ATI PN Nursing Management Proctored Exam
Comprehensive Questions with Answers & Detailed
Rationales
Assessment Overview
The ATI PN Nursing Management Proctored Exam assesses practical nursing students'
knowledge and clinical judgment in leadership, management, and professional practice.
The exam follows the ATI PN blueprint with the following content distribution:
Approximate
Content Area
Percentage
Management of Care (Prioritization, Delegation, Assignment) 25–30%
Legal & Ethical Practice (Advocacy, Confidentiality, Informed Consent) 15–20%
Safety & Quality Improvement (Error Prevention, Risk Management) 15–20%
Communication & Collaboration (SBAR, Conflict Resolution, Interprofessional
15–20%
Team)
Resource Management & Professional Development (Time Management,
15–20%
Staffing, Continuing Education)
Section 1: Management of Care — Prioritization, Delegation, Assignment (Q1–
Q30)
Q1. A PN is caring for four clients at the start of the shift. Which client should the
PN assess FIRST?
A. A client who is 1 day postoperative and reporting incisional pain.
B. A client who is newly admitted with a diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia.
C. A client who has a new onset of confusion and is attempting to climb out of bed.
D. A client who is scheduled for discharge and needs discharge instructions.
,Answer: C
Rationale: Using the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) framework and the principles
of prioritization, a client with new-onset confusion and safety risk (attempting to climb
out of bed) is the highest priority. Acute changes in mental status may indicate hypoxia,
hypoglycemia, infection, or neurological deterioration. The postoperative client with
pain, the newly admitted client with pneumonia, and the client awaiting discharge are
stable or have non-urgent needs.
Q2. A PN is delegating tasks to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Which
task is APPROPRIATE to delegate?
A. Administering oral medications to a stable client.
B. Assessing a client's pain level.
C. Assisting a client with ambulation.
D. Teaching a client about a new medication.
Answer: C
Rationale: Assisting with ambulation is within the UAP's scope of practice.
Administering oral medications and assessing pain require a licensed nurse's judgment.
Teaching is a professional nursing responsibility that cannot be delegated.
Q3. A PN is working with an LPN and a UAP. Which task should the PN delegate to
the UAP?
A. Administering a suppository to a client.
B. Obtaining vital signs on a stable client.
C. Performing a sterile dressing change.
D. Assessing a client's response to pain medication.
Answer: B
Rationale: Obtaining vital signs on a stable client is within the UAP's scope of practice.
Administering suppositories, performing sterile dressing changes, and assessing
responses to medications require a licensed nurse.
Q4. A PN is reviewing assignments at the start of the shift. Which client
assignment is MOST appropriate for the PN to delegate to the UAP?
A. A client requiring frequent vital sign monitoring due to unstable blood pressure.
B. A client who needs assistance with a bed bath and linen change.
C. A client who requires teaching about a new diagnosis of diabetes.
D. A client who needs assessment for signs of infection.
,Answer: B
Rationale: Assisting with a bed bath and linen change is a basic care task within the
UAP's scope. Frequent vital sign monitoring for an unstable client, teaching, and
assessment require a licensed nurse.
Q5. A PN is caring for a client who is 2 days postoperative following abdominal
surgery. The client reports shortness of breath and has an oxygen saturation of
89% on room air. What is the PN's PRIORITY action?
A. Administer oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula.
B. Notify the RN or provider immediately.
C. Assist the client into a high Fowler's position.
D. Encourage the client to use the incentive spirometer.
Answer: C
Rationale: Using the ABC framework, the first action is to position the client to improve
oxygenation (high Fowler's position). While administering oxygen and notifying the
provider are appropriate, positioning is the immediate priority to address the
airway/breathing issue. The PN should position the client first, then notify the
RN/provider.
Q6. A PN is delegating tasks to an LPN. Which task is APPROPRIATE for the LPN?
A. Administering IV push medications.
B. Performing an initial assessment on a new admission.
C. Administering oral medications to a stable client.
D. Developing the plan of care for a client with complex needs.
Answer: C
Rationale: LPNs can administer oral medications to stable clients. IV push medications,
initial assessments, and care plan development require RN scope of practice. The PN
should delegate tasks within the LPN's scope.
