NGN ATI RN COMPREHENSIVE PREDICTOR EXIT ASSESSMENT
TEST 2026 EDITION Questions And Answers
2026
1. A nurse is caring for a client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
Which of the following arterial blood gas (ABG) findings
should the nurse expect?
A. pH 7.48, PaCO2 48, HCO3 30
B. pH 7.30, PaCO2 40, HCO3 18
C. pH 7.35, PaCO2 45, HCO3 26
D. pH 7.50, PaCO2 35, HCO3 24
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: DKA causes metabolic acidosis with low pH and
low HCO3. PaCO2 may be normal or low if compensatory
respiratory alkalosis occurs. Option B (pH 7.30, HCO3 18)
indicates metabolic acidosis. Option A is metabolic alkalosis; C
is within normal limits; D is respiratory alkalosis.
2. A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client with
heart failure. Which of the following findings requires
, withholding the medication and notifying the provider?
A. Apical pulse 62 beats/min
B. Serum potassium 3.2 mEq/L
C. Blood pressure 118/76 mm Hg
D. Respiratory rate 18 breaths/min
Correct Answer: B
*Explanation: Hypokalemia (K+ <3.5 mEq/L) increases the
risk of digoxin toxicity. A low apical pulse (<60) also warrants
withholding, but 62 is acceptable. Normal potassium is 3.5–
5.0. Option B is critically low and dangerous with digoxin.*
3. A nurse is assessing a client who is postpartum and reports
unilateral calf pain and swelling. Which of the following
actions should the nurse take first?
A. Apply warm compresses to the calf
B. Massage the affected leg
C. Elevate the leg on pillows
D. Measure the circumference of both calves
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The nurse should first assess for deep vein
thrombosis (DVT) by comparing calf measurements. Massage
is contraindicated due to risk of embolus. Elevation may help
but is not the first action. Warm compresses are not priority.
4. A charge nurse is observing a newly licensed nurse insert a
urinary catheter. Which of the following actions requires
, intervention?
A. The nurse uses sterile gloves and a sterile field
B. The nurse lubricates the catheter tip before insertion
C. The nurse advances the catheter until urine flows, then
inflates the balloon
D. The nurse obtains a urine specimen from the drainage bag
after insertion
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Urine specimens should be obtained from the
catheter port using sterile technique, not from the drainage
bag, which may contain stagnant urine and bacteria. Options
A, B, and C are correct sterile technique steps.
5. A nurse is caring for a client with major depressive disorder
who has been prescribed phenelzine. Which of the following
client statements indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I will avoid aged cheeses and red wine."
B. "I can take over-the-counter cold medicine for my stuffy
nose."
C. "I need to monitor my blood pressure regularly."
D. "I will notify my provider if I get a severe headache."
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Phenelzine (MAOI) interacts with
sympathomimetics in OTC cold medicines, causing
hypertensive crisis. Aged cheese and red wine contain
tyramine (avoid). BP monitoring and severe headache
(possible hypertension) are correct.
, 6. A nurse is assessing a client who has a chest tube connected
to a water-seal drainage system. Which of the following
findings indicates proper functioning?
A. Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber
B. Tidaling (fluctuation) in the water-seal chamber
C. No drainage in the collection chamber for 4 hours
D. Suction chamber filled to 40 cm H2O
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Tidaling (fluctuation with respiration) indicates a
patent system and intact pleural space. Continuous bubbling
suggests an air leak. No drainage may be normal but does not
confirm function. Suction level varies but 40 cm H2O is high
and not necessarily "proper."
7. A nurse is teaching a client with newly diagnosed
hypertension about lifestyle modifications. Which of the
following statements by the client indicates understanding?
A. "I can continue to add salt to my food at the table."
B. "I should aim for 30 minutes of aerobic exercise most
days."
