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NSG 6998 The Pre-Predictor Comprehensive Exam Practice Questions 2026-2027
Latest Update | Original Questions & Answers with Detailed Rationales
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Management of Care
2. Safety and Infection Control
3. Health Promotion and Maintenance
4. Psychosocial Integrity
5. Basic Care and Comfort
6. Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
7. Reduction of Risk Potential
8. Physiological Adaptation
9. Comprehensive Review Questions
SECTION 1: MANAGEMENT OF CARE
Practice Questions with Detailed Rationales
Question 1
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A nurse is caring for four clients on a medical-surgical unit.
Which client should the nurse assess FIRST?
A) A client with a temperature of 100.2°F (37.9°C) who is 24
hours post-operative
B) A client with new-onset confusion who was alert and
oriented 2 hours ago
C) A client requesting pain medication for a headache rated
4/10
D) A client with a blood pressure of 142/88 mmHg who has
chronic hypertension
Answer: B
Rationale: New-onset confusion represents an acute change in
neurological status that could indicate hypoxia, stroke, infection,
or metabolic derangement. This requires immediate assessment
using the ABCs and Maslow's hierarchy. Option A represents a
low-grade fever that is common post-operatively and not
immediately life-threatening. Option C is important but not
urgent—the client is stable. Option D represents mildly elevated
blood pressure in a client with chronic hypertension, which is
not an acute emergency. The nurse should always prioritize
clients with acute changes in status over chronic conditions.
Content Area: Prioritization, Neurological Assessment
Cognitive Level: Analysis
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Question 2
A nurse is delegating tasks to unlicensed assistive personnel
(UAP). Which task is MOST appropriate to delegate?
A) Administering a glycerin suppository to a constipated client
B) Obtaining a stool sample for occult blood testing
C) Evaluating a client's understanding of a low-sodium diet
D) Performing a sterile dressing change on a surgical wound
Answer: B
Rationale: Obtaining a stool sample is a non-invasive, routine
task that falls within UAP scope of practice. Option A involves
medication administration, which requires a licensed nurse.
Option C involves client education and evaluation, which
requires nursing judgment and cannot be delegated. Option D
requires sterile technique and nursing assessment of the wound,
which cannot be delegated to UAP. The five rights of delegation
must always be considered: right task, right circumstance, right
person, right direction, and right supervision.
Content Area: Delegation, Scope of Practice
Cognitive Level: Application
Question 3
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A charge nurse is making client assignments for the oncoming
shift. Which client should be assigned to the most experienced
registered nurse?
A) A client with diabetes who needs blood glucose monitoring
before meals
B) A client with a new tracheostomy who requires frequent
suctioning
C) A client with a urinary tract infection receiving oral antibiotics
D) A client who is 3 days post-appendectomy and preparing for
discharge
Answer: B
Rationale: A client with a new tracheostomy requiring frequent
suctioning has the highest acuity and potential for
complications including airway obstruction, hypoxia, and
infection. This client requires the assessment skills and clinical
judgment of an experienced RN. Option A involves routine
monitoring that could be assigned to a less experienced nurse.
Option C is a stable client receiving treatment for a common
infection. Option D represents a stable post-operative client
approaching discharge. Acuity-based assignments ensure
patient safety and appropriate resource utilization.
Content Area: Assignment Making, Acuity
Cognitive Level: Analysis
NSG 6998 The Pre-Predictor Comprehensive Exam Practice Questions 2026-2027
Latest Update | Original Questions & Answers with Detailed Rationales
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Management of Care
2. Safety and Infection Control
3. Health Promotion and Maintenance
4. Psychosocial Integrity
5. Basic Care and Comfort
6. Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
7. Reduction of Risk Potential
8. Physiological Adaptation
9. Comprehensive Review Questions
SECTION 1: MANAGEMENT OF CARE
Practice Questions with Detailed Rationales
Question 1
, Page |2
A nurse is caring for four clients on a medical-surgical unit.
Which client should the nurse assess FIRST?
A) A client with a temperature of 100.2°F (37.9°C) who is 24
hours post-operative
B) A client with new-onset confusion who was alert and
oriented 2 hours ago
C) A client requesting pain medication for a headache rated
4/10
D) A client with a blood pressure of 142/88 mmHg who has
chronic hypertension
Answer: B
Rationale: New-onset confusion represents an acute change in
neurological status that could indicate hypoxia, stroke, infection,
or metabolic derangement. This requires immediate assessment
using the ABCs and Maslow's hierarchy. Option A represents a
low-grade fever that is common post-operatively and not
immediately life-threatening. Option C is important but not
urgent—the client is stable. Option D represents mildly elevated
blood pressure in a client with chronic hypertension, which is
not an acute emergency. The nurse should always prioritize
clients with acute changes in status over chronic conditions.
Content Area: Prioritization, Neurological Assessment
Cognitive Level: Analysis
, Page |3
Question 2
A nurse is delegating tasks to unlicensed assistive personnel
(UAP). Which task is MOST appropriate to delegate?
A) Administering a glycerin suppository to a constipated client
B) Obtaining a stool sample for occult blood testing
C) Evaluating a client's understanding of a low-sodium diet
D) Performing a sterile dressing change on a surgical wound
Answer: B
Rationale: Obtaining a stool sample is a non-invasive, routine
task that falls within UAP scope of practice. Option A involves
medication administration, which requires a licensed nurse.
Option C involves client education and evaluation, which
requires nursing judgment and cannot be delegated. Option D
requires sterile technique and nursing assessment of the wound,
which cannot be delegated to UAP. The five rights of delegation
must always be considered: right task, right circumstance, right
person, right direction, and right supervision.
Content Area: Delegation, Scope of Practice
Cognitive Level: Application
Question 3
, Page |4
A charge nurse is making client assignments for the oncoming
shift. Which client should be assigned to the most experienced
registered nurse?
A) A client with diabetes who needs blood glucose monitoring
before meals
B) A client with a new tracheostomy who requires frequent
suctioning
C) A client with a urinary tract infection receiving oral antibiotics
D) A client who is 3 days post-appendectomy and preparing for
discharge
Answer: B
Rationale: A client with a new tracheostomy requiring frequent
suctioning has the highest acuity and potential for
complications including airway obstruction, hypoxia, and
infection. This client requires the assessment skills and clinical
judgment of an experienced RN. Option A involves routine
monitoring that could be assigned to a less experienced nurse.
Option C is a stable client receiving treatment for a common
infection. Option D represents a stable post-operative client
approaching discharge. Acuity-based assignments ensure
patient safety and appropriate resource utilization.
Content Area: Assignment Making, Acuity
Cognitive Level: Analysis
