Fall Semester 2026–2027 Virtual ATI Green Light Comprehensive Predictor
Updated 2026 | 190+ Questions and Answers | Virtual ATI Green Light
Comprehensive Predictor Exam Prep, Practice Exam, Comprehensive Study Guide,
Test Bank, ATI RN Review, NCLEX-RN Readiness, Medical-Surgical Nursing,
Pharmacology, Fundamentals of Nursing, Maternal-Newborn Nursing, Pediatric
Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Leadership & Management, Next Generation NCLEX
(NGN), Clinical Judgment, Prioritization, Delegation, Detailed Rationales and
Complete Revision Material
Question 1: A nurse is assessing a client who is 24 hours post-operative
following an abdominal hysterectomy. Which of the following findings should
the nurse report to the provider immediately?
A. Serosanguineous drainage on the dressing
B. Pain rating of 6 on a scale of 0 to 10
C. Temperature of 38.4°C (101.1°F)
D. Absence of bowel sounds in all four quadrants
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Temperature of 38.4°C (101.1°F)
Rationale: A temperature of 38.4°C (101.1°F) on the first post-operative day is above the
expected range and may indicate an early sign of infection, particularly a wound
infection or pelvic abscess. While serosanguineous drainage, moderate pain, and
transient ileus (absent bowel sounds) are expected findings in the immediate post-
operative period, an elevated temperature of this magnitude warrants prompt
notification of the provider for further assessment and intervention.
Question 2: A charge nurse is observing a newly licensed nurse perform
tracheostomy care. Which of the following actions by the newly licensed nurse
requires intervention?
A. Suctioning the tracheostomy tube before performing tracheostomy care
B. Removing the inner cannula for cleaning and soaking it in normal saline
C. Cutting the sterile gauze dressing to fit around the tracheostomy stoma
D. Applying a new tracheostomy collar with the client in a semi-Fowler's position
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Cutting the sterile gauze dressing to fit around the
tracheostomy stoma
Rationale: Gauze dressings should never be cut to fit around a tracheostomy stoma
because loose fibers from the cut edges can be inhaled into the airway, increasing the
risk of a foreign body aspiration. Pre-cut tracheostomy dressings or specialized
tracheostomy gauze pads should be used. Suctioning prior to care is appropriate to clear
the airway, soaking the inner cannula in normal saline or hydrogen peroxide is correct,
and applying a collar in semi-Fowler's position promotes comfort and effective
ventilation.
,Question 3: A client is prescribed ferrous sulfate for iron deficiency anemia.
Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching
plan?
A. Take the medication with a glass of milk
B. Take the medication with orange juice
C. Take an antacid immediately after the medication
D. Expect stools to become dark and tarry
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Take the medication with orange juice
Rationale: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) enhances the absorption of non-heme iron. Taking
ferrous sulfate with orange juice, which is rich in vitamin C, increases the bioavailability
of the iron. Milk and antacids decrease iron absorption due to calcium and other
minerals. While dark stools are a harmless, expected side effect of iron therapy, they do
not represent a teaching point for enhancing absorption.
Question 4: A nurse is planning care for a client with a new diagnosis of type 1
diabetes mellitus. Which of the following is a priority intervention to include
in the plan of care?
A. Teach the client how to count carbohydrates
B. Instruct the client on how to self-administer insulin
C. Educate the client on sick day management
D. Assess the client's understanding of hypoglycemia and its treatment
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Instruct the client on how to self-administer insulin
Rationale: For a client with a new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, insulin therapy is
essential for survival. The priority intervention is ensuring the client can safely and
correctly self-administer insulin. While carbohydrate counting, sick day management,
and hypoglycemia treatment are important, they are secondary to the immediate
necessity of insulin administration to prevent diabetic ketoacidosis.
Question 5: A nurse is performing a head-to-toe assessment on a client and
auscultates a bruit over the carotid artery. What is the most appropriate
nursing action?