Q7. A PN is caring for four clients. Which client should the PN see SECOND?
A. A client with a new onset of chest pain.
B. A client who is requesting pain medication for a headache.
C. A client with a blood pressure of 88/50 mm Hg and dizziness.
D. A client who is due for a scheduled dressing change.
Answer: C
Rationale: After addressing the most urgent client (chest pain), the client with
, hypotension and dizziness is the next priority because it indicates potential
hemodynamic instability. Pain, while important, is a lower priority than a potentially life-
threatening condition. The scheduled dressing change can wait.
Q8. A PN is caring for a client who requires a blood transfusion. Which action
should the PN take FIRST?
A. Obtain the client's vital signs.
B. Verify the blood product with another nurse.
C. Administer the blood product as ordered.
D. Assess the client for a history of transfusion reactions.
Answer: B
Rationale: Blood transfusions require verification by two licensed nurses before
administration. Vital signs and assessment are important but must be completed prior to
the transfusion. Verification is the critical safety step that must occur first.
Q9. A PN is delegating tasks to a UAP. Which task should the PN delegate?
A. Administering a client's scheduled oral medications.
B. Assessing a client's level of consciousness.
C. Feeding a client who has dysphagia.
D. Recording intake and output for a stable client.
Answer: D
Rationale: Recording intake and output for a stable client is within the UAP's scope.
Administering medications, assessing level of consciousness, and feeding a client with
dysphagia (who is at risk for aspiration) require a licensed nurse.
Q10. A PN is caring for a client who has just returned from surgery. Which finding
requires IMMEDIATE intervention?
A. Blood pressure of 118/76 mm Hg.
B. Respiratory rate of 10/min and shallow.
C. Temperature of 37.2°C (99°F).
D. Pain rated 4 on a scale of 0–10.
Answer: B
Rationale: A respiratory rate of 10/min and shallow breathing indicates respiratory
depression, which is a life-threatening emergency. This requires immediate intervention
(stimulation, oxygen, and notification of the provider). The other findings are within
normal limits or expected.
Comprehensive Questions with Answers & Detailed
Rationales
Assessment Overview
The ATI PN Nursing Management Proctored Exam assesses practical nursing students'
knowledge and clinical judgment in leadership, management, and professional practice.
The exam follows the ATI PN blueprint with the following content distribution:
Approximate
Content Area
Percentage
Management of Care (Prioritization, Delegation, Assignment) 25–30%
Legal & Ethical Practice (Advocacy, Confidentiality, Informed Consent) 15–20%
Safety & Quality Improvement (Error Prevention, Risk Management) 15–20%
Communication & Collaboration (SBAR, Conflict Resolution, Interprofessional
15–20%
Team)
Resource Management & Professional Development (Time Management,
15–20%
Staffing, Continuing Education)
Section 1: Management of Care — Prioritization, Delegation, Assignment (Q1–
Q30)
Q1. A PN is caring for four clients at the start of the shift. Which client should the
PN assess FIRST?
A. A client who is 1 day postoperative and reporting incisional pain.
B. A client who is newly admitted with a diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia.
C. A client who has a new onset of confusion and is attempting to climb out of bed.
D. A client who is scheduled for discharge and needs discharge instructions.
,Answer: C
Rationale: Using the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) framework and the principles
of prioritization, a client with new-onset confusion and safety risk (attempting to climb
out of bed) is the highest priority. Acute changes in mental status may indicate hypoxia,
hypoglycemia, infection, or neurological deterioration. The postoperative client with
pain, the newly admitted client with pneumonia, and the client awaiting discharge are
stable or have non-urgent needs.
Q2. A PN is delegating tasks to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Which
task is APPROPRIATE to delegate?
A. Administering oral medications to a stable client.
B. Assessing a client's pain level.
C. Assisting a client with ambulation.
D. Teaching a client about a new medication.
Answer: C
Rationale: Assisting with ambulation is within the UAP's scope of practice.
Administering oral medications and assessing pain require a licensed nurse's judgment.
Teaching is a professional nursing responsibility that cannot be delegated.
