PN ATI EXIT EXAM – QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS
| PLUS RATIONALES | GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE
*CORE DOMAINS*
*Fundamentals of Nursing Practice*
*Pharmacology and Parenteral Therapies*
*Medical-Surgical Nursing*
*Maternal-Newborn Nursing*
*Pediatric Nursing*
*Mental Health Nursing*
*Leadership and Management*
*Client Safety and Infection Control*
*INTRODUCTION*
*This examination serves to evaluate the readiness of practical nursing candidates for
professional practice. It assesses the depth of clinical knowledge, application of safety
standards, and critical thinking skills required in diverse healthcare settings. The exam
utilizes a series of multiple-choice and complex scenario-based questions to measure the
candidate's ability to prioritize care, apply ethical principles, and make sound clinical
decisions. By focusing on real-world application, this assessment ensures that practitioners
are prepared to provide safe, effective, and evidence-based care while adhering to
regulatory requirements and maintaining high professional standards.*
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. A nurse is caring for a client with a history of heart failure who reports increased
shortness of breath and orthopnea. Which action should the nurse prioritize? A.
Assess the client’s peripheral pulses. B. Administer PRN oxygen as ordered. C.
Position the client in a high-Fowler’s position. D. Monitor the client’s daily weight.
C. Position the client in a high-Fowler’s position. Explanation: Positioning the
client in high-Fowler’s position reduces venous return and decreases the workload
on the heart, immediately improving respiratory status.
2. A nurse is preparing to administer medication to a client. Which of the following is
the most reliable way to identify the client? A. Ask the client to state their name and
date of birth. B. Check the name on the door sign. C. Verify the client’s information
with a family member. D. Review the client’s room number. A. Ask the client to
, state their name and date of birth. Explanation: Using two client identifiers, such
as name and date of birth, is the standard safety protocol to prevent medication
errors.
3. A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus is found to have a blood glucose level of 45
mg/dL. Which manifestation should the nurse expect? A. Polyuria B. Fruity breath
odor C. Diaphoresis D. Hypertension C. Diaphoresis Explanation: Diaphoresis
is a classic symptom of hypoglycemia, caused by the sympathetic nervous system's
response to low blood glucose.
4. A nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client with a new colostomy. Which
observation by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching? A. The stoma
should appear dark purple or black. B. The skin around the stoma should be clean
and dry. C. The pouch should be changed every 24 hours. D. The stoma is expected to
increase in size over time. B. The skin around the stoma should be clean and dry.
Explanation: Maintaining clean, dry skin around the stoma is essential to prevent
skin breakdown and irritation from digestive enzymes.
5. A nurse is assessing a client who has a chest tube. Which finding should the nurse
report to the provider? A. Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber. B. Gentle
bubbling in the suction control chamber. C. Tidaling in the water seal chamber. D.
Serosanguineous drainage in the tubing. A. Continuous bubbling in the water seal
chamber. Explanation: Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber indicates
an air leak in the system, which is a potential emergency.
6. A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is experiencing a seizure. What is the
priority nursing action? A. Restrain the client to prevent injury. B. Place a padded
tongue blade in the client's mouth. C. Protect the client’s head and turn them to the
side. D. Administer an anticonvulsant medication IV. C. Protect the client’s head
and turn them to the side. Explanation: Safety is the priority during a seizure;
protecting the head and turning the client to the side prevents injury and aspiration.
7. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following an appendectomy. Which
finding is the highest priority to report? A. Absent bowel sounds in all four quadrants.
B. Increased pain at the incision site. C. Inability to void 8 hours after surgery. D.
Temperature of 99.8 F. C. Inability to void 8 hours after surgery. Explanation:
Urinary retention can lead to bladder distention and infection; assessing for the
inability to void post-op is crucial for patient safety.
8. A nurse is teaching a client about the use of crutches. Which instruction is correct? A.
Support the body weight on the axillae. B. Keep the crutches 6 inches in front of the
feet. C. Advance the crutches and the affected leg simultaneously. D. Move the
unaffected leg first when going downstairs. C. Advance the crutches and the
, affected leg simultaneously. Explanation: Using a three-point gait, the crutches
and the affected limb move forward together to bear weight safely.
