ATI RN Comprehensive 2026/2027 Exit Exam |
180 NGN-Style Questions with Verified Answers
& Detailed Rationales | Form A & B Graded A+
Key Topics Covered
• Management of Care– Prioritization, delegation, advocacy, ethics, legal issues, continuity of care
• Safety & Infection Control – Hand hygiene, precautions, restraints, fall prevention, medication safety
• Health Promotion & Maintenance – Screening, immunizations, lifestyle counseling, growth and
development
• Psychosocial Integrity – Therapeutic communication, mental health disorders, crisis intervention,
substance use
• Basic Care & Comfort – Mobility, nutrition, elimination, pain management, skin care
• Pharmacological & Parenteral Therapies – Medication administration, side effects, IV therapy, blood
products
• Reduction of Risk Potential – Lab values, diagnostic tests, complications, perioperative care
• Physiological Adaptation – Med-surg, maternal newborn, pediatric, emergency care
Questions 1–180
Question 1
A nurse is caring for four clients. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A) Client with COPD and SpO2 89% on 2 L/min
B) Client with a fractured femur requesting pain medication
C) *Client with new-onset confusion and blood pressure 80/50 mmHg
D) Client with diabetes and blood glucose 180 mg/dL
Answer
,Answer: C
Rationale
Hypotension with confusion suggests shock; immediate assessment is priority (ABCs).
Question 2
A nurse is delegating tasks to a UAP. Which task is appropriate?
A) Assess a client's pain level
B) Administer a tube feeding
C) Change a sterile dressing
D) *Measure a client's intake and output
Answer
Answer: D
Rationale
I&O measurement is within UAP scope. Assessment and sterile procedures require licensed staff.
Question 3
A client with schizophrenia tells the nurse, "The voices are telling me to hurt myself." What is
the priority action?
A) *Implement suicide precautions and notify the provider
B) Ask what the voices are saying
C) Tell the client to ignore the voices
D) Administer a PRN antipsychotic
Answer
Answer: A
Rationale
Command hallucinations to self-harm require immediate safety interventions.
,Question 4
A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin. The apical pulse is 52 bpm. Which action should
the nurse take?
A) Administer the dose as ordered
B) Give half the dose
C) *Hold the dose and notify the provider
D) Recheck the pulse in 1 hour
Answer
Answer: C
Rationale
Digoxin is held for apical pulse <60 bpm in adults due to risk of toxicity.
Question 5
A client with preeclampsia is receiving magnesium sulfate. Which finding indicates toxicity?
A) Deep tendon reflexes 2+
B) Urine output 40 mL/hr
C) Blood pressure 140/90 mmHg
D) *Respiratory rate 10 breaths/min
Answer
Answer: D
Rationale
Respiratory depression is a sign of magnesium toxicity; calcium gluconate is the antidote.
Question 6
A nurse is teaching a client with a new colostomy about diet. Which food should be avoided to
prevent obstruction?
A) Applesauce
B) Yogurt
C) *Popcorn
D) White bread
180 NGN-Style Questions with Verified Answers
& Detailed Rationales | Form A & B Graded A+
Key Topics Covered
• Management of Care– Prioritization, delegation, advocacy, ethics, legal issues, continuity of care
• Safety & Infection Control – Hand hygiene, precautions, restraints, fall prevention, medication safety
• Health Promotion & Maintenance – Screening, immunizations, lifestyle counseling, growth and
development
• Psychosocial Integrity – Therapeutic communication, mental health disorders, crisis intervention,
substance use
• Basic Care & Comfort – Mobility, nutrition, elimination, pain management, skin care
• Pharmacological & Parenteral Therapies – Medication administration, side effects, IV therapy, blood
products
• Reduction of Risk Potential – Lab values, diagnostic tests, complications, perioperative care
• Physiological Adaptation – Med-surg, maternal newborn, pediatric, emergency care
Questions 1–180
Question 1
A nurse is caring for four clients. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A) Client with COPD and SpO2 89% on 2 L/min
B) Client with a fractured femur requesting pain medication
C) *Client with new-onset confusion and blood pressure 80/50 mmHg
D) Client with diabetes and blood glucose 180 mg/dL
Answer
,Answer: C
Rationale
Hypotension with confusion suggests shock; immediate assessment is priority (ABCs).
Question 2
A nurse is delegating tasks to a UAP. Which task is appropriate?
A) Assess a client's pain level
B) Administer a tube feeding
C) Change a sterile dressing
D) *Measure a client's intake and output
Answer
Answer: D
Rationale
I&O measurement is within UAP scope. Assessment and sterile procedures require licensed staff.
Question 3
A client with schizophrenia tells the nurse, "The voices are telling me to hurt myself." What is
the priority action?
A) *Implement suicide precautions and notify the provider
B) Ask what the voices are saying
C) Tell the client to ignore the voices
D) Administer a PRN antipsychotic
Answer
Answer: A
Rationale
Command hallucinations to self-harm require immediate safety interventions.
,Question 4
A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin. The apical pulse is 52 bpm. Which action should
the nurse take?
A) Administer the dose as ordered
B) Give half the dose
C) *Hold the dose and notify the provider
D) Recheck the pulse in 1 hour
Answer
Answer: C
Rationale
Digoxin is held for apical pulse <60 bpm in adults due to risk of toxicity.
Question 5
A client with preeclampsia is receiving magnesium sulfate. Which finding indicates toxicity?
A) Deep tendon reflexes 2+
B) Urine output 40 mL/hr
C) Blood pressure 140/90 mmHg
D) *Respiratory rate 10 breaths/min
Answer
Answer: D
Rationale
Respiratory depression is a sign of magnesium toxicity; calcium gluconate is the antidote.
Question 6
A nurse is teaching a client with a new colostomy about diet. Which food should be avoided to
prevent obstruction?
A) Applesauce
B) Yogurt
C) *Popcorn
D) White bread
