➢ Virtual ATI (VATI) PN Comprehensive Predictor
Updated 2026 | 200+ Practice Questions &
Verified Answers | Complete NCLEX-PN Readiness
Study Guide, Comprehensive Predictor Exam Prep,
Adaptive Practice Test Bank, Clinical Judgment
(NGN), Pharmacology, Medical-Surgical,
Pediatrics, Maternal-Newborn, Mental Health,
Leadership, Detailed Rationales, Practical Nursing
Success
Question 1: A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has a new
prescription for alendronate. Which of the following client statements
indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. "I will take this medication with a full glass of orange juice."
B. "I will lie down for 30 minutes after taking this medication."
C. "I will take this medication first thing in the morning on an empty stomach."
D. "I will take this medication with my evening meal."
CORRECT ANSWER: C. I will take this medication first thing in the morning on
an empty stomach.
Rationale: Alendronate must be taken first thing in the morning with a full glass of
water, at least 30 minutes before any food or other medications to ensure adequate
absorption and prevent esophageal irritation. The client should remain upright for at
least 30 minutes to prevent esophageal damage.
Question 2: A nurse is monitoring a client who is receiving a blood transfusion.
Which of the following findings indicates a hemolytic transfusion reaction?
A. Flushing and hives
B. Low back pain and chills
C. Dyspnea and wheezing
D. Hypertension and bradycardia
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Low back pain and chills.
Rationale: Low back pain, chills, fever, and chest tightness are classic signs of an acute
hemolytic transfusion reaction, which indicates the recipient's antibodies are attacking
the donor red blood cells.
Question 3: A nurse is caring for a client with a nasogastric tube connected to
continuous suction. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to
the provider?
A. Gastric output of 400 mL in 8 hours
B. Greenish-yellow drainage
C. Absent bowel sounds in all four quadrants
D. Dry mucous membranes
,CORRECT ANSWER: C. Absent bowel sounds in all four quadrants.
Rationale: Absent bowel sounds indicate a paralytic ileus or obstruction, which is a
serious complication and should be reported immediately. While dry mucous
membranes indicate dehydration, absent bowel sounds represent a more acute change
requiring immediate intervention.
Question 4: A nurse is preparing to administer a tuberculin skin test. At which
angle should the nurse insert the needle?
A. 5-degree angle
B. 15-degree angle
C. 45-degree angle
D. 90-degree angle
CORRECT ANSWER: A. 5-degree angle.
Rationale: A tuberculin skin test is administered intradermally, which requires the
needle to be inserted at a 5- to 15-degree angle, bevel up, just beneath the epidermis to
form a wheal.
Question 5: A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client about the use of a
patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump. Which of the following statements
by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I will press the button when I feel pain starting."
B. "My family can press the button for me if I am sleeping."
C. "The pump is set to deliver a specific dose each time I press it."
D. "I should not wait until the pain is severe to press the button."
CORRECT ANSWER: B. My family can press the button for me if I am sleeping.
Rationale: Only the client should press the PCA button to prevent overdose. Family
members pressing the button for a sleeping client bypasses the safety lockout intervals
and increases the risk of respiratory depression.
Question 6: A nurse is assessing a client who is 1 day post-operative following
a total knee arthroplasty. Which of the following findings is the priority for the
nurse to report?
A. Pain score of 6 on a scale of 0 to 10
B. Temperature of 37.8°C (100.0°F)
C. Edema of the affected extremity
D. Diminished peripheral pulses in the affected extremity
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Diminished peripheral pulses in the affected extremity.
Rationale: Diminished pulses indicate possible vascular compromise or compartment
syndrome. This is a priority finding as it threatens the viability of the limb.
,Question 7: A nurse is reinforcing dietary teaching with a client who has
chronic kidney disease. Which of the following food choices is appropriate for
a low-potassium diet?
A. Baked potato
B. Banana
C. Cooked cabbage
D. Orange juice
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Cooked cabbage.
Rationale: Cooked cabbage is a low-potassium vegetable. Potatoes, bananas, and
orange juice are high in potassium and should be restricted in chronic kidney disease.
Question 8: A nurse is administering a cleansing enema to a client. Which of
the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Position the client on the left side with the right knee flexed.
B. Insert the rectal tube 15 cm (6 in).
C. Hang the solution bag 30 cm (12 in) above the anus.
D. Warm the solution to 50°C (122°F).
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Position the client on the left side with the right knee
flexed.
Rationale: Placing the client in the left Sims' position allows the solution to flow down
by gravity following the natural curvature of the sigmoid colon, promoting optimal filling
and retention.
Question 9: A nurse is assessing a newborn who is 2 hours old. Which of the
following findings requires immediate intervention?
A. Acrocyanosis
B. Heart rate of 160/min
C. Irregular respirations
D. Nasal flaring
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Nasal flaring.
Rationale: Nasal flaring is a sign of respiratory distress in a newborn. Acrocyanosis is
normal in the first few hours, and a heart rate of 160 is within the normal range.
