ATI Comprehensive Exit Exam (NGN) – ATI RN
Comprehensive Predictor Study Guide, Original
NGN-Style Practice Questions & Answers,
Comprehensive Nursing Exit Exam Preparation,
Next Generation NCLEX Clinical Judgment,
Fundamentals, Medical-Surgical Nursing,
Pharmacology, Maternal-Newborn, Pediatrics,
Mental Health, Leadership, Prioritization,
Delegation, Patient Safety & NCLEX Readiness
Review
Question 1: A nurse is caring for a client with a chest tube following a
thoracotomy. Which of the following findings requires immediate intervention
by the nurse?
A. Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber
B. Tidaling with spontaneous respirations
C. Drainage of 75 mL in the first hour post-procedure
D. Suction chamber pressure of -20 cm H₂O
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber
Rationale: Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber indicates an air leak in the
system, which requires immediate assessment and intervention to prevent a
pneumothorax. Tidaling is an expected finding. Drainage of 75 mL in the first hour is
within expected parameters, and -20 cm H₂O is a standard suction pressure .
Question 2: A nurse is providing post-operative care for a client who had a
gastric bypass. Which dietary instruction should the nurse include in the
discharge teaching?
A. Limit meals to three times per day to control intake.
B. Start each meal by consuming a protein source.
C. Consume at least 25 grams of fiber daily.
D. Drink fluids with meals to promote satiety.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Start each meal by consuming a protein source.
Rationale: After gastric bypass, it is crucial for clients to prioritize protein intake to
promote healing and prevent muscle wasting. Clients should eat protein first at each
meal to ensure adequate intake .
Question 3: A nurse is assessing a client's skin and notes a lesion that is
asymmetric with variegated coloring. The nurse should recognize this as a sign
of which condition?
A. Actinic keratosis
B. Squamous cell carcinoma
,C. Malignant melanoma
D. Seborrheic keratosis
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Malignant melanoma
Rationale: The ABCDEs of melanoma assessment include Asymmetry, Border
irregularity, Color variation (variegated), Diameter >6mm, and Evolving. A lesion that is
asymmetric with variegated coloring is a classic warning sign of malignant melanoma .
Question 4: A nurse is interviewing an older adult client about physiological
changes. Which change is a normal part of the aging process?
A. Decreased blood pressure
B. Increased gastric secretions
C. Decreased sense of taste
D. Increased accommodation to near vision
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Decreased sense of taste
Rationale: Age-related physiological changes include a decreased sense of taste and
smell, which can affect appetite and nutritional status. Blood pressure typically
increases, gastric secretions decrease, and accommodation to near vision decreases
(presbyopia) .
Question 5: A nurse is planning care for a client experiencing alcohol
withdrawal syndrome. Which intervention should be included in the plan of
care?
A. Administer disulfiram as prescribed.
B. Provide frequent orientation to time and place.
C. Engage the client in group therapy sessions.
D. Perform gastric lavage to remove toxins.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Provide frequent orientation to time and place.
Rationale: Clients withdrawing from alcohol often experience confusion and
disorientation. Providing frequent, calm reorientation helps decrease anxiety and
promote safety. Disulfiram is used for aversion therapy, not acute withdrawal .
Question 6: A charge nurse is preparing to conduct an audit to measure the
quality of care on the unit. What is the most appropriate source of information
for the nurse to consult?
A. Protocols used in other hospitals
B. Nursing manager colleagues
C. Evidence-based practice data
D. Hospital administrators
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Evidence-based practice data
,Rationale: Quality improvement audits should be based on established, evidence-based
standards of care to ensure the best patient outcomes. Comparing practice against
evidence-based guidelines is a standard component of quality assurance .
Question 7: A nurse in a mental health facility is approached by a client's
daughter who is crying and expressing guilt for leaving her father there. What
is the nurse's most therapeutic response?
A. "You did the right thing by bringing him here."
B. "Why are you feeling this way?"
C. "I'd like to know more about what's bothering you."
D. "I'm sure your father doesn't blame you."
CORRECT ANSWER: C. "I'd like to know more about what's bothering you."
Rationale: This response uses an open-ended statement that encourages the daughter to
explore her feelings, which is therapeutic. Asking "why" can sound accusatory, and
offering reassurance without exploring the underlying feelings is not as therapeutic .
Question 8: A nurse is caring for a client with a new prescription for
furosemide. The client asks about the medication's purpose. The nurse states,
"This medication is a diuretic, and you should monitor your weight." Which
ethical concept is the nurse exhibiting?
A. Justice
B. Beneficence
C. Veracity
D. Nonmaleficence
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Veracity
Rationale: Veracity refers to the nurse's obligation to be truthful and not deceive others.
By providing accurate information about the medication and its implications, the nurse
is practicing veracity .
