1
ATI RN Comprehensive Predictor 2025–2026: 180 Real
Exam Questions with Verified Answers & Detailed
Rationales-HEALTHSTUDYPRO
Question 1:
A nurse is caring for a client with a new diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB).
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Administer the prescribed antitubercular medications
B. Place the client in airborne isolation
C. Notify the public health department
D. Educate the client on medication adherence
Correct Answer: B. Place the client in airborne isolation
Rationale: Airborne precautions must be initiated immediately to
prevent transmission. Safety and containment of the infectious disease
come before other interventions.
, 2
Question 2:
A client with heart failure reports a 3-lb weight gain in 2 days. Which of
the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Reassure the client that this is expected
B. Increase dietary sodium intake
C. Auscultate lung sounds
D. Withhold daily diuretic
Correct Answer: C. Auscultate lung sounds
Rationale: A sudden weight gain may indicate fluid retention. Lung
sounds should be assessed to detect signs of pulmonary edema, a serious
HF complication.
Question 3:
A nurse is caring for a client who has a central venous catheter and
develops dyspnea, tachycardia, and hypotension. What is the priority
action?
A. Clamp the catheter
B. Administer oxygen
, 3
C. Place the client in Trendelenburg position on the left side
D. Notify the provider
Correct Answer: C. Place the client in Trendelenburg position on the
left side
Rationale: These are signs of an air embolism. This position traps air in
the right atrium to prevent it from entering pulmonary circulation while
the provider is notified.
Question 4:
A nurse is monitoring a client with a thyroidectomy. Which finding
should be reported immediately?
A. Hoarseness
B. Difficulty swallowing
C. Tingling in fingers
D. Laryngeal stridor
Correct Answer: D. Laryngeal stridor
Rationale: Laryngeal stridor is a sign of airway obstruction or
hypocalcemia due to parathyroid damage. It is a medical emergency.
, 4
Question 5:
A client with COPD is receiving oxygen at 4 L/min via nasal cannula.
Which complication should the nurse monitor for?
A. Oxygen toxicity
B. Pulmonary embolism
C. Hypercapnia
D. Respiratory alkalosis
Correct Answer: C. Hypercapnia
Rationale: High oxygen flow in COPD patients can suppress the
hypoxic drive, causing CO₂ retention (hypercapnia).
Question 6:
A nurse is caring for a client with a newly placed colostomy. Which of
the following should be included in discharge teaching?
A. Clean the stoma site with alcohol
B. Apply moisturizing cream to the stoma
ATI RN Comprehensive Predictor 2025–2026: 180 Real
Exam Questions with Verified Answers & Detailed
Rationales-HEALTHSTUDYPRO
Question 1:
A nurse is caring for a client with a new diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB).
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Administer the prescribed antitubercular medications
B. Place the client in airborne isolation
C. Notify the public health department
D. Educate the client on medication adherence
Correct Answer: B. Place the client in airborne isolation
Rationale: Airborne precautions must be initiated immediately to
prevent transmission. Safety and containment of the infectious disease
come before other interventions.
, 2
Question 2:
A client with heart failure reports a 3-lb weight gain in 2 days. Which of
the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Reassure the client that this is expected
B. Increase dietary sodium intake
C. Auscultate lung sounds
D. Withhold daily diuretic
Correct Answer: C. Auscultate lung sounds
Rationale: A sudden weight gain may indicate fluid retention. Lung
sounds should be assessed to detect signs of pulmonary edema, a serious
HF complication.
Question 3:
A nurse is caring for a client who has a central venous catheter and
develops dyspnea, tachycardia, and hypotension. What is the priority
action?
A. Clamp the catheter
B. Administer oxygen
, 3
C. Place the client in Trendelenburg position on the left side
D. Notify the provider
Correct Answer: C. Place the client in Trendelenburg position on the
left side
Rationale: These are signs of an air embolism. This position traps air in
the right atrium to prevent it from entering pulmonary circulation while
the provider is notified.
Question 4:
A nurse is monitoring a client with a thyroidectomy. Which finding
should be reported immediately?
A. Hoarseness
B. Difficulty swallowing
C. Tingling in fingers
D. Laryngeal stridor
Correct Answer: D. Laryngeal stridor
Rationale: Laryngeal stridor is a sign of airway obstruction or
hypocalcemia due to parathyroid damage. It is a medical emergency.
, 4
Question 5:
A client with COPD is receiving oxygen at 4 L/min via nasal cannula.
Which complication should the nurse monitor for?
A. Oxygen toxicity
B. Pulmonary embolism
C. Hypercapnia
D. Respiratory alkalosis
Correct Answer: C. Hypercapnia
Rationale: High oxygen flow in COPD patients can suppress the
hypoxic drive, causing CO₂ retention (hypercapnia).
Question 6:
A nurse is caring for a client with a newly placed colostomy. Which of
the following should be included in discharge teaching?
A. Clean the stoma site with alcohol
B. Apply moisturizing cream to the stoma
