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ATI RN Exit Examination Practice Newest Exam
Preparation With Complete Questions And Correct Answers
With Rationales Already Graded A+ Brand New Version!!
QUESTION 1
A nurse is assessing a client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD). Which of the following findings should the nurse
expect?
A) Increased anteroposterior (AP) chest diameter
B) Decreased residual volume
C) Increased breath sounds at the lung bases
D) Decreased carbon dioxide retention
Answer: A) Increased anteroposterior (AP) chest diameter
Explanation: COPD is characterized by air trapping and hyperinflation of
the lungs, which leads to a barrel-shaped chest and an increased AP
diameter. Residual volume is increased, not decreased, due to air
trapping. Breath sounds are typically diminished, not increased, and
carbon dioxide retention is a common feature of advanced COPD.
QUESTION 2
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A client with heart failure is prescribed furosemide. Which laboratory
value should the nurse monitor most closely?
A) Serum sodium
B) Serum potassium
C) Serum calcium
D) Serum magnesium
Answer: B) Serum potassium
Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes excretion of
potassium, leading to hypokalemia. While sodium, calcium, and
magnesium can also be affected, potassium depletion is the most
clinically significant and can precipitate cardiac dysrhythmias, especially
in clients taking digitalis.
QUESTION 3
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a new
colostomy. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further
teaching?
A) I will change the pouch when it is one-third to one-half full.
B) I will clean the stoma with warm water and mild soap.
C) I will avoid foods that cause gas, such as beans and cabbage.
D) I will increase my intake of high-fiber foods to thicken the stool.
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Answer: D) I will increase my intake of high-fiber foods to thicken the
stool.
Explanation: For a client with a colostomy, high-fiber foods can increase
stool bulk and may cause blockage, especially if the colostomy is in the
descending or sigmoid colon. Clients should be advised to avoid high-
fiber foods initially and introduce them gradually. Changing the pouch
when one-third to one-half full, cleaning the stoma with mild soap and
water, and avoiding gas-producing foods are correct.
QUESTION 4
A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition
(TPN). Which complication should the nurse monitor for?
A) Hypoglycemia
B) Hyperglycemia
C) Hyponatremia
D) Hypokalemia
Answer: B) Hyperglycemia
Explanation: TPN solutions contain high concentrations of dextrose,
which can lead to hyperglycemia, especially if the infusion rate is too
rapid or the client has impaired glucose tolerance. Hypoglycemia can
occur if TPN is stopped abruptly, but hyperglycemia is the more
common metabolic complication. Electrolyte imbalances such as
hyponatremia and hypokalemia are possible but less specific to TPN.
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QUESTION 5
A client is admitted with acute pancreatitis. Which laboratory value is
most indicative of this condition?
A) Elevated serum amylase
B) Elevated serum bilirubin
C) Decreased serum calcium
D) Elevated serum potassium
Answer: A) Elevated serum amylase
Explanation: Serum amylase and lipase are the primary laboratory
markers for acute pancreatitis. Amylase rises within 6 to 12 hours of
onset and remains elevated for 3 to 5 days. Elevated bilirubin may
indicate biliary obstruction, decreased calcium can occur in severe
pancreatitis, and potassium is not a specific marker.
QUESTION 6
A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to a client.
Which needle length is appropriate for a deltoid injection in an adult?
A) 5/8 inch
B) 1 inch
C) 1 1/2 inches
D) 2 inches
Answer: B) 1 inch
ATI RN Exit Examination Practice Newest Exam
Preparation With Complete Questions And Correct Answers
With Rationales Already Graded A+ Brand New Version!!
QUESTION 1
A nurse is assessing a client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD). Which of the following findings should the nurse
expect?
A) Increased anteroposterior (AP) chest diameter
B) Decreased residual volume
C) Increased breath sounds at the lung bases
D) Decreased carbon dioxide retention
Answer: A) Increased anteroposterior (AP) chest diameter
Explanation: COPD is characterized by air trapping and hyperinflation of
the lungs, which leads to a barrel-shaped chest and an increased AP
diameter. Residual volume is increased, not decreased, due to air
trapping. Breath sounds are typically diminished, not increased, and
carbon dioxide retention is a common feature of advanced COPD.
QUESTION 2
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A client with heart failure is prescribed furosemide. Which laboratory
value should the nurse monitor most closely?
A) Serum sodium
B) Serum potassium
C) Serum calcium
D) Serum magnesium
Answer: B) Serum potassium
Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes excretion of
potassium, leading to hypokalemia. While sodium, calcium, and
magnesium can also be affected, potassium depletion is the most
clinically significant and can precipitate cardiac dysrhythmias, especially
in clients taking digitalis.
QUESTION 3
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a new
colostomy. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further
teaching?
A) I will change the pouch when it is one-third to one-half full.
B) I will clean the stoma with warm water and mild soap.
C) I will avoid foods that cause gas, such as beans and cabbage.
D) I will increase my intake of high-fiber foods to thicken the stool.
,3|Page
Answer: D) I will increase my intake of high-fiber foods to thicken the
stool.
Explanation: For a client with a colostomy, high-fiber foods can increase
stool bulk and may cause blockage, especially if the colostomy is in the
descending or sigmoid colon. Clients should be advised to avoid high-
fiber foods initially and introduce them gradually. Changing the pouch
when one-third to one-half full, cleaning the stoma with mild soap and
water, and avoiding gas-producing foods are correct.
QUESTION 4
A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition
(TPN). Which complication should the nurse monitor for?
A) Hypoglycemia
B) Hyperglycemia
C) Hyponatremia
D) Hypokalemia
Answer: B) Hyperglycemia
Explanation: TPN solutions contain high concentrations of dextrose,
which can lead to hyperglycemia, especially if the infusion rate is too
rapid or the client has impaired glucose tolerance. Hypoglycemia can
occur if TPN is stopped abruptly, but hyperglycemia is the more
common metabolic complication. Electrolyte imbalances such as
hyponatremia and hypokalemia are possible but less specific to TPN.
, 4|Page
QUESTION 5
A client is admitted with acute pancreatitis. Which laboratory value is
most indicative of this condition?
A) Elevated serum amylase
B) Elevated serum bilirubin
C) Decreased serum calcium
D) Elevated serum potassium
Answer: A) Elevated serum amylase
Explanation: Serum amylase and lipase are the primary laboratory
markers for acute pancreatitis. Amylase rises within 6 to 12 hours of
onset and remains elevated for 3 to 5 days. Elevated bilirubin may
indicate biliary obstruction, decreased calcium can occur in severe
pancreatitis, and potassium is not a specific marker.
QUESTION 6
A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to a client.
Which needle length is appropriate for a deltoid injection in an adult?
A) 5/8 inch
B) 1 inch
C) 1 1/2 inches
D) 2 inches
Answer: B) 1 inch
