2026/2027 | ATI PN PROCTORED EXAM
STUDY GUIDE & NCLEX-PN READINESS
REVIEW WITH PRACTICE QUESTIONS
ATI PN COMPREHENSIVE PREDICTOR 2026/2027
ATI PN PROCTORED EXAM STUDY GUIDE & NCLEX-PN READINESS PRACTICE
QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
• This comprehensive study guide contains 200 practice questions designed to
prepare licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and practical nurses (PNs) for the NCLEX-
PN licensure exam and ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor with detailed evidence-
based rationales for each correct answer.
• Use this material by studying 10-15 questions daily, reviewing incorrect answers
and rationales thoroughly, and identifying knowledge gaps to strengthen
understanding of all NCLEX-PN content domains including fundamentals, safety,
pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, maternal-infant, pediatric, and psychiatric
nursing care.
SECTION 1: FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING & PATIENT CARE
QUESTION 1: A 45-year-old patient is admitted to the unit with a diagnosis of
pneumonia. The PN is assigned to perform an initial assessment. Which of the
following should the PN do first?
A) Obtain vital signs and perform a complete physical examination
B) Ask the patient about their chief complaint and present illness
C) Review the patient's medical history and past surgeries
D) Administer prescribed medications and treatments
,E) Explain all hospital policies and procedures to the patient
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: When performing an initial assessment, the nurse should first
establish rapport and gather subjective data by asking the patient about their chief
complaint and present illness. This allows the nurse to understand the patient's
perspective, immediate concerns, and relevant symptoms related to their
admission. While vital signs and physical examination are important, they should
follow the collection of subjective data. Reviewing history and administering
medications come after initial assessment completion. Explaining policies is not the
priority during acute assessment.
QUESTION 2: When delegating tasks to nursing assistants, which
responsibility cannot be delegated by the PN?
A) Assisting a patient with activities of daily living (ADLs)
B) Taking and recording vital signs for stable patients
C) Administering medications to patients
D) Helping patients ambulate with a walker
E) Bathing and grooming assistance
CORRECT ANSWER: C
RATIONALE: Medication administration is a nursing responsibility that cannot be
delegated. Only licensed nurses (RNs and LPNs/PNs) are legally permitted to
administer medications. Nursing assistants can assist with ADLs, take vital signs for
stable patients under nursing supervision, help with ambulation, and provide
bathing and grooming assistance. These are appropriate tasks for unlicensed
assistive personnel when the patient's condition is stable and does not require
nursing assessment.
,QUESTION 3: A PN is preparing to perform hand hygiene before patient care.
What is the most appropriate duration for hand washing with soap and
water?
A) 10 seconds
B) 20 seconds
C) 40 seconds
D) 60 seconds
E) 90 seconds
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: The CDC and WHO recommend hand washing with soap and running
water for at least 20 seconds to effectively remove microorganisms and dirt. This
duration allows adequate time for the soap to work on all surfaces of the hands.
Shorter durations (10 seconds) are insufficient for effective microbial removal.
Durations longer than 20-30 seconds are unnecessary and may cause skin damage
with frequent washing. Hand hygiene is the single most important measure to
prevent healthcare-associated infections.
QUESTION 4: A patient has a prescription for 500 mg of amoxicillin every 8
hours. The medication is available in a concentration of 250 mg/5 mL. How
many milliliters should the PN administer per dose?
A) 5 mL
B) 10 mL
C) 15 mL
D) 20 mL
E) 25 mL
CORRECT ANSWER: B
, RATIONALE: Using the formula: Dose desired ÷ Dose on hand = Volume needed.
(500 mg ÷ 250 mg) × 5 mL = 2 × 5 mL = 10 mL. The PN should administer 10 mL of
the amoxicillin suspension to deliver the prescribed 500 mg dose. Accurate dosage
calculation is critical to safe medication administration and preventing medication
errors.
QUESTION 5: When communicating with a hearing-impaired patient, which
technique should the PN use?
A) Speak loudly and exaggerate lip movements
B) Face the patient, speak slowly and clearly, and check for understanding
C) Write everything down without speaking
D) Use simple one-word commands only
E) Repeat questions louder if the patient does not understand
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: Effective communication with hearing-impaired patients includes
facing them so they can see lips and facial expressions, speaking slowly and clearly
(not loudly, as this distorts sound), and checking for understanding by asking the
patient to repeat back information or demonstrate understanding. Writing is
acceptable but should not be the only method. Complete understanding is
important, and repeating louder will not help if hearing loss is significant. This
approach respects patient dignity and ensures effective communication.
QUESTION 6: A patient reports feeling dizzy after standing up quickly. The PN
recognizes this as orthostatic hypotension. Which nursing intervention is
most appropriate initially?
A) Have the patient sit down and perform a Valsalva maneuver
B) Administer oxygen immediately
C) Have the patient return to bed, elevate legs, and recheck vital signs