Exit ATI 2026 RN Comprehensive Predictor

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Sample questions from Exit ATI 2026 RN Comprehensive Predictor

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

1. 1.A 68-year-old client is admitted to the medical-surgical unit with pneumonia. The client is newly confused, has a temperature of 39.1 C (102.4 F), heart rate 128/min, respirations 30/min, blood pressure 82/46 mm Hg, and oxygen saturation 90% on room air. Which action should the nurse take first?

   • A.Obtain a sputum specimen for culture
   • B.Initiate the facility's sepsis response and support oxygenation
   • C.Administer the prescribed oral antibiotic
   • D.Reassess the client's blood pressure in 30 minutes

   Rationale: Hypotension, tachycardia, altered mentation, and infection cues indicate possible septic shock, requiring immediate escalation and stabilization. A sputum culture is useful but must not delay urgent treatment; an oral antibiotic is not the priority in an unstable client. Waiting 30 minutes risks worsening organ perfusion.

2. 2.A 74-year-old client with heart failure is on a medical unit and has a prescription for furosemide 40 mg IV. The latest potassium is 2.9 mEq/L, and the client reports new leg cramps; blood pressure is 118/70 mm Hg. What should the nurse do?

   • A.Give the furosemide and document the cramps
   • B.Hold the dose and notify the provider of the potassium level and symptoms
   • C.Ask the nursing assistant to recheck the potassium
   • D.Give the furosemide with a potassium-rich snack

   Rationale: A potassium of 2.9 mEq/L with cramps suggests clinically significant hypokalemia, which furosemide can worsen and which may increase dysrhythmia risk. The nurse should hold the dose and promptly contact the provider for direction. A snack does not correct the immediate risk, and assistive personnel cannot assess or manage this medication concern.

3. 3.A 59-year-old client returns from a thyroidectomy to the postanesthesia care unit. The client is restless, has inspiratory stridor, and an oxygen saturation of 88% despite oxygen at 2 L/min; heart rate is 116/min. What is the nurse's priority action?

   • A.Inspect the incision for drainage
   • B.Place the client supine and encourage coughing
   • C.Activate emergency assistance and prepare to support the airway
   • D.Administer the prescribed opioid for restlessness

   Rationale: Stridor and falling oxygen saturation after thyroid surgery suggest acute airway compromise, which can rapidly become fatal. Emergency airway support takes priority over routine incision assessment or analgesia. Supine positioning and coughing may worsen distress and do not address the threatened airway.

4. 4.A 30-year-old client with type 1 diabetes is being treated in the emergency department for diabetic ketoacidosis. Glucose is 548 mg/dL, pH is 7.18, potassium is 5.6 mEq/L, and blood pressure is 94/58 mm Hg. Which prescribed intervention should the nurse implement first?

   • A.Begin an isotonic IV fluid bolus
   • B.Administer IV regular insulin
   • C.Give IV sodium bicarbonate
   • D.Provide oral potassium replacement

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.

5. 5.A 67-year-old client arrives at the emergency department 45 minutes after sudden onset of right-sided weakness and slurred speech. Blood pressure is 176/94 mm Hg, glucose is 112 mg/dL, and oxygen saturation is 96% on room air. Which action should the nurse anticipate as the priority?

   • A.Give aspirin before diagnostic imaging
   • B.Prepare the client for an urgent noncontrast head CT
   • C.Lower the blood pressure rapidly with an IV medication
   • D.Give oral fluids to prevent dehydration

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.