ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2026/2027 | ATI PN
Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam & NCLEX-PN
Readiness Study Guide | ATI Practical Nursing Comprehensive
Predictor Practice Questions, Answers & Detailed Rationales |
ATI PN Predictor Exam Prep, Practical Nursing Fundamentals,
Pharmacology, Adult Medical-Surgical Nursing, Maternal-
Newborn Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Mental Health Nursing,
Community Health, Nursing Leadership, Patient Safety,
Prioritization, Delegation, Care Coordination, Clinical
Judgment, NGN Case Studies & Comprehensive Practical
Nursing Exam Review
Question 1: A practical nurse (PN) is supervising an assistive personnel (AP)
who is providing care to a client on contact precautions due to Clostridium
difficile infection. Which action by the AP requires immediate intervention by
the PN?
A. Wearing gloves and a gown when entering the room
B. Using soap and water for hand hygiene after leaving the room
C. Using alcohol-based hand rub for hand hygiene after removing gloves
D. Placing a "Contact Precautions" sign on the client's door
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Using alcohol-based hand rub for hand hygiene after
removing gloves
Rationale: C. difficile spores are resistant to alcohol-based hand rubs. The AP must use
soap and water for hand hygiene after caring for a client with C. difficile. Gloves and
gowns should be worn for contact precautions, and the sign on the door is appropriate .
Question 2: A PN is preparing to administer a blood transfusion to a client with
anemia. The blood product arrives from the blood bank. Which action should
the PN take BEFORE initiating the transfusion?
A. Verify the client's identity using two identifiers
B. Administer a pre-medication of diphenhydramine
C. Warm the blood product to room temperature
D. Check the client's vital signs
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Verify the client's identity using two identifiers
Rationale: Verifying the client's identity using two identifiers (name and date of birth)
against the blood product label is the most important action before initiating a blood
transfusion. Vital signs should be checked, but verification is priority .
Question 3: A PN is caring for a client who is 6 hours post-operative following
a total hip arthroplasty. The client has a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA)
pump with morphine. The PN enters the room and finds the client
unresponsive, respiratory rate 6/min, and oxygen saturation 82% on room air.
What is the PN's PRIORITY action?
,A. Administer naloxone per standing protocol
B. Apply oxygen at 4 L/min via nasal cannula
C. Attempt to arouse the client and encourage deep breathing
D. Notify the provider immediately
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Administer naloxone per standing protocol
Rationale: The client is exhibiting signs of opioid-induced respiratory depression
(unresponsiveness, bradypnea, hypoxia). Naloxone is the opioid antagonist that reverses
respiratory depression and should be administered immediately per standing protocol .
Question 4: A PN is reinforcing teaching with a client who is scheduled for a
colonoscopy. The client asks, "What will the preparation be like?" Which
response by the PN is MOST accurate?
A. "You'll need to drink a clear liquid diet the day before the procedure and take a bowel
prep."
B. "You'll need to fast for 8 hours before the procedure only."
C. "You'll need to take antibiotics for 3 days before the procedure."
D. "You'll need to avoid all fluids for 24 hours before the procedure."
CORRECT ANSWER: A. "You'll need to drink a clear liquid diet the day before
the procedure and take a bowel prep."
Rationale: Colonoscopy preparation typically requires a clear liquid diet the day before
and a bowel prep solution to cleanse the colon. Fasting alone is insufficient for adequate
visualization .
Question 5: A PN is caring for a client with a tracheostomy who is coughing
and experiencing difficulty breathing. The PN notes thick secretions in the
tracheostomy tube. Which action should the PN take FIRST?
A. Suction the tracheostomy using sterile technique
B. Increase oxygen flow rate
C. Notify the provider
D. Change the tracheostomy dressing
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Suction the tracheostomy using sterile technique
Rationale: Thick secretions obstructing the tracheostomy tube require immediate
suctioning to maintain airway patency. This is the priority action .
