
C) Notify the physician
D) Document the findings
Correct Answer: A) Administer oxygen
Rationale: Oxygen addresses immediate respiratory distress.
, Question 2
A client states, “All nurses are rude.” What is the best response?
A) “Can you tell me more about your experience?”
B) “That’s not true, I’m nice.”
C) “You shouldn’t feel that way.”
D) “Let’s change the subject.”
Correct Answer: A) Can you tell me more about your experience?”
Rationale: This encourages further discussion and understanding.
Question 3
A nurse has four tasks: a client with a fever, a client needing a bath, a client requesting pain
medication, and a client with a new wound. Which should be addressed first?
A) Client with a new wound
B) Client with a fever
C) Client needing a bath
D) Client requesting pain medication
Correct Answer: A) Client with a new wound
Rationale: A new wound may indicate infection or bleeding, requiring immediate attention.
Question 4
A client’s blood pressure drops suddenly. What can the nurse infer?
A) The client may be experiencing shock
B) The client needs more fluids
C) The client is improving
D) The client should ambulate
Correct Answer: A) The client may be experiencing shock
Rationale: Sudden hypotension often suggests shock.
Question 5
A nurse must decide between two actions: assess a client with confusion or answer a non-
urgent call. What is the logical choice?
A) Assess the client with confusion
B) Answer the non-urgent call
C) Delay both actions
D) Document first
Entrance/Exit Exam 2025/2026
40 Minutes | 40 Questions | 100% Correct Answers
Section 1: Introduction
This document includes fully verified and 100% correct answers for the ATI PN Critical
Thinking Entrance/Exit Exam, developed for the 2025/2026 testing cycle.
The exam features 40 questions to be completed in 40 minutes. Unlike content-based exams,
this test evaluates a candidate’s ability to reason, prioritize, and apply logic in varied
scenarios.
Key focus areas include:
Analytical Reasoning
Deductive and Inductive Thinking
Prioritization of Actions
Problem Solving and Inference
Decision-Making in Hypothetical Scenarios
Logical Sequencing and Interpretation
This A+ graded document aligns with ATI’s critical thinking framework and is intended to
assess a student’s readiness to apply sound judgment in clinical settings and beyond.
Section 2: Exam Questions and Answers
Format: Four answer choices per question (A–D). Correct answer highlighted. All
questions are structured to reflect ATI’s current critical thinking assessment format.
Question 1
A nurse observes a client with chest pain and shortness of breath. What is the priority action?
A) Administer oxygen
B) Assess vital signs
C) Notify the physician
D) Document the findings
Correct Answer: A) Administer oxygen
Rationale: Oxygen addresses immediate respiratory distress.
, Question 2
A client states, “All nurses are rude.” What is the best response?
A) “Can you tell me more about your experience?”
B) “That’s not true, I’m nice.”
C) “You shouldn’t feel that way.”
D) “Let’s change the subject.”
Correct Answer: A) Can you tell me more about your experience?”
Rationale: This encourages further discussion and understanding.
Question 3
A nurse has four tasks: a client with a fever, a client needing a bath, a client requesting pain
medication, and a client with a new wound. Which should be addressed first?
A) Client with a new wound
B) Client with a fever
C) Client needing a bath
D) Client requesting pain medication
Correct Answer: A) Client with a new wound
Rationale: A new wound may indicate infection or bleeding, requiring immediate attention.
Question 4
A client’s blood pressure drops suddenly. What can the nurse infer?
A) The client may be experiencing shock
B) The client needs more fluids
C) The client is improving
D) The client should ambulate
Correct Answer: A) The client may be experiencing shock
Rationale: Sudden hypotension often suggests shock.
Question 5
A nurse must decide between two actions: assess a client with confusion or answer a non-
urgent call. What is the logical choice?
A) Assess the client with confusion
B) Answer the non-urgent call
C) Delay both actions
D) Document first
