ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2026/2027
Retake Guide | Practice Questions, Verified
Answers & PN Exam Prep
ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2026/2027 Retake Guide
OVERVIEW
• This comprehensive exam contains 200 carefully curated multiple-choice
questions designed to assess readiness for the PN licensing examination, covering
all major content domains including pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing,
pediatrics, maternal-newborn care, psychiatric nursing, and fundamentals.
• Study this material by reviewing each question carefully, attempting answers
before checking the provided rationale, and using incorrect responses as learning
opportunities to strengthen weak content areas and build clinical reasoning skills.
1. A charge nurse is educating a new LPN about the principle of beneficence in
nursing ethics. Which of the following statements best describes this
principle?
A) Respecting the right of clients to make decisions about their own care
B) Acting in the client's best interest and promoting positive outcomes
C) Treating all clients fairly and distributing resources equitably
D) Maintaining confidentiality and protecting client privacy
E) Following all institutional policies without question
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Acting in the client's best interest and promoting
positive outcomes
Rationale: Beneficence is an ethical principle that requires nurses to act in ways
that benefit the client and promote positive health outcomes. This principle
obligates nurses to provide competent, compassionate care aimed at improving or
,maintaining the client's well-being. Choice A describes autonomy, choice C
describes justice, choice D describes confidentiality/privacy, and choice E describes
rule-following rather than ethical principles.
2. A nurse is assessing a client who has been prescribed metformin for type 2
diabetes. Which of the following is the most important instruction to give
regarding this medication?
A) Take the medication on an empty stomach for maximum absorption
B) Monitor for lactic acidosis, especially if kidney function is impaired
C) Expect blood glucose levels to normalize within 24 hours
D) Take the medication only when blood glucose is elevated
E) Discontinue use if gastrointestinal side effects occur
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Monitor for lactic acidosis, especially if kidney function
is impaired
Rationale: Metformin carries a risk of lactic acidosis, a serious and potentially fatal
condition, particularly in clients with renal impairment. Nurses must educate clients
about this serious adverse effect and monitor kidney function regularly. Choice A is
incorrect because metformin should be taken with food. Choice C is unrealistic as
glucose control takes weeks. Choice D misses the point that metformin is
preventive. Choice E is incorrect as GI effects are common and usually diminish.
3. A client is receiving IV fluids post-operatively. The nurse notes the IV site is
erythematous, warm, and swollen. Which of the following is the priority
nursing action?
,A) Apply a warm compress to increase circulation
B) Discontinue the IV and restart in another location
C) Document findings and notify the healthcare provider
D) Administer antibiotics as prescribed
E) Elevate the extremity above heart level
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Discontinue the IV and restart in another location
Rationale: Signs of phlebitis (erythema, warmth, and swelling at the IV site) indicate
inflammation and possible infection. The priority action is to remove the source of
irritation immediately and restart IV access elsewhere to prevent further
complications. While documentation and provider notification are important,
removing the IV is the immediate priority to prevent deterioration. Warm
compresses would exacerbate inflammation.
4. A nurse is caring for a client with congestive heart failure. Which of the
following assessment findings would indicate worsening of the client's
condition?
A) Decreased sodium intake and increased fluid intake
B) Increased crackles on lung auscultation and increased shortness of breath
C) Decreased heart rate and increased blood pressure
D) Weight loss of 2 pounds over 24 hours
E) Increased urinary output after diuretic administration
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Increased crackles on lung auscultation and increased
shortness of breath
Rationale: In congestive heart failure, the heart cannot pump effectively, leading to
fluid backup in the lungs. Increased crackles and shortness of breath indicate
, worsening pulmonary edema and deteriorating cardiac function. This requires
immediate intervention. Choices A and C represent inappropriate management.
Choice D might indicate improvement. Choice E shows the diuretic is working
effectively.
5. A nurse is administering a medication via IV push. Which of the following
techniques ensures patient safety?
A) Inject the medication quickly to minimize vein irritation
B) Verify the medication order, check expiration date, and flush the line before and
after administration
C) Administer the medication over 30 seconds regardless of the specific drug
D) Delegate the task to an unlicensed assistive personnel
E) Recap the needle after administration
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Verify the medication order, check expiration date, and
flush the line before and after administration
Rationale: Safe IV push administration requires verification of the order, checking
drug stability, proper flushing to maintain patency and prevent interactions, and
following the specific administration time for each medication. Choice A risks vein
irritation. Choice C ignores individual drug requirements. Choice D violates scope of
practice. Choice E represents a needle-stick hazard.
