ATI PN COMPREHENSIVE PREDICTOR 2026 EXIT WITH NGN 180
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has a new prescription for warfarin. Which
of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching? A. "I will
take ibuprofen for headaches while taking this medication." B. "I will eat more green leafy
vegetables to increase vitamin K." C. "I will report any unusual bleeding or bruising to my
provider." D. "I will take this medication with grapefruit juice daily."
Correct Answer: C. Rationale: Warfarin is an anticoagulant that increases the risk of bleeding.
Clients should report any signs of bleeding such as unusual bruising, petechiae, bleeding gums,
or dark tarry stools. Ibuprofen increases bleeding risk and should be avoided. Green leafy
vegetables are high in vitamin K which antagonizes warfarin's effects. Grapefruit juice can
interact with many medications but is not specifically contraindicated with warfarin; however,
consistent vitamin K intake is more important.
2. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of
the following findings should the nurse report to the provider? A. Heart rate 88/min B.
Temperature 37.2°C (99°F) C. Serosanguineous drainage on dressing D. Wound edges separated
with visible intestine
Correct Answer: D. Rationale: Wound dehiscence (wound edges separated with visible
intestine) is a surgical emergency requiring immediate intervention. A heart rate of 88/min and
temperature of 37.2°C are within normal limits. Serosanguineous drainage is expected in the
early postoperative period.
3. A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has type 2 diabetes mellitus about foot
care. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include? A. Apply lotion between
the toes B. Soak feet in hot water daily C. Trim toenails straight across D. Walk barefoot to
toughen feet
Correct Answer: C. Rationale: Clients with diabetes should trim toenails straight across to
prevent ingrown toenails and potential infection. Lotion should not be applied between toes as
this can promote fungal growth. Feet should be soaked in lukewarm water, not hot, and clients
should never walk barefoot to prevent injury.
4. A nurse is preparing to administer medications to a client. Which of the following actions
should the nurse take first? A. Check the client's identification bracelet B. Verify the medication
against the MAR C. Assess the client's allergies D. Perform hand hygiene
Correct Answer: D. Rationale: According to the nursing process and infection control guidelines,
hand hygiene should be performed before any client care activity, including medication
administration. Following hand hygiene, the nurse should perform the rights of medication
administration.
,5. A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has a new diagnosis of hypertension.
Which of the following dietary recommendations should the nurse include? A. Increase intake
of processed foods B. Limit sodium intake to 2,300 mg or less per day C. Decrease potassium-
rich foods D. Increase intake of caffeinated beverages
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet
recommends limiting sodium intake to 2,300 mg or less per day for clients with hypertension.
Clients should increase potassium-rich foods, limit processed foods, and reduce caffeine intake.
6. A nurse is caring for a client who has an indwelling urinary catheter. Which of the following
actions should the nurse take to prevent infection? A. Empty the drainage bag every 24 hours
B. Secure the catheter tubing to the client's thigh C. Keep the drainage bag on the floor D.
Irrigate the catheter daily with sterile water
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: Securing the catheter tubing to the client's thigh prevents tension
and trauma to the urethra, which can introduce infection. The drainage bag should be emptied
when full, not every 24 hours, and should never be placed on the floor. Catheter irrigation
should only be performed with a prescription.
7. A nurse is assessing a client who has heart failure. Which of the following findings should
indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing fluid volume overload? A. Decreased blood
pressure B. Weight loss of 2 kg in 24 hours C. Jugular venous distention D. Dry mucous
membranes
Correct Answer: C. Rationale: Jugular venous distention (JVD) is a sign of increased central
venous pressure and fluid volume overload in clients with heart failure. Decreased blood
pressure, weight loss, and dry mucous membranes indicate fluid volume deficit.
8. A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has a prescription for albuterol via
metered-dose inhaler. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include? A. Wait 5
minutes between puffs B. Inhale rapidly while pressing the canister C. Use a spacer to improve
medication delivery D. Hold the breath for 1 second after inhaling
Correct Answer: C. Rationale: Using a spacer with a metered-dose inhaler improves medication
delivery to the lungs and reduces oropharyngeal deposition. Clients should wait 1 minute
between puffs, inhale slowly and deeply, and hold their breath for 5-10 seconds after inhaling.
9. A nurse is caring for a client who has pneumonia. Which of the following positions should
the nurse recommend to facilitate postural drainage? A. Supine with head flat B.
Trendelenburg position C. High-Fowler's position D. Lateral position with affected lung
uppermost
Correct Answer: D. Rationale: For postural drainage, the affected lung should be uppermost to
allow gravity to assist with drainage of secretions. The Trendelenburg position may be used for
,lower lobe drainage, and High-Fowler's position is used for clients with respiratory distress, not
specifically for postural drainage.
