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COMPREHENSIVE ATI EXIT EXAM RETAKE
2026-2027 EDITION
Complete Practice Test Bank | Graded A+ Questions
& Verified Answers
High-Yield Content | Detailed Rationales | First-
Attempt Success
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Topic Area Questions
I Management of Care 25
II Safety & Infection Control 20
III Health Promotion & Maintenance 20
IV Psychosocial Integrity 20
V Basic Care & Comfort 15
VI Pharmacological & Parenteral Therapies 25
VII Reduction of Risk Potential 20
VIII Physiological Adaptation 25
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Section Topic Area Questions
IX Clinical Case Vignettes 20
X Comprehensive Review 10
TOTAL 200 Questions
SECTION I: MANAGEMENT OF CARE
1. A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of terminal
cancer. The client asks the nurse, "Why is this happening to me?"
Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?
A) "Everything happens for a reason. You'll get through this."
B) "It sounds like you're struggling with this news. Tell me more about
what you're feeling."
C) "You should focus on your treatment options rather than why this
happened."
D) "Many people with cancer go on to live long, full lives."
Answer: B) "It sounds like you're struggling with this news. Tell me
more about what you're feeling."
Rationale: This response uses therapeutic communication by reflecting
the client's emotional state and inviting exploration of feelings. It
acknowledges the client's distress without offering false reassurance or
minimizing their concerns. This approach supports the client's
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psychological coping during a difficult diagnosis and maintains the
therapeutic relationship .
2. A charge nurse is making client assignments for a medical-
surgical unit. Which client should be assigned to a newly licensed
nurse?
A) A client with a new tracheostomy requiring frequent suctioning
B) A client with stable diabetes mellitus requiring routine insulin
administration
C) A client with chest tubes following a thoracotomy
D) A client with a history of violent behavior
Answer: B) A client with stable diabetes mellitus requiring routine
insulin administration
Rationale: The newly licensed nurse should be assigned clients with
stable, predictable conditions. Insulin administration for stable diabetes
is within the scope of a new nurse with appropriate supervision. Clients
with complex conditions (tracheostomy, chest tubes) or behavioral
challenges require more experienced nursing staff to ensure safe care
and appropriate intervention .
3. A nurse is preparing to delegate tasks to an unlicensed assistive
personnel (UAP). Which task is appropriate to delegate?
A) Administering oral medications
B) Inserting a urinary catheter
C) Assisting a client with ambulation
D) Creating a patient care plan
Answer: C) Assisting a client with ambulation
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Rationale: Assisting with ambulation is a task that falls within the scope
of practice for UAPs when the client is stable and the task does not
require nursing judgment. Tasks that require nursing judgment,
assessment, or sterile technique (medication administration, catheter
insertion, care planning) cannot be delegated to UAPs. Delegation must
follow the five rights: right task, right circumstance, right person, right
direction, right supervision .
4. A nurse is caring for a client who is considering leaving the
hospital against medical advice (AMA). Which action should the
nurse take first?
A) Notify security
B) Explain the risks and document the discussion
C) Tell the client they cannot leave
D) Call the client's family
Answer: B) Explain the risks and document the discussion
Rationale: When a client leaves AMA, the nurse must ensure the client
understands the risks and document the discussion. This supports
informed decision-making and protects the nurse and facility from
liability. Clients have the right to leave, but should be informed of risks.
The provider should also be notified. The nurse should remain
supportive and non-judgmental .
5. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client. Which
teaching strategy is most effective to confirm understanding?
A) Providing written information only
B) Using teach-back to confirm understanding
COMPREHENSIVE ATI EXIT EXAM RETAKE
2026-2027 EDITION
Complete Practice Test Bank | Graded A+ Questions
& Verified Answers
High-Yield Content | Detailed Rationales | First-
Attempt Success
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Topic Area Questions
I Management of Care 25
II Safety & Infection Control 20
III Health Promotion & Maintenance 20
IV Psychosocial Integrity 20
V Basic Care & Comfort 15
VI Pharmacological & Parenteral Therapies 25
VII Reduction of Risk Potential 20
VIII Physiological Adaptation 25
,2|Page
Section Topic Area Questions
IX Clinical Case Vignettes 20
X Comprehensive Review 10
TOTAL 200 Questions
SECTION I: MANAGEMENT OF CARE
1. A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of terminal
cancer. The client asks the nurse, "Why is this happening to me?"
Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?
A) "Everything happens for a reason. You'll get through this."
B) "It sounds like you're struggling with this news. Tell me more about
what you're feeling."
C) "You should focus on your treatment options rather than why this
happened."
D) "Many people with cancer go on to live long, full lives."
Answer: B) "It sounds like you're struggling with this news. Tell me
more about what you're feeling."
Rationale: This response uses therapeutic communication by reflecting
the client's emotional state and inviting exploration of feelings. It
acknowledges the client's distress without offering false reassurance or
minimizing their concerns. This approach supports the client's
,3|Page
psychological coping during a difficult diagnosis and maintains the
therapeutic relationship .
2. A charge nurse is making client assignments for a medical-
surgical unit. Which client should be assigned to a newly licensed
nurse?
A) A client with a new tracheostomy requiring frequent suctioning
B) A client with stable diabetes mellitus requiring routine insulin
administration
C) A client with chest tubes following a thoracotomy
D) A client with a history of violent behavior
Answer: B) A client with stable diabetes mellitus requiring routine
insulin administration
Rationale: The newly licensed nurse should be assigned clients with
stable, predictable conditions. Insulin administration for stable diabetes
is within the scope of a new nurse with appropriate supervision. Clients
with complex conditions (tracheostomy, chest tubes) or behavioral
challenges require more experienced nursing staff to ensure safe care
and appropriate intervention .
3. A nurse is preparing to delegate tasks to an unlicensed assistive
personnel (UAP). Which task is appropriate to delegate?
A) Administering oral medications
B) Inserting a urinary catheter
C) Assisting a client with ambulation
D) Creating a patient care plan
Answer: C) Assisting a client with ambulation
, 4|Page
Rationale: Assisting with ambulation is a task that falls within the scope
of practice for UAPs when the client is stable and the task does not
require nursing judgment. Tasks that require nursing judgment,
assessment, or sterile technique (medication administration, catheter
insertion, care planning) cannot be delegated to UAPs. Delegation must
follow the five rights: right task, right circumstance, right person, right
direction, right supervision .
4. A nurse is caring for a client who is considering leaving the
hospital against medical advice (AMA). Which action should the
nurse take first?
A) Notify security
B) Explain the risks and document the discussion
C) Tell the client they cannot leave
D) Call the client's family
Answer: B) Explain the risks and document the discussion
Rationale: When a client leaves AMA, the nurse must ensure the client
understands the risks and document the discussion. This supports
informed decision-making and protects the nurse and facility from
liability. Clients have the right to leave, but should be informed of risks.
The provider should also be notified. The nurse should remain
supportive and non-judgmental .
5. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client. Which
teaching strategy is most effective to confirm understanding?
A) Providing written information only
B) Using teach-back to confirm understanding
