ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2026
Exit Exam Study Guide and Practice Test
Comprehensive 150-Question Practice Exam
with NGN-Style Questions and Detailed
Rationales
EXAM OVERVIEW
The ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor Exit Exam is a standardized assessment designed
to evaluate practical nursing students' readiness for the NCLEX-PN licensure
examination. This 180-question exam (150 scored + 30 pretest) covers all major content
areas including fundamentals, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, maternal-
newborn, pediatrics, mental health, and leadership/management. The exam determines
final proficiency levels (1, 2, or 3) and simulates NCLEX-PN readiness.
How to Use This Practice Test:
1. Complete each section sequentially without looking at answers
2. Cover the answer key and select the best option for each question
3. Review the rationale for every question – even those answered correctly
4. Aim for 85% or higher before taking the official proctored exam
Question 1
A practical nurse 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 modify or revoke my advance directives at any time as long as I am
competent."
C) "Advance directives must be created by an attorney to be valid."
D) "Only older adults should have advance directives in place."
,Answer: B
Rationale: Clients can modify or revoke advance directives at any time as long as they
are competent. Advance directives are for any adult, not just older adults, and do not
require an attorney to create.
Question 2
An RN is making assignments for client care at the beginning of the shift. Which
assignment should the LPN question?
A) Assisting a client who is 24 hours postoperative to use an incentive spirometer
B) Collecting a clean-catch urine specimen from a client admitted the previous shift
C) Providing nasopharyngeal suctioning for a client with pneumonia
D) Replacing the cartridge and tubing on a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump
Answer: D
Rationale: The RN is responsible for the PCA pump. Tasks involving complex
medication administration and titration are beyond the LPN scope of practice. Options
A, B, and C are within the LPN scope as they involve reinforcing teaching, specimen
collection, and airway maintenance.
Question 3
A practical nurse is caring for a client with a DNR (do not resuscitate) order who
becomes unresponsive with shallow respirations of 8/min. Which action should the PN
take first?
A) Administer oxygen via non-rebreather mask
B) Call the client's family to inform them of the change
C) Reposition the client to facilitate airway clearance
D) Begin CPR per DNR protocol
Answer: C
Rationale: In an unresponsive client with shallow respirations, the priority is airway
patency (ABC framework). The PN must first open the airway and clear secretions.
,Repositioning (side-lying) helps drain secretions and prevents aspiration. Oxygen is
ineffective without a patent airway. DNR/AND orders do not mean "do not treat"; they
mean no CPR or intubation.
Question 4
Which of the following tasks can be delegated to an assistive personnel (AP) by the
practical nurse?
A) Feeding a client admitted 24 hours ago with aspiration pneumonia
B) Reinforcing teaching with a client learning to walk with a quad cane
C) Reapplying a condom catheter for a client with urinary incontinence
D) Applying a sterile dressing to a pressure ulcer
Answer: C
Rationale: Reapplying a condom catheter is a non-invasive task within the AP's scope.
Options A, B, and D require nursing judgment, teaching skills, or sterile technique.
Question 5
A practical nurse is caring for a client who is agitated and attempting to remove IV lines.
What is the priority action?
A) Apply wrist restraints
B) Call the provider for a sedative order
C) Assign a staff member to stay with the client
D) Dim the lights to calm the client
Answer: C
Rationale: The least restrictive intervention should be attempted first. Assigning a staff
member to stay with the client provides supervision and de-escalation without the need
for restraints or chemical sedation.
, Question 6
A client tells the PN, "I don't want any heroic measures if my heart stops." Which action
should the PN take?
A) Document the client's statement in the medical record
B) Notify the provider to discuss advance directives
C) Tell the client this decision is made by the family
D) Provide the client with a living will form
Answer: B
Rationale: The PN should notify the provider so that advance directives can be formally
discussed and documented. While documentation is important, the provider must
initiate the formal advance directive process.
Question 7
A PN is preparing to transfer a client from the bed to a wheelchair. Which action
demonstrates safe transfer technique?
A) Pull the client's skin laterally before injection and release after
B) Assist the client to a sitting position on the side of the bed
C) Apply a gait belt around the client's waist
D) Place the wheelchair at a 45-degree angle to the bed
Answer: C
Rationale: A gait belt provides a secure grip for the nurse during transfers and reduces
the risk of injury to both client and nurse.
Question 8
A PN observes another staff member using alcohol-based hand rub after caring for a
client with Clostridium difficile. What is the appropriate action?