10. A nurse is assessing a client who has diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which of the following
manifestations should the nurse expect? A. Blood glucose 180 mg/dL B. Deep, rapid
respirations C. Hypertension D. Warm, flushed skin
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: Deep, rapid respirations (Kussmaul respirations) are a
compensatory mechanism in DKA to blow off carbon dioxide and decrease acidosis. Blood
glucose in DKA is typically greater than 250 mg/dL. Hypotension and cool, clammy skin are more
common in DKA.
11. A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has a new colostomy. Which of the
following statements indicates that the client understands the teaching? A. "I will change the
ostomy pouch every day" B. "I will avoid foods that cause gas like carbonated beverages" C. "I
can expect my stool to be liquid and watery" D. "I should not shower with the pouch on"
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: Clients with a colostomy should avoid gas-producing foods such
as carbonated beverages, beans, and cruciferous vegetables. Ostomy pouches can be left on for
3-7 days, stool consistency depends on the location of the colostomy, and clients can shower
with the pouch on.
12. A nurse is monitoring a client who is receiving a blood transfusion. Which of the following
findings indicates a hemolytic transfusion reaction? A. Fever and chills B. Hypertension C.
Bradycardia D. Flushed skin
Correct Answer: A. Rationale: Fever and chills are early signs of a hemolytic transfusion
reaction. Other signs include hypotension, tachycardia, and back pain. The transfusion should
be stopped immediately if a reaction is suspected.
13. A nurse is caring for a client who has a pressure injury. Which of the following wound care
interventions should the nurse implement? A. Apply heat to the wound to promote healing B.
Clean the wound with hydrogen peroxide C. Use a wound dressing that maintains a moist
environment D. Place the client in a supine position with heels resting on the bed
Correct Answer: C. Rationale: Maintaining a moist wound environment promotes healing in
pressure injuries. Heat should be avoided as it can increase tissue damage, hydrogen peroxide is
cytotoxic to healing tissue, and heels should be floated off the bed to prevent pressure.
14. A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has angina and a new prescription for
nitroglycerin sublingual tablets. Which of the following instructions should the nurse
include? A. Take a tablet every 15 minutes for up to 3 doses B. Swallow the tablet whole with
water C. Take the tablet at the first sign of chest pain D. Store the tablets in a warm, moist
location
, Correct Answer: C. Rationale: Nitroglycerin should be taken at the first sign of chest pain for
maximum effectiveness. Tablets should be placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve, not
swallowed. The typical regimen is one tablet every 5 minutes for up to 3 doses, and tablets
should be stored in a cool, dry place.
15. A nurse is assessing a client who has Parkinson's disease. Which of the following
manifestations should the nurse expect? A. Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes B. Intention
tremors C. Muscle rigidity and bradykinesia D. Spasticity and hypertonicity
Correct Answer: C. Rationale: Parkinson's disease is characterized by muscle rigidity,
bradykinesia (slowed movement), resting tremors, and postural instability. Hyperactive reflexes
and spasticity are more associated with upper motor neuron lesions, and intention tremors are
characteristic of cerebellar disorders.
16. A nurse is preparing to administer an enteral feeding to a client via nasogastric tube.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Verify tube placement by instilling air
and auscultating B. Check residual volume before each feeding C. Administer the feeding at
room temperature D. Place the client in a supine position during feeding
Correct Answer: C. Rationale: Enteral feedings should be administered at room temperature to
prevent gastrointestinal cramping. Tube placement should be verified by measuring the pH of
aspirated contents or by x-ray, not by auscultation. Residual volume should be checked every 4-
6 hours, not before each feeding, and the client should be in a semi-Fowler's position during
feeding to prevent aspiration.
17. A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has a new prescription for digoxin. Which
of the following adverse effects should the nurse instruct the client to report? A. Anorexia and
nausea B. Tachycardia C. Weight gain D. Constipation
Correct Answer: A. Rationale: Anorexia, nausea, and vomiting are early signs of digoxin toxicity
that should be reported. Bradycardia is a sign of toxicity, not tachycardia. Weight gain and
constipation are not typical signs of digoxin toxicity.
18. A nurse is caring for a client who has a history of falls. Which of the following
interventions should the nurse implement? A. Keep the bed in the lowest position with side
rails up B. Place the call light within the client's reach C. Restrain the client to prevent falls D.