Q3. A PN is working with an LPN and a UAP. Which task should the PN delegate to
the UAP?
A. Administering a suppository to a client.
B. Obtaining vital signs on a stable client.
C. Performing a sterile dressing change.
D. Assessing a client's response to pain medication.
Answer: B
Rationale: Obtaining vital signs on a stable client is within the UAP's scope of practice.
Administering suppositories, performing sterile dressing changes, and assessing
responses to medications require a licensed nurse.
Q4. A PN is reviewing assignments at the start of the shift. Which client
assignment is MOST appropriate for the PN to delegate to the UAP?
A. A client requiring frequent vital sign monitoring due to unstable blood pressure.
B. A client who needs assistance with a bed bath and linen change.
C. A client who requires teaching about a new diagnosis of diabetes.
D. A client who needs assessment for signs of infection.
,Answer: B
Rationale: Assisting with a bed bath and linen change is a basic care task within the
UAP's scope. Frequent vital sign monitoring for an unstable client, teaching, and
assessment require a licensed nurse.
Q5. A PN is caring for a client who is 2 days postoperative following abdominal
surgery. The client reports shortness of breath and has an oxygen saturation of
89% on room air. What is the PN's PRIORITY action?
A. Administer oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula.
B. Notify the RN or provider immediately.
C. Assist the client into a high Fowler's position.
D. Encourage the client to use the incentive spirometer.
Answer: C
Rationale: Using the ABC framework, the first action is to position the client to improve
oxygenation (high Fowler's position). While administering oxygen and notifying the
provider are appropriate, positioning is the immediate priority to address the
airway/breathing issue. The PN should position the client first, then notify the
RN/provider.
Q6. A PN is delegating tasks to an LPN. Which task is APPROPRIATE for the LPN?
A. Administering IV push medications.
B. Performing an initial assessment on a new admission.
C. Administering oral medications to a stable client.
D. Developing the plan of care for a client with complex needs.
Answer: C
Rationale: LPNs can administer oral medications to stable clients. IV push medications,
initial assessments, and care plan development require RN scope of practice. The PN
should delegate tasks within the LPN's scope.
Q7. A PN is caring for four clients. Which client should the PN see SECOND?
A. A client with a new onset of chest pain.
B. A client who is requesting pain medication for a headache.
C. A client with a blood pressure of 88/50 mm Hg and dizziness.
D. A client who is due for a scheduled dressing change.
Answer: C
Rationale: After addressing the most urgent client (chest pain), the client with
, hypotension and dizziness is the next priority because it indicates potential
hemodynamic instability. Pain, while important, is a lower priority than a potentially life-
threatening condition. The scheduled dressing change can wait.
Q8. A PN is caring for a client who requires a blood transfusion. Which action
should the PN take FIRST?
A. Obtain the client's vital signs.
B. Verify the blood product with another nurse.
C. Administer the blood product as ordered.
D. Assess the client for a history of transfusion reactions.
Answer: B
Rationale: Blood transfusions require verification by two licensed nurses before
administration. Vital signs and assessment are important but must be completed prior to
the transfusion. Verification is the critical safety step that must occur first.
Q9. A PN is delegating tasks to a UAP. Which task should the PN delegate?
A. Administering a client's scheduled oral medications.
B. Assessing a client's level of consciousness.
C. Feeding a client who has dysphagia.
D. Recording intake and output for a stable client.
Answer: D
Rationale: Recording intake and output for a stable client is within the UAP's scope.
Administering medications, assessing level of consciousness, and feeding a client with
dysphagia (who is at risk for aspiration) require a licensed nurse.
Q10. A PN is caring for a client who has just returned from surgery. Which finding
requires IMMEDIATE intervention?
A. Blood pressure of 118/76 mm Hg.
B. Respiratory rate of 10/min and shallow.
C. Temperature of 37.2°C (99°F).
D. Pain rated 4 on a scale of 0–10.
Answer: B
Rationale: A respiratory rate of 10/min and shallow breathing indicates respiratory
depression, which is a life-threatening emergency. This requires immediate intervention
(stimulation, oxygen, and notification of the provider). The other findings are within
normal limits or expected.
