ATI PN COMPREHENSIVE EXIT EXAM STUDY GUIDE
2026 – COMPLETE CONCEPT REVIEW & PRACTICE
MATERIALS (LATEST EDITION)
** Fundamentals & Safety (15 Qs)
1. Q: What is the first priority in any nursing situation?
A: Safety (Assess/Maintain Airway, Breathing, Circulation).
2. Q: A client is on Contact Precautions. What essential PPE must you wear?
A: Gown and Gloves. (Mask if splashes are anticipated).
3. Q: What is the correct order (sequence) for donning PPE?
A: Gown → Mask → Goggles → Gloves.
4. Q: What is the correct order for doffing (removing) PPE?
A: Gloves → Goggles → Gown → Mask → Hand Hygiene.
5. Q: When should you perform hand hygiene?
A: Before & after client contact, after removing gloves, after touching contaminated
surfaces.
6. Q: What is the primary method to prevent nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infections?
A: Meticulous Hand Hygiene.
7. Q: How do you verify a client's identity before administering medication or treatment?
A: Use two unique identifiers: Name & Date of Birth (check armband).
8. Q: A client has a Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) order. What does this mean for care?
A: No CPR is initiated if the client has cardiac or respiratory arrest. Continue all other
prescribed care.
9. Q: What side should a client be positioned after a stroke (CVA) affecting the right side of
the brain?
A: Affected side (right side) down, to promote awareness; unaffected side (left)
positioned forward.
10. Q: To prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in a post-op client, what interventions should
the nurse implement?
, A: Encourage early ambulation, leg exercises, sequential compression devices (SCDs),
and adequate hydration.
11. Q: What is the priority action for a client who is falling?
A: Support the client's head and guide them to the floor to prevent injury. Do not try
to stop the fall.
12. Q: How often should a restrained client be assessed and the restraint released?
A: At least every 2 hours for circulation, sensation, and skin integrity. Restraint must be
released for ROM.
13. Q: What is informed consent, and who is responsible for obtaining it?
A: The client's understanding of a procedure's risks/benefits/alternatives.
The provider obtains it; the nurse witnesses the signature.
14. Q: When should an incident report be filed?
A: For any unexpected event that causes or could cause harm to a client, visitor, or
staff (e.g., fall, med error).
15. Q: What is the most effective way to prevent the spread of C. difficile?
A: Contact Precautions and cleaning with a sporicidal agent (bleach solution). Soap
and water hand washing is superior to alcohol-based gel.
** Pharmacology (20 Qs)
16. Q: What are the "Five Rights" of medication administration?
A: Right Patient, Right Drug, Right Dose, Right Route, Right Time.
17. Q: Before administering any medication, what is the nurse's critical responsibility?
A: Assess for allergies.
18. Q: What should you do if a client refuses a medication?
A: Document the refusal, notify the provider, and educate the client on the importance
of the medication.
19. Q: Which injection site is preferred for Insulin administration?
A: Subcutaneous tissue of the abdomen (rotating sites within one area).
20. Q: What is the antidote for Heparin overdose?
A: Protamine Sulfate.
21. Q: What is the antidote for Warfarin (Coumadin) overdose?
A: Vitamin K (and/or fresh frozen plasma for severe bleeding).
,22. Q: What is the antidote for Opioid (e.g., morphine) overdose?
A: Naloxone (Narcan).
23. Q: What is the antidote for Acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose?
A: Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst).
24. Q: A client on Digoxin (Lanoxin) reports nausea, vomiting, and seeing "yellow halos."
What does this indicate?
A: Signs of Digoxin toxicity. Hold the dose and notify the provider.
25. Q: A client on Furosemide (Lasix) should be monitored for what electrolyte imbalance?
A: Hypokalemia (low potassium). Monitor for muscle weakness and irregular pulse.
26. Q: What must be checked before administering Insulin?
A: Blood glucose level.
27. Q: What is the maximum volume for an IM injection in a single site for an adult?
A: 2-3 mL for large muscles (e.g., ventrogluteal).
28. Q: What angle is used for a Subcutaneous injection?
A: 45 or 90 degrees, depending on needle length and amount of subcutaneous
tissue.
29. Q: A client on a Potassium-sparing diuretic (e.g., Spironolactone) should avoid what?
A: Potassium-rich foods and salt substitutes (which contain potassium).
30. Q: What lab value is critical to monitor for a client on Lithium?
A: Serum Lithium level (therapeutic range: 0.6-1.2 mEq/L). Monitor for toxicity (levels
>1.5).
