ATI RN COMPREHENSIVE PREDICTOR EXAM BANK | NGN NCLEX REVIEW |
FUNDAMENTALS, MED-SURG, PHARMACOLOGY, PEDIATRICS, MENTAL HEALTH &
LEADERSHIP | UPDATED 2026–2027
,ATI RN Comprehensive Predictor Exam Bank
Premium Table of Contents
Section Topic Area
Section I Foundations of Nursing Practice & Clinical Judgment
Section II Patient Safety, Quality Improvement & Risk Reduction
Section III Evidence-Based Practice & Nursing Research
Section IV Documentation, Professional Communication & Informatics
Section V Basic Care, Comfort & Activities of Daily Living
Section VI Infection Prevention & Control
Section VII Medication Administration & Pharmacology Principles
Section VIII Fluid, Electrolyte & Acid–Base Balance
Section IX Nutrition, Hydration & Gastrointestinal Care
Section X Adult Health – Cardiovascular Disorders
Section XI Adult Health – Respiratory Disorders
Section XII Adult Health – Neurological & Sensory Disorders
Section XIII Adult Health – Gastrointestinal & Hepatic Disorders
Section XIV Adult Health – Endocrine, Renal & Genitourinary Disorders
Section XV Adult Health – Musculoskeletal, Integumentary & Immune Disorders
Section XVI Maternal–Newborn Nursing
Section XVII Pediatric Nursing
Section XVIII Mental Health Nursing
Section XIX Leadership, Delegation, Prioritization & Management
Section XX Community Health, Population Health & Health Promotion
Section XXI Ethical, Legal & Professional Nursing Practice
,Section Topic Area
Section XXII Comprehensive Predictor Review & NCLEX Readiness
Bonus Review Resources
• High-Yield ATI Concepts
• Priority & Delegation Mastery
• NGN Clinical Judgment Practice
• Pharmacology Quick Review
• Laboratory Values & Diagnostic Studies
• Infection Control Precautions Guide
• Maternal-Newborn Essentials
• Pediatric Growth & Development Review
• Mental Health Nursing Pearls
• Leadership & Management Essentials
• Comprehensive Final Predictor Review
Updated 2026–2027 Edition | Comprehensive ATI RN Predictor Preparation | NCLEX-RN Success Review
Question 1
A nurse is collecting admission data from a client who reports shortness of breath when climbing stairs. Which
action by the nurse represents the assessment phase of the nursing process?
A. Developing interventions to improve oxygenation
B. Identifying activity intolerance as a nursing diagnosis
C. Obtaining information about the client's symptoms and health history
D. Determining whether the client's condition improved after treatment
,Correct Answer: C. Obtaining information about the client's symptoms and health history
Rationale: Assessment is the first step of the nursing process and involves collecting subjective and objective
data. Interviewing the client about symptoms, health history, and current concerns provides essential
information needed for subsequent nursing decisions.
Why Not the Other Options?
• A: Developing interventions occurs during planning.
• B: Identifying a nursing diagnosis occurs during the diagnosis phase.
• D: Determining improvement occurs during evaluation.
Clinical Judgment Pearl: Accurate assessment is the foundation of all nursing decisions. Incomplete
assessment can lead to inappropriate interventions.
Question 2
A nurse is caring for four clients. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. A client with diabetes whose blood glucose is 220 mg/dL before lunch
B. A client reporting sudden chest pain and shortness of breath
C. A client requesting assistance with hygiene care
D. A client awaiting discharge instructions
Correct Answer: B. A client reporting sudden chest pain and shortness of breath
Rationale: Using the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) framework, chest pain and shortness of breath may
indicate a life-threatening cardiovascular or respiratory emergency requiring immediate assessment.
Why Not the Other Options?
• A: Elevated glucose requires attention but is not immediately life-threatening.
• C: Hygiene needs can be addressed after urgent concerns.
• D: Discharge teaching can safely be delayed.
Clinical Judgment Pearl: Prioritize clients with actual or potential threats to airway, breathing, or circulation.
Question 3
A nurse is developing goals for a client recovering from pneumonia. Which goal is written appropriately?