9. A nurse is caring for a client with a nasogastric tube. How should the nurse verify
placement? A. Auscultate the epigastric area while injecting air. B. Check the pH of
the aspirated gastric content. C. Measure the length of the tube outside the nares. D.
Wait for the client to cough. B. Check the pH of the aspirated gastric content.
Explanation: Checking the pH of gastric aspirate is an evidence-based method to
confirm the tube is in the stomach.
10. A nurse is caring for a client with a history of depression who states, "I just don't see
the point of living anymore." What is the best initial response? A. "Why are you
feeling this way?" B. "Things will get better soon." C. "Tell me more about what you
are feeling." D. "You have so much to live for." C. Tell me more about what you
are feeling. Explanation: Open-ended communication encourages the client to
express thoughts, which is vital for risk assessment.
11. A nurse is assessing a client for signs of hypovolemia. Which finding should the nurse
expect? A. Bounding pulse B. Distended neck veins C. Tachycardia D. Increased urine
output C. Tachycardia Explanation: Tachycardia is a compensatory
mechanism to maintain cardiac output in the presence of low blood volume.
12. A nurse is caring for a client with hyperkalemia. Which medication should the nurse
anticipate administering to lower potassium levels? A. Digoxin B. Sodium polystyrene
sulfonate C. Furosemide D. Potassium chloride B. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate
Explanation: Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is a cation exchange resin used to
treat hyperkalemia by exchanging sodium for potassium in the gut.
13. A nurse is teaching a parent about car seat safety for a newborn. Which instruction is
correct? A. Place the car seat facing forward. B. Use a seat with a five-point harness.
C. Place the car seat in the front seat for better visibility. D. The newborn’s head
should be tilted forward. B. Use a seat with a five-point harness. Explanation:
A five-point harness provides the best distribution of force in the event of a crash and
keeps the infant secure.
14. A nurse is caring for a client with a new prescription for lithium. Which instruction is
most important? A. Take the medication on an empty stomach. B. Maintain a
consistent sodium intake. C. Limit fluid intake to 1 liter per day. D. Increase intake of
dark leafy greens. B. Maintain a consistent sodium intake. Explanation:
Lithium levels are affected by sodium levels; a decrease in sodium can lead to lithium
toxicity.
| PLUS RATIONALES | GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE
*CORE DOMAINS*
*Fundamentals of Nursing Practice*
*Pharmacology and Parenteral Therapies*
*Medical-Surgical Nursing*
*Maternal-Newborn Nursing*
*Pediatric Nursing*
*Mental Health Nursing*
*Leadership and Management*
*Client Safety and Infection Control*
*INTRODUCTION*
*This examination serves to evaluate the readiness of practical nursing candidates for
professional practice. It assesses the depth of clinical knowledge, application of safety
standards, and critical thinking skills required in diverse healthcare settings. The exam
utilizes a series of multiple-choice and complex scenario-based questions to measure the
candidate's ability to prioritize care, apply ethical principles, and make sound clinical
decisions. By focusing on real-world application, this assessment ensures that practitioners
are prepared to provide safe, effective, and evidence-based care while adhering to
regulatory requirements and maintaining high professional standards.*
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. A nurse is caring for a client with a history of heart failure who reports increased
shortness of breath and orthopnea. Which action should the nurse prioritize? A.
Assess the client’s peripheral pulses. B. Administer PRN oxygen as ordered. C.
Position the client in a high-Fowler’s position. D. Monitor the client’s daily weight.
C. Position the client in a high-Fowler’s position. Explanation: Positioning the
client in high-Fowler’s position reduces venous return and decreases the workload
on the heart, immediately improving respiratory status.
2. A nurse is preparing to administer medication to a client. Which of the following is
the most reliable way to identify the client? A. Ask the client to state their name and
date of birth. B. Check the name on the door sign. C. Verify the client’s information
with a family member. D. Review the client’s room number. A. Ask the client to
, state their name and date of birth. Explanation: Using two client identifiers, such
as name and date of birth, is the standard safety protocol to prevent medication
errors.
3. A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus is found to have a blood glucose level of 45
mg/dL. Which manifestation should the nurse expect? A. Polyuria B. Fruity breath
odor C. Diaphoresis D. Hypertension C. Diaphoresis Explanation: Diaphoresis
is a classic symptom of hypoglycemia, caused by the sympathetic nervous system's
response to low blood glucose.
