ATI Comprehensive Exit Exam | 180 Q&A
+ Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) Style
Questions with Correct Answers, 2026 /
2027 Update || Complete A+ Guide
1. A home health nurse is caring for a child who has Lyme disease. Which of the
following is an appropriate action for the nurse to take?
A) Administer antitoxin
B) Educate the family to avoid sharing personal belongings
C) Ensure the state health department has been notified
D) Assess for skin necrosis
Correct Answer: C) Ensure the state health department has been notified
Rationale: Lyme disease is a reportable communicable disease. It is the nurse's
responsibility to ensure the appropriate public health authorities are notified to aid in
surveillance and outbreak prevention.
2. A nurse is caring for a client who has a vented NG tube set to low
intermittent suction and has vomited. Which of the following actions should
the nurse perform first?
A) Administer an antiemetic medication
B) Evaluate functioning of the suction device
C) Provide oral hygiene care
D) Replace the NG tube
Correct Answer: B) Evaluate functioning of the suction device
Rationale: The priority is to assess the cause of the problem. Vomiting with an NG
tube in place suggests the tube may not be functioning correctly (e.g., clogged or
not providing adequate suction). The nurse must first evaluate the device's function
before implementing other interventions.
3. While performing a routine assessment, a nurse notices fraying on the
electrical cord of a client's continuous passive motion (CPM) device. Which of
the following actions should the nurse take first?
A) Initiate a requisition for a replacement CPM device
B) Report the defect to the equipment maintenance staff
C) Remove the device from the room
D) Ensure the device inspection sticker is current
Correct Answer: C) Remove the device from the room
Rationale: The immediate priority is to ensure client safety by removing the
,equipment with the damaged cord. This eliminates the risk of electrical shock or fire.
Reporting the defect and requesting a replacement are subsequent steps.
4. A nurse is assessing a client who is postoperative following abdominal
surgery and has an indwelling urinary catheter that is draining dark yellow
urine at 25 mL/hr. Which of the following interventions should the nurse
anticipate?
A) Increase the client's fluid intake
B) Administer a prescribed diuretic
C) Obtain a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity
D) Notify the provider of a potential obstruction
Correct Answer: C) Obtain a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity
Rationale: Dark, concentrated urine at a low output (less than 30 mL/hr) suggests
possible dehydration or early renal impairment. However, the most urgent nursing
action is to identify a potential infection, which requires a urine culture and
sensitivity. An infection can cause decreased output and can be a complication after
abdominal surgery.
5. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a depressive disorder and a
new prescription for amitriptyline. Which of the following statements by the
client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A) "I should take this medication on an empty stomach."
B) "I can stop taking this medication as soon as I feel better."
C) "I know it will be a couple of weeks before the medication helps me feel better."
D) "I can drink grapefruit juice while taking this medication."
Correct Answer: C) "I know it will be a couple of weeks before the medication
helps me feel better."
Rationale: Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). A key teaching point for
antidepressants is that they take 2 to 4 weeks to achieve a therapeutic effect and
alleviate depressive symptoms. The client should not stop the medication abruptly.
6. A nurse is caring for an infant who has gastroenteritis. Which of the
following assessment findings should the nurse report to the provider?
A) Loose, watery stools
B) Irritability
C) Sunken fontanels and dry mucous membranes
D) Increased urine output
Correct Answer: C) Sunken fontanels and dry mucous membranes
Rationale: In an infant with gastroenteritis, the greatest risk is dehydration. Sunken
fontanels and dry mucous membranes are classic, late signs of severe dehydration
that require immediate medical intervention.
,7. A nurse is creating a plan of care for a female client who has recurrent UTIs.
Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?
A) Take bubble baths to cleanse the perineal area
B) Wear tight-fitting underwear
C) Limit fluid intake to reduce frequency
D) Wipe from front to back after toileting
Correct Answer: D) Wipe from front to back after toileting
Rationale: For women with recurrent UTIs, proper perineal hygiene is crucial. Wiping
from front to back prevents the transfer of bacteria from the anal area to the urethra.
8. A nurse is assessing a client who is taking haloperidol and is experiencing
pseudo parkinsonism. Which of the following findings should the nurse
document as a manifestation of pseudo parkinsonism?
A) Involuntary rolling of the eyes
B) Shuffling gait
C) Lip smacking
D) Severe restlessness
Correct Answer: B) Shuffling gait
Rationale: Pseudo parkinsonism is an extrapyramidal side effect of antipsychotics
like haloperidol. Its manifestations mimic Parkinson's disease and include a shuffling
gait, rigidity, tremors, and bradykinesia.
9. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a new prescription for
warfarin. Which of the following laboratory tests should the nurse plan to
report to the provider to obtain the prescription for the warfarin?