A. Document the finding as an expected variation in older adults
B. Notify the provider of the finding immediately
C. Palpate the carotid artery to assess for thrills
D. Assess the client's blood pressure in both arms
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Notify the provider of the finding immediately
Rationale: A bruit over the carotid artery is a turbulent sound indicating narrowing or
occlusion of the vessel, often due to atherosclerosis. This finding requires immediate
,notification of the provider for further evaluation, such as a carotid Doppler ultrasound,
to assess for potential stroke risk. Palpating the carotid artery after hearing a bruit is
contraindicated as it could dislodge an embolus, and the finding is not an expected
variation.
Question 6: A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a new
prescription for warfarin. Which of the following statements by the client
indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I will avoid eating large amounts of green leafy vegetables."
B. "I will use a soft-bristled toothbrush for oral care."
C. "I will take ibuprofen for headaches instead of acetaminophen."
D. "I will report any unexplained bruising to my provider."
CORRECT ANSWER: C. "I will take ibuprofen for headaches instead of
acetaminophen."
Rationale: Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that increases
the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and interacts with warfarin, potentiating its
anticoagulant effect. Clients taking warfarin should be advised to avoid NSAIDs and use
acetaminophen for pain or headaches, but only after consulting with their provider. The
other options indicate correct understanding: limiting vitamin K-rich foods, using a soft-
bristled toothbrush, and reporting bruising are all appropriate.
Question 7: A client is admitted to the medical-surgical unit with a diagnosis of
pulmonary edema. The nurse should place the client in which of the following
positions to best promote oxygenation?
A. High-Fowler's position with legs dependent
B. Supine position with feet elevated
C. Left lateral recumbent position
D. Trendelenburg position
CORRECT ANSWER: A. High-Fowler's position with legs dependent
Rationale: High-Fowler's position uses gravity to decrease venous return to the heart
and lungs, reducing pulmonary congestion. Positioning the legs in a dependent position
further decreases preload by pooling blood in the lower extremities, which alleviates
pulmonary edema. The other positions would increase venous return and worsen the
client's respiratory status.
Question 8: A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing chest pain. The
provider prescribes nitroglycerin sublingually. What is the priority nursing
action after administering the medication?
, A. Measure the client's blood pressure
B. Have the client chew the tablet for faster absorption
C. Place the tablet between the cheek and gum
D. Instruct the client to swallow the tablet
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Measure the client's blood pressure
Rationale: Nitroglycerin is a potent vasodilator that can cause significant hypotension.
The priority action following administration is to assess the client's blood pressure to
monitor for this adverse effect. Sublingual tablets should be placed under the tongue,
not chewed, swallowed, or placed buccally, to ensure rapid absorption and effectiveness.
Question 9: A nurse is teaching a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD) about pursed-lip breathing. Which of the following statements
describes the primary purpose of this technique?
A. To increase the amount of oxygen intake during inhalation
B. To strengthen the diaphragm and intercostal muscles
C. To prevent the collapse of the alveoli by maintaining positive airway pressure
D. To decrease the work of breathing by slowing the respiratory rate
CORRECT ANSWER: C. To prevent the collapse of the alveoli by maintaining
positive airway pressure
Rationale: Pursed-lip breathing creates a small amount of back pressure (positive
pressure) in the airways, which keeps them open and prevents the collapse of small
airways and alveoli during exhalation. This technique is used to improve gas exchange
and air trapping in clients with COPD, not primarily to strengthen muscles or decrease
respiratory rate, though it may assist with dyspnea management.
Question 10: A nurse is assessing a client's surgical wound and notes the edges
are separating, with visible bowel loops protruding. What is the immediate
nursing action?