Exit Exam Study Guide and Practice Test
Comprehensive 150-Question Practice Exam
with NGN-Style Questions and Detailed
Rationales
EXAM OVERVIEW
The ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor Exit Exam is a standardized assessment designed
to evaluate practical nursing students' readiness for the NCLEX-PN licensure
examination. This 180-question exam (150 scored + 30 pretest) covers all major content
areas including fundamentals, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, maternal-
newborn, pediatrics, mental health, and leadership/management. The exam determines
final proficiency levels (1, 2, or 3) and simulates NCLEX-PN readiness.
How to Use This Practice Test:
1. Complete each section sequentially without looking at answers
2. Cover the answer key and select the best option for each question
3. Review the rationale for every question – even those answered correctly
4. Aim for 85% or higher before taking the official proctored exam
Question 1
A practical nurse 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 modify or revoke my advance directives at any time as long as I am
competent."
C) "Advance directives must be created by an attorney to be valid."
D) "Only older adults should have advance directives in place."
,Answer: B
Rationale: Clients can modify or revoke advance directives at any time as long as they
are competent. Advance directives are for any adult, not just older adults, and do not
require an attorney to create.
Question 2
An RN is making assignments for client care at the beginning of the shift. Which
assignment should the LPN question?
A) Assisting a client who is 24 hours postoperative to use an incentive spirometer
B) Collecting a clean-catch urine specimen from a client admitted the previous shift
C) Providing nasopharyngeal suctioning for a client with pneumonia
D) Replacing the cartridge and tubing on a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump
Answer: D
Rationale: The RN is responsible for the PCA pump. Tasks involving complex
medication administration and titration are beyond the LPN scope of practice. Options
A, B, and C are within the LPN scope as they involve reinforcing teaching, specimen
collection, and airway maintenance.
Question 3
A practical nurse is caring for a client with a DNR (do not resuscitate) order who
becomes unresponsive with shallow respirations of 8/min. Which action should the PN
take first?
A) Administer oxygen via non-rebreather mask
B) Call the client's family to inform them of the change
C) Reposition the client to facilitate airway clearance
D) Begin CPR per DNR protocol
Answer: C
Rationale: In an unresponsive client with shallow respirations, the priority is airway
patency (ABC framework). The PN must first open the airway and clear secretions.
,Repositioning (side-lying) helps drain secretions and prevents aspiration. Oxygen is
ineffective without a patent airway. DNR/AND orders do not mean "do not treat"; they
mean no CPR or intubation.
Question 4
Which of the following tasks can be delegated to an assistive personnel (AP) by the
practical nurse?
A) Feeding a client admitted 24 hours ago with aspiration pneumonia
B) Reinforcing teaching with a client learning to walk with a quad cane
C) Reapplying a condom catheter for a client with urinary incontinence
D) Applying a sterile dressing to a pressure ulcer
Answer: C
Rationale: Reapplying a condom catheter is a non-invasive task within the AP's scope.
Options A, B, and D require nursing judgment, teaching skills, or sterile technique.
Question 5
A practical nurse is caring for a client who is agitated and attempting to remove IV lines.
What is the priority action?
A) Apply wrist restraints
B) Call the provider for a sedative order
C) Assign a staff member to stay with the client
D) Dim the lights to calm the client
Answer: C
Rationale: The least restrictive intervention should be attempted first. Assigning a staff
member to stay with the client provides supervision and de-escalation without the need
for restraints or chemical sedation.
, Question 6
A client tells the PN, "I don't want any heroic measures if my heart stops." Which action
should the PN take?
A) Document the client's statement in the medical record
B) Notify the provider to discuss advance directives
C) Tell the client this decision is made by the family
D) Provide the client with a living will form
Answer: B
Rationale: The PN should notify the provider so that advance directives can be formally
discussed and documented. While documentation is important, the provider must
initiate the formal advance directive process.
Question 7
A PN is preparing to transfer a client from the bed to a wheelchair. Which action
demonstrates safe transfer technique?
A) Pull the client's skin laterally before injection and release after
B) Assist the client to a sitting position on the side of the bed
C) Apply a gait belt around the client's waist
D) Place the wheelchair at a 45-degree angle to the bed
Answer: C
Rationale: A gait belt provides a secure grip for the nurse during transfers and reduces
the risk of injury to both client and nurse.
Question 8
A PN observes another staff member using alcohol-based hand rub after caring for a
client with Clostridium difficile. What is the appropriate action?
