ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor: High-Yield
Study Guide
Test-Taking Strategies & Prioritization
The NCLEX/ATI priority framework is essential for selecting correct
answers :
Rule Application
Do NOT delegate what you Evaluate, Assess, Teach — these tasks cannot be
can EAT delegated to assistive personnel
Only choose intervention in an emergency. Prioritize
Choose assessment FIRST answers that assess the patient's body over checking
equipment
ABCs take priority Airway, Breathing, Circulation always come first
Acute > Chronic Unstable patients take priority over stable patients
When in distress,
medication is rarely the Address the underlying problem first
best choice
Core Clinical Concepts
Patient Positioning
, Procedure/Condition Position Rationale
Prevents
After lumbar puncture /
Flat supine headache and
oil-based myelogram
leaking of CSF
After myringotomy On side of affected ear Allows drainag
Sleep on unaffected side with night Protects surgic
After cataract surgery
shield for 1-4 weeks site
Low or semi-Fowler's, support Prevents strain
After thyroidectomy
head/neck/shoulders on incision
Prevents sac
Infant with spina bifida Prone
rupture
After total hip No hip flexion >45-60°, maintain Prevents
replacement abduction with pillows, HOB <45° dislocation
Relieves pressu
Prolapsed cord Knee-to-chest or Trendelenburg
on cord
On back or in infant seat (upright Prevents traum
Cleft lip repair
for feeding) to suture line
Study Guide
Test-Taking Strategies & Prioritization
The NCLEX/ATI priority framework is essential for selecting correct
answers :
Rule Application
Do NOT delegate what you Evaluate, Assess, Teach — these tasks cannot be
can EAT delegated to assistive personnel
Only choose intervention in an emergency. Prioritize
Choose assessment FIRST answers that assess the patient's body over checking
equipment
ABCs take priority Airway, Breathing, Circulation always come first
Acute > Chronic Unstable patients take priority over stable patients
When in distress,
medication is rarely the Address the underlying problem first
best choice
Core Clinical Concepts
Patient Positioning
, Procedure/Condition Position Rationale
Prevents
After lumbar puncture /
Flat supine headache and
oil-based myelogram
leaking of CSF
After myringotomy On side of affected ear Allows drainag
Sleep on unaffected side with night Protects surgic
After cataract surgery
shield for 1-4 weeks site
Low or semi-Fowler's, support Prevents strain
After thyroidectomy
head/neck/shoulders on incision
Prevents sac
Infant with spina bifida Prone
rupture
After total hip No hip flexion >45-60°, maintain Prevents
replacement abduction with pillows, HOB <45° dislocation
Relieves pressu
Prolapsed cord Knee-to-chest or Trendelenburg
on cord
On back or in infant seat (upright Prevents traum
Cleft lip repair
for feeding) to suture line