A. Place the client in a supine position with knees bent
B. Apply sterile saline-soaked gauze over the protruding tissue
C. Gently push the bowel loops back into the abdominal cavity
D. Measure the client's abdominal girth for comparison
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Apply sterile saline-soaked gauze over the protruding
tissue
Rationale: This finding indicates an evisceration. The immediate action is to cover the
protruding organs with sterile gauze soaked in normal saline to keep the tissue moist
and prevent drying, while maintaining sterility. The nurse should then notify the
provider immediately. The client should be placed in the supine position with the knees
Updated 2026 | 190+ Questions and Answers | Virtual ATI Green Light
Comprehensive Predictor Exam Prep, Practice Exam, Comprehensive Study Guide,
Test Bank, ATI RN Review, NCLEX-RN Readiness, Medical-Surgical Nursing,
Pharmacology, Fundamentals of Nursing, Maternal-Newborn Nursing, Pediatric
Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Leadership & Management, Next Generation NCLEX
(NGN), Clinical Judgment, Prioritization, Delegation, Detailed Rationales and
Complete Revision Material
Question 1: A nurse is assessing a client who is 24 hours post-operative
following an abdominal hysterectomy. Which of the following findings should
the nurse report to the provider immediately?
A. Serosanguineous drainage on the dressing
B. Pain rating of 6 on a scale of 0 to 10
C. Temperature of 38.4°C (101.1°F)
D. Absence of bowel sounds in all four quadrants
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Temperature of 38.4°C (101.1°F)
Rationale: A temperature of 38.4°C (101.1°F) on the first post-operative day is above the
expected range and may indicate an early sign of infection, particularly a wound
infection or pelvic abscess. While serosanguineous drainage, moderate pain, and
transient ileus (absent bowel sounds) are expected findings in the immediate post-
operative period, an elevated temperature of this magnitude warrants prompt
notification of the provider for further assessment and intervention.
Question 2: A charge nurse is observing a newly licensed nurse perform
tracheostomy care. Which of the following actions by the newly licensed nurse
requires intervention?
A. Suctioning the tracheostomy tube before performing tracheostomy care
B. Removing the inner cannula for cleaning and soaking it in normal saline
C. Cutting the sterile gauze dressing to fit around the tracheostomy stoma
D. Applying a new tracheostomy collar with the client in a semi-Fowler's position
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Cutting the sterile gauze dressing to fit around the
tracheostomy stoma
Rationale: Gauze dressings should never be cut to fit around a tracheostomy stoma
because loose fibers from the cut edges can be inhaled into the airway, increasing the
risk of a foreign body aspiration. Pre-cut tracheostomy dressings or specialized
tracheostomy gauze pads should be used. Suctioning prior to care is appropriate to clear
the airway, soaking the inner cannula in normal saline or hydrogen peroxide is correct,
and applying a collar in semi-Fowler's position promotes comfort and effective
ventilation.
,Question 3: A client is prescribed ferrous sulfate for iron deficiency anemia.
Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching
plan?
A. Take the medication with a glass of milk
B. Take the medication with orange juice
C. Take an antacid immediately after the medication
D. Expect stools to become dark and tarry
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Take the medication with orange juice
Rationale: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) enhances the absorption of non-heme iron. Taking
ferrous sulfate with orange juice, which is rich in vitamin C, increases the bioavailability
of the iron. Milk and antacids decrease iron absorption due to calcium and other
minerals. While dark stools are a harmless, expected side effect of iron therapy, they do
not represent a teaching point for enhancing absorption.
Question 4: A nurse is planning care for a client with a new diagnosis of type 1
diabetes mellitus. Which of the following is a priority intervention to include
in the plan of care?
A. Teach the client how to count carbohydrates
B. Instruct the client on how to self-administer insulin
C. Educate the client on sick day management
D. Assess the client's understanding of hypoglycemia and its treatment
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Instruct the client on how to self-administer insulin
Rationale: For a client with a new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, insulin therapy is
essential for survival. The priority intervention is ensuring the client can safely and
correctly self-administer insulin. While carbohydrate counting, sick day management,
and hypoglycemia treatment are important, they are secondary to the immediate
necessity of insulin administration to prevent diabetic ketoacidosis.
Question 5: A nurse is performing a head-to-toe assessment on a client and
auscultates a bruit over the carotid artery. What is the most appropriate
nursing action?