31. Q: What are key signs of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), a rare reaction to
antipsychotics?
A: Fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, autonomic instability (irregular
BP/pulse).
32. Q: What teaching is essential for a client starting on Phenytoin (Dilantin) for seizures?
A: Perform good oral hygiene (gingival hyperplasia risk), do not stop abruptly, report
rash.
33. Q: A client on Metformin (Glucophage) for diabetes should be instructed to hold the
medication if?
, A: Before a procedure with contrast dye or during an acute illness that can cause
dehydration (risk of lactic acidosis).
34. Q: What is the priority assessment before giving Nitroglycerin?
A: Blood Pressure (can cause severe hypotension).
35. Q: What is a common, serious side effect of Clozapine (Clozaril)?
A: Agranulocytosis (severely low WBCs). Requires weekly blood monitoring.
** Adult Medical-Surgical (25 Qs)
36. Q: What are the signs and symptoms of Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)?
A: "Hot and Dry = Sugar High" - Polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, fatigue, fruity breath.
37. Q: What are the signs and symptoms of Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)?
A: "Cold and Clammy, Give Some Candy" - Shakiness, diaphoresis, confusion, irritability,
tachycardia.
38. Q: What is the immediate action for symptomatic hypoglycemia in a conscious client?
A: Give 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate (4 oz juice, 3-4 glucose tabs). Recheck in
15 minutes.
39. Q: A client with Heart Failure should be taught to monitor what at home?
A: Daily weights (same time, same scale, same clothes). Report weight gain of 2-3 lbs
in a day or 5 lbs in a week.
40. Q: What position is best for a client with difficulty breathing (Dyspnea) or Heart Failure?
A: High Fowler's position.
41. Q: A client with COPD is receiving oxygen. What is a critical safety reminder?
A: Use low-flow oxygen (e.g., 1-2 L/min via nasal cannula). High oxygen can suppress
the hypoxic drive to breathe.
42. Q: What are key signs of Hypoxemia?
A: Restlessness, confusion, tachycardia, tachypnea, cyanosis (late sign).
43. Q: What is the priority nursing action for a client with a chest tube if the tube becomes
disconnected from the drainage system?
A: Immediately submerge the end of the tube in sterile water to create a water seal
and prevent pneumothorax.
2026 – COMPLETE CONCEPT REVIEW & PRACTICE
MATERIALS (LATEST EDITION)
** Fundamentals & Safety (15 Qs)
1. Q: What is the first priority in any nursing situation?
A: Safety (Assess/Maintain Airway, Breathing, Circulation).
2. Q: A client is on Contact Precautions. What essential PPE must you wear?
A: Gown and Gloves. (Mask if splashes are anticipated).
3. Q: What is the correct order (sequence) for donning PPE?
A: Gown → Mask → Goggles → Gloves.
4. Q: What is the correct order for doffing (removing) PPE?
A: Gloves → Goggles → Gown → Mask → Hand Hygiene.
5. Q: When should you perform hand hygiene?
A: Before & after client contact, after removing gloves, after touching contaminated
surfaces.
6. Q: What is the primary method to prevent nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infections?
A: Meticulous Hand Hygiene.
7. Q: How do you verify a client's identity before administering medication or treatment?
A: Use two unique identifiers: Name & Date of Birth (check armband).
8. Q: A client has a Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) order. What does this mean for care?
A: No CPR is initiated if the client has cardiac or respiratory arrest. Continue all other
prescribed care.
9. Q: What side should a client be positioned after a stroke (CVA) affecting the right side of
the brain?
A: Affected side (right side) down, to promote awareness; unaffected side (left)
positioned forward.
10. Q: To prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in a post-op client, what interventions should
the nurse implement?
, A: Encourage early ambulation, leg exercises, sequential compression devices (SCDs),
and adequate hydration.
11. Q: What is the priority action for a client who is falling?
A: Support the client's head and guide them to the floor to prevent injury. Do not try
to stop the fall.
12. Q: How often should a restrained client be assessed and the restraint released?
A: At least every 2 hours for circulation, sensation, and skin integrity. Restraint must be
released for ROM.
13. Q: What is informed consent, and who is responsible for obtaining it?
A: The client's understanding of a procedure's risks/benefits/alternatives.
The provider obtains it; the nurse witnesses the signature.
14. Q: When should an incident report be filed?
A: For any unexpected event that causes or could cause harm to a client, visitor, or
staff (e.g., fall, med error).
