(NGN) RN ATI COMPREHENSIVE PREDICTOR EXAM
2023 EXAM with Questions and Answers/Plus a
Rationale Updated 2026 A+/Instant Download PDF
EXAM COVERAGE
1. Management of Care
2. Safety and Infection Control
3. Health Promotion and Maintenance
4. Psychosocial Integrity
5. Basic Care and Comfort
6. Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
7. Reduction of Risk Potential
8. Physiological Adaptation
9. Clinical Judgment
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 days postoperative following a total hip arthroplasty. The
client reports sudden, sharp pain in the calf and shortness of breath. Which action should the
nurse take first?
A. Elevate the client's leg above the level of the heart to reduce swelling.
B. Initiate high-flow oxygen therapy via a non-rebreather mask.
C. Obtain a set of vital signs and perform a focused respiratory assessment.
D. Administer a PRN analgesic to address the client's report of pain.
, CORRECT ANSWER : B
Rationale: The client is exhibiting classic signs of a pulmonary embolism (PE), a life-threatening
complication of deep vein thrombosis. Airway and oxygenation are the highest priorities;
therefore, initiating oxygen therapy is the first action to address potential hypoxemia. Options A,
C, and D are important, but they do not address the immediate life-threatening compromise of
gas exchange as quickly as providing supplemental oxygen.
2. A nurse is preparing to delegate tasks to a nursing assistive personnel (NAP) for a client who is 1
day postpartum. Which of the following tasks is appropriate to delegate?
A. Assessing the location and firmness of the uterine fundus.
B. Assisting the client with ambulation to the bathroom.
C. Providing instruction on perineal hygiene and self-care.
D. Evaluating the client’s attachment behaviors with the newborn.
CORRECT ANSWER : B
Rationale: Assisting with ambulation is within the scope of practice for a NAP, as it involves
safety and physical support. Assessing the fundus, providing patient education, and evaluating
psychosocial behaviors are nursing-specific functions that require professional assessment and
cannot be delegated.
3. A nurse is reviewing a prescription for a client who has a suspected peptic ulcer. The provider
prescribes a magnesium-based antacid. Which of the following should the nurse include in the
teaching?
A. "Take this medication 2 hours after meals to maximize absorption."
B. "Be aware that this medication may cause diarrhea as a side effect."
C. "You should avoid all dairy products while taking this medication."
D. "This medication will permanently heal the ulcerated tissue."
CORRECT ANSWER : B
Rationale: Magnesium-based antacids are well-known to cause diarrhea. Aluminum-based
antacids are more likely to cause constipation. Option A is incorrect as antacids are typically
taken at specific intervals relative to meals for efficacy, and Option D is incorrect because
antacids neutralize acid but do not heal the ulcer itself.
,4. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for lithium carbonate. Which of the
following laboratory values should the nurse monitor to ensure the client’s safety?
A. Serum potassium level.
B. Serum lithium level.
C. Blood glucose level.
D. White blood cell count.
CORRECT ANSWER : B
Rationale: Lithium has a very narrow therapeutic index, meaning the difference between a
therapeutic dose and a toxic dose is small. Routine monitoring of serum lithium levels is
essential to prevent toxicity. While other values are important for general health, lithium levels
are specific to the safety of this drug.
5. A nurse is prioritizing care for a group of clients on a medical-surgical unit. Which of the
following clients should the nurse see first?
A. A client who has a new prescription for an antibiotic and is requesting the first dose.
B. A client who is postoperative and has a blood pressure of 90/50 mm Hg and a heart rate
of 120 bpm.
C. A client who is awaiting discharge and has a heart rate of 88 bpm.
D. A client who reports a pain level of 6/10 following a dressing change.
CORRECT ANSWER : B
Rationale: The nurse must use the nursing process to prioritize, addressing the client with the
most unstable physiological parameters first. This client is exhibiting signs of hypovolemic
shock, requiring immediate nursing intervention. The other clients are either stable or their
needs do not represent an immediate threat to life.
