2026/2027 ATI RN COMPREHENSIVE
PREDICTOR EXIT EXAM 50 QUESTIONS
AND 100% CORRECT ANSWERS
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is 24 hours postoperative following a total hip
arthroplasty. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent deep vein
thrombosis?
A. Place a pillow under the client’s knees while in bed.
B. Encourage the client to perform ankle pumps every hour while awake.
C. Massage the client’s lower extremities twice daily.
D. Maintain the client on strict bed rest for 48 hours.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Ankle pumps and foot circles promote venous return and
prevent stasis, reducing DVT risk. Placing pillows under knees or massaging legs can cause
or dislodge clots, and early ambulation is preferred over bed rest.
2. A nurse is assessing a client who has a chest tube connected to a water-seal drainage
system. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider immediately?
A. Fluctuation of the water level in the water-seal chamber with respiration.
,B. 50 mL of serosanguineous drainage in the collection chamber over 2 hours.
C. Constant bubbling in the suction control chamber.
D. Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber indicates an air
leak in the system or the client’s thoracic cavity, which requires immediate intervention.
Tidaling (fluctuation) is normal.
3. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a new prescription for lithium
carbonate for bipolar disorder. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
A. Limit sodium intake to less than 1,500 mg per day.
B. Maintain a consistent fluid intake of 2 to 3 liters per day.
C. Expect a weight loss of 2 to 3 pounds in the first week.
D. Discontinue the medication if fine hand tremors occur.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Adequate and consistent fluid and sodium intake are necessary
to prevent lithium toxicity. Sodium restriction can cause lithium levels to rise to toxic
levels.
, 4. A nurse is caring for a client with a new diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Which of the
following should the nurse identify as a priority when teaching the client about
hypoglycemia?
A. How to rotate injection sites.
B. The need to wear a medical alert bracelet.
C. The importance of carrying a fast-acting carbohydrate source.
D. How to adjust insulin based on carbohydrate counting.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Safety is the priority. Hypoglycemia is an acute complication
that can be life-threatening; the client must be prepared to treat it immediately with fast-
acting sugars.
5. A charge nurse is delegating tasks to an assistive personnel (AP). Which of the following
tasks is appropriate for the nurse to delegate?
A. Providing postmortem care to a client who just passed away.
B. Updating the plan of care for a client who is postoperative.
C. Performing a sterile dressing change for a client with a Stage 3 pressure injury.
D. Teaching a client how to use an incentive spirometer.
Answer: A
PREDICTOR EXIT EXAM 50 QUESTIONS
AND 100% CORRECT ANSWERS
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is 24 hours postoperative following a total hip
arthroplasty. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent deep vein
thrombosis?
A. Place a pillow under the client’s knees while in bed.
B. Encourage the client to perform ankle pumps every hour while awake.
C. Massage the client’s lower extremities twice daily.
D. Maintain the client on strict bed rest for 48 hours.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Ankle pumps and foot circles promote venous return and
prevent stasis, reducing DVT risk. Placing pillows under knees or massaging legs can cause
or dislodge clots, and early ambulation is preferred over bed rest.
2. A nurse is assessing a client who has a chest tube connected to a water-seal drainage
system. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider immediately?
A. Fluctuation of the water level in the water-seal chamber with respiration.
,B. 50 mL of serosanguineous drainage in the collection chamber over 2 hours.
C. Constant bubbling in the suction control chamber.
D. Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber indicates an air
leak in the system or the client’s thoracic cavity, which requires immediate intervention.
Tidaling (fluctuation) is normal.
3. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a new prescription for lithium
carbonate for bipolar disorder. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
A. Limit sodium intake to less than 1,500 mg per day.
B. Maintain a consistent fluid intake of 2 to 3 liters per day.
C. Expect a weight loss of 2 to 3 pounds in the first week.
D. Discontinue the medication if fine hand tremors occur.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Adequate and consistent fluid and sodium intake are necessary
to prevent lithium toxicity. Sodium restriction can cause lithium levels to rise to toxic
levels.
, 4. A nurse is caring for a client with a new diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Which of the
following should the nurse identify as a priority when teaching the client about
hypoglycemia?
A. How to rotate injection sites.
B. The need to wear a medical alert bracelet.
C. The importance of carrying a fast-acting carbohydrate source.
D. How to adjust insulin based on carbohydrate counting.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Safety is the priority. Hypoglycemia is an acute complication
that can be life-threatening; the client must be prepared to treat it immediately with fast-
acting sugars.
5. A charge nurse is delegating tasks to an assistive personnel (AP). Which of the following
tasks is appropriate for the nurse to delegate?
A. Providing postmortem care to a client who just passed away.
B. Updating the plan of care for a client who is postoperative.
C. Performing a sterile dressing change for a client with a Stage 3 pressure injury.
D. Teaching a client how to use an incentive spirometer.
Answer: A
