ATI RN Comprehensive Exam with Correct
Answers – 2025/2026 Edition
Section 1: Introduction
This document contains verified and 100% correct answers for the ATI RN Comprehensive
Exam, updated for the 2025/2026 academic cycle.
It includes all major nursing topics—fundamentals, medical-surgical, maternal, pediatric,
pharmacology, and mental health.
Graded A+ and modeled to reflect NCLEX-RN standards for maximum review efficiency.
Section 2: Exam Questions and Answers
Format: 180 multiple-choice questions with four answer choices (A–D). Correct answers
highlighted. Includes rationales based on NCLEX-RN standards.
Question 1
A nurse is teaching a client about self-administering insulin. What should be included in the
teaching?
A) Inject in the same site each time
B) Rotate injection sites to prevent lipodystrophy
C) Store insulin at room temperature indefinitely
D) Shake the insulin vial vigorously before drawing
Correct Answer: B) Rotate injection sites to prevent lipodystrophy
Rationale: Rotating sites prevents tissue damage and ensures absorption. NCLEX Standard:
Patient Education.
Question 2
A client with chest pain is admitted to the emergency department. What is the priority nursing
assessment?
A) Obtain a detailed dietary history
B) Assess airway, breathing, and circulation
C) Review the patient’s social history
D) Perform a neurological exam
Correct Answer: B) Assess airway, breathing, and circulation
Rationale: ABCs are the priority in emergencies to ensure stability. NCLEX Standard:
Prioritization.
Question 3
A postpartum client is experiencing heavy lochia. What is the priority nursing action?
A) Administer pain medication
B) Assess for uterine atony
C) Encourage ambulation
D) Monitor blood glucose
Correct Answer: B) Assess for uterine atony
Rationale: Heavy lochia may indicate uterine atony, a risk for hemorrhage. NCLEX
Standard: Postpartum Care.
,Question 4
A pediatric client with asthma is prescribed albuterol. What should the nurse monitor?
A) Blood glucose
B) Heart rate
C) Temperature
D) Urine output
Correct Answer: B) Heart rate
Rationale: Albuterol can cause tachycardia as a side effect. NCLEX Standard:
Pharmacology.
Question 5
A client with depression reports suicidal ideation. What is the priority nursing action?
A) Encourage group activities
B) Initiate a no-harm contract
C) Ensure a safe environment
D) Administer antidepressants
Correct Answer: C) Ensure a safe environment
Rationale: Safety is the priority for clients with suicidal ideation. NCLEX Standard: Mental
Health.
Question 6
A client is on contact precautions for MRSA. What should the nurse wear when entering the
room?
A) Mask only
B) Gown and gloves
C) Face shield and gown
D) Gloves only
Correct Answer: B) Gown and gloves
Rationale: Gown and gloves prevent MRSA transmission. NCLEX Standard: Infection
Control.
Question 7
A client with heart failure is prescribed furosemide. What should the nurse monitor?
A) Blood glucose
B) Electrolyte imbalances
C) Respiratory rate
D) Skin turgor
Correct Answer: B) Electrolyte imbalances
Rationale: Furosemide can cause hypokalemia and dehydration. NCLEX Standard:
Pharmacology.
Question 8
A newborn is receiving phototherapy for jaundice. What is a key nursing intervention?
A) Restrict fluids
B) Monitor skin integrity
C) Keep the newborn fully clothed
D) Limit parental contact
Correct Answer: B) Monitor skin integrity
Rationale: Phototherapy can cause skin dryness or burns. NCLEX Standard: Pediatric Care.
,Question 9
A client with diabetes reports shakiness and sweating. What is the priority nursing action?
A) Administer insulin
B) Check blood glucose level
C) Offer a high-protein snack
D) Encourage rest
Correct Answer: B) Check blood glucose level
Rationale: Symptoms suggest hypoglycemia; glucose level guides treatment. NCLEX
Standard: Assessment.
Question 10
A client is prescribed warfarin for atrial fibrillation. What is the therapeutic INR range?
A) 1.0–1.5
B) 2.0–3.0
C) 3.5–4.5
D) 4.0–5.0
Correct Answer: B) 2.0–3.0
Rationale: INR of 2.0–3.0 is therapeutic for atrial fibrillation. NCLEX Standard:
Pharmacology.
Question 11
A nurse is performing a pain assessment on a nonverbal client. Which tool is appropriate?
A) Numeric pain scale
B) Wong-Baker FACES scale
C) Verbal descriptor scale
D) FLACC scale
Correct Answer: D) FLACC scale
Rationale: FLACC assesses pain in nonverbal clients using behavior. NCLEX Standard:
Pain Management.
Question 12
A client in labor reports sudden severe abdominal pain. What should the nurse suspect?
