ATI RN EXAM GUIDE FOR NGN NURSING EXAM
WITH QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS
2026/27
1. A nurse is caring for a client admitted with heart failure. Which assessment finding
indicates worsening fluid overload?
A. Weight loss of 1 kg in 24 hours
B. Decreased peripheral edema
C. Crackles heard in both lung bases
D. Dry mucous membranes
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Crackles indicate fluid accumulation in the lungs and worsening heart failure.
Weight loss and decreased edema suggest improvement, while dry mucous membranes indicate
possible dehydration.
2. A client with type 1 diabetes reports shakiness and sweating. What is the nurse's priority
action?
A. Administer insulin
B. Check the client's blood glucose level
C. Encourage exercise
D. Restrict fluids
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Shakiness and sweating are signs of hypoglycemia. The nurse should first assess
blood glucose before implementing interventions.
3. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. Client with a fractured arm reporting pain of 6/10
B. Client with pneumonia and oxygen saturation of 88%
C. Client awaiting discharge instructions
D. Client requesting assistance to the bathroom
Correct Answer: B
,Explanation: Airway and breathing take priority. Oxygen saturation of 88% indicates impaired
oxygenation requiring immediate assessment.
4. A nurse is teaching a client about deep vein thrombosis prevention after surgery. Which
statement by the client indicates understanding?
A. "I will avoid walking for several days."
B. "I will keep my legs crossed when sitting."
C. "I will perform leg exercises regularly."
D. "I should limit fluid intake."
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Leg exercises promote venous return and reduce DVT risk. Immobility, leg
crossing, and dehydration increase risk.
5. A client develops sudden shortness of breath after a long flight. Which condition should
the nurse suspect?
A. Asthma attack
B. Pulmonary embolism
C. Pneumonia
D. Myocardial infarction
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Long periods of immobility increase DVT risk, which may lead to pulmonary
embolism characterized by sudden dyspnea.
6. A nurse is reviewing laboratory results. Which potassium level requires immediate
intervention?
A. 4.2 mEq/L
B. 3.8 mEq/L
C. 5.9 mEq/L
D. 4.5 mEq/L
Correct Answer: C
,Explanation: A potassium level of 5.9 mEq/L indicates hyperkalemia, which can cause life-
threatening cardiac dysrhythmias.
7. A client with chronic kidney disease has a serum creatinine of 4.8 mg/dL. What does this
finding indicate?
A. Improved renal function
B. Normal kidney function
C. Impaired kidney function
D. Dehydration only
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Elevated creatinine reflects reduced kidney filtration and impaired renal function.
8. A nurse is caring for a client receiving a blood transfusion who develops chills and fever.
What is the priority action?
A. Increase the infusion rate
B. Stop the transfusion immediately
C. Administer prescribed analgesics
D. Document findings and continue infusion
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Chills and fever may indicate a transfusion reaction. The transfusion must be
stopped immediately.
9. Which finding is most concerning in a client with increased intracranial pressure?
A. Headache
B. Restlessness
C. Bradycardia and hypertension
D. Nausea
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Bradycardia and hypertension are components of Cushing's triad, indicating
severe increased intracranial pressure.
, 10. A nurse is evaluating a client's understanding of asthma management. Which statement
indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I will avoid known triggers."
B. "I will use my rescue inhaler during acute symptoms."
C. "I can stop my controller medication when I feel better."
D. "I should monitor my breathing status."
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Controller medications should be taken as prescribed even when symptoms
improve.
11. A client reports chest pain rated 8/10. What is the nurse's priority assessment?
A. Pain history and characteristics
B. Dietary intake
C. Family support system
D. Bowel elimination pattern
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Detailed pain assessment helps determine whether the pain is cardiac-related and
guides urgent interventions.
12. Which assessment finding suggests hypovolemic shock?
A. Warm flushed skin
B. Bounding pulse
C. Hypotension and tachycardia
D. Bradycardia
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Hypovolemic shock typically presents with low blood pressure and compensatory
tachycardia.
