ATI ComprehensIve predICTor (pn) 2026
UlTImATe exIT exAm GUIde — prACTICAl
nUrsInG sUCCess BlUeprInT for fInAl-Term
sTUdenTs | nClex-pn predICTor prACTICe
QUesTIons, ClInICAl JUdGmenT, prIorITy &
sAfeTy rATIonAles | pAss-foCUsed ATI pn
ComprehensIve revIew
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing signs of hyponatremia. Which of
the following findings would the nurse MOST likely assess?
A) Muscle cramps
B) Increased thirst
C) Confusion
D) Elevated blood pressure
CORRECT ANSWER: D) Elevated blood pressure
Rationale: Elevated blood pressure is associated with fluid overload, which can occur
in hyponatremia. Additionally, confusion is a more common sign.
Question 2
The nurse is preparing to administer a blood transfusion. Which of the following
actions should the nurse take FIRST?
A) Obtain a sample for crossmatch
B) Verify the blood product with another RN
C) Administer the medication as ordered
D) Start an IV line with a large-bore needle
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Verify the blood product with another RN
Rationale: Verification with another RN is critical to ensure patient safety and to
prevent transfusion reactions.
Question 3
A nursing student is discussing the advantages of using a client-centered approach
in nursing. Which of the following advantages should the student mention?
A) It reduces the time spent on care.
B) It promotes better client satisfaction.
,C) It ensures all clients follow the same care plan.
D) It allows nurses to delegate more tasks.
CORRECT ANSWER: B) It promotes better client satisfaction.
Rationale: A client-centered approach focuses on individual needs, leading to
improved client satisfaction.
Question 4
The nurse is assessing a client with heart failure. Which of the following findings
would indicate a need for further evaluation?
A) Shortness of breath on exertion
B) Fatigue with activity
C) Pedal edema
D) Decreased urine output
CORRECT ANSWER: D) Decreased urine output
Rationale: Decreased urine output can indicate renal failure, which can be a
complication of heart failure.
Question 5
When teaching a client about the use of an albuterol inhaler, which statement
should the nurse include?
A) "You should only use this inhaler when you have symptoms."
B) "This medication is a preventive measure and should be used daily."
C) "It's important to shake the inhaler well before each use."
D) "You should hold your breath for a few seconds after inhaling."
CORRECT ANSWER: D) "You should hold your breath for a few seconds after inhaling."
Rationale: Holding breath allows for better medication absorption in the lungs.
Question 6
A client with diabetes is admitted with a foot ulcer. Which assessment finding is
MOST indicative of infection?
A) Presence of granulation tissue
B) Pain around the ulcer
C) Serous drainage
D) Increased warmth and redness
CORRECT ANSWER: D) Increased warmth and redness
Rationale: Warmth and redness are signs of inflammation, indicating the possibility of
infection.
,Question 7
Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide to the client receiving
warfarin therapy?
A) "You can eat foods rich in vitamin K."
B) "Avoid all over-the-counter medications."
C) "Report any unusual bleeding or bruising."
D) "You do not need any blood tests while on this medication."
CORRECT ANSWER: C) "Report any unusual bleeding or bruising."
Rationale: Patients on warfarin should be monitored for bleeding complications.
Question 8
A nurse is caring for a client who has just undergone surgery. What is the priority
nursing action?
A) Assessing the surgical site
B) Monitoring vital signs
C) Administering pain medication
D) Encouraging deep breathing exercises
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Monitoring vital signs
Rationale: Monitoring vital signs is critical to identify any complications early.
Question 9
Which of the following medications should the nurse anticipate administering to a
client experiencing anaphylaxis?
A) Antihistamines
B) Corticosteroids
C) Beta-agonists
D) Epinephrine
CORRECT ANSWER: D) Epinephrine
Rationale: Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis.
Question 10
A nurse is teaching a group of clients about the importance of nutrition. Which
vitamin is essential for wound healing?
, A) Vitamin A
B) Vitamin B12
C) Vitamin C
D) Vitamin D
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Vitamin C
Rationale: Vitamin C is crucial for collagen synthesis and wound healing.
Question 11
In caring for a client with end-stage renal disease, which laboratory finding should
the nurse expect?
A) Elevated potassium levels
B) Decreased phosphorus levels
C) Increased urine output
D) Decreased creatinine levels
CORRECT ANSWER: A) Elevated potassium levels
Rationale: Renal failure often leads to hyperkalemia due to impaired excretion.
Question 12
When assessing a child with suspected pneumonia, which symptom should the
nurse expect?
A) Bradycardia
B) Nausea
C) Cough
D) Wheezing
CORRECT ANSWER: D) Wheezing
Rationale: Wheezing is a common respiratory symptom associated with pneumonia.
Question 13
A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving chemotherapy. Which of the following
interventions is MOST essential?