A) Normal contractions
B) Uterine rupture
C) Dehydration
D) Fetal distress
Correct Answer: B) Uterine rupture
Rationale: Sudden severe pain may indicate a medical emergency. NCLEX Standard:
Maternal Complications.
Question 13
A pediatric client with cystic fibrosis is receiving pancreatic enzymes. When should they be
given?
A) At bedtime
B) With meals
C) On an empty stomach
D) After exercise
Correct Answer: B) With meals
Rationale: Enzymes aid digestion when taken with food. NCLEX Standard: Pediatric
Pharmacology.
, Question 14
A client with schizophrenia is prescribed risperidone. What should the nurse monitor?
A) Blood glucose
B) Extrapyramidal symptoms
C) Respiratory rate
D) Skin turgor
Correct Answer: B) Extrapyramidal symptoms
Rationale: Risperidone can cause movement disorders. NCLEX Standard: Mental Health
Pharmacology.
Question 15
A client with a hip fracture is in traction. What is the priority nursing action?
A) Check for skin breakdown
B) Administer analgesics
C) Monitor bowel sounds
D) Encourage deep breathing
Correct Answer: A) Check for skin breakdown
Rationale: Traction increases the risk of pressure injuries. NCLEX Standard: Complication
Prevention.
Question 16
A client refuses a prescribed medication. What is the nurse’s first action?
A) Administer the medication anyway
B) Document the refusal and notify the provider
C) Convince the client to take it
D) Discard the medication
Correct Answer: B) Document the refusal and notify the provider
Rationale: Respecting autonomy requires documentation and communication. NCLEX
Standard: Ethics.
Question 17
A client with preeclampsia is receiving magnesium sulfate. What should the nurse monitor?
A) Blood glucose
B) Respiratory rate
C) Temperature
D) Pain level
Correct Answer: B) Respiratory rate
Rationale: Magnesium sulfate can cause respiratory depression. NCLEX Standard: Maternal
Pharmacology.
Question 18
A pediatric client with a fever is prescribed acetaminophen. What is the priority nursing
action?
A) Administer with food
B) Verify the dose based on weight
C) Monitor blood pressure
D) Restrict fluids
Correct Answer: B) Verify the dose based on weight
Rationale: Pediatric dosing is weight-based to prevent toxicity. NCLEX Standard: Pediatric
Pharmacology.
Answers – 2025/2026 Edition
Section 1: Introduction
This document contains verified and 100% correct answers for the ATI RN Comprehensive
Exam, updated for the 2025/2026 academic cycle.
It includes all major nursing topics—fundamentals, medical-surgical, maternal, pediatric,
pharmacology, and mental health.
Graded A+ and modeled to reflect NCLEX-RN standards for maximum review efficiency.
Section 2: Exam Questions and Answers
Format: 180 multiple-choice questions with four answer choices (A–D). Correct answers
highlighted. Includes rationales based on NCLEX-RN standards.
Question 1
A nurse is teaching a client about self-administering insulin. What should be included in the
teaching?
A) Inject in the same site each time
B) Rotate injection sites to prevent lipodystrophy
C) Store insulin at room temperature indefinitely
D) Shake the insulin vial vigorously before drawing
Correct Answer: B) Rotate injection sites to prevent lipodystrophy
Rationale: Rotating sites prevents tissue damage and ensures absorption. NCLEX Standard:
Patient Education.
Question 2
A client with chest pain is admitted to the emergency department. What is the priority nursing
assessment?
A) Obtain a detailed dietary history
B) Assess airway, breathing, and circulation
C) Review the patient’s social history
D) Perform a neurological exam
Correct Answer: B) Assess airway, breathing, and circulation
Rationale: ABCs are the priority in emergencies to ensure stability. NCLEX Standard:
Prioritization.
Question 3
A postpartum client is experiencing heavy lochia. What is the priority nursing action?
A) Administer pain medication
B) Assess for uterine atony
C) Encourage ambulation
D) Monitor blood glucose
Correct Answer: B) Assess for uterine atony
Rationale: Heavy lochia may indicate uterine atony, a risk for hemorrhage. NCLEX
Standard: Postpartum Care.
,Question 4
A pediatric client with asthma is prescribed albuterol. What should the nurse monitor?
A) Blood glucose
B) Heart rate
C) Temperature
D) Urine output
Correct Answer: B) Heart rate
Rationale: Albuterol can cause tachycardia as a side effect. NCLEX Standard:
Pharmacology.
Question 5
A client with depression reports suicidal ideation. What is the priority nursing action?