Question 9: A nurse is expressing concern to the charge nurse about having a
heavier workload than others. Which statement by the charge nurse
demonstrates the conflict resolution strategy of competing?
A. "Let's review the assignments together to adjust the workload."
B. "I understand you are overwhelmed, let's see what we can do."
C. "The assignments are based on acuity and are non-negotiable."
D. "We will take a look at the assignments together and attempt to modify the workload
you are concerned about."
CORRECT ANSWER: C. "The assignments are based on acuity and are non-
negotiable."
, Rationale: The competing conflict resolution strategy is assertive and uncooperative,
focusing on winning the argument with a rigid, non-negotiable stance. This statement
does not acknowledge the nurse's concern or seek compromise .
Question 10: A nurse is collecting data from a 3-month-old infant who is 6
hours post-operative following a cleft palate repair. Which pain rating tool
should the nurse use?
A. FACES Pain Scale
B. Visual Analog Scale
C. FLACC Scale
D. Oucher Scale
CORRECT ANSWER: C. FLACC Scale
Rationale: The FLACC (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) scale is a behavioral pain
assessment tool validated for use in infants and children aged 2 months to 7 years who
cannot self-report pain .
Question 11: A nurse is reinforcing teaching with the parents of a child who
has a seizure disorder. Which instruction should the nurse include?
A. Administer anti-seizure medication only during a seizure.
B. Call emergency services if a seizure lasts 2 minutes or more.
C. Place a tongue depressor in the child's mouth during a seizure.
D. Call EMS if a seizure lasts 5 minutes or more.
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Call EMS if a seizure lasts 5 minutes or more.
Rationale: Status epilepticus is a medical emergency defined as a seizure lasting longer
than 5 minutes or repeated seizures without a return to baseline. Parents should be
taught to call EMS immediately if this occurs .
Question 12: A nurse in an acute mental health facility observes a client
having a panic attack. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
A. Encourage the client to verbalize feelings.
B. Instruct the client to use abdominal breathing.
C. Administer prescribed PRN anxiolytic medication.
D. Move the client to a quiet room.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Instruct the client to use abdominal breathing.
Rationale: The priority during a panic attack is to assist the client in regaining control.
Using abdominal breathing techniques helps decrease hyperventilation and the
physiological symptoms of panic, which is the immediate first step .
Question 13: A nurse is caring for a 17-year-old client admitted for an
emergency appendectomy. The parents are unavailable. What is the
appropriate action by the nurse in obtaining informed consent?
Comprehensive Predictor Study Guide, Original
NGN-Style Practice Questions & Answers,
Comprehensive Nursing Exit Exam Preparation,
Next Generation NCLEX Clinical Judgment,
Fundamentals, Medical-Surgical Nursing,
Pharmacology, Maternal-Newborn, Pediatrics,
Mental Health, Leadership, Prioritization,
Delegation, Patient Safety & NCLEX Readiness
Review
Question 1: A nurse is caring for a client with a chest tube following a
thoracotomy. Which of the following findings requires immediate intervention
by the nurse?
A. Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber
B. Tidaling with spontaneous respirations
C. Drainage of 75 mL in the first hour post-procedure
D. Suction chamber pressure of -20 cm H₂O
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber
Rationale: Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber indicates an air leak in the
system, which requires immediate assessment and intervention to prevent a
pneumothorax. Tidaling is an expected finding. Drainage of 75 mL in the first hour is
within expected parameters, and -20 cm H₂O is a standard suction pressure .
Question 2: A nurse is providing post-operative care for a client who had a
gastric bypass. Which dietary instruction should the nurse include in the
discharge teaching?
A. Limit meals to three times per day to control intake.
B. Start each meal by consuming a protein source.
C. Consume at least 25 grams of fiber daily.
D. Drink fluids with meals to promote satiety.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Start each meal by consuming a protein source.
Rationale: After gastric bypass, it is crucial for clients to prioritize protein intake to
promote healing and prevent muscle wasting. Clients should eat protein first at each
meal to ensure adequate intake .
Question 3: A nurse is assessing a client's skin and notes a lesion that is
asymmetric with variegated coloring. The nurse should recognize this as a sign
of which condition?
A. Actinic keratosis
B. Squamous cell carcinoma
,C. Malignant melanoma
D. Seborrheic keratosis
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Malignant melanoma
Rationale: The ABCDEs of melanoma assessment include Asymmetry, Border
irregularity, Color variation (variegated), Diameter >6mm, and Evolving. A lesion that is
asymmetric with variegated coloring is a classic warning sign of malignant melanoma .
Question 4: A nurse is interviewing an older adult client about physiological
changes. Which change is a normal part of the aging process?