Irregular respirations are common in the transitional period.
Question 10: A nurse is caring for a client who has a tracheostomy. Which of
the following supplies should the nurse use to suction the tracheostomy?
A. A clean catheter for each suctioning attempt
B. A sterile catheter for each suctioning attempt
C. The same catheter for the entire shift to reduce cost
D. A clean catheter flushed with tap water between uses
, CORRECT ANSWER: B. A sterile catheter for each suctioning attempt.
Rationale: To prevent infection, a new sterile catheter must be used for each suctioning
procedure. The catheter should be inserted using sterile technique.
Question 11: A nurse is assessing a client who has a hip fracture. Which of the
following findings is a sign of fat embolism syndrome?
A. Hypoxia and petechiae on the chest
B. Severe pain localized to the hip joint
C. Muscle spasms in the thigh
D. Bradycardia and hypotension
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Hypoxia and petechiae on the chest.
Rationale: Fat embolism syndrome often presents with the triad of hypoxia, petechiae
(particularly on the chest and axillae), and neurologic changes. It is a life-threatening
complication of long bone fractures.
Question 12: A nurse is reinforcing teaching about wound care to a client who
is going home with a new colostomy. Which of the following statements
indicates understanding?
A. "I will change the pouch whenever it becomes one-third full."
B. "I will apply a skin barrier before placing the new pouch."
C. "I will clean the stoma with alcohol to prevent infection."
D. "I will cut the skin barrier opening as large as possible to fit around the stoma."
CORRECT ANSWER: B. I will apply a skin barrier before placing the new
pouch.
Rationale: Applying a skin barrier protects the peristomal skin from irritation and
breakdown. The barrier should be cut to fit the stoma size (ideally no more than 1/8
inch larger than the stoma) and cleaned with mild soap and water, not alcohol.
Question 13: A nurse is administering medications to a group of clients. Which
of the following prescriptions should the nurse question?
A. Metoprolol 25 mg PO daily for a client with a heart rate of 55/min
B. Furosemide 20 mg IV push for a client with a potassium level of 4.0 mEq/L
C. Digoxin 0.125 mg PO daily for a client with an apical pulse of 70/min
D. Lisinopril 10 mg PO daily for a client with a blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Metoprolol 25 mg PO daily for a client with a heart
rate of 55/min.
Rationale: Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that decreases heart rate. A heart rate of
55/min is bradycardic; administering the medication can further decrease the rate,
leading to complications.
Updated 2026 | 200+ Practice Questions &
Verified Answers | Complete NCLEX-PN Readiness
Study Guide, Comprehensive Predictor Exam Prep,
Adaptive Practice Test Bank, Clinical Judgment
(NGN), Pharmacology, Medical-Surgical,
Pediatrics, Maternal-Newborn, Mental Health,
Leadership, Detailed Rationales, Practical Nursing
Success
Question 1: A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has a new
prescription for alendronate. Which of the following client statements
indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. "I will take this medication with a full glass of orange juice."
B. "I will lie down for 30 minutes after taking this medication."
C. "I will take this medication first thing in the morning on an empty stomach."
D. "I will take this medication with my evening meal."
CORRECT ANSWER: C. I will take this medication first thing in the morning on
an empty stomach.
Rationale: Alendronate must be taken first thing in the morning with a full glass of
water, at least 30 minutes before any food or other medications to ensure adequate
absorption and prevent esophageal irritation. The client should remain upright for at
least 30 minutes to prevent esophageal damage.
Question 2: A nurse is monitoring a client who is receiving a blood transfusion.
Which of the following findings indicates a hemolytic transfusion reaction?
A. Flushing and hives
B. Low back pain and chills
C. Dyspnea and wheezing
D. Hypertension and bradycardia
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Low back pain and chills.
Rationale: Low back pain, chills, fever, and chest tightness are classic signs of an acute
hemolytic transfusion reaction, which indicates the recipient's antibodies are attacking
the donor red blood cells.
Question 3: A nurse is caring for a client with a nasogastric tube connected to
continuous suction. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to
the provider?
A. Gastric output of 400 mL in 8 hours
B. Greenish-yellow drainage
C. Absent bowel sounds in all four quadrants
D. Dry mucous membranes
,CORRECT ANSWER: C. Absent bowel sounds in all four quadrants.
Rationale: Absent bowel sounds indicate a paralytic ileus or obstruction, which is a
serious complication and should be reported immediately. While dry mucous
membranes indicate dehydration, absent bowel sounds represent a more acute change
requiring immediate intervention.
Question 4: A nurse is preparing to administer a tuberculin skin test. At which
angle should the nurse insert the needle?
A. 5-degree angle
B. 15-degree angle
C. 45-degree angle
D. 90-degree angle
CORRECT ANSWER: A. 5-degree angle.
