PRIORITIES IN CRITICAL CARE NURSING FINAL
SCRIPT 2026 COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS ALREADY PASSED
◉ A nurse is preparing to administer IV potassium chloride. Which
of the following is a mandatory safety requirement for this
medication?
A. Administer the medication via rapid IV bolus over 2 minutes.
B. Dilute the medication and use an infusion pump.
C. Ensure the client has a urine output of at least 10 mL/hr.
D. Use a 25-gauge needle for administration into a small peripheral
vein. Answer: B. Dilute the medication and use an infusion pump.
ATI Gold Rule: NEVER push IV potassium. It must be diluted and on
a pump.
◉ A nurse is caring for an older adult client receiving IV 0.9%
sodium chloride at 125 mL/hr. Which of the following findings is a
priority to report to the provider?
A. Urine output of 150 mL over 4 hours.
B. New onset of crackles heard at the lung bases.
C. Capillary refill of 2 seconds.
,D. Skin turgor with a 1-second tenting over the sternum. Answer: B.
New onset of crackles heard at the lung bases.
Older adults are at high risk for fluid overload; crackles are a "Red
Flag"
◉ A nurse is using the FLACC scale to assess pain. For which of the
following clients is this tool most appropriate?
A. A client who is awake and able to use a 0-10 numeric scale.
B. A client who has a history of chronic neuropathic pain.
C. A client who is non-verbal or has cognitive impairment.
D. A client who is experiencing "phantom limb" pain. Answer: C. A
client who is non-verbal or has cognitive impairment.
FLACC is for those who cannot communicate (Face, Legs, Activity,
Cry, Consolability)
◉ A nurse is teaching a client about a low-sodium diet for fluid
volume excess. Which of the following statements by the client
indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. "I will use soy sauce instead of salt to flavor my food."
B. "I should check the labels of over-the-counter antacids for sodium
content."
C. "I can drink as much water as I want as long as I don't eat salt."
, D. "I will eat canned vegetables instead of fresh ones." Answer: B. "I
should check the labels of over-the-counter antacids for sodium
content."
Antacids often contain high amounts of sodium (sodium
bicarbonate)
◉ A nurse is caring for a client with a magnesium level of 3.2 mEq/L.
Which of the following is the priority nursing assessment?
A. Bowel sounds.
B. Deep tendon reflexes.
C. Temperature.
D. Daily weight. Answer: B. Deep tendon reflexes.
Magnesium toxicity ( > 2.1) causes loss of DTRs, which preceded
respiratory arrest.
◉ A nurse is applying the ethical principle of Autonomy. Which of
the following actions reflects this principle?
A. Ensuring the client understands the risks of a procedure before
signing consent.
B. Choosing the best treatment for a client who is undecided.
C. Keeping a promise to return to the room in 10 minutes.
SCRIPT 2026 COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS ALREADY PASSED
◉ A nurse is preparing to administer IV potassium chloride. Which
of the following is a mandatory safety requirement for this
medication?
A. Administer the medication via rapid IV bolus over 2 minutes.
B. Dilute the medication and use an infusion pump.
C. Ensure the client has a urine output of at least 10 mL/hr.
D. Use a 25-gauge needle for administration into a small peripheral
vein. Answer: B. Dilute the medication and use an infusion pump.
ATI Gold Rule: NEVER push IV potassium. It must be diluted and on
a pump.
◉ A nurse is caring for an older adult client receiving IV 0.9%
sodium chloride at 125 mL/hr. Which of the following findings is a
priority to report to the provider?
A. Urine output of 150 mL over 4 hours.
B. New onset of crackles heard at the lung bases.
C. Capillary refill of 2 seconds.
,D. Skin turgor with a 1-second tenting over the sternum. Answer: B.
New onset of crackles heard at the lung bases.
Older adults are at high risk for fluid overload; crackles are a "Red
Flag"
◉ A nurse is using the FLACC scale to assess pain. For which of the
following clients is this tool most appropriate?
A. A client who is awake and able to use a 0-10 numeric scale.
B. A client who has a history of chronic neuropathic pain.
C. A client who is non-verbal or has cognitive impairment.
D. A client who is experiencing "phantom limb" pain. Answer: C. A
client who is non-verbal or has cognitive impairment.
FLACC is for those who cannot communicate (Face, Legs, Activity,
Cry, Consolability)
◉ A nurse is teaching a client about a low-sodium diet for fluid
volume excess. Which of the following statements by the client
indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. "I will use soy sauce instead of salt to flavor my food."
B. "I should check the labels of over-the-counter antacids for sodium
content."
C. "I can drink as much water as I want as long as I don't eat salt."
, D. "I will eat canned vegetables instead of fresh ones." Answer: B. "I
should check the labels of over-the-counter antacids for sodium
content."
Antacids often contain high amounts of sodium (sodium
bicarbonate)
◉ A nurse is caring for a client with a magnesium level of 3.2 mEq/L.
Which of the following is the priority nursing assessment?
A. Bowel sounds.
B. Deep tendon reflexes.
C. Temperature.
D. Daily weight. Answer: B. Deep tendon reflexes.
Magnesium toxicity ( > 2.1) causes loss of DTRs, which preceded
respiratory arrest.
◉ A nurse is applying the ethical principle of Autonomy. Which of
the following actions reflects this principle?
A. Ensuring the client understands the risks of a procedure before
signing consent.
B. Choosing the best treatment for a client who is undecided.
C. Keeping a promise to return to the room in 10 minutes.
