ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor
2026 Exit Exam: NGN Practice
Questions 1–100 with Detailed
Rationales
SECTION 1: Fundamentals of Nursing (Questions 1–30)
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 Answer: 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. Assist the client to a sitting position on the side of the bed
C. Apply a gait belt around the client's waist
D. Place the wheelchair at a 45-degree angle to the bed
,Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The Z-track method involves pulling the skin laterally before
injecting and releasing the skin after the needle is withdrawn. This
technique prevents medication from leaking into subcutaneous tissue,
reduces pain, and seals the medication in the muscle. It is commonly used
for irritating or staining medications such as iron dextran.
Question 4
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.
, Question 5
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.
Question 6
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
2026 Exit Exam: NGN Practice
Questions 1–100 with Detailed
Rationales
SECTION 1: Fundamentals of Nursing (Questions 1–30)
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 Answer: 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. Assist the client to a sitting position on the side of the bed
C. Apply a gait belt around the client's waist
D. Place the wheelchair at a 45-degree angle to the bed
,Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The Z-track method involves pulling the skin laterally before
injecting and releasing the skin after the needle is withdrawn. This
technique prevents medication from leaking into subcutaneous tissue,
reduces pain, and seals the medication in the muscle. It is commonly used
for irritating or staining medications such as iron dextran.
Question 4
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.
, Question 5
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.
Question 6
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
