NEW ATI RN COMPREHENSIVE PREDICTOR
2026/2027 Real Exam Questions/ Correct answers and in
depth Rationales/ Fully Covered Highly Rated and
Verified
· Management of Care
· Safety and Infection Control
· Health Promotion and Maintenance
· Psychosocial Integrity
· Basic Care and Comfort
· Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
· Reduction of Risk Potential
· Physiological Adaptation
· Professional Issues
1. A nurse is caring for a client with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes who is overweight and
reports fatigue and frequent urination. Which intervention should the nurse implement
first?
A. Encourage the client to start a rigorous exercise program immediately
B. Administer insulin as prescribed without further assessment
C. Obtain a fasting blood glucose and HbA1c to assess baseline glycemic control
D. Provide detailed education about carbohydrate counting
Rationale: Before implementing treatment or lifestyle interventions, it is essential to assess
baseline blood glucose and HbA1c to determine the severity of hyperglycemia and guide
individualized therapy. Starting interventions without assessment could be inappropriate
or unsafe.
, 2. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) reports increased shortness
of breath, wheezing, and a productive cough. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Encourage the client to perform incentive spirometry
B. Administer a corticosteroid inhaler
C. Assess oxygen saturation and respiratory status
D. Call the provider to change the medication regimen
Rationale: In COPD exacerbation, immediate assessment of respiratory status and
oxygenation is the priority to identify hypoxemia or respiratory distress. Interventions such
as inhalers or spirometry follow assessment.
3. A nurse is teaching a client with heart failure about fluid and sodium restrictions. Which
statement indicates understanding?
A. “I will increase my fluid intake to at least 3 liters per day.”
B. “I will monitor my daily weight and report a gain of 2 pounds in 24 hours.”
C. “I can eat canned soups and processed meats as long as I drink extra water.”
D. “I should avoid weighing myself because it can cause anxiety.”
Rationale: Daily weight monitoring is a key indicator of fluid retention in heart failure.
Rapid weight gain signals worsening heart failure. Sodium and fluid restrictions prevent
further fluid overload. Consuming processed foods or avoiding weight checks undermines
effective management.
4. A client post-thyroidectomy reports tingling around the mouth and fingers. Which action
should the nurse implement first?
A. Administer prescribed pain medication
B. Encourage deep breathing exercises
C. Assess for hypocalcemia and prepare to administer calcium
D. Elevate the head of the bed
Rationale: Tingling around the mouth and fingers post-thyroidectomy suggests
hypocalcemia due to potential parathyroid injury. Prompt assessment and calcium
replacement prevent severe complications such as tetany or cardiac dysrhythmias.
5. A nurse is caring for a client receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) via central line.
Which action is most important to prevent infection?
A. Administer TPN slowly over several hours
B. Use a peripheral IV for all TPN administration
C. Use strict sterile technique when handling the central line
D. Flush the line only once per shift
Rationale: Central lines are high-risk for bloodstream infections. Maintaining strict sterile
technique during TPN administration and line handling is essential to prevent sepsis. Slow
administration or flushing alone does not prevent infection.
, 6. A client with acute myocardial infarction reports chest pain radiating to the left arm,
nausea, and diaphoresis. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
A. Administer sublingual nitroglycerin
B. Obtain a 12-lead ECG
C. Assess vital signs and apply oxygen
D. Prepare the client for thrombolytic therapy
Rationale: The priority in acute myocardial infarction is assessing airway, breathing, and
circulation. Ensuring hemodynamic stability precedes diagnostic or pharmacologic
interventions.
7. A nurse is teaching a client prescribed warfarin. Which statement indicates
understanding?
A. “I can take aspirin to prevent clotting as needed.”
B. “I will have my INR checked regularly to monitor therapy.”
C. “I should avoid all foods containing vitamin K.”
D. “I can stop taking the medication once I feel better.”
Rationale: Regular INR monitoring ensures the client remains within the therapeutic range,
preventing bleeding or clotting. Abrupt discontinuation or taking aspirin without guidance
increases bleeding risk. Vitamin K-containing foods can be eaten consistently, not avoided
entirely.
8. A client with asthma uses a short-acting bronchodilator inhaler multiple times a day.
Which action should the nurse take?
A. Advise the client to continue current usage
B. Recommend switching to oral corticosteroids only
C. Assess for poorly controlled asthma and review the management plan
D. Teach pursed-lip breathing as the sole intervention
Rationale: Frequent use of rescue inhalers indicates poor asthma control. The nurse should
review the client’s medication regimen, triggers, and action plan to prevent exacerbations.