6. A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client who has a new prescription for warfarin.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. "I will increase my intake of green leafy vegetables to improve my vitamin K levels."
B. "I will use a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent bleeding of my gums."
C. "I can take aspirin or ibuprofen if I develop a headache."
, D. "I should stop taking the medication if I notice any bruising."
CORRECT ANSWER : B
Rationale: Warfarin is an anticoagulant that increases the risk of bleeding, so using a soft-
bristled toothbrush is a standard precaution. Increasing vitamin K (A) would decrease the
effectiveness of the drug, and NSAIDs like aspirin or ibuprofen (C) are contraindicated due to
further increased bleeding risk. Stopping the medication without provider consult (D) is
dangerous.
7. A nurse is assessing a client with a history of heart failure who is receiving furosemide. Which of
the following findings is a priority to report to the provider?
A. A weight gain of 1 pound in 24 hours.
B. A potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L.
C. A blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg.
D. A report of mild fatigue after walking in the hallway.
CORRECT ANSWER : B
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the loss of potassium. A level of 3.0 mEq/L
indicates hypokalemia, which places the client at significant risk for life-threatening cardiac
arrhythmias. While weight gain (A) is a concern for heart failure, the electrolyte imbalance is a
more immediate and dangerous finding.
8. A nurse is caring for a client who is in the emergency department following a motor vehicle
accident. The client has an open fracture of the tibia. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Assess the client's distal pulses and capillary refill in the affected extremity.
B. Administer a dose of morphine for pain management.
C. Clean the wound with sterile saline to prevent infection.
D. Prepare the client for surgical stabilization of the fracture.
CORRECT ANSWER : A
Rationale: In trauma care, the primary survey focuses on circulation and neurovascular status.
Checking distal pulses and perfusion is essential to determine if there is damage to major blood
vessels or nerves that could compromise the limb. Pain management and wound care are
secondary to ensuring neurovascular integrity.
2023 EXAM with Questions and Answers/Plus a
Rationale Updated 2026 A+/Instant Download PDF
EXAM COVERAGE
1. Management of Care
2. Safety and Infection Control
3. Health Promotion and Maintenance
4. Psychosocial Integrity
5. Basic Care and Comfort
6. Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
7. Reduction of Risk Potential
8. Physiological Adaptation
9. Clinical Judgment
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 days postoperative following a total hip arthroplasty. The
client reports sudden, sharp pain in the calf and shortness of breath. Which action should the
nurse take first?
A. Elevate the client's leg above the level of the heart to reduce swelling.
B. Initiate high-flow oxygen therapy via a non-rebreather mask.
C. Obtain a set of vital signs and perform a focused respiratory assessment.
D. Administer a PRN analgesic to address the client's report of pain.
, CORRECT ANSWER : B
Rationale: The client is exhibiting classic signs of a pulmonary embolism (PE), a life-threatening
complication of deep vein thrombosis. Airway and oxygenation are the highest priorities;
therefore, initiating oxygen therapy is the first action to address potential hypoxemia. Options A,
C, and D are important, but they do not address the immediate life-threatening compromise of
gas exchange as quickly as providing supplemental oxygen.
2. A nurse is preparing to delegate tasks to a nursing assistive personnel (NAP) for a client who is 1
day postpartum. Which of the following tasks is appropriate to delegate?
A. Assessing the location and firmness of the uterine fundus.
B. Assisting the client with ambulation to the bathroom.
C. Providing instruction on perineal hygiene and self-care.
D. Evaluating the client’s attachment behaviors with the newborn.
CORRECT ANSWER : B
Rationale: Assisting with ambulation is within the scope of practice for a NAP, as it involves
safety and physical support. Assessing the fundus, providing patient education, and evaluating
psychosocial behaviors are nursing-specific functions that require professional assessment and
cannot be delegated.
