ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2026 Exit Exam:
NGN-Style Practice Questions 1-100 with
Rationales
### Question 1
A nurse is assessing a client's vital signs. The client's blood pressure is
158/94 mm Hg. Which of the following actions should the nurse take
FIRST?
A. Administer an antihypertensive medication
B. Retake the blood pressure in the same arm after 2 minutes
C. Notify the provider immediately
D. Document the finding and continue the assessment
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** When a single blood pressure reading is elevated, the
nurse should first verify the reading by retaking the measurement after
allowing the client to rest for 1 to 2 minutes. This helps rule out factors
such as anxiety, incorrect cuff size, or improper positioning that may
have caused a falsely elevated reading. Only after confirming the
reading should the nurse proceed with further actions such as notifying
the provider or administering medications. Premature intervention
based on a single reading could lead to unnecessary treatment .
,---
### Question 2
A client is on fall precautions. Which of the following interventions
should the nurse implement? (Select all that apply)
A. Keep the bed in the lowest position
B. Raise all four side rails
C. Place a fall risk bracelet on the client
D. Ensure the call light is within reach
**Correct Answers: A, C, D**
**Rationale:** Keeping the bed in the lowest position reduces the
distance and potential injury if a client attempts to get out of bed. A fall
risk bracelet alerts all staff to the client's risk status. The call light within
reach enables the client to request assistance. Raising all four side rails
is considered a restraint and can actually increase fall risk if the client
attempts to climb over them. Two side rails may be used for comfort,
but four-point rail restraint requires a provider order and can increase
agitation and injury risk .
---
,### Question 3
A nurse is preparing to administer a medication via the Z-track method.
Which of the following is the correct technique?
A. Pull the skin laterally before injection and release after
B. Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle
C. Use a 25-gauge, 1-inch needle for administration
D. Administer into the deltoid muscle
**Correct Answer: A**
**Rationale:** The Z-track method involves pulling the skin laterally
approximately 1 inch before injection and releasing it after the needle
is withdrawn. This creates a zigzag path in the tissue that prevents
medication from leaking back into subcutaneous tissue and reduces
irritation. The method is typically used for intramuscular injections of
medications that can stain or irritate tissues .
---
### Question 4
A client is receiving continuous enteral feeding via a nasogastric tube.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent
aspiration?
, A. Place the client in a supine position during feeding
B. Elevate the head of the bed to at least 30 degrees
C. Administer bolus feedings rather than continuous
D. Check residual volumes every 8 hours only
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** To prevent aspiration in clients receiving enteral
feedings, the head of the bed should be elevated to at least 30 to 45
degrees during feeding and for at least 30 to 60 minutes after feeding.
This position uses gravity to reduce the risk of gastric contents refluxing
into the esophagus and being aspirated. The supine position increases
aspiration risk. Bolus feedings actually increase aspiration risk
compared to continuous feedings. Residual volumes should be checked
every 4 to 6 hours .
---
### Question 5
A nurse is teaching a client about using an incentive spirometer. Which
of the following instructions should the nurse include?
A. Inhale slowly and deeply to elevate the cylinder
NGN-Style Practice Questions 1-100 with
Rationales
### Question 1
A nurse is assessing a client's vital signs. The client's blood pressure is
158/94 mm Hg. Which of the following actions should the nurse take
FIRST?
A. Administer an antihypertensive medication
B. Retake the blood pressure in the same arm after 2 minutes
C. Notify the provider immediately
D. Document the finding and continue the assessment
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** When a single blood pressure reading is elevated, the
nurse should first verify the reading by retaking the measurement after
allowing the client to rest for 1 to 2 minutes. This helps rule out factors
such as anxiety, incorrect cuff size, or improper positioning that may
have caused a falsely elevated reading. Only after confirming the
reading should the nurse proceed with further actions such as notifying
the provider or administering medications. Premature intervention
based on a single reading could lead to unnecessary treatment .
,---
### Question 2
A client is on fall precautions. Which of the following interventions
should the nurse implement? (Select all that apply)
A. Keep the bed in the lowest position
B. Raise all four side rails
C. Place a fall risk bracelet on the client
D. Ensure the call light is within reach
**Correct Answers: A, C, D**
**Rationale:** Keeping the bed in the lowest position reduces the
distance and potential injury if a client attempts to get out of bed. A fall
risk bracelet alerts all staff to the client's risk status. The call light within
reach enables the client to request assistance. Raising all four side rails
is considered a restraint and can actually increase fall risk if the client
attempts to climb over them. Two side rails may be used for comfort,
but four-point rail restraint requires a provider order and can increase
agitation and injury risk .
---
,### Question 3
A nurse is preparing to administer a medication via the Z-track method.
Which of the following is the correct technique?
A. Pull the skin laterally before injection and release after
B. Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle
C. Use a 25-gauge, 1-inch needle for administration
D. Administer into the deltoid muscle
**Correct Answer: A**
**Rationale:** The Z-track method involves pulling the skin laterally
approximately 1 inch before injection and releasing it after the needle
is withdrawn. This creates a zigzag path in the tissue that prevents
medication from leaking back into subcutaneous tissue and reduces
irritation. The method is typically used for intramuscular injections of
medications that can stain or irritate tissues .
---
### Question 4
A client is receiving continuous enteral feeding via a nasogastric tube.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent
aspiration?
, A. Place the client in a supine position during feeding
B. Elevate the head of the bed to at least 30 degrees
C. Administer bolus feedings rather than continuous
D. Check residual volumes every 8 hours only
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** To prevent aspiration in clients receiving enteral
feedings, the head of the bed should be elevated to at least 30 to 45
degrees during feeding and for at least 30 to 60 minutes after feeding.
This position uses gravity to reduce the risk of gastric contents refluxing
into the esophagus and being aspirated. The supine position increases
aspiration risk. Bolus feedings actually increase aspiration risk
compared to continuous feedings. Residual volumes should be checked
every 4 to 6 hours .
---
### Question 5
A nurse is teaching a client about using an incentive spirometer. Which
of the following instructions should the nurse include?
A. Inhale slowly and deeply to elevate the cylinder
