ATI PN COMPREHENSIVE
EXAMINATION REVIEW 2026
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for digoxin 0.25 mg PO daily. Which of
the following findings should the nurse identify as a manifestation of digoxin toxicity?
A. Increased appetite
B. Hypertension
C. Insomnia
D. Blurred yellow vision
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Visual disturbances, such as blurred yellow, green, or white
halos, are classic signs of digoxin toxicity along with nausea and bradycardia.
2. A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who is starting lithium carbonate. Which of the
following dietary instructions should the nurse include?
A. Limit fluid intake to 1 liter per day
B. Maintain a consistent sodium intake
,C. Restrict potassium-rich foods
D. Adopt a low-protein diet
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Lithium is a salt; therefore, consistent sodium intake is vital.
Decreased sodium intake can lead to lithium toxicity, while increased sodium can lower
therapeutic levels.
3. A nurse is preparing to administer NPH insulin to a client at 0700. The nurse should expect
the peak effect to occur at which of the following times?
A. 0800
B. 1000
C. 2300
D. 1500
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: NPH is an intermediate-acting insulin with a peak effect typically
occurring 4 to 12 hours after administration.
4. A nurse is monitoring a client who is receiving a blood transfusion. Which of the following
findings indicates a hemolytic transfusion reaction?
A. Hypertension
B. Low back pain
, C. Bradycardia
D. Dry, flushed skin
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Low back pain is a classic sign of a hemolytic reaction, often
caused by incompatibility of the blood products, leading to RBC destruction.
5. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first when a client’s pulse oximeter
reads 88% on room air?
A. Check the placement of the sensor probe
B. Encourage the client to cough and deep breathe
C. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula
D. Notify the provider
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Following the nursing process, the nurse should first assess the
equipment and the client’s physical status before intervening or notifying the provider.
6. A nurse is caring for a client who is post-operative following an appendectomy. The client
has a prescription for morphine IV every 4 hours PRN. Which assessment is the priority?
A. Pain level
B. Bowel sounds
C. Respiratory rate
EXAMINATION REVIEW 2026
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for digoxin 0.25 mg PO daily. Which of
the following findings should the nurse identify as a manifestation of digoxin toxicity?
A. Increased appetite
B. Hypertension
C. Insomnia
D. Blurred yellow vision
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Visual disturbances, such as blurred yellow, green, or white
halos, are classic signs of digoxin toxicity along with nausea and bradycardia.
2. A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who is starting lithium carbonate. Which of the
following dietary instructions should the nurse include?
A. Limit fluid intake to 1 liter per day
B. Maintain a consistent sodium intake
,C. Restrict potassium-rich foods
D. Adopt a low-protein diet
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Lithium is a salt; therefore, consistent sodium intake is vital.
Decreased sodium intake can lead to lithium toxicity, while increased sodium can lower
therapeutic levels.
3. A nurse is preparing to administer NPH insulin to a client at 0700. The nurse should expect
the peak effect to occur at which of the following times?
A. 0800
B. 1000
C. 2300
D. 1500
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: NPH is an intermediate-acting insulin with a peak effect typically
occurring 4 to 12 hours after administration.
4. A nurse is monitoring a client who is receiving a blood transfusion. Which of the following
findings indicates a hemolytic transfusion reaction?
A. Hypertension
B. Low back pain
, C. Bradycardia
D. Dry, flushed skin
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Low back pain is a classic sign of a hemolytic reaction, often
caused by incompatibility of the blood products, leading to RBC destruction.
5. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first when a client’s pulse oximeter
reads 88% on room air?
A. Check the placement of the sensor probe
B. Encourage the client to cough and deep breathe
C. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula
D. Notify the provider
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Following the nursing process, the nurse should first assess the
equipment and the client’s physical status before intervening or notifying the provider.
6. A nurse is caring for a client who is post-operative following an appendectomy. The client
has a prescription for morphine IV every 4 hours PRN. Which assessment is the priority?
A. Pain level
B. Bowel sounds
C. Respiratory rate