C. "I will drink 3 to 4 cups of coffee each morning."
D. "I plan to lose 5 pounds over the next year."
Correct Answer: B
*Explanation: Aerobic exercise 30 min/day most days is
recommended for hypertension. Salt restriction is needed,
TEST 2026 EDITION Questions And Answers
2026
1. A nurse is caring for a client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
Which of the following arterial blood gas (ABG) findings
should the nurse expect?
A. pH 7.48, PaCO2 48, HCO3 30
B. pH 7.30, PaCO2 40, HCO3 18
C. pH 7.35, PaCO2 45, HCO3 26
D. pH 7.50, PaCO2 35, HCO3 24
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: DKA causes metabolic acidosis with low pH and
low HCO3. PaCO2 may be normal or low if compensatory
respiratory alkalosis occurs. Option B (pH 7.30, HCO3 18)
indicates metabolic acidosis. Option A is metabolic alkalosis; C
is within normal limits; D is respiratory alkalosis.
2. A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client with
heart failure. Which of the following findings requires
, withholding the medication and notifying the provider?
A. Apical pulse 62 beats/min
B. Serum potassium 3.2 mEq/L
C. Blood pressure 118/76 mm Hg
D. Respiratory rate 18 breaths/min
Correct Answer: B
*Explanation: Hypokalemia (K+ <3.5 mEq/L) increases the
risk of digoxin toxicity. A low apical pulse (<60) also warrants
withholding, but 62 is acceptable. Normal potassium is 3.5–
5.0. Option B is critically low and dangerous with digoxin.*
3. A nurse is assessing a client who is postpartum and reports
unilateral calf pain and swelling. Which of the following
actions should the nurse take first?
A. Apply warm compresses to the calf
B. Massage the affected leg
C. Elevate the leg on pillows
D. Measure the circumference of both calves
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The nurse should first assess for deep vein
thrombosis (DVT) by comparing calf measurements. Massage
is contraindicated due to risk of embolus. Elevation may help
but is not the first action. Warm compresses are not priority.
4. A charge nurse is observing a newly licensed nurse insert a
urinary catheter. Which of the following actions requires
, intervention?
A. The nurse uses sterile gloves and a sterile field
B. The nurse lubricates the catheter tip before insertion
C. The nurse advances the catheter until urine flows, then
inflates the balloon
D. The nurse obtains a urine specimen from the drainage bag
after insertion
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Urine specimens should be obtained from the
catheter port using sterile technique, not from the drainage
bag, which may contain stagnant urine and bacteria. Options
A, B, and C are correct sterile technique steps.
5. A nurse is caring for a client with major depressive disorder
who has been prescribed phenelzine. Which of the following
client statements indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I will avoid aged cheeses and red wine."
B. "I can take over-the-counter cold medicine for my stuffy
nose."
C. "I need to monitor my blood pressure regularly."
D. "I will notify my provider if I get a severe headache."
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Phenelzine (MAOI) interacts with
sympathomimetics in OTC cold medicines, causing
hypertensive crisis. Aged cheese and red wine contain
tyramine (avoid). BP monitoring and severe headache
(possible hypertension) are correct.
, 6. A nurse is assessing a client who has a chest tube connected
to a water-seal drainage system. Which of the following
findings indicates proper functioning?
A. Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber
B. Tidaling (fluctuation) in the water-seal chamber
C. No drainage in the collection chamber for 4 hours
D. Suction chamber filled to 40 cm H2O
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Tidaling (fluctuation with respiration) indicates a
patent system and intact pleural space. Continuous bubbling
suggests an air leak. No drainage may be normal but does not
confirm function. Suction level varies but 40 cm H2O is high
and not necessarily "proper."
7. A nurse is teaching a client with newly diagnosed
hypertension about lifestyle modifications. Which of the
following statements by the client indicates understanding?
A. "I can continue to add salt to my food at the table."
B. "I should aim for 30 minutes of aerobic exercise most
days."
C. "I will drink 3 to 4 cups of coffee each morning."
D. "I plan to lose 5 pounds over the next year."
Correct Answer: B
*Explanation: Aerobic exercise 30 min/day most days is
recommended for hypertension. Salt restriction is needed,