Keep the room dimly lit to promote sleep
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: Placing the call light within the client's reach is a key fall
prevention intervention. Side rails should be used with caution as they can be considered a
restraint in some situations, restraints should be used only as a last resort, and adequate
lighting should be maintained to prevent falls.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has a new prescription for warfarin. Which
of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching? A. "I will
take ibuprofen for headaches while taking this medication." B. "I will eat more green leafy
vegetables to increase vitamin K." C. "I will report any unusual bleeding or bruising to my
provider." D. "I will take this medication with grapefruit juice daily."
Correct Answer: C. Rationale: Warfarin is an anticoagulant that increases the risk of bleeding.
Clients should report any signs of bleeding such as unusual bruising, petechiae, bleeding gums,
or dark tarry stools. Ibuprofen increases bleeding risk and should be avoided. Green leafy
vegetables are high in vitamin K which antagonizes warfarin's effects. Grapefruit juice can
interact with many medications but is not specifically contraindicated with warfarin; however,
consistent vitamin K intake is more important.
2. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of
the following findings should the nurse report to the provider? A. Heart rate 88/min B.
Temperature 37.2°C (99°F) C. Serosanguineous drainage on dressing D. Wound edges separated
with visible intestine
Correct Answer: D. Rationale: Wound dehiscence (wound edges separated with visible
intestine) is a surgical emergency requiring immediate intervention. A heart rate of 88/min and
temperature of 37.2°C are within normal limits. Serosanguineous drainage is expected in the
early postoperative period.
3. A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has type 2 diabetes mellitus about foot
care. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include? A. Apply lotion between
the toes B. Soak feet in hot water daily C. Trim toenails straight across D. Walk barefoot to
toughen feet
Correct Answer: C. Rationale: Clients with diabetes should trim toenails straight across to
prevent ingrown toenails and potential infection. Lotion should not be applied between toes as
this can promote fungal growth. Feet should be soaked in lukewarm water, not hot, and clients
should never walk barefoot to prevent injury.
4. A nurse is preparing to administer medications to a client. Which of the following actions
should the nurse take first? A. Check the client's identification bracelet B. Verify the medication
against the MAR C. Assess the client's allergies D. Perform hand hygiene
Correct Answer: D. Rationale: According to the nursing process and infection control guidelines,
hand hygiene should be performed before any client care activity, including medication
administration. Following hand hygiene, the nurse should perform the rights of medication
administration.
,5. A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has a new diagnosis of hypertension.
Which of the following dietary recommendations should the nurse include? A. Increase intake
of processed foods B. Limit sodium intake to 2,300 mg or less per day C. Decrease potassium-
rich foods D. Increase intake of caffeinated beverages
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet
recommends limiting sodium intake to 2,300 mg or less per day for clients with hypertension.
Clients should increase potassium-rich foods, limit processed foods, and reduce caffeine intake.
6. A nurse is caring for a client who has an indwelling urinary catheter. Which of the following
actions should the nurse take to prevent infection? A. Empty the drainage bag every 24 hours
B. Secure the catheter tubing to the client's thigh C. Keep the drainage bag on the floor D.
Irrigate the catheter daily with sterile water
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: Securing the catheter tubing to the client's thigh prevents tension
and trauma to the urethra, which can introduce infection. The drainage bag should be emptied
when full, not every 24 hours, and should never be placed on the floor. Catheter irrigation
should only be performed with a prescription.
7. A nurse is assessing a client who has heart failure. Which of the following findings should
indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing fluid volume overload? A. Decreased blood
pressure B. Weight loss of 2 kg in 24 hours C. Jugular venous distention D. Dry mucous
membranes
Correct Answer: C. Rationale: Jugular venous distention (JVD) is a sign of increased central
venous pressure and fluid volume overload in clients with heart failure. Decreased blood
pressure, weight loss, and dry mucous membranes indicate fluid volume deficit.
8. A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has a prescription for albuterol via
metered-dose inhaler. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include? A. Wait 5
minutes between puffs B. Inhale rapidly while pressing the canister C. Use a spacer to improve
medication delivery D. Hold the breath for 1 second after inhaling
Correct Answer: C. Rationale: Using a spacer with a metered-dose inhaler improves medication
delivery to the lungs and reduces oropharyngeal deposition. Clients should wait 1 minute
between puffs, inhale slowly and deeply, and hold their breath for 5-10 seconds after inhaling.
9. A nurse is caring for a client who has pneumonia. Which of the following positions should
the nurse recommend to facilitate postural drainage? A. Supine with head flat B.
Trendelenburg position C. High-Fowler's position D. Lateral position with affected lung
uppermost
Correct Answer: D. Rationale: For postural drainage, the affected lung should be uppermost to
allow gravity to assist with drainage of secretions. The Trendelenburg position may be used for
,lower lobe drainage, and High-Fowler's position is used for clients with respiratory distress, not
specifically for postural drainage.