Rationale: A tuberculin skin test is administered intradermally, which requires the
needle to be inserted at a 5- to 15-degree angle, bevel up, just beneath the epidermis to
form a wheal.
Question 5: A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client about the use of a
patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump. Which of the following statements
by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I will press the button when I feel pain starting."
B. "My family can press the button for me if I am sleeping."
C. "The pump is set to deliver a specific dose each time I press it."
D. "I should not wait until the pain is severe to press the button."
CORRECT ANSWER: B. My family can press the button for me if I am sleeping.
Rationale: Only the client should press the PCA button to prevent overdose. Family
members pressing the button for a sleeping client bypasses the safety lockout intervals
and increases the risk of respiratory depression.
Question 6: A nurse is assessing a client who is 1 day post-operative following
a total knee arthroplasty. Which of the following findings is the priority for the
nurse to report?
A. Pain score of 6 on a scale of 0 to 10
B. Temperature of 37.8°C (100.0°F)
C. Edema of the affected extremity
D. Diminished peripheral pulses in the affected extremity
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Diminished peripheral pulses in the affected extremity.
Rationale: Diminished pulses indicate possible vascular compromise or compartment
syndrome. This is a priority finding as it threatens the viability of the limb.
,Question 7: A nurse is reinforcing dietary teaching with a client who has
chronic kidney disease. Which of the following food choices is appropriate for
a low-potassium diet?
A. Baked potato
B. Banana
C. Cooked cabbage
D. Orange juice
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Cooked cabbage.
Rationale: Cooked cabbage is a low-potassium vegetable. Potatoes, bananas, and
orange juice are high in potassium and should be restricted in chronic kidney disease.
Question 8: A nurse is administering a cleansing enema to a client. Which of
the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Position the client on the left side with the right knee flexed.
B. Insert the rectal tube 15 cm (6 in).
C. Hang the solution bag 30 cm (12 in) above the anus.
D. Warm the solution to 50°C (122°F).
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Position the client on the left side with the right knee
flexed.
Rationale: Placing the client in the left Sims' position allows the solution to flow down
by gravity following the natural curvature of the sigmoid colon, promoting optimal filling
and retention.
Question 9: A nurse is assessing a newborn who is 2 hours old. Which of the
following findings requires immediate intervention?
A. Acrocyanosis
B. Heart rate of 160/min
C. Irregular respirations
D. Nasal flaring
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Nasal flaring.
Rationale: Nasal flaring is a sign of respiratory distress in a newborn. Acrocyanosis is
normal in the first few hours, and a heart rate of 160 is within the normal range.
Irregular respirations are common in the transitional period.
Question 10: A nurse is caring for a client who has a tracheostomy. Which of
the following supplies should the nurse use to suction the tracheostomy?
A. A clean catheter for each suctioning attempt
B. A sterile catheter for each suctioning attempt
C. The same catheter for the entire shift to reduce cost
D. A clean catheter flushed with tap water between uses
, CORRECT ANSWER: B. A sterile catheter for each suctioning attempt.
Rationale: To prevent infection, a new sterile catheter must be used for each suctioning
procedure. The catheter should be inserted using sterile technique.
Question 11: A nurse is assessing a client who has a hip fracture. Which of the
following findings is a sign of fat embolism syndrome?
A. Hypoxia and petechiae on the chest
B. Severe pain localized to the hip joint
C. Muscle spasms in the thigh
D. Bradycardia and hypotension
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Hypoxia and petechiae on the chest.
Rationale: Fat embolism syndrome often presents with the triad of hypoxia, petechiae
(particularly on the chest and axillae), and neurologic changes. It is a life-threatening
complication of long bone fractures.
Question 12: A nurse is reinforcing teaching about wound care to a client who
is going home with a new colostomy. Which of the following statements
indicates understanding?
A. "I will change the pouch whenever it becomes one-third full."
B. "I will apply a skin barrier before placing the new pouch."
C. "I will clean the stoma with alcohol to prevent infection."
D. "I will cut the skin barrier opening as large as possible to fit around the stoma."
CORRECT ANSWER: B. I will apply a skin barrier before placing the new
pouch.
Rationale: Applying a skin barrier protects the peristomal skin from irritation and
breakdown. The barrier should be cut to fit the stoma size (ideally no more than 1/8
inch larger than the stoma) and cleaned with mild soap and water, not alcohol.
Question 13: A nurse is administering medications to a group of clients. Which
of the following prescriptions should the nurse question?
A. Metoprolol 25 mg PO daily for a client with a heart rate of 55/min
B. Furosemide 20 mg IV push for a client with a potassium level of 4.0 mEq/L
C. Digoxin 0.125 mg PO daily for a client with an apical pulse of 70/min
D. Lisinopril 10 mg PO daily for a client with a blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Metoprolol 25 mg PO daily for a client with a heart
rate of 55/min.
Rationale: Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that decreases heart rate. A heart rate of
55/min is bradycardic; administering the medication can further decrease the rate,
leading to complications.