3. A nurse is reviewing a prescription for a client who has a suspected peptic ulcer. The provider
prescribes a magnesium-based antacid. Which of the following should the nurse include in the
teaching?
A. "Take this medication 2 hours after meals to maximize absorption."
B. "Be aware that this medication may cause diarrhea as a side effect."
C. "You should avoid all dairy products while taking this medication."
D. "This medication will permanently heal the ulcerated tissue."
CORRECT ANSWER : B
Rationale: Magnesium-based antacids are well-known to cause diarrhea. Aluminum-based
antacids are more likely to cause constipation. Option A is incorrect as antacids are typically
taken at specific intervals relative to meals for efficacy, and Option D is incorrect because
antacids neutralize acid but do not heal the ulcer itself.
,4. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for lithium carbonate. Which of the
following laboratory values should the nurse monitor to ensure the client’s safety?
A. Serum potassium level.
B. Serum lithium level.
C. Blood glucose level.
D. White blood cell count.
CORRECT ANSWER : B
Rationale: Lithium has a very narrow therapeutic index, meaning the difference between a
therapeutic dose and a toxic dose is small. Routine monitoring of serum lithium levels is
essential to prevent toxicity. While other values are important for general health, lithium levels
are specific to the safety of this drug.
5. A nurse is prioritizing care for a group of clients on a medical-surgical unit. Which of the
following clients should the nurse see first?
A. A client who has a new prescription for an antibiotic and is requesting the first dose.
B. A client who is postoperative and has a blood pressure of 90/50 mm Hg and a heart rate
of 120 bpm.
C. A client who is awaiting discharge and has a heart rate of 88 bpm.
D. A client who reports a pain level of 6/10 following a dressing change.
CORRECT ANSWER : B
Rationale: The nurse must use the nursing process to prioritize, addressing the client with the
most unstable physiological parameters first. This client is exhibiting signs of hypovolemic
shock, requiring immediate nursing intervention. The other clients are either stable or their
needs do not represent an immediate threat to life.
6. A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client who has a new prescription for warfarin.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. "I will increase my intake of green leafy vegetables to improve my vitamin K levels."
B. "I will use a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent bleeding of my gums."
C. "I can take aspirin or ibuprofen if I develop a headache."
, D. "I should stop taking the medication if I notice any bruising."
CORRECT ANSWER : B
Rationale: Warfarin is an anticoagulant that increases the risk of bleeding, so using a soft-
bristled toothbrush is a standard precaution. Increasing vitamin K (A) would decrease the
effectiveness of the drug, and NSAIDs like aspirin or ibuprofen (C) are contraindicated due to
further increased bleeding risk. Stopping the medication without provider consult (D) is
dangerous.
7. A nurse is assessing a client with a history of heart failure who is receiving furosemide. Which of
the following findings is a priority to report to the provider?
A. A weight gain of 1 pound in 24 hours.
B. A potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L.
C. A blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg.
D. A report of mild fatigue after walking in the hallway.
CORRECT ANSWER : B
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the loss of potassium. A level of 3.0 mEq/L
indicates hypokalemia, which places the client at significant risk for life-threatening cardiac
arrhythmias. While weight gain (A) is a concern for heart failure, the electrolyte imbalance is a
more immediate and dangerous finding.
8. A nurse is caring for a client who is in the emergency department following a motor vehicle
accident. The client has an open fracture of the tibia. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Assess the client's distal pulses and capillary refill in the affected extremity.
B. Administer a dose of morphine for pain management.
C. Clean the wound with sterile saline to prevent infection.
D. Prepare the client for surgical stabilization of the fracture.
CORRECT ANSWER : A
Rationale: In trauma care, the primary survey focuses on circulation and neurovascular status.
Checking distal pulses and perfusion is essential to determine if there is damage to major blood
vessels or nerves that could compromise the limb. Pain management and wound care are
secondary to ensuring neurovascular integrity.
