RN ATI Comprehensive Predictor 2026 Proctored Exam

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Sample questions from RN ATI Comprehensive Predictor 2026 Proctored Exam

This material has 90 questions with answers and rationales. Here are the first 5.

1. 1.In the emergency department, a client with a history of heart failure reports worsening shortness of breath. The client is sitting upright, has crackles in both lung bases, and has an oxygen saturation of 86% on room air. Which action should the nurse take first?

   • A.Apply oxygen and position the client upright.
   • B.Administer the prescribed oral dose of furosemide.
   • C.Obtain a daily weight and compare it with the prior measurement.
   • D.Teach the client to limit dietary sodium.

   Rationale: Applying oxygen and positioning the client upright address the immediate problem of impaired oxygenation. A weight can help evaluate fluid status, but it does not stabilize breathing; oral furosemide may be prescribed but is not the first response to hypoxemia. Sodium teaching is important for long-term management, not this acute change.

2. 2.Refer to the client's chart. Which actions should the nurse take in response to the client's current findings? Select all that apply.

   • A.Administer the prescribed short-acting bronchodilator.
   • B.Place the client flat to reduce energy expenditure.
   • C.Apply oxygen as prescribed and position the client to ease breathing.
   • D.Prepare to escalate care if respiratory distress continues.
   • E.Reassess respiratory effort and oxygen saturation after treatment.
   • F.Encourage oral fluids to thin respiratory secretions.

   Rationale: Oxygen and upright positioning support oxygenation, and the chart shows saturation falling from 91% to 86% with increased work of breathing. The prescribed bronchodilator is appropriate for wheezing, and reassessment is needed to evaluate the response; persistent distress warrants escalation. Encouraging oral fluids is not the immediate priority during respiratory distress, and lying flat can worsen ventilation.

3. 3.A client's potassium is 6.1 mEq/L, and the ECG shows peaked T waves. Which prescribed intervention should the nurse implement first?

   • A.Teach the client to avoid foods high in potassium.
   • B.Administer IV calcium gluconate.
   • C.Obtain a repeat potassium level before intervening.
   • D.Give oral sodium polystyrene sulfonate.

   Rationale: IV calcium gluconate stabilizes the myocardium and is the immediate priority when hyperkalemia is accompanied by ECG changes. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate may help remove potassium but does not provide rapid cardiac membrane stabilization. Dietary teaching is useful after stabilization, and delaying treatment to repeat the level is unsafe with the documented ECG change.

4. 4.A primigravida at 32 weeks' gestation reports a severe headache and seeing spots. Her blood pressure is 168/110 mm Hg, and urine dipstick testing shows 3+ protein. Which action is the priority?

   • A.Encourage ambulation to improve circulation.
   • B.Recheck the blood pressure in 4 hours before taking further action.
   • C.Offer a high-sodium snack to prevent electrolyte imbalance.
   • D.Place the client in a quiet, low-stimulation environment and notify the provider immediately.

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.

5. 5.At change of shift, the nurse receives report on four clients. Which client should the nurse assess first?

   • A.A client with chronic arthritis who rates joint pain as 6 on a 0-to-10 scale.
   • B.A client with diabetes who requests assistance choosing a meal.
   • C.A client 1 day after abdominal surgery who has new restlessness and an oxygen saturation of 89%.
   • D.A client with a cast who reports itching beneath the cast.

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.