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ATI RN Concept-Based Assessment Practice Questions 2026-2027
BANK QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED VERIFIED ANSWERS
EXAM QUESTIONS WILL COME FROM HERE (100% CORRECT
ANSWERS A+ GRADED
1. A nurse is caring for a client with a major burn injury. Which
laboratory result requires immediate intervention?
A. Hematocrit 55%
B. Potassium 5.9 mEq/L
C. Sodium 135 mEq/L
D. Glucose 140 mg/dL
Answer: B. Potassium 5.9 mEq/L
Explanation: Hyperkalemia is a life-threatening complication in the
emergent phase of burn injury due to massive cell destruction releasing
potassium into the extracellular fluid. A level of 5.9 mEq/L places the
client at risk for cardiac dysrhythmias and requires immediate
intervention. The elevated hematocrit is expected due to
hemoconcentration from fluid shifts.
2. A nurse is planning care for a client admitted with diabetic
ketoacidosis. Which is the priority nursing action?
A. Administer regular insulin by intravenous infusion
B. Administer 0.9% sodium chloride as prescribed
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C. Check serum potassium level
D. Assess level of consciousness
Answer: B. Administer 0.9% sodium chloride as prescribed
Explanation: The priority in DKA is fluid resuscitation with isotonic
solution to restore intravascular volume and tissue perfusion. Insulin
administration follows fluid resuscitation because insulin without
adequate volume can cause vascular collapse. Potassium must be
checked before insulin but fluid resuscitation takes precedence in the
sequence of care.
3. A nurse working in a mental health unit is caring for a client with
schizophrenia who is demonstrating negative symptoms. Which finding
would the nurse expect?
A. Auditory hallucinations
B. Delusions of persecution
C. Flat affect and social withdrawal
D. Disorganized speech
Answer: C. Flat affect and social withdrawal
Explanation: Negative symptoms of schizophrenia involve the absence
or diminution of normal behaviors and functions, including flat affect,
alogia, avolition, anhedonia, and social withdrawal. Auditory
hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech are classified as
positive symptoms representing an excess or distortion of normal
functions.
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4. A nurse is caring for a client immediately following a thyroidectomy.
Which finding indicates a potential airway compromise?
A. Pain at the incision site rated 4 on a scale of 0 to 10
B. Restlessness and frequent swallowing
C. Temperature of 99.1°F (37.3°C)
D. Blood pressure 140/90 mmHg
Answer: B. Restlessness and frequent swallowing
Explanation: Frequent swallowing and restlessness are early signs of
hemorrhage after thyroidectomy. Blood accumulation in the neck can
compress the trachea, leading to airway compromise. The nurse must
assess the neck for swelling and prepare for emergency intervention
including suture removal at the bedside if necessary.
5. A community health nurse is preparing a disaster preparedness plan
for a community prone to tornadoes. Which action represents the
tertiary prevention level?
A. Conducting community education on tornado warning signs
B. Establishing emergency shelter locations
C. Providing crisis counseling after a tornado event
D. Inspecting buildings for structural weaknesses
Answer: C. Providing crisis counseling after a tornado event
Explanation: Tertiary prevention focuses on rehabilitation and
minimizing long-term effects after the event has occurred. Crisis
counseling addresses psychological trauma and promotes recovery.
Education about warning signs and shelter locations are primary
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prevention, while building inspections are secondary prevention
focused on early detection of risks.
6. A nurse is assessing a client with suspected increased intracranial
pressure. Which finding is the earliest indicator of this condition?
A. Widening pulse pressure
B. Decreased level of consciousness
C. Fixed and dilated pupils
D. Cushing's triad
Answer: B. Decreased level of consciousness
Explanation: Alteration in level of consciousness is the earliest and most
sensitive indicator of increased ICP as the reticular activating system is
compressed. Pupil changes and Cushing's triad (bradycardia, widened
pulse pressure, irregular respirations) are late signs indicating
brainstem herniation.
7. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with heart failure.
Which statement indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I will weigh myself every morning and report a gain of 2 pounds in a
day."
B. "I can use salt substitutes to season my food."
C. "I should elevate my legs when I sit for long periods."
D. "I will take my furosemide in the morning."
Answer: B. "I can use salt substitutes to season my food."