15. Q: What is the most effective way to prevent the spread of C. difficile?
A: Contact Precautions and cleaning with a sporicidal agent (bleach solution). Soap
and water hand washing is superior to alcohol-based gel.
** Pharmacology (20 Qs)
16. Q: What are the "Five Rights" of medication administration?
A: Right Patient, Right Drug, Right Dose, Right Route, Right Time.
17. Q: Before administering any medication, what is the nurse's critical responsibility?
A: Assess for allergies.
18. Q: What should you do if a client refuses a medication?
A: Document the refusal, notify the provider, and educate the client on the importance
of the medication.
19. Q: Which injection site is preferred for Insulin administration?
A: Subcutaneous tissue of the abdomen (rotating sites within one area).
20. Q: What is the antidote for Heparin overdose?
A: Protamine Sulfate.
21. Q: What is the antidote for Warfarin (Coumadin) overdose?
A: Vitamin K (and/or fresh frozen plasma for severe bleeding).
,22. Q: What is the antidote for Opioid (e.g., morphine) overdose?
A: Naloxone (Narcan).
23. Q: What is the antidote for Acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose?
A: Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst).
24. Q: A client on Digoxin (Lanoxin) reports nausea, vomiting, and seeing "yellow halos."
What does this indicate?
A: Signs of Digoxin toxicity. Hold the dose and notify the provider.
25. Q: A client on Furosemide (Lasix) should be monitored for what electrolyte imbalance?
A: Hypokalemia (low potassium). Monitor for muscle weakness and irregular pulse.
26. Q: What must be checked before administering Insulin?
A: Blood glucose level.
27. Q: What is the maximum volume for an IM injection in a single site for an adult?
A: 2-3 mL for large muscles (e.g., ventrogluteal).
28. Q: What angle is used for a Subcutaneous injection?
A: 45 or 90 degrees, depending on needle length and amount of subcutaneous
tissue.
29. Q: A client on a Potassium-sparing diuretic (e.g., Spironolactone) should avoid what?
A: Potassium-rich foods and salt substitutes (which contain potassium).
30. Q: What lab value is critical to monitor for a client on Lithium?
A: Serum Lithium level (therapeutic range: 0.6-1.2 mEq/L). Monitor for toxicity (levels
>1.5).
31. Q: What are key signs of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), a rare reaction to
antipsychotics?
A: Fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, autonomic instability (irregular
BP/pulse).
32. Q: What teaching is essential for a client starting on Phenytoin (Dilantin) for seizures?
A: Perform good oral hygiene (gingival hyperplasia risk), do not stop abruptly, report
rash.
33. Q: A client on Metformin (Glucophage) for diabetes should be instructed to hold the
medication if?
, A: Before a procedure with contrast dye or during an acute illness that can cause
dehydration (risk of lactic acidosis).
34. Q: What is the priority assessment before giving Nitroglycerin?
A: Blood Pressure (can cause severe hypotension).
35. Q: What is a common, serious side effect of Clozapine (Clozaril)?
A: Agranulocytosis (severely low WBCs). Requires weekly blood monitoring.
** Adult Medical-Surgical (25 Qs)
36. Q: What are the signs and symptoms of Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)?
A: "Hot and Dry = Sugar High" - Polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, fatigue, fruity breath.
37. Q: What are the signs and symptoms of Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)?
A: "Cold and Clammy, Give Some Candy" - Shakiness, diaphoresis, confusion, irritability,
tachycardia.
38. Q: What is the immediate action for symptomatic hypoglycemia in a conscious client?
A: Give 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate (4 oz juice, 3-4 glucose tabs). Recheck in
15 minutes.
39. Q: A client with Heart Failure should be taught to monitor what at home?
A: Daily weights (same time, same scale, same clothes). Report weight gain of 2-3 lbs
in a day or 5 lbs in a week.
40. Q: What position is best for a client with difficulty breathing (Dyspnea) or Heart Failure?
A: High Fowler's position.
41. Q: A client with COPD is receiving oxygen. What is a critical safety reminder?
A: Use low-flow oxygen (e.g., 1-2 L/min via nasal cannula). High oxygen can suppress
the hypoxic drive to breathe.
42. Q: What are key signs of Hypoxemia?
A: Restlessness, confusion, tachycardia, tachypnea, cyanosis (late sign).
43. Q: What is the priority nursing action for a client with a chest tube if the tube becomes
disconnected from the drainage system?
A: Immediately submerge the end of the tube in sterile water to create a water seal
and prevent pneumothorax.
