ATI PN EXIT EXAM WITH NGN
PREPARATION QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A nurse is assessing a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who is
receiving oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula. Which finding should the nurse prioritize?
A. Oxygen saturation of 89%
B. Presence of a barrel chest
C. Expectoration of thick, white sputum
D. Respiratory rate of 28/min and increased use of accessory muscles
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: While an O2 saturation of 89% is expected for COPD, a
respiratory rate of 28/min with accessory muscle use indicates acute respiratory distress,
requiring immediate intervention.
,2. A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 hours postoperative following an abdominal
hysterectomy. Which of the following findings is the priority for the nurse to report to the
provider?
A. Serosanguineous drainage on the dressing
B. Pain level of 6 on a 0-10 scale
C. Urine output of 25 mL/hr
D. Decreased bowel sounds in all quadrants
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Urine output less than 30 mL/hr can indicate decreased renal
perfusion, hypovolemia, or impending shock, making it the most critical finding among the
options.
3. A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client with heart failure. Which of the
following laboratory results should the nurse review before administration?
A. Sodium level
B. Creatinine clearance
C. Potassium level
D. Hemoglobin level
Answer: C
, Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity. The nurse
must check the potassium level before administering the medication.
4. A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has a new prescription for lithium
carbonate for bipolar disorder. Which of the following instructions should be included?
A. Limit sodium intake to less than 1,500 mg per day
B. Expect a weight loss of 2 to 3 pounds in the first week
C. Maintain a consistent intake of dietary sodium
D. Take the medication on an empty stomach
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Lithium is a salt, and stable sodium levels are necessary to
maintain therapeutic lithium levels. Low sodium intake can lead to lithium toxicity.
5. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for magnesium sulfate IV for
preeclampsia. Which of the following findings indicates magnesium toxicity?
A. Respiratory rate of 10/min
B. Hyperreflexia
C. Increased urine output
D. Tachycardia
Answer: A
PREPARATION QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A nurse is assessing a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who is
receiving oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula. Which finding should the nurse prioritize?
A. Oxygen saturation of 89%
B. Presence of a barrel chest
C. Expectoration of thick, white sputum
D. Respiratory rate of 28/min and increased use of accessory muscles
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: While an O2 saturation of 89% is expected for COPD, a
respiratory rate of 28/min with accessory muscle use indicates acute respiratory distress,
requiring immediate intervention.
,2. A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 hours postoperative following an abdominal
hysterectomy. Which of the following findings is the priority for the nurse to report to the
provider?
A. Serosanguineous drainage on the dressing
B. Pain level of 6 on a 0-10 scale
C. Urine output of 25 mL/hr
D. Decreased bowel sounds in all quadrants
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Urine output less than 30 mL/hr can indicate decreased renal
perfusion, hypovolemia, or impending shock, making it the most critical finding among the
options.
3. A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client with heart failure. Which of the
following laboratory results should the nurse review before administration?
A. Sodium level
B. Creatinine clearance
C. Potassium level
D. Hemoglobin level
Answer: C
, Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity. The nurse
must check the potassium level before administering the medication.
4. A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has a new prescription for lithium
carbonate for bipolar disorder. Which of the following instructions should be included?
A. Limit sodium intake to less than 1,500 mg per day
B. Expect a weight loss of 2 to 3 pounds in the first week
C. Maintain a consistent intake of dietary sodium
D. Take the medication on an empty stomach
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Lithium is a salt, and stable sodium levels are necessary to
maintain therapeutic lithium levels. Low sodium intake can lead to lithium toxicity.
5. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for magnesium sulfate IV for
preeclampsia. Which of the following findings indicates magnesium toxicity?
A. Respiratory rate of 10/min
B. Hyperreflexia
C. Increased urine output
D. Tachycardia
Answer: A