ATI RN Concept-Based Assessment Practice Questions 2026-2027
BANK QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED VERIFIED ANSWERS
EXAM QUESTIONS WILL COME FROM HERE (100% CORRECT
ANSWERS A+ GRADED
1. A nurse is caring for a client with a major burn injury. Which
laboratory result requires immediate intervention?
A. Hematocrit 55%
B. Potassium 5.9 mEq/L
C. Sodium 135 mEq/L
D. Glucose 140 mg/dL
Answer: B. Potassium 5.9 mEq/L
Explanation: Hyperkalemia is a life-threatening complication in the
emergent phase of burn injury due to massive cell destruction releasing
potassium into the extracellular fluid. A level of 5.9 mEq/L places the
client at risk for cardiac dysrhythmias and requires immediate
intervention. The elevated hematocrit is expected due to
hemoconcentration from fluid shifts.
2. A nurse is planning care for a client admitted with diabetic
ketoacidosis. Which is the priority nursing action?
A. Administer regular insulin by intravenous infusion
B. Administer 0.9% sodium chloride as prescribed
,2|Page
C. Check serum potassium level
D. Assess level of consciousness
Answer: B. Administer 0.9% sodium chloride as prescribed
Explanation: The priority in DKA is fluid resuscitation with isotonic
solution to restore intravascular volume and tissue perfusion. Insulin
administration follows fluid resuscitation because insulin without
adequate volume can cause vascular collapse. Potassium must be
checked before insulin but fluid resuscitation takes precedence in the
sequence of care.
3. A nurse working in a mental health unit is caring for a client with
schizophrenia who is demonstrating negative symptoms. Which finding
would the nurse expect?
A. Auditory hallucinations
B. Delusions of persecution
C. Flat affect and social withdrawal
D. Disorganized speech
Answer: C. Flat affect and social withdrawal
Explanation: Negative symptoms of schizophrenia involve the absence
or diminution of normal behaviors and functions, including flat affect,
alogia, avolition, anhedonia, and social withdrawal. Auditory
hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech are classified as
positive symptoms representing an excess or distortion of normal
functions.
,3|Page
4. A nurse is caring for a client immediately following a thyroidectomy.
Which finding indicates a potential airway compromise?
A. Pain at the incision site rated 4 on a scale of 0 to 10
B. Restlessness and frequent swallowing
C. Temperature of 99.1°F (37.3°C)
D. Blood pressure 140/90 mmHg
Answer: B. Restlessness and frequent swallowing
Explanation: Frequent swallowing and restlessness are early signs of
hemorrhage after thyroidectomy. Blood accumulation in the neck can
compress the trachea, leading to airway compromise. The nurse must
assess the neck for swelling and prepare for emergency intervention
including suture removal at the bedside if necessary.
5. A community health nurse is preparing a disaster preparedness plan
for a community prone to tornadoes. Which action represents the
tertiary prevention level?
A. Conducting community education on tornado warning signs
B. Establishing emergency shelter locations
C. Providing crisis counseling after a tornado event
D. Inspecting buildings for structural weaknesses
Answer: C. Providing crisis counseling after a tornado event
Explanation: Tertiary prevention focuses on rehabilitation and
minimizing long-term effects after the event has occurred. Crisis
counseling addresses psychological trauma and promotes recovery.
Education about warning signs and shelter locations are primary
, 4|Page
prevention, while building inspections are secondary prevention
focused on early detection of risks.
6. A nurse is assessing a client with suspected increased intracranial
pressure. Which finding is the earliest indicator of this condition?
A. Widening pulse pressure
B. Decreased level of consciousness
C. Fixed and dilated pupils
D. Cushing's triad
Answer: B. Decreased level of consciousness
Explanation: Alteration in level of consciousness is the earliest and most
sensitive indicator of increased ICP as the reticular activating system is
compressed. Pupil changes and Cushing's triad (bradycardia, widened
pulse pressure, irregular respirations) are late signs indicating
brainstem herniation.
7. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with heart failure.
Which statement indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I will weigh myself every morning and report a gain of 2 pounds in a
day."
B. "I can use salt substitutes to season my food."
C. "I should elevate my legs when I sit for long periods."
D. "I will take my furosemide in the morning."
Answer: B. "I can use salt substitutes to season my food."