A. Client will feel better soon
B. Client will improve respiratory status
C. Client will maintain oxygen saturation above 94% within 24 hours
D. Nurse will encourage deep breathing exercises every shift
Correct Answer: C. Client will maintain oxygen saturation above 94% within 24 hours
,Rationale: Effective goals are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This goal
clearly identifies the expected outcome and timeframe.
Why Not the Other Options?
• A: Not measurable.
• B: Too vague.
• D: Describes a nursing intervention rather than a client outcome.
Clinical Judgment Pearl: Goals should describe what the client will achieve, not what the nurse will do.
Question 4
A nurse notes that a client's blood pressure has decreased from 128/78 mm Hg to 86/54 mm Hg over the past
hour. What should the nurse do first?
A. Notify the provider immediately
B. Document the findings in the medical record
C. Reassess the client for additional signs of instability
D. Administer prescribed antihypertensive medication
Correct Answer: C. Reassess the client for additional signs of instability
Rationale: Clinical judgment begins with recognizing a significant change and gathering additional assessment
data before implementing further actions.
Why Not the Other Options?
• A: Notification may be necessary after further assessment.
• B: Documentation is important but not the priority.
• D: Antihypertensive medication could worsen hypotension.
Clinical Judgment Pearl: When a client's condition changes, reassess before acting whenever possible.
Question 5
A nurse identifies "Risk for Falls" for an older adult client. This statement represents which component of the
nursing process?
A. Assessment
B. Diagnosis
C. Planning
D. Evaluation
Correct Answer: B. Diagnosis
Rationale: A nursing diagnosis identifies actual or potential health responses that nurses can address
independently.
,Why Not the Other Options?
• A: Assessment involves collecting data.
• C: Planning develops goals and interventions.
• D: Evaluation determines effectiveness.
Clinical Judgment Pearl: Nursing diagnoses focus on patient responses rather than medical diseases.
Question 6
A nurse caring for a postoperative client notes increasing restlessness, confusion, and decreased oxygen
saturation. Which action demonstrates effective clinical judgment?
A. Wait until the next scheduled assessment
B. Recognize the findings as possible hypoxia and intervene promptly
C. Document the findings and continue monitoring
D. Reassure the client that confusion is expected after surgery
Correct Answer: B. Recognize the findings as possible hypoxia and intervene promptly
Rationale: Early recognition of subtle signs of deterioration is essential for preventing adverse outcomes.
Why Not the Other Options?
• A: Delays care.
• C: Documentation alone is insufficient.
• D: Confusion may indicate hypoxia and should not be dismissed.
Clinical Judgment Pearl: Restlessness is often one of the earliest signs of inadequate oxygenation.
Question 7
A nurse is implementing interventions for a client experiencing pain. Which nursing process step is being
performed?
A. Assessment
B. Diagnosis
C. Planning
D. Implementation
Correct Answer: D. Implementation
Rationale: Carrying out prescribed or planned nursing actions constitutes implementation.
Why Not the Other Options?
• A: Assessment involves data collection.
• B: Diagnosis identifies problems.
, • C: Planning develops interventions.
Clinical Judgment Pearl: Implementation includes independent, dependent, and collaborative nursing actions.
Question 8
A client states, "My pain is an 8 out of 10." This information is classified as:
A. Objective data
B. Diagnostic data
C. Subjective data
D. Physical assessment data
Correct Answer: C. Subjective data
Rationale: Subjective data are information provided directly by the client and cannot be independently
verified.
Why Not the Other Options?
• A: Objective data are observable or measurable.
• B: Diagnostic data refers to testing results.
• D: Physical assessment findings are objective.
Clinical Judgment Pearl: Pain is whatever the client says it is.
Question 9
Which intervention should a nurse delegate to an experienced assistive personnel (AP)?
A. Assessing a client's pain level
B. Evaluating response to medication
C. Obtaining routine vital signs for a stable client
D. Teaching postoperative exercises
Correct Answer: C. Obtaining routine vital signs for a stable client
Rationale: Routine, noninvasive tasks for stable clients can be delegated to trained assistive personnel.
Why Not the Other Options?
• A: Assessment is a nursing responsibility.