A) aPTT
B) Platelet count
C) INR
D) BUN
Correct Answer: C) INR
Rationale: Warfarin is an anticoagulant that requires monitoring of the International
Normalized Ratio (INR) to ensure the dosage is therapeutic and safe. The provider
uses the INR to adjust the warfarin dose.
10. A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing expressive aphasia and
right hemiparesis following a stroke. Which of the following actions by the
nurse best promotes communication among staff caring for the client?
A) Providing the client with a communication board
B) Speaking to the client in a loud voice
C) Using hand gestures and writing
D) Having interdisciplinary team meetings for the client on a regular basis
, Correct Answer: D) Having interdisciplinary team meetings for the client on a
regular basis
Rationale: While all options can help with communication, the best strategy to
promote communication among staff is to hold interdisciplinary team meetings. This
ensures that all team members (nurses, speech therapists, physical therapists, etc.)
are using consistent communication techniques and are informed about the client's
specific needs and abilities, thereby promoting coordinated and effective care.
11. A nurse is caring for a 2-year-old toddler. Which of the following food
choices should the nurse recommend to promote independence in eating?
A) Whole grapes
B) Banana slices
C) Hot dog slices
D) Hard candy
Correct Answer: B) Banana slices
Rationale: At 2 years old, toddlers are developing fine motor skills and
independence. Soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow, such as banana slices,
are safe and encourage self-feeding. Other options (whole grapes, hot dog slices,
hard candy) are significant choking hazards for this age group.
12. A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is notified that a mass casualty event has
occurred in the community. Which of the following actions should the nurse
plan to take?
A) Immediately discharge all stable clients
B) Close the unit to all new admissions
C) Determine the medical needs of incoming clients through the emergency
department
D) Prepare all operating rooms for immediate surgery
Correct Answer: C) Determine the medical needs of incoming clients through
the emergency department
Rationale: During a mass casualty event, the hospital's emergency department
serves as the central point for triage. The nurse should plan to receive information
from the ED about the needs of incoming clients to prepare the unit and staff
appropriately.
13. A nurse is assessing a client who is admitted with a severe asthma
exacerbation. Which of the following findings is the priority for the nurse to
report?
A) Use of accessory muscles to breathe
B) Heart rate of 100/min
C) Wheezing in all lung fields
D) Oxygen saturation of 90%
+ Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) Style
Questions with Correct Answers, 2026 /
2027 Update || Complete A+ Guide
1. A home health nurse is caring for a child who has Lyme disease. Which of the
following is an appropriate action for the nurse to take?
A) Administer antitoxin
B) Educate the family to avoid sharing personal belongings
C) Ensure the state health department has been notified
D) Assess for skin necrosis
Correct Answer: C) Ensure the state health department has been notified
Rationale: Lyme disease is a reportable communicable disease. It is the nurse's
responsibility to ensure the appropriate public health authorities are notified to aid in
surveillance and outbreak prevention.
2. A nurse is caring for a client who has a vented NG tube set to low
intermittent suction and has vomited. Which of the following actions should
the nurse perform first?
A) Administer an antiemetic medication
B) Evaluate functioning of the suction device
C) Provide oral hygiene care
D) Replace the NG tube
Correct Answer: B) Evaluate functioning of the suction device
Rationale: The priority is to assess the cause of the problem. Vomiting with an NG
tube in place suggests the tube may not be functioning correctly (e.g., clogged or
not providing adequate suction). The nurse must first evaluate the device's function
before implementing other interventions.
3. While performing a routine assessment, a nurse notices fraying on the
electrical cord of a client's continuous passive motion (CPM) device. Which of
the following actions should the nurse take first?
A) Initiate a requisition for a replacement CPM device
B) Report the defect to the equipment maintenance staff
C) Remove the device from the room
D) Ensure the device inspection sticker is current
Correct Answer: C) Remove the device from the room
Rationale: The immediate priority is to ensure client safety by removing the
,equipment with the damaged cord. This eliminates the risk of electrical shock or fire.
Reporting the defect and requesting a replacement are subsequent steps.
4. A nurse is assessing a client who is postoperative following abdominal
surgery and has an indwelling urinary catheter that is draining dark yellow
urine at 25 mL/hr. Which of the following interventions should the nurse
anticipate?
A) Increase the client's fluid intake
B) Administer a prescribed diuretic
C) Obtain a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity
D) Notify the provider of a potential obstruction
Correct Answer: C) Obtain a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity
Rationale: Dark, concentrated urine at a low output (less than 30 mL/hr) suggests
possible dehydration or early renal impairment. However, the most urgent nursing
action is to identify a potential infection, which requires a urine culture and
sensitivity. An infection can cause decreased output and can be a complication after
abdominal surgery.
5. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a depressive disorder and a
new prescription for amitriptyline. Which of the following statements by the
client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A) "I should take this medication on an empty stomach."
B) "I can stop taking this medication as soon as I feel better."
C) "I know it will be a couple of weeks before the medication helps me feel better."
D) "I can drink grapefruit juice while taking this medication."
Correct Answer: C) "I know it will be a couple of weeks before the medication
helps me feel better."
Rationale: Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). A key teaching point for
antidepressants is that they take 2 to 4 weeks to achieve a therapeutic effect and
alleviate depressive symptoms. The client should not stop the medication abruptly.
6. A nurse is caring for an infant who has gastroenteritis. Which of the
following assessment findings should the nurse report to the provider?
A) Loose, watery stools
B) Irritability
C) Sunken fontanels and dry mucous membranes
D) Increased urine output
Correct Answer: C) Sunken fontanels and dry mucous membranes
Rationale: In an infant with gastroenteritis, the greatest risk is dehydration. Sunken
fontanels and dry mucous membranes are classic, late signs of severe dehydration
that require immediate medical intervention.
,7. A nurse is creating a plan of care for a female client who has recurrent UTIs.
Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?
A) Take bubble baths to cleanse the perineal area
B) Wear tight-fitting underwear
C) Limit fluid intake to reduce frequency
D) Wipe from front to back after toileting
Correct Answer: D) Wipe from front to back after toileting
Rationale: For women with recurrent UTIs, proper perineal hygiene is crucial. Wiping
from front to back prevents the transfer of bacteria from the anal area to the urethra.
8. A nurse is assessing a client who is taking haloperidol and is experiencing
pseudo parkinsonism. Which of the following findings should the nurse
document as a manifestation of pseudo parkinsonism?
A) Involuntary rolling of the eyes
B) Shuffling gait
C) Lip smacking
D) Severe restlessness
Correct Answer: B) Shuffling gait
Rationale: Pseudo parkinsonism is an extrapyramidal side effect of antipsychotics
like haloperidol. Its manifestations mimic Parkinson's disease and include a shuffling
gait, rigidity, tremors, and bradykinesia.
9. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a new prescription for
warfarin. Which of the following laboratory tests should the nurse plan to
report to the provider to obtain the prescription for the warfarin?
A) aPTT
B) Platelet count
C) INR
D) BUN
Correct Answer: C) INR
Rationale: Warfarin is an anticoagulant that requires monitoring of the International
Normalized Ratio (INR) to ensure the dosage is therapeutic and safe. The provider
uses the INR to adjust the warfarin dose.
10. A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing expressive aphasia and
right hemiparesis following a stroke. Which of the following actions by the
nurse best promotes communication among staff caring for the client?
A) Providing the client with a communication board
B) Speaking to the client in a loud voice
C) Using hand gestures and writing
D) Having interdisciplinary team meetings for the client on a regular basis
, Correct Answer: D) Having interdisciplinary team meetings for the client on a
regular basis
Rationale: While all options can help with communication, the best strategy to
promote communication among staff is to hold interdisciplinary team meetings. This
ensures that all team members (nurses, speech therapists, physical therapists, etc.)
are using consistent communication techniques and are informed about the client's
specific needs and abilities, thereby promoting coordinated and effective care.
11. A nurse is caring for a 2-year-old toddler. Which of the following food
choices should the nurse recommend to promote independence in eating?
A) Whole grapes
B) Banana slices
C) Hot dog slices
D) Hard candy
Correct Answer: B) Banana slices
Rationale: At 2 years old, toddlers are developing fine motor skills and
independence. Soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow, such as banana slices,
are safe and encourage self-feeding. Other options (whole grapes, hot dog slices,
hard candy) are significant choking hazards for this age group.
12. A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is notified that a mass casualty event has
occurred in the community. Which of the following actions should the nurse
plan to take?
A) Immediately discharge all stable clients
B) Close the unit to all new admissions
C) Determine the medical needs of incoming clients through the emergency
department
D) Prepare all operating rooms for immediate surgery
Correct Answer: C) Determine the medical needs of incoming clients through
the emergency department
Rationale: During a mass casualty event, the hospital's emergency department
serves as the central point for triage. The nurse should plan to receive information
from the ED about the needs of incoming clients to prepare the unit and staff
appropriately.
13. A nurse is assessing a client who is admitted with a severe asthma
exacerbation. Which of the following findings is the priority for the nurse to
report?
A) Use of accessory muscles to breathe
B) Heart rate of 100/min
C) Wheezing in all lung fields
D) Oxygen saturation of 90%
