Predictor 2026/2027 | V-ATI NCLEX Predictor
Exam Questions & Verified Answers Study
Guide (200+ Q&A)
• This study guide contains 200 high-yield NCLEX-style questions modeled after the
Virtual ATI Green Light Comprehensive Predictor, covering all major nursing content
areas tested on the NCLEX-RN.
• Use this guide by reading each question carefully, selecting your answer before
checking the highlighted correct response, and reviewing the EXPERT RATIONALE
to reinforce clinical reasoning.
1. A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and is receiving IV
furosemide. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the
provider?
A. Urine output of 200 mL/hr
B. Blood pressure of 118/76 mmHg
C. Serum potassium of 3.1 mEq/L
D. Weight loss of 1 kg overnight
E. Respiratory rate of 16/min
Correct Answer: C. Serum potassium of 3.1 mEq/L
EXPERT RATIONALE: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes potassium wasting.
A serum potassium of 3.1 mEq/L is below the normal range (3.5–5.0 mEq/L) and
indicates hypokalemia, which can cause life-threatening dysrhythmias and must be
reported immediately.
2. A nurse is assessing a client who is 24 hours postoperative following
abdominal surgery. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Pain rated 5/10 at incision site
B. Hypoactive bowel sounds
,C. Temperature of 37.8°C (100°F)
D. Urine output of 20 mL over the past 2 hours
E. Serosanguineous drainage on dressing
Correct Answer: D. Urine output of 20 mL over the past 2 hours
EXPERT RATIONALE: Adequate urine output is at least 30 mL/hr. A urine output of
20 mL over 2 hours (10 mL/hr) indicates oliguria, which may signal hypovolemia,
acute kidney injury, or poor perfusion — all requiring immediate intervention.
3. A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client. Which assessment
finding should cause the nurse to withhold the medication and notify the
provider?
A. Blood pressure of 130/82 mmHg
B. Apical pulse of 58 bpm
C. Serum sodium of 138 mEq/L
D. Respiratory rate of 18/min
E. Blood glucose of 96 mg/dL
Correct Answer: B. Apical pulse of 58 bpm
EXPERT RATIONALE: Digoxin slows the heart rate. The nurse should withhold
digoxin and notify the provider if the apical pulse is below 60 bpm in an adult, as
further bradycardia can lead to cardiac complications.
4. A nurse is caring for a client with a suspected pulmonary embolism. Which
intervention is the priority?
A. Administer prescribed analgesics
B. Place the client in Trendelenburg position
C. Administer supplemental oxygen
,D. Obtain a 12-lead ECG
E. Prepare the client for chest X-ray
Correct Answer: C. Administer supplemental oxygen
EXPERT RATIONALE: Pulmonary embolism impairs gas exchange, leading to
hypoxemia. The priority intervention is to administer supplemental oxygen to
maintain oxygenation, which addresses the most life-threatening complication.
5. A nurse is educating a client about warfarin therapy. Which statement by
the client indicates understanding?
A. "I will take aspirin if I have a headache."
B. "I will eat the same amount of leafy greens each week."
C. "I can stop taking warfarin once I feel better."
D. "I will avoid all physical activity."
E. "I will double my dose if I miss one."
Correct Answer: B. "I will eat the same amount of leafy greens each week."
EXPERT RATIONALE: Consistency in vitamin K intake (found in leafy greens) is
essential for stable INR levels. Clients on warfarin should not eliminate these foods
but should keep intake consistent to avoid fluctuations in anticoagulation.
6. A nurse is caring for a client in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which
laboratory finding is expected?
A. pH of 7.48
B. Serum bicarbonate of 22 mEq/L
C. Blood glucose of 450 mg/dL
D. Serum potassium of 3.0 mEq/L initially
E. PaCO₂ of 55 mmHg
, Correct Answer: C. Blood glucose of 450 mg/dL
EXPERT RATIONALE: DKA is characterized by hyperglycemia (typically >250 mg/dL),
metabolic acidosis (low pH, low bicarbonate), and ketosis. A blood glucose of 450
mg/dL is consistent with this diagnosis.
7. A nurse is assessing a newborn at 1 minute after birth. The newborn has a
heart rate of 92 bpm, weak cry, some flexion of extremities, grimaces to
stimulation, and cyanotic body with pink extremities. What is the APGAR
score?
A. 4
B. 5
C. 6
D. 7
E. 3
Correct Answer: B. 5
EXPERT RATIONALE: APGAR scoring: HR <100 = 1, weak cry = 1, some flexion = 1,
grimace = 1, central cyanosis = 1. Total = 5. This indicates moderate need for
resuscitative measures.
8. A nurse is caring for a client who has been taking lithium for bipolar
disorder. Which finding indicates lithium toxicity?
A. Polyuria
B. Fine hand tremors
C. Coarse tremors and ataxia
D. Mild nausea
E. Increased thirst