2026 TEST BANK FOR ATI comprehensive predictor EXAMS.
COMPLETE AND COMPREHENSIVE TEST BANK WITH OVER 1000
QUESTIONS WITH EXPERTLY CURATED CORRECT VERIFIED ANSWERS
FOR GUARANTEED EXAM SUCCESS.
ALREADY GRADED A+.
A nurse is caring for a postoperative client who underwent abdominal surgery
24 hours ago. The client reports increasing abdominal pain, has a rigid distended
abdomen, absent bowel sounds, a temperature of 38.9°C (102°F), heart rate of
122/min, and blood pressure of 92/54 mmHg. Which complication should the
nurse suspect first?
A. Paralytic ileus
B. Peritonitis
C. Hemorrhage
D. Wound dehiscence
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Peritonitis
EXAMINER’S NOTE:
Peritonitis is a life-threatening inflammation of the peritoneum often caused by
leakage of intestinal contents following abdominal surgery. Classic findings
include severe abdominal pain, rigidity (board-like abdomen), fever, tachycardia,
,ATI PN comprehensive predictor
hypotension, and absent bowel sounds. The low blood pressure suggests systemic
inflammatory response and possible septic progression. Paralytic ileus causes
absent bowel sounds but does not produce fever, rigidity, or shock signs.
Hemorrhage would present with dropping hemoglobin and signs of blood loss
without abdominal rigidity or fever. Wound dehiscence is visible separation of the
incision.
A nurse is administering IV potassium chloride to a client with severe
hypokalemia. Which action places the client at highest risk for fatal
complications?
A. Diluting potassium in IV fluids
B. Infusing potassium as a slow continuous drip
C. Administering potassium by IV push
D. Monitoring cardiac rhythm during infusion
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Administering potassium by IV push
EXAMINER’S NOTE:
Potassium chloride must NEVER be given IV push because it can cause immediate
cardiac arrest by rapidly altering myocardial electrical conduction. Potassium
should always be diluted and infused slowly while continuously monitoring cardiac
rhythm. This is a high-alert medication frequently tested on ATI exams due to its
lethal risk if improperly administered.
A nurse is caring for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
receiving oxygen therapy. Which assessment finding indicates oxygen therapy is
suppressing the client’s respiratory drive?
,ATI PN comprehensive predictor
A. Increased respiratory rate
B. Oxygen saturation of 96%
C. Decreased level of consciousness
D. Clear lung sounds
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Decreased level of consciousness
EXAMINER’S NOTE:
Clients with COPD may rely on hypoxic drive to stimulate breathing. Excessive
oxygen can reduce respiratory stimulus, leading to CO₂ retention (hypercapnia)
and decreased consciousness. This is a dangerous complication requiring
immediate oxygen adjustment and evaluation.
A nurse receives a report on four clients. Which client should be assessed first?
A. A client with pneumonia receiving antibiotics with a temperature of 38°C
B. A postoperative client reporting incisional pain rated 6/10
C. A diabetic client with blood glucose of 58 mg/dL who is shaky
D. A heart failure client with mild ankle edema
CORRECT ANSWER: C. A diabetic client with blood glucose of 58 mg/dL who is
shaky
EXAMINER’S NOTE:
, ATI PN comprehensive predictor
Hypoglycemia is an immediate life-threatening condition that can progress rapidly
to seizures, coma, and death. Shakiness is an early warning sign. This requires
immediate glucose administration. The other conditions are stable and non-
emergent.
A nurse is caring for a client receiving a blood transfusion who develops fever,
chills, flank pain, and dark urine. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Slow the transfusion rate
B. Stop the transfusion immediately
C. Administer antipyretics
D. Document the reaction
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Stop the transfusion immediately
EXAMINER’S NOTE:
These symptoms indicate an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction, a medical
emergency caused by blood incompatibility. Immediate cessation prevents further
hemolysis and kidney failure. The nurse should then maintain IV access with saline
and notify the provider.
A client with increased intracranial pressure suddenly develops bradycardia,
widening pulse pressure, and irregular respirations. What does this indicate?
A. Hypovolemia
B. Brain herniation
C. Infection