ORIGINAL PN Comprehensive Predictor 2026 Practice Exam
ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor Retake Exam 2026
Level 3 Practice Questions and Answers with
Rationales | Complete Review
Question 1 of 200
A nurse is caring for a client who has major depressive disorder. The client states, "I have no
reason to live anymore." Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
1. Assist the client to identify new coping strategies.
2. Ask the client if they have plans to harm themselves.
3. Have the client sign a no-suicide contract.
4. Encourage the client to discuss their feelings.
Rationale: The first priority when a client expresses hopelessness or suicidal ideation is to assess
the immediate safety risk. Asking directly about plans to harm themselves (Option 2) determines
the level of lethality and guides immediate interventions. Option 1 and 4 are appropriate but
secondary to safety. Option 3 (no-suicide contracts) is no longer considered best practice for
preventing suicide.
Question 2 of 200
A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who has experienced a crisis. Which of the following
statements by the nurse is appropriate to encourage the client to accept a referral to a social
worker?
1. "Why don't you seek out social support?"
2. "Clients who get social support recover faster."
3. "I think a social worker would be really helpful for you."
4. "Let's discuss your feelings regarding seeing a social worker."
Rationale: Therapeutic communication focuses on the client's feelings and promotes autonomy.
Option 4 encourages the client to explore their feelings about the referral without feeling
,ORIGINAL PN Comprehensive Predictor 2026 Practice Exam
pressured. Options 1, 2, and 3 are nontherapeutic as they are confrontational, give unsolicited
advice, or minimize the client's autonomy.
Question 3 of 200
A nurse is monitoring a client for adverse effects of clozapine. Which of the following findings
indicates the client is experiencing agranulocytosis?
1. Weight gain
2. Increased HbA1c
3. Decreased WBC count
4. Orthostatic hypotension
Rationale: Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic known for causing severe
neutropenia/agranulocytosis. A decreased WBC count (specifically a decreased absolute
neutrophil count or ANC) is the hallmark sign (Option 3). Weight gain and increased HbA1c are
metabolic side effects. Orthostatic hypotension is a cardiovascular side effect.
Question 4 of 200
A nurse is preparing to administer ibuprofen solution 60 mg orally to a 7-month-old infant who
weighs 8 kg. The available concentration is 100 mg/5 mL. How many mL should the nurse
administer? (Round the answer to the nearest tenth.)
1. 1.5 mL
2. 3.0 mL
3. 4.5 mL
4. 6.0 mL
Rationale: Using the formula Desired/Have x Quantity: 60 mg / 100 mg x 5 mL = 3.0 mL (Option
2). The nurse should verify the safe dose range (usually 5-10 mg/kg/dose for infants). 60 mg / 8
kg = 7.5 mg/kg, which is within the safe range.
Question 5 of 200
A nurse is providing care to a client who is immunocompromised. Which of the following actions
indicates a break in infection control technique?
1. Uncapped sharps are put in a puncture-resistant container.
2. Dampered cloths are used for dusting the area.
3. Soiled linens are placed on the floor.
,ORIGINAL PN Comprehensive Predictor 2026 Practice Exam
4. Waste containers are lined with single bags.
Rationale: Placing soiled linens on the floor (Option 3) is a breach of infection control because it
contaminates the environment. Options 1, 2, and 4 are appropriate infection control measures.
Question 6 of 200
A nurse is assessing a client who has been taking lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder. Which
of the following findings indicates early lithium toxicity?
1. Coarse hand tremors
2. Constipation
3. Tachycardia
4. Polyuria
Rationale: Early signs of lithium toxicity include coarse hand tremors, nausea, vomiting, and
diarrhea (Option 1). Constipation, tachycardia, and polyuria are common side effects of
therapeutic lithium levels, not early toxicity.
Question 7 of 200
A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing acute alcohol withdrawal. Which of the
following findings should the nurse expect?
1. Bradycardia
2. Hypotension
3. Tremors
4. Constricted pupils
Rationale: Alcohol withdrawal syndrome manifests with autonomic hyperactivity. Expected
findings include tachycardia, hypertension, tremors (Option 3), diaphoresis, and anxiety.
