2026 ATI RN COMPREHENSIVE
PREDICTOR EXIT EXAM PRACTICE 50
QUESTIONS AND 100% CORRECT
ANSWERS
1. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for a potassium-sparing diuretic. Which
of the following laboratory values should the nurse report to the provider immediately?
A. Sodium 138 mEq/L
B. Chloride 100 mEq/L
C. Magnesium 1.9 mEq/L
D. Potassium 5.8 mEq/L
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L indicates hyperkalemia.
Potassium-sparing diuretics can lead to dangerous elevations in potassium, which requires
immediate intervention to prevent cardiac dysrhythmias.
,2. A nurse is assessing a client who is 12 hours postoperative following a total thyroidectomy.
Which of the following findings is the priority for the nurse to report?
A. Sore throat when swallowing
B. Pain level of 5 on a 0 to 10 scale
C. Small amount of serosanguineous drainage on the dressing
D. Laryngeal stridor
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Laryngeal stridor is a sign of airway obstruction, possibly due to
edema or hypocalcemia (tetany), and is a medical emergency.
3. A nurse is caring for a client with a history of lithium carbonate use for bipolar disorder.
The client reports blurred vision and a coarse hand tremor. Which of the following actions
should the nurse take?
A. Administer the next dose as scheduled
B. Prepare the client for a stat CT scan
C. Request a prescription for a beta blocker
D. Withhold the medication and request a serum lithium level
Answer: D
, Conceptual Explanation: Blurred vision and coarse tremors are signs of lithium toxicity.
The nurse should withhold the medication and check the lithium levels (therapeutic range
is 0.6-1.2 mEq/L).
4. A charge nurse is observing a newly licensed nurse provide care for a client who is in
restraints. Which of the following actions by the new nurse requires intervention?
A. Documenting the client’s behavior that led to the restraints
B. Checking the client’s circulation every 15 minutes
C. Using a quick-release knot
D. Tying the restraints to the side rails of the bed
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Restraints should never be tied to the side rails as this can cause
injury if the rails are lowered or moved. They should be secured to the bed frame.
5. A nurse is caring for a client who has developed autonomic dysreflexia. Which of the
following is the priority nursing action?
A. Administer an antihypertensive medication
B. Check the client for bladder distention
C. Assess the client for a fecal impaction
D. Place the client in a high-Fowler’s position
Answer: D
PREDICTOR EXIT EXAM PRACTICE 50
QUESTIONS AND 100% CORRECT
ANSWERS
1. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for a potassium-sparing diuretic. Which
of the following laboratory values should the nurse report to the provider immediately?
A. Sodium 138 mEq/L
B. Chloride 100 mEq/L
C. Magnesium 1.9 mEq/L
D. Potassium 5.8 mEq/L
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L indicates hyperkalemia.
Potassium-sparing diuretics can lead to dangerous elevations in potassium, which requires
immediate intervention to prevent cardiac dysrhythmias.
,2. A nurse is assessing a client who is 12 hours postoperative following a total thyroidectomy.
Which of the following findings is the priority for the nurse to report?
A. Sore throat when swallowing
B. Pain level of 5 on a 0 to 10 scale
C. Small amount of serosanguineous drainage on the dressing
D. Laryngeal stridor
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Laryngeal stridor is a sign of airway obstruction, possibly due to
edema or hypocalcemia (tetany), and is a medical emergency.
3. A nurse is caring for a client with a history of lithium carbonate use for bipolar disorder.
The client reports blurred vision and a coarse hand tremor. Which of the following actions
should the nurse take?
A. Administer the next dose as scheduled
B. Prepare the client for a stat CT scan
C. Request a prescription for a beta blocker
D. Withhold the medication and request a serum lithium level
Answer: D
, Conceptual Explanation: Blurred vision and coarse tremors are signs of lithium toxicity.
The nurse should withhold the medication and check the lithium levels (therapeutic range
is 0.6-1.2 mEq/L).
4. A charge nurse is observing a newly licensed nurse provide care for a client who is in
restraints. Which of the following actions by the new nurse requires intervention?
A. Documenting the client’s behavior that led to the restraints
B. Checking the client’s circulation every 15 minutes
C. Using a quick-release knot
D. Tying the restraints to the side rails of the bed
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Restraints should never be tied to the side rails as this can cause
injury if the rails are lowered or moved. They should be secured to the bed frame.
5. A nurse is caring for a client who has developed autonomic dysreflexia. Which of the
following is the priority nursing action?
A. Administer an antihypertensive medication
B. Check the client for bladder distention
C. Assess the client for a fecal impaction
D. Place the client in a high-Fowler’s position
Answer: D