Non-pharmacologic interventions alone are insufficient.
9. A nurse is caring for a client post-operatively who develops abdominal distention,
nausea, and absent bowel sounds. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
A. Administer antiemetics
B. Encourage ambulation
C. Assess NG tube patency and abdominal status
D. Notify the provider after interventions
Rationale: Postoperative nausea and distention may indicate NG tube obstruction or
paralytic ileus. Assessment and intervention to ensure tube patency is the priority to
prevent further complications.
, 10. A client with cirrhosis reports increasing abdominal girth, shortness of breath, and leg
swelling. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Encourage fluid intake
B. Apply compression stockings
C. Monitor daily weight and abdominal girth to assess for fluid retention
D. Administer diuretics without provider order
Rationale: Daily weight and abdominal girth measurement provide objective data about
fluid retention, which guides treatment decisions. Interventions such as diuretics require
provider orders, and fluid intake may need restriction.
11. A client with chronic kidney disease has a potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L. Which
intervention should the nurse implement first?
A. Administer furosemide
B. Encourage high-potassium foods
C. Assess cardiac rhythm and vital signs
D. Administer calcium carbonate
Rationale: Severe hyperkalemia can cause life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias. Assessing
cardiac status is the priority to guide urgent interventions. Dietary or medication
interventions follow based on severity.
12. A client receiving chemotherapy develops neutropenia. Which action is most important?
A. Encourage daily exercise
B. Offer high-fiber diet
C. Implement neutropenic precautions to prevent infection
D. Encourage oral fluids only
Rationale: Neutropenia increases infection risk. Strict infection control measures, including
limiting exposure to pathogens and practicing hand hygiene, are essential to prevent sepsis.
13. A client with heart failure is prescribed furosemide. Which electrolyte imbalance should
the nurse monitor?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Rationale: Furosemide causes potassium loss, increasing the risk for hypokalemia.
Monitoring electrolytes is essential to prevent complications such as muscle weakness and
dysrhythmias.
14. A client with diabetes mellitus reports dizziness, sweating, and palpitations. Which action
should the nurse take first?
A. Check the client’s blood glucose level
B. Administer insulin
2026/2027 Real Exam Questions/ Correct answers and in
depth Rationales/ Fully Covered Highly Rated and
Verified
· Management of Care
· Safety and Infection Control
· Health Promotion and Maintenance
· Psychosocial Integrity
· Basic Care and Comfort
· Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
· Reduction of Risk Potential
· Physiological Adaptation
· Professional Issues
1. A nurse is caring for a client with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes who is overweight and
reports fatigue and frequent urination. Which intervention should the nurse implement
first?
A. Encourage the client to start a rigorous exercise program immediately
B. Administer insulin as prescribed without further assessment
C. Obtain a fasting blood glucose and HbA1c to assess baseline glycemic control
D. Provide detailed education about carbohydrate counting
Rationale: Before implementing treatment or lifestyle interventions, it is essential to assess
baseline blood glucose and HbA1c to determine the severity of hyperglycemia and guide
individualized therapy. Starting interventions without assessment could be inappropriate
or unsafe.
, 2. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) reports increased shortness
of breath, wheezing, and a productive cough. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Encourage the client to perform incentive spirometry
B. Administer a corticosteroid inhaler
C. Assess oxygen saturation and respiratory status
D. Call the provider to change the medication regimen
Rationale: In COPD exacerbation, immediate assessment of respiratory status and
oxygenation is the priority to identify hypoxemia or respiratory distress. Interventions such
as inhalers or spirometry follow assessment.
3. A nurse is teaching a client with heart failure about fluid and sodium restrictions. Which
statement indicates understanding?
A. “I will increase my fluid intake to at least 3 liters per day.”
B. “I will monitor my daily weight and report a gain of 2 pounds in 24 hours.”
C. “I can eat canned soups and processed meats as long as I drink extra water.”
D. “I should avoid weighing myself because it can cause anxiety.”
Rationale: Daily weight monitoring is a key indicator of fluid retention in heart failure.
Rapid weight gain signals worsening heart failure. Sodium and fluid restrictions prevent
further fluid overload. Consuming processed foods or avoiding weight checks undermines
effective management.
4. A client post-thyroidectomy reports tingling around the mouth and fingers. Which action
should the nurse implement first?