A. Decreased blood pressure
B. Increased gastric secretions
C. Decreased sense of taste
D. Increased accommodation to near vision
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Decreased sense of taste
Rationale: Age-related physiological changes include a decreased sense of taste and
smell, which can affect appetite and nutritional status. Blood pressure typically
increases, gastric secretions decrease, and accommodation to near vision decreases
(presbyopia) .
Question 5: A nurse is planning care for a client experiencing alcohol
withdrawal syndrome. Which intervention should be included in the plan of
care?
A. Administer disulfiram as prescribed.
B. Provide frequent orientation to time and place.
C. Engage the client in group therapy sessions.
D. Perform gastric lavage to remove toxins.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Provide frequent orientation to time and place.
Rationale: Clients withdrawing from alcohol often experience confusion and
disorientation. Providing frequent, calm reorientation helps decrease anxiety and
promote safety. Disulfiram is used for aversion therapy, not acute withdrawal .
Question 6: A charge nurse is preparing to conduct an audit to measure the
quality of care on the unit. What is the most appropriate source of information
for the nurse to consult?
A. Protocols used in other hospitals
B. Nursing manager colleagues
C. Evidence-based practice data
D. Hospital administrators
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Evidence-based practice data
,Rationale: Quality improvement audits should be based on established, evidence-based
standards of care to ensure the best patient outcomes. Comparing practice against
evidence-based guidelines is a standard component of quality assurance .
Question 7: A nurse in a mental health facility is approached by a client's
daughter who is crying and expressing guilt for leaving her father there. What
is the nurse's most therapeutic response?
A. "You did the right thing by bringing him here."
B. "Why are you feeling this way?"
C. "I'd like to know more about what's bothering you."
D. "I'm sure your father doesn't blame you."
CORRECT ANSWER: C. "I'd like to know more about what's bothering you."
Rationale: This response uses an open-ended statement that encourages the daughter to
explore her feelings, which is therapeutic. Asking "why" can sound accusatory, and
offering reassurance without exploring the underlying feelings is not as therapeutic .
Question 8: A nurse is caring for a client with a new prescription for
furosemide. The client asks about the medication's purpose. The nurse states,
"This medication is a diuretic, and you should monitor your weight." Which
ethical concept is the nurse exhibiting?
A. Justice
B. Beneficence
C. Veracity
D. Nonmaleficence
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Veracity
Rationale: Veracity refers to the nurse's obligation to be truthful and not deceive others.
By providing accurate information about the medication and its implications, the nurse
is practicing veracity .
Question 9: A nurse is expressing concern to the charge nurse about having a
heavier workload than others. Which statement by the charge nurse
demonstrates the conflict resolution strategy of competing?
A. "Let's review the assignments together to adjust the workload."
B. "I understand you are overwhelmed, let's see what we can do."
C. "The assignments are based on acuity and are non-negotiable."
D. "We will take a look at the assignments together and attempt to modify the workload
you are concerned about."
CORRECT ANSWER: C. "The assignments are based on acuity and are non-
negotiable."
, Rationale: The competing conflict resolution strategy is assertive and uncooperative,
focusing on winning the argument with a rigid, non-negotiable stance. This statement
does not acknowledge the nurse's concern or seek compromise .
Question 10: A nurse is collecting data from a 3-month-old infant who is 6
hours post-operative following a cleft palate repair. Which pain rating tool
should the nurse use?
A. FACES Pain Scale
B. Visual Analog Scale
C. FLACC Scale
D. Oucher Scale
CORRECT ANSWER: C. FLACC Scale
Rationale: The FLACC (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) scale is a behavioral pain
assessment tool validated for use in infants and children aged 2 months to 7 years who
cannot self-report pain .
Question 11: A nurse is reinforcing teaching with the parents of a child who
has a seizure disorder. Which instruction should the nurse include?
A. Administer anti-seizure medication only during a seizure.
B. Call emergency services if a seizure lasts 2 minutes or more.
C. Place a tongue depressor in the child's mouth during a seizure.
D. Call EMS if a seizure lasts 5 minutes or more.
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Call EMS if a seizure lasts 5 minutes or more.
Rationale: Status epilepticus is a medical emergency defined as a seizure lasting longer
than 5 minutes or repeated seizures without a return to baseline. Parents should be
taught to call EMS immediately if this occurs .
Question 12: A nurse in an acute mental health facility observes a client
having a panic attack. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
A. Encourage the client to verbalize feelings.
B. Instruct the client to use abdominal breathing.
C. Administer prescribed PRN anxiolytic medication.
D. Move the client to a quiet room.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Instruct the client to use abdominal breathing.
Rationale: The priority during a panic attack is to assist the client in regaining control.
Using abdominal breathing techniques helps decrease hyperventilation and the
physiological symptoms of panic, which is the immediate first step .
Question 13: A nurse is caring for a 17-year-old client admitted for an
emergency appendectomy. The parents are unavailable. What is the
appropriate action by the nurse in obtaining informed consent?