Question 6: A PN is preparing to insert a nasogastric (NG) tube for a client with
a bowel obstruction. Which measurement is correct for determining the
insertion length of the NG tube?
A. Nose to earlobe to xiphoid process
B. Nose to chin to umbilicus
C. Earlobe to xiphoid process only
D. Nose to tragus of the ear
,CORRECT ANSWER: A. Nose to earlobe to xiphoid process
Rationale: The correct measurement for NG tube insertion is from the tip of the nose to
the earlobe to the xiphoid process. This ensures proper placement in the stomach .
Question 7: A PN is reinforcing teaching with a client about advance
directives. Which statement by the client indicates understanding?
A. "Advance directives are legally binding documents that cannot be changed once
signed."
B. "I can change my advance directives at any time as long as I am competent."
C. "Only older adults need advance directives."
D. "My family can override my advance directives."
CORRECT ANSWER: B. "I can change my advance directives at any time as
long as I am competent."
Rationale: Advance directives can be modified or revoked at any time as long as the
client is competent. They are for all adults, not just older adults, and family cannot
override them .
Question 8: A charge nurse is assigning staff for the shift. Which client should
be assigned to an RN rather than a PN (LPN)?
A. A client with stable CHF receiving daily Lasix.
B. A client requiring a blood transfusion for symptomatic anemia.
C. A client with a new diagnosis of diabetes needing insulin instruction.
D. A client with a PEG tube requiring intermittent feedings.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. A client with a new diagnosis of diabetes needing
insulin instruction.
Rationale: Client education (specifically initial instruction) falls under the scope of the
RN, as it requires complex assessment and evaluation of learning. PNs can reinforce
teaching but cannot perform initial patient teaching .
Question 9: A PN is caring for four clients. Which client should the PN assess
FIRST?
A. Post-op day 2 client requesting pain medication for a 4/10 pain.
B. Client with COPD with a new onset of confusion and BP 88/50.
C. Client with diabetes requesting a PRN snack due to hunger.
D. Client with a fractured tibia asking for help to the bathroom.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Client with COPD with a new onset of confusion and
BP 88/50.
Rationale: New onset confusion combined with hypotension is a classic sign of shock
(sepsis, hemorrhage, or dehydration). This represents a change in neurological status
and hemodynamic instability, which is the priority .
, Question 10: A nurse is caring for a client with chronic heart failure who
reports increased shortness of breath and swelling in the ankles. Which
intervention should the nurse prioritize?
A. Encourage increased fluid intake.
B. Administer prescribed diuretic.
C. Provide a high-sodium snack.
D. Increase the room temperature.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Administer prescribed diuretic.
Rationale: The symptoms indicate fluid overload. Administering a diuretic (e.g.,
furosemide) directly addresses the cause by reducing preload and pulmonary
congestion .
Question 11: A client is admitted with suspected stroke. Which action should
the nurse perform first?
A. Obtain a detailed neurological history.
B. Check blood glucose level.
C. Prepare for CT scan.
D. Administer aspirin.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Check blood glucose level.
Rationale: Hypoglycemia can mimic stroke symptoms (slurred speech, weakness,
confusion). The nurse must quickly rule out low blood sugar before proceeding with a
stroke workup .
Question 12: A client with a new tracheostomy has thick, dry secretions and
difficulty breathing. What is the priority action?
A. Call respiratory therapy.
B. Change the inner cannula.
C. Instill normal saline and suction.
D. Increase oxygen flow rate.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Instill normal saline and suction.
Rationale: Thick secretions are physically blocking the airway. Instilling normal saline
helps loosen the mucus, and suctioning is required to clear the obstruction .
Question 13: A client is prescribed spironolactone. Which lab finding requires
immediate intervention?