• B: Evaluation cannot be delegated.
• D: Teaching requires nursing judgment.
Clinical Judgment Pearl: Nurses may delegate tasks but never nursing judgment.
Question 10
A nurse reviews laboratory values before administering medication. Which nursing process step is illustrated?
,A. Assessment
B. Diagnosis
C. Evaluation
D. Planning
Correct Answer: A. Assessment
Rationale: Reviewing laboratory results is part of collecting and analyzing data before care decisions.
Why Not the Other Options?
• B: No diagnosis is being identified.
• C: Evaluation occurs after interventions.
• D: Planning follows assessment.
Clinical Judgment Pearl: Continuous assessment occurs before, during, and after interventions.
Question 11
A nurse uses Maslow's hierarchy of needs to prioritize care. Which client should be seen first?
A. Client requesting spiritual support
B. Client expressing loneliness
C. Client experiencing difficulty breathing
D. Client concerned about self-esteem
Correct Answer: C. Client experiencing difficulty breathing
Rationale: Physiological needs such as oxygenation take priority over psychosocial concerns.
Why Not the Other Options?
• A: Spiritual needs are important but lower priority.
• B: Belonging needs are secondary to physiological needs.
• D: Esteem needs rank higher in the hierarchy.
Clinical Judgment Pearl: Airway and breathing concerns almost always supersede psychosocial needs.
Question 12
A nurse evaluates whether a client's wound has decreased in size after treatment. Which nursing process step
is being completed?
A. Assessment
B. Diagnosis
C. Planning
D. Evaluation
Correct Answer: D. Evaluation
,Rationale: Evaluation determines whether expected outcomes have been achieved.
Why Not the Other Options?
• A: Assessment collects baseline information.
• B: Diagnosis identifies problems.
• C: Planning establishes interventions.
Clinical Judgment Pearl: Evaluation answers the question, "Did the intervention work?"
Question 13
A nurse recognizes a pattern of low urine output, tachycardia, and hypotension. Which clinical judgment skill is
demonstrated?
A. Recognizing cues
B. Evaluating outcomes
C. Reflecting on care
D. Delegating tasks
Correct Answer: A. Recognizing cues
Rationale: Recognizing cues involves identifying relevant clinical information and patterns.
Why Not the Other Options?
• B: Outcomes have not yet been evaluated.
• C: Reflection occurs later.
• D: No delegation is occurring.
Clinical Judgment Pearl: Recognizing cues is the first step in the NGN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model.
Question 14
A nurse prepares a care plan based on identified client needs. Which phase of the nursing process is being
performed?
A. Planning
B. Diagnosis
C. Assessment
D. Evaluation
Correct Answer: A. Planning
Rationale: Planning involves establishing goals and selecting nursing interventions.
Why Not the Other Options?
• B: Diagnosis identifies problems.
, • C: Assessment gathers data.
• D: Evaluation occurs after implementation.
Clinical Judgment Pearl: Planning bridges assessment findings and nursing actions.
Question 15
A nurse receives report on four clients. Which client requires immediate follow-up?
A. Blood pressure 138/84 mm Hg
B. Temperature 37.2°C (99°F)
C. Oxygen saturation 88% on room air
D. Heart rate 84/min
Correct Answer: C. Oxygen saturation 88% on room air
Rationale: Oxygen saturation below normal indicates impaired oxygenation and requires immediate
assessment.
Why Not the Other Options?
• A: Within acceptable limits.
• B: Normal temperature.
• D: Normal heart rate.
Clinical Judgment Pearl: Oxygenation abnormalities often take priority over other assessment findings.
Question 16
A nurse is caring for a client who suddenly becomes confused and attempts to get out of bed without
assistance. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Apply restraints immediately
B. Reorient the client and assess for possible causes of confusion
C. Document the behavior in the medical record
D. Notify the client's family member
Correct Answer: B. Reorient the client and assess for possible causes of confusion
Rationale: Sudden confusion may indicate hypoxia, infection, medication effects, or other acute conditions.
The nurse should first ensure safety while assessing the underlying cause.
Why Not the Other Options?
• A: Restraints should be a last resort.
• C: Assessment and intervention take priority over documentation.