4. A nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client with a new colostomy. Which
observation by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching? A. The stoma
should appear dark purple or black. B. The skin around the stoma should be clean
and dry. C. The pouch should be changed every 24 hours. D. The stoma is expected to
increase in size over time. B. The skin around the stoma should be clean and dry.
Explanation: Maintaining clean, dry skin around the stoma is essential to prevent
skin breakdown and irritation from digestive enzymes.
5. A nurse is assessing a client who has a chest tube. Which finding should the nurse
report to the provider? A. Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber. B. Gentle
bubbling in the suction control chamber. C. Tidaling in the water seal chamber. D.
Serosanguineous drainage in the tubing. A. Continuous bubbling in the water seal
chamber. Explanation: Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber indicates
an air leak in the system, which is a potential emergency.
6. A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is experiencing a seizure. What is the
priority nursing action? A. Restrain the client to prevent injury. B. Place a padded
tongue blade in the client's mouth. C. Protect the client’s head and turn them to the
side. D. Administer an anticonvulsant medication IV. C. Protect the client’s head
and turn them to the side. Explanation: Safety is the priority during a seizure;
protecting the head and turning the client to the side prevents injury and aspiration.
7. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following an appendectomy. Which
finding is the highest priority to report? A. Absent bowel sounds in all four quadrants.
B. Increased pain at the incision site. C. Inability to void 8 hours after surgery. D.
Temperature of 99.8 F. C. Inability to void 8 hours after surgery. Explanation:
Urinary retention can lead to bladder distention and infection; assessing for the
inability to void post-op is crucial for patient safety.
8. A nurse is teaching a client about the use of crutches. Which instruction is correct? A.
Support the body weight on the axillae. B. Keep the crutches 6 inches in front of the
feet. C. Advance the crutches and the affected leg simultaneously. D. Move the
unaffected leg first when going downstairs. C. Advance the crutches and the
, affected leg simultaneously. Explanation: Using a three-point gait, the crutches
and the affected limb move forward together to bear weight safely.
9. A nurse is caring for a client with a nasogastric tube. How should the nurse verify
placement? A. Auscultate the epigastric area while injecting air. B. Check the pH of
the aspirated gastric content. C. Measure the length of the tube outside the nares. D.
Wait for the client to cough. B. Check the pH of the aspirated gastric content.
Explanation: Checking the pH of gastric aspirate is an evidence-based method to
confirm the tube is in the stomach.
10. A nurse is caring for a client with a history of depression who states, "I just don't see
the point of living anymore." What is the best initial response? A. "Why are you
feeling this way?" B. "Things will get better soon." C. "Tell me more about what you
are feeling." D. "You have so much to live for." C. Tell me more about what you
are feeling. Explanation: Open-ended communication encourages the client to
express thoughts, which is vital for risk assessment.
11. A nurse is assessing a client for signs of hypovolemia. Which finding should the nurse
expect? A. Bounding pulse B. Distended neck veins C. Tachycardia D. Increased urine
output C. Tachycardia Explanation: Tachycardia is a compensatory
mechanism to maintain cardiac output in the presence of low blood volume.
12. A nurse is caring for a client with hyperkalemia. Which medication should the nurse
anticipate administering to lower potassium levels? A. Digoxin B. Sodium polystyrene
sulfonate C. Furosemide D. Potassium chloride B. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate
Explanation: Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is a cation exchange resin used to
treat hyperkalemia by exchanging sodium for potassium in the gut.
13. A nurse is teaching a parent about car seat safety for a newborn. Which instruction is
correct? A. Place the car seat facing forward. B. Use a seat with a five-point harness.
C. Place the car seat in the front seat for better visibility. D. The newborn’s head
should be tilted forward. B. Use a seat with a five-point harness. Explanation:
A five-point harness provides the best distribution of force in the event of a crash and
keeps the infant secure.
14. A nurse is caring for a client with a new prescription for lithium. Which instruction is
most important? A. Take the medication on an empty stomach. B. Maintain a
consistent sodium intake. C. Limit fluid intake to 1 liter per day. D. Increase intake of
dark leafy greens. B. Maintain a consistent sodium intake. Explanation:
Lithium levels are affected by sodium levels; a decrease in sodium can lead to lithium
toxicity.