Bradycardia, hypotension, and constricted pupils are signs of opioid intoxication.
Question 8 of 200
A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for sertraline. Which of the following
statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
1. "I should expect to feel better within 2 to 3 days."
2. "I should avoid taking St. John's wort while on this medication."
3. "I can stop taking this medication once I feel better."
, ORIGINAL PN Comprehensive Predictor 2026 Practice Exam
4. "I should take this medication at bedtime to avoid insomnia."
Rationale: Sertraline is an SSRI. Combining it with St. John's wort increases the risk of serotonin
syndrome (Option 2). SSRIs take 2-4 weeks to reach therapeutic effect. Clients must not abruptly
stop SSRIs due to discontinuation syndrome. SSRIs are typically taken in the morning.
Question 9 of 200
A nurse is planning care for a client who has anorexia nervosa. Which of the following
interventions should the nurse include in the plan?
1. Allow the client to choose their own meal times.
2. Monitor the client during and after meals.
3. Weigh the client weekly.
4. Encourage the client to exercise to build muscle.
Rationale: Clients with anorexia nervosa often engage in purging behaviors after meals. The
nurse must monitor the client during and for at least 1 hour after meals (Option 2). Weights
should be obtained daily. Exercise should be restricted until weight is stabilized.
Question 10 of 200
A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Which of the
following actions should the nurse take prior to the procedure?
1. Ensure the client has voided.
2. Administer a benzodiazepine.
3. Place the client in a supine position.
4. Administer an anticonvulsant.
Rationale: Before ECT, the client should void (Option 1) to prevent incontinence during the
seizure. Benzodiazepines are withheld because they raise the seizure threshold. Anticonvulsants
are given to stop the seizure, not before.
Question 11 of 200
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who is taking clozapine. Which of the
following values should the nurse report to the provider immediately?
1. WBC 8,000/mm3
2. ANC 1,200/mm3
3. Hemoglobin 14 g/dL
ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor Retake Exam 2026
Level 3 Practice Questions and Answers with
Rationales | Complete Review
Question 1 of 200
A nurse is caring for a client who has major depressive disorder. The client states, "I have no
reason to live anymore." Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
1. Assist the client to identify new coping strategies.
2. Ask the client if they have plans to harm themselves.
3. Have the client sign a no-suicide contract.
4. Encourage the client to discuss their feelings.
Rationale: The first priority when a client expresses hopelessness or suicidal ideation is to assess
the immediate safety risk. Asking directly about plans to harm themselves (Option 2) determines
the level of lethality and guides immediate interventions. Option 1 and 4 are appropriate but
secondary to safety. Option 3 (no-suicide contracts) is no longer considered best practice for
preventing suicide.
Question 2 of 200
A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who has experienced a crisis. Which of the following
statements by the nurse is appropriate to encourage the client to accept a referral to a social
worker?
1. "Why don't you seek out social support?"
2. "Clients who get social support recover faster."
3. "I think a social worker would be really helpful for you."
4. "Let's discuss your feelings regarding seeing a social worker."
Rationale: Therapeutic communication focuses on the client's feelings and promotes autonomy.
Option 4 encourages the client to explore their feelings about the referral without feeling
,ORIGINAL PN Comprehensive Predictor 2026 Practice Exam
pressured. Options 1, 2, and 3 are nontherapeutic as they are confrontational, give unsolicited
advice, or minimize the client's autonomy.
Question 3 of 200
A nurse is monitoring a client for adverse effects of clozapine. Which of the following findings
indicates the client is experiencing agranulocytosis?
1. Weight gain
2. Increased HbA1c
3. Decreased WBC count
4. Orthostatic hypotension
Rationale: Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic known for causing severe
neutropenia/agranulocytosis. A decreased WBC count (specifically a decreased absolute
neutrophil count or ANC) is the hallmark sign (Option 3). Weight gain and increased HbA1c are
metabolic side effects. Orthostatic hypotension is a cardiovascular side effect.