6. A child with asthma is prescribed albuterol via nebulizer. The parent asks
about expected outcomes. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
Retake Guide | Practice Questions, Verified
Answers & PN Exam Prep
ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2026/2027 Retake Guide
OVERVIEW
• This comprehensive exam contains 200 carefully curated multiple-choice
questions designed to assess readiness for the PN licensing examination, covering
all major content domains including pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing,
pediatrics, maternal-newborn care, psychiatric nursing, and fundamentals.
• Study this material by reviewing each question carefully, attempting answers
before checking the provided rationale, and using incorrect responses as learning
opportunities to strengthen weak content areas and build clinical reasoning skills.
1. A charge nurse is educating a new LPN about the principle of beneficence in
nursing ethics. Which of the following statements best describes this
principle?
A) Respecting the right of clients to make decisions about their own care
B) Acting in the client's best interest and promoting positive outcomes
C) Treating all clients fairly and distributing resources equitably
D) Maintaining confidentiality and protecting client privacy
E) Following all institutional policies without question
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Acting in the client's best interest and promoting
positive outcomes
Rationale: Beneficence is an ethical principle that requires nurses to act in ways
that benefit the client and promote positive health outcomes. This principle
obligates nurses to provide competent, compassionate care aimed at improving or
,maintaining the client's well-being. Choice A describes autonomy, choice C
describes justice, choice D describes confidentiality/privacy, and choice E describes
rule-following rather than ethical principles.
2. A nurse is assessing a client who has been prescribed metformin for type 2
diabetes. Which of the following is the most important instruction to give
regarding this medication?
A) Take the medication on an empty stomach for maximum absorption
B) Monitor for lactic acidosis, especially if kidney function is impaired
C) Expect blood glucose levels to normalize within 24 hours
D) Take the medication only when blood glucose is elevated
E) Discontinue use if gastrointestinal side effects occur
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Monitor for lactic acidosis, especially if kidney function
is impaired
Rationale: Metformin carries a risk of lactic acidosis, a serious and potentially fatal
condition, particularly in clients with renal impairment. Nurses must educate clients
about this serious adverse effect and monitor kidney function regularly. Choice A is
incorrect because metformin should be taken with food. Choice C is unrealistic as
glucose control takes weeks. Choice D misses the point that metformin is
preventive. Choice E is incorrect as GI effects are common and usually diminish.
3. A client is receiving IV fluids post-operatively. The nurse notes the IV site is
erythematous, warm, and swollen. Which of the following is the priority
nursing action?
,A) Apply a warm compress to increase circulation
B) Discontinue the IV and restart in another location
C) Document findings and notify the healthcare provider
D) Administer antibiotics as prescribed
E) Elevate the extremity above heart level
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Discontinue the IV and restart in another location
Rationale: Signs of phlebitis (erythema, warmth, and swelling at the IV site) indicate
inflammation and possible infection. The priority action is to remove the source of
irritation immediately and restart IV access elsewhere to prevent further
complications. While documentation and provider notification are important,
removing the IV is the immediate priority to prevent deterioration. Warm
compresses would exacerbate inflammation.
4. A nurse is caring for a client with congestive heart failure. Which of the
following assessment findings would indicate worsening of the client's
condition?
A) Decreased sodium intake and increased fluid intake
B) Increased crackles on lung auscultation and increased shortness of breath
C) Decreased heart rate and increased blood pressure
D) Weight loss of 2 pounds over 24 hours
E) Increased urinary output after diuretic administration
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Increased crackles on lung auscultation and increased
shortness of breath
Rationale: In congestive heart failure, the heart cannot pump effectively, leading to
fluid backup in the lungs. Increased crackles and shortness of breath indicate
, worsening pulmonary edema and deteriorating cardiac function. This requires
immediate intervention. Choices A and C represent inappropriate management.
Choice D might indicate improvement. Choice E shows the diuretic is working
effectively.
5. A nurse is administering a medication via IV push. Which of the following
techniques ensures patient safety?
A) Inject the medication quickly to minimize vein irritation
B) Verify the medication order, check expiration date, and flush the line before and
after administration
C) Administer the medication over 30 seconds regardless of the specific drug
D) Delegate the task to an unlicensed assistive personnel
E) Recap the needle after administration
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Verify the medication order, check expiration date, and
flush the line before and after administration
Rationale: Safe IV push administration requires verification of the order, checking
drug stability, proper flushing to maintain patency and prevent interactions, and
following the specific administration time for each medication. Choice A risks vein
irritation. Choice C ignores individual drug requirements. Choice D violates scope of
practice. Choice E represents a needle-stick hazard.
6. A child with asthma is prescribed albuterol via nebulizer. The parent asks
about expected outcomes. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