• D: Family notification may be appropriate later.
FUNDAMENTALS, MED-SURG, PHARMACOLOGY, PEDIATRICS, MENTAL HEALTH &
LEADERSHIP | UPDATED 2026–2027
,ATI RN Comprehensive Predictor Exam Bank
Premium Table of Contents
Section Topic Area
Section I Foundations of Nursing Practice & Clinical Judgment
Section II Patient Safety, Quality Improvement & Risk Reduction
Section III Evidence-Based Practice & Nursing Research
Section IV Documentation, Professional Communication & Informatics
Section V Basic Care, Comfort & Activities of Daily Living
Section VI Infection Prevention & Control
Section VII Medication Administration & Pharmacology Principles
Section VIII Fluid, Electrolyte & Acid–Base Balance
Section IX Nutrition, Hydration & Gastrointestinal Care
Section X Adult Health – Cardiovascular Disorders
Section XI Adult Health – Respiratory Disorders
Section XII Adult Health – Neurological & Sensory Disorders
Section XIII Adult Health – Gastrointestinal & Hepatic Disorders
Section XIV Adult Health – Endocrine, Renal & Genitourinary Disorders
Section XV Adult Health – Musculoskeletal, Integumentary & Immune Disorders
Section XVI Maternal–Newborn Nursing
Section XVII Pediatric Nursing
Section XVIII Mental Health Nursing
Section XIX Leadership, Delegation, Prioritization & Management
Section XX Community Health, Population Health & Health Promotion
Section XXI Ethical, Legal & Professional Nursing Practice
,Section Topic Area
Section XXII Comprehensive Predictor Review & NCLEX Readiness
Bonus Review Resources
• High-Yield ATI Concepts
• Priority & Delegation Mastery
• NGN Clinical Judgment Practice
• Pharmacology Quick Review
• Laboratory Values & Diagnostic Studies
• Infection Control Precautions Guide
• Maternal-Newborn Essentials
• Pediatric Growth & Development Review
• Mental Health Nursing Pearls
• Leadership & Management Essentials
• Comprehensive Final Predictor Review
Updated 2026–2027 Edition | Comprehensive ATI RN Predictor Preparation | NCLEX-RN Success Review
Question 1
A nurse is collecting admission data from a client who reports shortness of breath when climbing stairs. Which
action by the nurse represents the assessment phase of the nursing process?
A. Developing interventions to improve oxygenation
B. Identifying activity intolerance as a nursing diagnosis
C. Obtaining information about the client's symptoms and health history
D. Determining whether the client's condition improved after treatment
,Correct Answer: C. Obtaining information about the client's symptoms and health history
Rationale: Assessment is the first step of the nursing process and involves collecting subjective and objective
data. Interviewing the client about symptoms, health history, and current concerns provides essential
information needed for subsequent nursing decisions.
Why Not the Other Options?
• A: Developing interventions occurs during planning.
• B: Identifying a nursing diagnosis occurs during the diagnosis phase.
• D: Determining improvement occurs during evaluation.
Clinical Judgment Pearl: Accurate assessment is the foundation of all nursing decisions. Incomplete
assessment can lead to inappropriate interventions.
Question 2
A nurse is caring for four clients. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. A client with diabetes whose blood glucose is 220 mg/dL before lunch
B. A client reporting sudden chest pain and shortness of breath
C. A client requesting assistance with hygiene care
D. A client awaiting discharge instructions
Correct Answer: B. A client reporting sudden chest pain and shortness of breath
Rationale: Using the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) framework, chest pain and shortness of breath may
indicate a life-threatening cardiovascular or respiratory emergency requiring immediate assessment.
Why Not the Other Options?
• A: Elevated glucose requires attention but is not immediately life-threatening.
• C: Hygiene needs can be addressed after urgent concerns.
• D: Discharge teaching can safely be delayed.
Clinical Judgment Pearl: Prioritize clients with actual or potential threats to airway, breathing, or circulation.
Question 3
A nurse is developing goals for a client recovering from pneumonia. Which goal is written appropriately?