A. Document the finding as an expected variation in older adults
B. Notify the provider of the finding immediately
C. Palpate the carotid artery to assess for thrills
D. Assess the client's blood pressure in both arms
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Notify the provider of the finding immediately
Rationale: A bruit over the carotid artery is a turbulent sound indicating narrowing or
occlusion of the vessel, often due to atherosclerosis. This finding requires immediate
,notification of the provider for further evaluation, such as a carotid Doppler ultrasound,
to assess for potential stroke risk. Palpating the carotid artery after hearing a bruit is
contraindicated as it could dislodge an embolus, and the finding is not an expected
variation.
Question 6: A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a new
prescription for warfarin. Which of the following statements by the client
indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I will avoid eating large amounts of green leafy vegetables."
B. "I will use a soft-bristled toothbrush for oral care."
C. "I will take ibuprofen for headaches instead of acetaminophen."
D. "I will report any unexplained bruising to my provider."
CORRECT ANSWER: C. "I will take ibuprofen for headaches instead of
acetaminophen."
Rationale: Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that increases
the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and interacts with warfarin, potentiating its
anticoagulant effect. Clients taking warfarin should be advised to avoid NSAIDs and use
acetaminophen for pain or headaches, but only after consulting with their provider. The
other options indicate correct understanding: limiting vitamin K-rich foods, using a soft-
bristled toothbrush, and reporting bruising are all appropriate.
Question 7: A client is admitted to the medical-surgical unit with a diagnosis of
pulmonary edema. The nurse should place the client in which of the following
positions to best promote oxygenation?
A. High-Fowler's position with legs dependent
B. Supine position with feet elevated
C. Left lateral recumbent position
D. Trendelenburg position
CORRECT ANSWER: A. High-Fowler's position with legs dependent
Rationale: High-Fowler's position uses gravity to decrease venous return to the heart
and lungs, reducing pulmonary congestion. Positioning the legs in a dependent position
further decreases preload by pooling blood in the lower extremities, which alleviates
pulmonary edema. The other positions would increase venous return and worsen the
client's respiratory status.
Question 8: A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing chest pain. The
provider prescribes nitroglycerin sublingually. What is the priority nursing
action after administering the medication?
, A. Measure the client's blood pressure
B. Have the client chew the tablet for faster absorption
C. Place the tablet between the cheek and gum
D. Instruct the client to swallow the tablet
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Measure the client's blood pressure
Rationale: Nitroglycerin is a potent vasodilator that can cause significant hypotension.
The priority action following administration is to assess the client's blood pressure to
monitor for this adverse effect. Sublingual tablets should be placed under the tongue,
not chewed, swallowed, or placed buccally, to ensure rapid absorption and effectiveness.
Question 9: A nurse is teaching a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD) about pursed-lip breathing. Which of the following statements
describes the primary purpose of this technique?
A. To increase the amount of oxygen intake during inhalation
B. To strengthen the diaphragm and intercostal muscles
C. To prevent the collapse of the alveoli by maintaining positive airway pressure
D. To decrease the work of breathing by slowing the respiratory rate
CORRECT ANSWER: C. To prevent the collapse of the alveoli by maintaining
positive airway pressure
Rationale: Pursed-lip breathing creates a small amount of back pressure (positive
pressure) in the airways, which keeps them open and prevents the collapse of small
airways and alveoli during exhalation. This technique is used to improve gas exchange
and air trapping in clients with COPD, not primarily to strengthen muscles or decrease
respiratory rate, though it may assist with dyspnea management.
Question 10: A nurse is assessing a client's surgical wound and notes the edges
are separating, with visible bowel loops protruding. What is the immediate
nursing action?
A. Place the client in a supine position with knees bent
B. Apply sterile saline-soaked gauze over the protruding tissue
C. Gently push the bowel loops back into the abdominal cavity
D. Measure the client's abdominal girth for comparison
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Apply sterile saline-soaked gauze over the protruding
tissue
Rationale: This finding indicates an evisceration. The immediate action is to cover the
protruding organs with sterile gauze soaked in normal saline to keep the tissue moist
and prevent drying, while maintaining sterility. The nurse should then notify the
provider immediately. The client should be placed in the supine position with the knees
