ATI RN Comprehensive Predictor 2026 | 180 Questions & Detailed Rationales | NGN
Style Exit Exam Prep
This comprehensive study guide features 180 practice questions modeled specifically after
the 2026 ATI RN Exit Exam, including the latest Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) case
studies and stand-alone items. Each question is paired with a detailed evidence-based
rationale to help you master the clinical judgment required for a Level 3 score. Use this
resource to identify high-yield topics in delegation, safety, and pharmacology while boosting
your probability of passing the NCLEX on your first attempt.
1. A nurse is caring for a client with a history of tonic-clonic seizures. Which of the
following safety precautions should the nurse implement?
A. Keep a padded tongue blade at the bedside.
B. Place the bed in the highest position.
C. Ensure suction equipment is available in the room.
D. Restrain the client’s limbs during a seizure.
Answer: C
Rationale: Suction equipment is essential to maintain a patent airway if the client
vomits or has excessive secretions during or after a seizure. Padded tongue blades
are contraindicated as they can cause injury.
2. A nurse is evaluating a client for domestic violence. Which of the following actions
is the priority?
A. Document the client's physical injuries in detail.
B. Offer the client information about local shelters.
C. Ask the client if they feel safe in their home.
D. Report the suspected abuse to the local authorities.
Answer: C
Rationale: Assessing for immediate safety is the priority intervention in any situation
involving potential violence or self-harm.
,3. A client is prescribed spironolactone. Which of the following food choices
indicates the client understands the dietary restrictions?
A. A large banana.
B. Cooked spinach.
C. Apple slices.
D. Low-sodium salt substitute.
Answer: C
Rationale: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic. Apples are low in
potassium. Bananas, spinach, and most salt substitutes are high in potassium and
should be avoided.
4. A nurse is caring for a client with a suspected head injury. Which of the following
is the earliest sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?
A. Pupillary dilation.
B. Bradycardia.
C. Altered level of consciousness.
D. Decerebrate posturing.
Answer: C
Rationale: Changes in level of consciousness (irritability, restlessness, or confusion)
are the most sensitive and earliest indicators of increasing ICP.
5. A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client. Which of the following
findings should lead the nurse to withhold the medication?
A. Potassium level of 4.2 mEq/L.
B. Apical pulse of 52 beats per minute.
C. Digoxin level of 1.2 ng/mL.
D. Blood pressure of 110/70 mmHg.
Answer: B
Rationale: Digoxin should be held if the apical pulse is less than 60/min in an adult,
as the medication slows the heart rate.
, 6. A nurse is performing a physical assessment on a client with hyperthyroidism.
Which of the following is an expected finding?
A. Bradycardia.
B. Heat intolerance.
C. Constipation.
D. Weight gain.
Answer: B
Rationale: Hyperthyroidism speeds up metabolism, leading to heat intolerance,
tachycardia, diarrhea, and weight loss.
7. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when performing
tracheostomy care?
A. Use sterile technique throughout the procedure.
B. Clean the inner cannula with tap water.
C. Cut a gauze pad to fit around the stoma.
D. Replace the tracheostomy ties after the new ties are secured.
Answer: D
Rationale: To prevent accidental dislodgement, the old ties should only be removed
once the new ones are in place. Use sterile saline, and never cut gauze (fibers can be
inhaled).
8. A client has a prescription for a clear liquid diet. Which item should the nurse
remove from the tray?
A. Apple juice.
B. Chicken broth.
C. Orange juice with pulp.
D. Lemon gelatin.
Answer: C
Rationale: Clear liquids must be transparent. Pulp in orange juice makes it a full
liquid.
Style Exit Exam Prep
This comprehensive study guide features 180 practice questions modeled specifically after
the 2026 ATI RN Exit Exam, including the latest Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) case
studies and stand-alone items. Each question is paired with a detailed evidence-based
rationale to help you master the clinical judgment required for a Level 3 score. Use this
resource to identify high-yield topics in delegation, safety, and pharmacology while boosting
your probability of passing the NCLEX on your first attempt.
1. A nurse is caring for a client with a history of tonic-clonic seizures. Which of the
following safety precautions should the nurse implement?
A. Keep a padded tongue blade at the bedside.
B. Place the bed in the highest position.
C. Ensure suction equipment is available in the room.
D. Restrain the client’s limbs during a seizure.
Answer: C
Rationale: Suction equipment is essential to maintain a patent airway if the client
vomits or has excessive secretions during or after a seizure. Padded tongue blades
are contraindicated as they can cause injury.
2. A nurse is evaluating a client for domestic violence. Which of the following actions
is the priority?
A. Document the client's physical injuries in detail.
B. Offer the client information about local shelters.
C. Ask the client if they feel safe in their home.
D. Report the suspected abuse to the local authorities.
Answer: C
Rationale: Assessing for immediate safety is the priority intervention in any situation
involving potential violence or self-harm.
,3. A client is prescribed spironolactone. Which of the following food choices
indicates the client understands the dietary restrictions?
A. A large banana.
B. Cooked spinach.
C. Apple slices.
D. Low-sodium salt substitute.
Answer: C
Rationale: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic. Apples are low in
potassium. Bananas, spinach, and most salt substitutes are high in potassium and
should be avoided.
4. A nurse is caring for a client with a suspected head injury. Which of the following
is the earliest sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?
A. Pupillary dilation.
B. Bradycardia.
C. Altered level of consciousness.
D. Decerebrate posturing.
Answer: C
Rationale: Changes in level of consciousness (irritability, restlessness, or confusion)
are the most sensitive and earliest indicators of increasing ICP.
5. A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client. Which of the following
findings should lead the nurse to withhold the medication?
A. Potassium level of 4.2 mEq/L.
B. Apical pulse of 52 beats per minute.
C. Digoxin level of 1.2 ng/mL.
D. Blood pressure of 110/70 mmHg.
Answer: B
Rationale: Digoxin should be held if the apical pulse is less than 60/min in an adult,
as the medication slows the heart rate.
, 6. A nurse is performing a physical assessment on a client with hyperthyroidism.
Which of the following is an expected finding?
A. Bradycardia.
B. Heat intolerance.
C. Constipation.
D. Weight gain.
Answer: B
Rationale: Hyperthyroidism speeds up metabolism, leading to heat intolerance,
tachycardia, diarrhea, and weight loss.
7. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when performing
tracheostomy care?
A. Use sterile technique throughout the procedure.
B. Clean the inner cannula with tap water.
C. Cut a gauze pad to fit around the stoma.
D. Replace the tracheostomy ties after the new ties are secured.
Answer: D
Rationale: To prevent accidental dislodgement, the old ties should only be removed
once the new ones are in place. Use sterile saline, and never cut gauze (fibers can be
inhaled).
8. A client has a prescription for a clear liquid diet. Which item should the nurse
remove from the tray?
A. Apple juice.
B. Chicken broth.
C. Orange juice with pulp.
D. Lemon gelatin.
Answer: C
Rationale: Clear liquids must be transparent. Pulp in orange juice makes it a full
liquid.