A. Client will feel better soon
B. Client will improve respiratory status
C. Client will maintain oxygen saturation above 94% within 24 hours
D. Nurse will encourage deep breathing exercises every shift
Correct Answer: C. Client will maintain oxygen saturation above 94% within 24 hours
,Rationale: Effective goals are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This goal
clearly identifies the expected outcome and timeframe.
Why Not the Other Options?
• A: Not measurable.
• B: Too vague.
• D: Describes a nursing intervention rather than a client outcome.
Clinical Judgment Pearl: Goals should describe what the client will achieve, not what the nurse will do.
Question 4
A nurse notes that a client's blood pressure has decreased from 128/78 mm Hg to 86/54 mm Hg over the past
hour. What should the nurse do first?
A. Notify the provider immediately
B. Document the findings in the medical record
C. Reassess the client for additional signs of instability
D. Administer prescribed antihypertensive medication
Correct Answer: C. Reassess the client for additional signs of instability
Rationale: Clinical judgment begins with recognizing a significant change and gathering additional assessment
data before implementing further actions.
Why Not the Other Options?
• A: Notification may be necessary after further assessment.
• B: Documentation is important but not the priority.
• D: Antihypertensive medication could worsen hypotension.
Clinical Judgment Pearl: When a client's condition changes, reassess before acting whenever possible.
Question 5
A nurse identifies "Risk for Falls" for an older adult client. This statement represents which component of the
nursing process?
A. Assessment
B. Diagnosis
C. Planning
D. Evaluation
Correct Answer: B. Diagnosis
Rationale: A nursing diagnosis identifies actual or potential health responses that nurses can address
independently.
,Why Not the Other Options?
• A: Assessment involves collecting data.
• C: Planning develops goals and interventions.
• D: Evaluation determines effectiveness.
Clinical Judgment Pearl: Nursing diagnoses focus on patient responses rather than medical diseases.
Question 6
A nurse caring for a postoperative client notes increasing restlessness, confusion, and decreased oxygen
saturation. Which action demonstrates effective clinical judgment?
A. Wait until the next scheduled assessment
B. Recognize the findings as possible hypoxia and intervene promptly
C. Document the findings and continue monitoring
D. Reassure the client that confusion is expected after surgery
Correct Answer: B. Recognize the findings as possible hypoxia and intervene promptly
Rationale: Early recognition of subtle signs of deterioration is essential for preventing adverse outcomes.
Why Not the Other Options?
• A: Delays care.
• C: Documentation alone is insufficient.
• D: Confusion may indicate hypoxia and should not be dismissed.
Clinical Judgment Pearl: Restlessness is often one of the earliest signs of inadequate oxygenation.
Question 7
A nurse is implementing interventions for a client experiencing pain. Which nursing process step is being
performed?
A. Assessment
B. Diagnosis
C. Planning
D. Implementation
Correct Answer: D. Implementation
Rationale: Carrying out prescribed or planned nursing actions constitutes implementation.
Why Not the Other Options?
• A: Assessment involves data collection.
• B: Diagnosis identifies problems.
, • C: Planning develops interventions.
Clinical Judgment Pearl: Implementation includes independent, dependent, and collaborative nursing actions.
Question 8
A client states, "My pain is an 8 out of 10." This information is classified as:
A. Objective data
B. Diagnostic data
C. Subjective data
D. Physical assessment data
Correct Answer: C. Subjective data
Rationale: Subjective data are information provided directly by the client and cannot be independently
verified.
Why Not the Other Options?
• A: Objective data are observable or measurable.
• B: Diagnostic data refers to testing results.
• D: Physical assessment findings are objective.
Clinical Judgment Pearl: Pain is whatever the client says it is.
Question 9
Which intervention should a nurse delegate to an experienced assistive personnel (AP)?
A. Assessing a client's pain level
B. Evaluating response to medication
C. Obtaining routine vital signs for a stable client
D. Teaching postoperative exercises
Correct Answer: C. Obtaining routine vital signs for a stable client
Rationale: Routine, noninvasive tasks for stable clients can be delegated to trained assistive personnel.
Why Not the Other Options?
• A: Assessment is a nursing responsibility.
• B: Evaluation cannot be delegated.
• D: Teaching requires nursing judgment.