Question 4 of 200
A nurse is preparing to administer ibuprofen solution 60 mg orally to a 7-month-old infant who
weighs 8 kg. The available concentration is 100 mg/5 mL. How many mL should the nurse
administer? (Round the answer to the nearest tenth.)
1. 1.5 mL
2. 3.0 mL
3. 4.5 mL
4. 6.0 mL
Rationale: Using the formula Desired/Have x Quantity: 60 mg / 100 mg x 5 mL = 3.0 mL (Option
2). The nurse should verify the safe dose range (usually 5-10 mg/kg/dose for infants). 60 mg / 8
kg = 7.5 mg/kg, which is within the safe range.
Question 5 of 200
A nurse is providing care to a client who is immunocompromised. Which of the following actions
indicates a break in infection control technique?
1. Uncapped sharps are put in a puncture-resistant container.
2. Dampered cloths are used for dusting the area.
3. Soiled linens are placed on the floor.
,ORIGINAL PN Comprehensive Predictor 2026 Practice Exam
4. Waste containers are lined with single bags.
Rationale: Placing soiled linens on the floor (Option 3) is a breach of infection control because it
contaminates the environment. Options 1, 2, and 4 are appropriate infection control measures.
Question 6 of 200
A nurse is assessing a client who has been taking lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder. Which
of the following findings indicates early lithium toxicity?
1. Coarse hand tremors
2. Constipation
3. Tachycardia
4. Polyuria
Rationale: Early signs of lithium toxicity include coarse hand tremors, nausea, vomiting, and
diarrhea (Option 1). Constipation, tachycardia, and polyuria are common side effects of
therapeutic lithium levels, not early toxicity.
Question 7 of 200
A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing acute alcohol withdrawal. Which of the
following findings should the nurse expect?
1. Bradycardia
2. Hypotension
3. Tremors
4. Constricted pupils
Rationale: Alcohol withdrawal syndrome manifests with autonomic hyperactivity. Expected
findings include tachycardia, hypertension, tremors (Option 3), diaphoresis, and anxiety.
Bradycardia, hypotension, and constricted pupils are signs of opioid intoxication.
Question 8 of 200
A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for sertraline. Which of the following
statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
1. "I should expect to feel better within 2 to 3 days."
2. "I should avoid taking St. John's wort while on this medication."
3. "I can stop taking this medication once I feel better."
, ORIGINAL PN Comprehensive Predictor 2026 Practice Exam
4. "I should take this medication at bedtime to avoid insomnia."
Rationale: Sertraline is an SSRI. Combining it with St. John's wort increases the risk of serotonin
syndrome (Option 2). SSRIs take 2-4 weeks to reach therapeutic effect. Clients must not abruptly
stop SSRIs due to discontinuation syndrome. SSRIs are typically taken in the morning.
Question 9 of 200
A nurse is planning care for a client who has anorexia nervosa. Which of the following
interventions should the nurse include in the plan?
1. Allow the client to choose their own meal times.
2. Monitor the client during and after meals.
3. Weigh the client weekly.
4. Encourage the client to exercise to build muscle.
Rationale: Clients with anorexia nervosa often engage in purging behaviors after meals. The
nurse must monitor the client during and for at least 1 hour after meals (Option 2). Weights
should be obtained daily. Exercise should be restricted until weight is stabilized.
Question 10 of 200
A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Which of the
following actions should the nurse take prior to the procedure?
1. Ensure the client has voided.
2. Administer a benzodiazepine.
3. Place the client in a supine position.
4. Administer an anticonvulsant.
Rationale: Before ECT, the client should void (Option 1) to prevent incontinence during the
seizure. Benzodiazepines are withheld because they raise the seizure threshold. Anticonvulsants
are given to stop the seizure, not before.
Question 11 of 200
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who is taking clozapine. Which of the
following values should the nurse report to the provider immediately?
1. WBC 8,000/mm3
2. ANC 1,200/mm3
3. Hemoglobin 14 g/dL