10. A nurse is assessing a client who has diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which of the following
manifestations should the nurse expect? A. Blood glucose 180 mg/dL B. Deep, rapid
respirations C. Hypertension D. Warm, flushed skin
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: Deep, rapid respirations (Kussmaul respirations) are a
compensatory mechanism in DKA to blow off carbon dioxide and decrease acidosis. Blood
glucose in DKA is typically greater than 250 mg/dL. Hypotension and cool, clammy skin are more
common in DKA.
11. A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has a new colostomy. Which of the
following statements indicates that the client understands the teaching? A. "I will change the
ostomy pouch every day" B. "I will avoid foods that cause gas like carbonated beverages" C. "I
can expect my stool to be liquid and watery" D. "I should not shower with the pouch on"
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: Clients with a colostomy should avoid gas-producing foods such
as carbonated beverages, beans, and cruciferous vegetables. Ostomy pouches can be left on for
3-7 days, stool consistency depends on the location of the colostomy, and clients can shower
with the pouch on.
12. A nurse is monitoring a client who is receiving a blood transfusion. Which of the following
findings indicates a hemolytic transfusion reaction? A. Fever and chills B. Hypertension C.
Bradycardia D. Flushed skin
Correct Answer: A. Rationale: Fever and chills are early signs of a hemolytic transfusion
reaction. Other signs include hypotension, tachycardia, and back pain. The transfusion should
be stopped immediately if a reaction is suspected.
13. A nurse is caring for a client who has a pressure injury. Which of the following wound care
interventions should the nurse implement? A. Apply heat to the wound to promote healing B.
Clean the wound with hydrogen peroxide C. Use a wound dressing that maintains a moist
environment D. Place the client in a supine position with heels resting on the bed
Correct Answer: C. Rationale: Maintaining a moist wound environment promotes healing in
pressure injuries. Heat should be avoided as it can increase tissue damage, hydrogen peroxide is
cytotoxic to healing tissue, and heels should be floated off the bed to prevent pressure.
14. A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has angina and a new prescription for
nitroglycerin sublingual tablets. Which of the following instructions should the nurse
include? A. Take a tablet every 15 minutes for up to 3 doses B. Swallow the tablet whole with
water C. Take the tablet at the first sign of chest pain D. Store the tablets in a warm, moist
location
, Correct Answer: C. Rationale: Nitroglycerin should be taken at the first sign of chest pain for
maximum effectiveness. Tablets should be placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve, not
swallowed. The typical regimen is one tablet every 5 minutes for up to 3 doses, and tablets
should be stored in a cool, dry place.
15. A nurse is assessing a client who has Parkinson's disease. Which of the following
manifestations should the nurse expect? A. Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes B. Intention
tremors C. Muscle rigidity and bradykinesia D. Spasticity and hypertonicity
Correct Answer: C. Rationale: Parkinson's disease is characterized by muscle rigidity,
bradykinesia (slowed movement), resting tremors, and postural instability. Hyperactive reflexes
and spasticity are more associated with upper motor neuron lesions, and intention tremors are
characteristic of cerebellar disorders.
16. A nurse is preparing to administer an enteral feeding to a client via nasogastric tube.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Verify tube placement by instilling air
and auscultating B. Check residual volume before each feeding C. Administer the feeding at
room temperature D. Place the client in a supine position during feeding
Correct Answer: C. Rationale: Enteral feedings should be administered at room temperature to
prevent gastrointestinal cramping. Tube placement should be verified by measuring the pH of
aspirated contents or by x-ray, not by auscultation. Residual volume should be checked every 4-
6 hours, not before each feeding, and the client should be in a semi-Fowler's position during
feeding to prevent aspiration.
17. A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has a new prescription for digoxin. Which
of the following adverse effects should the nurse instruct the client to report? A. Anorexia and
nausea B. Tachycardia C. Weight gain D. Constipation
Correct Answer: A. Rationale: Anorexia, nausea, and vomiting are early signs of digoxin toxicity
that should be reported. Bradycardia is a sign of toxicity, not tachycardia. Weight gain and
constipation are not typical signs of digoxin toxicity.
18. A nurse is caring for a client who has a history of falls. Which of the following
interventions should the nurse implement? A. Keep the bed in the lowest position with side
rails up B. Place the call light within the client's reach C. Restrain the client to prevent falls D.
Keep the room dimly lit to promote sleep
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: Placing the call light within the client's reach is a key fall
prevention intervention. Side rails should be used with caution as they can be considered a
restraint in some situations, restraints should be used only as a last resort, and adequate
lighting should be maintained to prevent falls.