Clinical Judgment Pearl: Nurses may delegate tasks but never nursing judgment.
Question 10
A nurse reviews laboratory values before administering medication. Which nursing process step is illustrated?
,A. Assessment
B. Diagnosis
C. Evaluation
D. Planning
Correct Answer: A. Assessment
Rationale: Reviewing laboratory results is part of collecting and analyzing data before care decisions.
Why Not the Other Options?
• B: No diagnosis is being identified.
• C: Evaluation occurs after interventions.
• D: Planning follows assessment.
Clinical Judgment Pearl: Continuous assessment occurs before, during, and after interventions.
Question 11
A nurse uses Maslow's hierarchy of needs to prioritize care. Which client should be seen first?
A. Client requesting spiritual support
B. Client expressing loneliness
C. Client experiencing difficulty breathing
D. Client concerned about self-esteem
Correct Answer: C. Client experiencing difficulty breathing
Rationale: Physiological needs such as oxygenation take priority over psychosocial concerns.
Why Not the Other Options?
• A: Spiritual needs are important but lower priority.
• B: Belonging needs are secondary to physiological needs.
• D: Esteem needs rank higher in the hierarchy.
Clinical Judgment Pearl: Airway and breathing concerns almost always supersede psychosocial needs.
Question 12
A nurse evaluates whether a client's wound has decreased in size after treatment. Which nursing process step
is being completed?
A. Assessment
B. Diagnosis
C. Planning
D. Evaluation
Correct Answer: D. Evaluation
,Rationale: Evaluation determines whether expected outcomes have been achieved.
Why Not the Other Options?
• A: Assessment collects baseline information.
• B: Diagnosis identifies problems.
• C: Planning establishes interventions.
Clinical Judgment Pearl: Evaluation answers the question, "Did the intervention work?"
Question 13
A nurse recognizes a pattern of low urine output, tachycardia, and hypotension. Which clinical judgment skill is
demonstrated?
A. Recognizing cues
B. Evaluating outcomes
C. Reflecting on care
D. Delegating tasks
Correct Answer: A. Recognizing cues
Rationale: Recognizing cues involves identifying relevant clinical information and patterns.
Why Not the Other Options?
• B: Outcomes have not yet been evaluated.
• C: Reflection occurs later.
• D: No delegation is occurring.
Clinical Judgment Pearl: Recognizing cues is the first step in the NGN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model.
Question 14
A nurse prepares a care plan based on identified client needs. Which phase of the nursing process is being
performed?
A. Planning
B. Diagnosis
C. Assessment
D. Evaluation
Correct Answer: A. Planning
Rationale: Planning involves establishing goals and selecting nursing interventions.
Why Not the Other Options?
• B: Diagnosis identifies problems.
, • C: Assessment gathers data.
• D: Evaluation occurs after implementation.
Clinical Judgment Pearl: Planning bridges assessment findings and nursing actions.
Question 15
A nurse receives report on four clients. Which client requires immediate follow-up?
A. Blood pressure 138/84 mm Hg
B. Temperature 37.2°C (99°F)
C. Oxygen saturation 88% on room air
D. Heart rate 84/min
Correct Answer: C. Oxygen saturation 88% on room air
Rationale: Oxygen saturation below normal indicates impaired oxygenation and requires immediate
assessment.
Why Not the Other Options?
• A: Within acceptable limits.
• B: Normal temperature.
• D: Normal heart rate.
Clinical Judgment Pearl: Oxygenation abnormalities often take priority over other assessment findings.
Question 16
A nurse is caring for a client who suddenly becomes confused and attempts to get out of bed without
assistance. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Apply restraints immediately
B. Reorient the client and assess for possible causes of confusion
C. Document the behavior in the medical record
D. Notify the client's family member
Correct Answer: B. Reorient the client and assess for possible causes of confusion
Rationale: Sudden confusion may indicate hypoxia, infection, medication effects, or other acute conditions.
The nurse should first ensure safety while assessing the underlying cause.
Why Not the Other Options?
• A: Restraints should be a last resort.
• C: Assessment and intervention take priority over documentation.
• D: Family notification may be appropriate later.