A. Sodium 135 mEq/L.
B. Potassium 5.8 mEq/L.
C. BUN 18 mg/dL.
D. Creatinine 0.9 mg/dL.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Potassium 5.8 mEq/L.
Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam & NCLEX-PN
Readiness Study Guide | ATI Practical Nursing Comprehensive
Predictor Practice Questions, Answers & Detailed Rationales |
ATI PN Predictor Exam Prep, Practical Nursing Fundamentals,
Pharmacology, Adult Medical-Surgical Nursing, Maternal-
Newborn Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Mental Health Nursing,
Community Health, Nursing Leadership, Patient Safety,
Prioritization, Delegation, Care Coordination, Clinical
Judgment, NGN Case Studies & Comprehensive Practical
Nursing Exam Review
Question 1: A practical nurse (PN) is supervising an assistive personnel (AP)
who is providing care to a client on contact precautions due to Clostridium
difficile infection. Which action by the AP requires immediate intervention by
the PN?
A. Wearing gloves and a gown when entering the room
B. Using soap and water for hand hygiene after leaving the room
C. Using alcohol-based hand rub for hand hygiene after removing gloves
D. Placing a "Contact Precautions" sign on the client's door
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Using alcohol-based hand rub for hand hygiene after
removing gloves
Rationale: C. difficile spores are resistant to alcohol-based hand rubs. The AP must use
soap and water for hand hygiene after caring for a client with C. difficile. Gloves and
gowns should be worn for contact precautions, and the sign on the door is appropriate .
Question 2: A PN is preparing to administer a blood transfusion to a client with
anemia. The blood product arrives from the blood bank. Which action should
the PN take BEFORE initiating the transfusion?
A. Verify the client's identity using two identifiers
B. Administer a pre-medication of diphenhydramine
C. Warm the blood product to room temperature
D. Check the client's vital signs
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Verify the client's identity using two identifiers
Rationale: Verifying the client's identity using two identifiers (name and date of birth)
against the blood product label is the most important action before initiating a blood
transfusion. Vital signs should be checked, but verification is priority .
Question 3: A PN is caring for a client who is 6 hours post-operative following
a total hip arthroplasty. The client has a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA)
pump with morphine. The PN enters the room and finds the client
unresponsive, respiratory rate 6/min, and oxygen saturation 82% on room air.
What is the PN's PRIORITY action?
,A. Administer naloxone per standing protocol
B. Apply oxygen at 4 L/min via nasal cannula
C. Attempt to arouse the client and encourage deep breathing
D. Notify the provider immediately
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Administer naloxone per standing protocol
Rationale: The client is exhibiting signs of opioid-induced respiratory depression
(unresponsiveness, bradypnea, hypoxia). Naloxone is the opioid antagonist that reverses
respiratory depression and should be administered immediately per standing protocol .
Question 4: A PN is reinforcing teaching with a client who is scheduled for a
colonoscopy. The client asks, "What will the preparation be like?" Which
response by the PN is MOST accurate?
A. "You'll need to drink a clear liquid diet the day before the procedure and take a bowel
prep."
B. "You'll need to fast for 8 hours before the procedure only."
C. "You'll need to take antibiotics for 3 days before the procedure."
D. "You'll need to avoid all fluids for 24 hours before the procedure."
CORRECT ANSWER: A. "You'll need to drink a clear liquid diet the day before
the procedure and take a bowel prep."
Rationale: Colonoscopy preparation typically requires a clear liquid diet the day before
and a bowel prep solution to cleanse the colon. Fasting alone is insufficient for adequate
visualization .
Question 5: A PN is caring for a client with a tracheostomy who is coughing
and experiencing difficulty breathing. The PN notes thick secretions in the
tracheostomy tube. Which action should the PN take FIRST?
A. Suction the tracheostomy using sterile technique
B. Increase oxygen flow rate
C. Notify the provider
D. Change the tracheostomy dressing
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Suction the tracheostomy using sterile technique
Rationale: Thick secretions obstructing the tracheostomy tube require immediate
suctioning to maintain airway patency. This is the priority action .