A. Administer prescribed pain medication
B. Encourage deep breathing exercises
C. Assess for hypocalcemia and prepare to administer calcium
D. Elevate the head of the bed
Rationale: Tingling around the mouth and fingers post-thyroidectomy suggests
hypocalcemia due to potential parathyroid injury. Prompt assessment and calcium
replacement prevent severe complications such as tetany or cardiac dysrhythmias.
5. A nurse is caring for a client receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) via central line.
Which action is most important to prevent infection?
A. Administer TPN slowly over several hours
B. Use a peripheral IV for all TPN administration
C. Use strict sterile technique when handling the central line
D. Flush the line only once per shift
Rationale: Central lines are high-risk for bloodstream infections. Maintaining strict sterile
technique during TPN administration and line handling is essential to prevent sepsis. Slow
administration or flushing alone does not prevent infection.
, 6. A client with acute myocardial infarction reports chest pain radiating to the left arm,
nausea, and diaphoresis. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
A. Administer sublingual nitroglycerin
B. Obtain a 12-lead ECG
C. Assess vital signs and apply oxygen
D. Prepare the client for thrombolytic therapy
Rationale: The priority in acute myocardial infarction is assessing airway, breathing, and
circulation. Ensuring hemodynamic stability precedes diagnostic or pharmacologic
interventions.
7. A nurse is teaching a client prescribed warfarin. Which statement indicates
understanding?
A. “I can take aspirin to prevent clotting as needed.”
B. “I will have my INR checked regularly to monitor therapy.”
C. “I should avoid all foods containing vitamin K.”
D. “I can stop taking the medication once I feel better.”
Rationale: Regular INR monitoring ensures the client remains within the therapeutic range,
preventing bleeding or clotting. Abrupt discontinuation or taking aspirin without guidance
increases bleeding risk. Vitamin K-containing foods can be eaten consistently, not avoided
entirely.
8. A client with asthma uses a short-acting bronchodilator inhaler multiple times a day.
Which action should the nurse take?
A. Advise the client to continue current usage
B. Recommend switching to oral corticosteroids only
C. Assess for poorly controlled asthma and review the management plan
D. Teach pursed-lip breathing as the sole intervention
Rationale: Frequent use of rescue inhalers indicates poor asthma control. The nurse should
review the client’s medication regimen, triggers, and action plan to prevent exacerbations.
Non-pharmacologic interventions alone are insufficient.
9. A nurse is caring for a client post-operatively who develops abdominal distention,
nausea, and absent bowel sounds. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
A. Administer antiemetics
B. Encourage ambulation
C. Assess NG tube patency and abdominal status
D. Notify the provider after interventions
Rationale: Postoperative nausea and distention may indicate NG tube obstruction or
paralytic ileus. Assessment and intervention to ensure tube patency is the priority to
prevent further complications.
, 10. A client with cirrhosis reports increasing abdominal girth, shortness of breath, and leg
swelling. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Encourage fluid intake
B. Apply compression stockings
C. Monitor daily weight and abdominal girth to assess for fluid retention
D. Administer diuretics without provider order
Rationale: Daily weight and abdominal girth measurement provide objective data about
fluid retention, which guides treatment decisions. Interventions such as diuretics require
provider orders, and fluid intake may need restriction.
11. A client with chronic kidney disease has a potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L. Which
intervention should the nurse implement first?
A. Administer furosemide
B. Encourage high-potassium foods
C. Assess cardiac rhythm and vital signs
D. Administer calcium carbonate
Rationale: Severe hyperkalemia can cause life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias. Assessing
cardiac status is the priority to guide urgent interventions. Dietary or medication
interventions follow based on severity.
12. A client receiving chemotherapy develops neutropenia. Which action is most important?
A. Encourage daily exercise
B. Offer high-fiber diet
C. Implement neutropenic precautions to prevent infection
D. Encourage oral fluids only
Rationale: Neutropenia increases infection risk. Strict infection control measures, including
limiting exposure to pathogens and practicing hand hygiene, are essential to prevent sepsis.
13. A client with heart failure is prescribed furosemide. Which electrolyte imbalance should
the nurse monitor?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Rationale: Furosemide causes potassium loss, increasing the risk for hypokalemia.
Monitoring electrolytes is essential to prevent complications such as muscle weakness and
dysrhythmias.
14. A client with diabetes mellitus reports dizziness, sweating, and palpitations. Which action
should the nurse take first?
A. Check the client’s blood glucose level
B. Administer insulin