13. A nurse is caring for a client with sepsis. Which action has the highest priority?
WITH QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS
2026/27
1. A nurse is caring for a client admitted with heart failure. Which assessment finding
indicates worsening fluid overload?
A. Weight loss of 1 kg in 24 hours
B. Decreased peripheral edema
C. Crackles heard in both lung bases
D. Dry mucous membranes
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Crackles indicate fluid accumulation in the lungs and worsening heart failure.
Weight loss and decreased edema suggest improvement, while dry mucous membranes indicate
possible dehydration.
2. A client with type 1 diabetes reports shakiness and sweating. What is the nurse's priority
action?
A. Administer insulin
B. Check the client's blood glucose level
C. Encourage exercise
D. Restrict fluids
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Shakiness and sweating are signs of hypoglycemia. The nurse should first assess
blood glucose before implementing interventions.
3. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. Client with a fractured arm reporting pain of 6/10
B. Client with pneumonia and oxygen saturation of 88%
C. Client awaiting discharge instructions
D. Client requesting assistance to the bathroom
Correct Answer: B
,Explanation: Airway and breathing take priority. Oxygen saturation of 88% indicates impaired
oxygenation requiring immediate assessment.
4. A nurse is teaching a client about deep vein thrombosis prevention after surgery. Which
statement by the client indicates understanding?
A. "I will avoid walking for several days."
B. "I will keep my legs crossed when sitting."
C. "I will perform leg exercises regularly."
D. "I should limit fluid intake."
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Leg exercises promote venous return and reduce DVT risk. Immobility, leg
crossing, and dehydration increase risk.
5. A client develops sudden shortness of breath after a long flight. Which condition should
the nurse suspect?
A. Asthma attack
B. Pulmonary embolism
C. Pneumonia
D. Myocardial infarction
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Long periods of immobility increase DVT risk, which may lead to pulmonary
embolism characterized by sudden dyspnea.
6. A nurse is reviewing laboratory results. Which potassium level requires immediate
intervention?
A. 4.2 mEq/L
B. 3.8 mEq/L
C. 5.9 mEq/L
D. 4.5 mEq/L
Correct Answer: C
,Explanation: A potassium level of 5.9 mEq/L indicates hyperkalemia, which can cause life-
threatening cardiac dysrhythmias.
7. A client with chronic kidney disease has a serum creatinine of 4.8 mg/dL. What does this
finding indicate?
A. Improved renal function
B. Normal kidney function
C. Impaired kidney function
D. Dehydration only
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Elevated creatinine reflects reduced kidney filtration and impaired renal function.
8. A nurse is caring for a client receiving a blood transfusion who develops chills and fever.
What is the priority action?
A. Increase the infusion rate
B. Stop the transfusion immediately
C. Administer prescribed analgesics
D. Document findings and continue infusion
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Chills and fever may indicate a transfusion reaction. The transfusion must be
stopped immediately.
9. Which finding is most concerning in a client with increased intracranial pressure?
A. Headache
B. Restlessness
C. Bradycardia and hypertension
D. Nausea
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Bradycardia and hypertension are components of Cushing's triad, indicating
severe increased intracranial pressure.
, 10. A nurse is evaluating a client's understanding of asthma management. Which statement
indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I will avoid known triggers."
B. "I will use my rescue inhaler during acute symptoms."
C. "I can stop my controller medication when I feel better."
D. "I should monitor my breathing status."
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Controller medications should be taken as prescribed even when symptoms
improve.
11. A client reports chest pain rated 8/10. What is the nurse's priority assessment?
A. Pain history and characteristics
B. Dietary intake
C. Family support system
D. Bowel elimination pattern
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Detailed pain assessment helps determine whether the pain is cardiac-related and
guides urgent interventions.
12. Which assessment finding suggests hypovolemic shock?
A. Warm flushed skin
B. Bounding pulse
C. Hypotension and tachycardia
D. Bradycardia
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Hypovolemic shock typically presents with low blood pressure and compensatory
tachycardia.
13. A nurse is caring for a client with sepsis. Which action has the highest priority?