Question 6: A PN is preparing to insert a nasogastric (NG) tube for a client with
a bowel obstruction. Which measurement is correct for determining the
insertion length of the NG tube?
A. Nose to earlobe to xiphoid process
B. Nose to chin to umbilicus
C. Earlobe to xiphoid process only
D. Nose to tragus of the ear
,CORRECT ANSWER: A. Nose to earlobe to xiphoid process
Rationale: The correct measurement for NG tube insertion is from the tip of the nose to
the earlobe to the xiphoid process. This ensures proper placement in the stomach .
Question 7: A PN is reinforcing teaching with a client about advance
directives. Which statement by the client indicates understanding?
A. "Advance directives are legally binding documents that cannot be changed once
signed."
B. "I can change my advance directives at any time as long as I am competent."
C. "Only older adults need advance directives."
D. "My family can override my advance directives."
CORRECT ANSWER: B. "I can change my advance directives at any time as
long as I am competent."
Rationale: Advance directives can be modified or revoked at any time as long as the
client is competent. They are for all adults, not just older adults, and family cannot
override them .
Question 8: A charge nurse is assigning staff for the shift. Which client should
be assigned to an RN rather than a PN (LPN)?
A. A client with stable CHF receiving daily Lasix.
B. A client requiring a blood transfusion for symptomatic anemia.
C. A client with a new diagnosis of diabetes needing insulin instruction.
D. A client with a PEG tube requiring intermittent feedings.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. A client with a new diagnosis of diabetes needing
insulin instruction.
Rationale: Client education (specifically initial instruction) falls under the scope of the
RN, as it requires complex assessment and evaluation of learning. PNs can reinforce
teaching but cannot perform initial patient teaching .
Question 9: A PN is caring for four clients. Which client should the PN assess
FIRST?
A. Post-op day 2 client requesting pain medication for a 4/10 pain.
B. Client with COPD with a new onset of confusion and BP 88/50.
C. Client with diabetes requesting a PRN snack due to hunger.
D. Client with a fractured tibia asking for help to the bathroom.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Client with COPD with a new onset of confusion and
BP 88/50.
Rationale: New onset confusion combined with hypotension is a classic sign of shock
(sepsis, hemorrhage, or dehydration). This represents a change in neurological status
and hemodynamic instability, which is the priority .
, Question 10: A nurse is caring for a client with chronic heart failure who
reports increased shortness of breath and swelling in the ankles. Which
intervention should the nurse prioritize?
A. Encourage increased fluid intake.
B. Administer prescribed diuretic.
C. Provide a high-sodium snack.
D. Increase the room temperature.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Administer prescribed diuretic.
Rationale: The symptoms indicate fluid overload. Administering a diuretic (e.g.,
furosemide) directly addresses the cause by reducing preload and pulmonary
congestion .
Question 11: A client is admitted with suspected stroke. Which action should
the nurse perform first?
A. Obtain a detailed neurological history.
B. Check blood glucose level.
C. Prepare for CT scan.
D. Administer aspirin.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Check blood glucose level.
Rationale: Hypoglycemia can mimic stroke symptoms (slurred speech, weakness,
confusion). The nurse must quickly rule out low blood sugar before proceeding with a
stroke workup .
Question 12: A client with a new tracheostomy has thick, dry secretions and
difficulty breathing. What is the priority action?
A. Call respiratory therapy.
B. Change the inner cannula.
C. Instill normal saline and suction.
D. Increase oxygen flow rate.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Instill normal saline and suction.
Rationale: Thick secretions are physically blocking the airway. Instilling normal saline
helps loosen the mucus, and suctioning is required to clear the obstruction .
Question 13: A client is prescribed spironolactone. Which lab finding requires
immediate intervention?
A. Sodium 135 mEq/L.
B. Potassium 5.8 mEq/L.
C. BUN 18 mg/dL.
D. Creatinine 0.9 mg/dL.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Potassium 5.8 mEq/L.