A) Encourage group activities
B) Initiate a no-harm contract
C) Ensure a safe environment
D) Administer antidepressants
Correct Answer: C) Ensure a safe environment
Rationale: Safety is the priority for clients with suicidal ideation. NCLEX Standard: Mental
Health.
Question 6
A client is on contact precautions for MRSA. What should the nurse wear when entering the
room?
A) Mask only
B) Gown and gloves
C) Face shield and gown
D) Gloves only
Correct Answer: B) Gown and gloves
Rationale: Gown and gloves prevent MRSA transmission. NCLEX Standard: Infection
Control.
Question 7
A client with heart failure is prescribed furosemide. What should the nurse monitor?
A) Blood glucose
B) Electrolyte imbalances
C) Respiratory rate
D) Skin turgor
Correct Answer: B) Electrolyte imbalances
Rationale: Furosemide can cause hypokalemia and dehydration. NCLEX Standard:
Pharmacology.
Question 8
A newborn is receiving phototherapy for jaundice. What is a key nursing intervention?
A) Restrict fluids
B) Monitor skin integrity
C) Keep the newborn fully clothed
D) Limit parental contact
Correct Answer: B) Monitor skin integrity
Rationale: Phototherapy can cause skin dryness or burns. NCLEX Standard: Pediatric Care.
,Question 9
A client with diabetes reports shakiness and sweating. What is the priority nursing action?
A) Administer insulin
B) Check blood glucose level
C) Offer a high-protein snack
D) Encourage rest
Correct Answer: B) Check blood glucose level
Rationale: Symptoms suggest hypoglycemia; glucose level guides treatment. NCLEX
Standard: Assessment.
Question 10
A client is prescribed warfarin for atrial fibrillation. What is the therapeutic INR range?
A) 1.0–1.5
B) 2.0–3.0
C) 3.5–4.5
D) 4.0–5.0
Correct Answer: B) 2.0–3.0
Rationale: INR of 2.0–3.0 is therapeutic for atrial fibrillation. NCLEX Standard:
Pharmacology.
Question 11
A nurse is performing a pain assessment on a nonverbal client. Which tool is appropriate?
A) Numeric pain scale
B) Wong-Baker FACES scale
C) Verbal descriptor scale
D) FLACC scale
Correct Answer: D) FLACC scale
Rationale: FLACC assesses pain in nonverbal clients using behavior. NCLEX Standard:
Pain Management.
Question 12
A client in labor reports sudden severe abdominal pain. What should the nurse suspect?
A) Normal contractions
B) Uterine rupture
C) Dehydration
D) Fetal distress
Correct Answer: B) Uterine rupture
Rationale: Sudden severe pain may indicate a medical emergency. NCLEX Standard:
Maternal Complications.
Question 13
A pediatric client with cystic fibrosis is receiving pancreatic enzymes. When should they be
given?
A) At bedtime
B) With meals
C) On an empty stomach
D) After exercise
Correct Answer: B) With meals
Rationale: Enzymes aid digestion when taken with food. NCLEX Standard: Pediatric
Pharmacology.
, Question 14
A client with schizophrenia is prescribed risperidone. What should the nurse monitor?
A) Blood glucose
B) Extrapyramidal symptoms
C) Respiratory rate
D) Skin turgor
Correct Answer: B) Extrapyramidal symptoms
Rationale: Risperidone can cause movement disorders. NCLEX Standard: Mental Health
Pharmacology.
Question 15
A client with a hip fracture is in traction. What is the priority nursing action?
A) Check for skin breakdown
B) Administer analgesics
C) Monitor bowel sounds
D) Encourage deep breathing
Correct Answer: A) Check for skin breakdown
Rationale: Traction increases the risk of pressure injuries. NCLEX Standard: Complication
Prevention.
Question 16
A client refuses a prescribed medication. What is the nurse’s first action?
A) Administer the medication anyway
B) Document the refusal and notify the provider
C) Convince the client to take it
D) Discard the medication
Correct Answer: B) Document the refusal and notify the provider
Rationale: Respecting autonomy requires documentation and communication. NCLEX
Standard: Ethics.
Question 17
A client with preeclampsia is receiving magnesium sulfate. What should the nurse monitor?
A) Blood glucose
B) Respiratory rate
C) Temperature
D) Pain level
Correct Answer: B) Respiratory rate
Rationale: Magnesium sulfate can cause respiratory depression. NCLEX Standard: Maternal
Pharmacology.
Question 18
A pediatric client with a fever is prescribed acetaminophen. What is the priority nursing
action?
A) Administer with food
B) Verify the dose based on weight
C) Monitor blood pressure
D) Restrict fluids
Correct Answer: B) Verify the dose based on weight
Rationale: Pediatric dosing is weight-based to prevent toxicity. NCLEX Standard: Pediatric
Pharmacology.