A) Encourage high-protein dietary intake
B) Monitor for signs of infection
C) Limit fluid intake
D) Encourage ambulation
UlTImATe exIT exAm GUIde — prACTICAl
nUrsInG sUCCess BlUeprInT for fInAl-Term
sTUdenTs | nClex-pn predICTor prACTICe
QUesTIons, ClInICAl JUdGmenT, prIorITy &
sAfeTy rATIonAles | pAss-foCUsed ATI pn
ComprehensIve revIew
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing signs of hyponatremia. Which of
the following findings would the nurse MOST likely assess?
A) Muscle cramps
B) Increased thirst
C) Confusion
D) Elevated blood pressure
CORRECT ANSWER: D) Elevated blood pressure
Rationale: Elevated blood pressure is associated with fluid overload, which can occur
in hyponatremia. Additionally, confusion is a more common sign.
Question 2
The nurse is preparing to administer a blood transfusion. Which of the following
actions should the nurse take FIRST?
A) Obtain a sample for crossmatch
B) Verify the blood product with another RN
C) Administer the medication as ordered
D) Start an IV line with a large-bore needle
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Verify the blood product with another RN
Rationale: Verification with another RN is critical to ensure patient safety and to
prevent transfusion reactions.
Question 3
A nursing student is discussing the advantages of using a client-centered approach
in nursing. Which of the following advantages should the student mention?
A) It reduces the time spent on care.
B) It promotes better client satisfaction.
,C) It ensures all clients follow the same care plan.
D) It allows nurses to delegate more tasks.
CORRECT ANSWER: B) It promotes better client satisfaction.
Rationale: A client-centered approach focuses on individual needs, leading to
improved client satisfaction.
Question 4
The nurse is assessing a client with heart failure. Which of the following findings
would indicate a need for further evaluation?
A) Shortness of breath on exertion
B) Fatigue with activity
C) Pedal edema
D) Decreased urine output
CORRECT ANSWER: D) Decreased urine output
Rationale: Decreased urine output can indicate renal failure, which can be a
complication of heart failure.
Question 5
When teaching a client about the use of an albuterol inhaler, which statement
should the nurse include?
A) "You should only use this inhaler when you have symptoms."
B) "This medication is a preventive measure and should be used daily."
C) "It's important to shake the inhaler well before each use."
D) "You should hold your breath for a few seconds after inhaling."
CORRECT ANSWER: D) "You should hold your breath for a few seconds after inhaling."
Rationale: Holding breath allows for better medication absorption in the lungs.
Question 6
A client with diabetes is admitted with a foot ulcer. Which assessment finding is
MOST indicative of infection?
A) Presence of granulation tissue
B) Pain around the ulcer
C) Serous drainage
D) Increased warmth and redness
CORRECT ANSWER: D) Increased warmth and redness
Rationale: Warmth and redness are signs of inflammation, indicating the possibility of
infection.
,Question 7
Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide to the client receiving
warfarin therapy?
A) "You can eat foods rich in vitamin K."
B) "Avoid all over-the-counter medications."
C) "Report any unusual bleeding or bruising."
D) "You do not need any blood tests while on this medication."
CORRECT ANSWER: C) "Report any unusual bleeding or bruising."
Rationale: Patients on warfarin should be monitored for bleeding complications.
Question 8
A nurse is caring for a client who has just undergone surgery. What is the priority
nursing action?
A) Assessing the surgical site
B) Monitoring vital signs
C) Administering pain medication
D) Encouraging deep breathing exercises
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Monitoring vital signs
Rationale: Monitoring vital signs is critical to identify any complications early.
Question 9
Which of the following medications should the nurse anticipate administering to a
client experiencing anaphylaxis?
A) Antihistamines
B) Corticosteroids
C) Beta-agonists
D) Epinephrine
CORRECT ANSWER: D) Epinephrine
Rationale: Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis.
Question 10
A nurse is teaching a group of clients about the importance of nutrition. Which
vitamin is essential for wound healing?
, A) Vitamin A
B) Vitamin B12
C) Vitamin C
D) Vitamin D
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Vitamin C
Rationale: Vitamin C is crucial for collagen synthesis and wound healing.
Question 11
In caring for a client with end-stage renal disease, which laboratory finding should
the nurse expect?
A) Elevated potassium levels
B) Decreased phosphorus levels
C) Increased urine output
D) Decreased creatinine levels
CORRECT ANSWER: A) Elevated potassium levels
Rationale: Renal failure often leads to hyperkalemia due to impaired excretion.
Question 12
When assessing a child with suspected pneumonia, which symptom should the
nurse expect?
A) Bradycardia
B) Nausea
C) Cough
D) Wheezing
CORRECT ANSWER: D) Wheezing
Rationale: Wheezing is a common respiratory symptom associated with pneumonia.
Question 13
A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving chemotherapy. Which of the following
interventions is MOST essential?
A) Encourage high-protein dietary intake
B) Monitor for signs of infection
C) Limit fluid intake
D) Encourage ambulation
