ATI Comprehensive LPN Exam Study Guide
New Version 2026 Edition
Comprehensive LPN Study Guide
1. Nursing Fundamentals
Nursing Process - ADPIE
A-Assessment
· Collect subjective and objective data.
· Subjective: what the patient reports.
· Objective: what you observe or measure.
· Obtain baseline vital signs, history, medications, allergies, and relevant physical
findings.
D-Diagnosis
· Identify actual or potential patient problems based on assessment data.
· Nursing diagnoses are different from medical diagnoses.
P-Planning
· Establish measurable, patient-centered goals.
· Prioritize problems.
· Develop appropriate interventions.
I-Implementation
· Carry out nursing interventions.
· Provide medications, treatments, education, positioning, hygiene, etc.
E - Evaluation
· Determine whether goals were achieved.
·Modify the care plan when necessary.
Priority Frameworks
When several patients or problems compete for attention:
1. ABCs
, o Airway
o Breathing
。Circulation
2. Safety
, o Prevent falls, aspiration, medication errors, infection, and injury.
3. Acute before chronic
o A new change in condition generally receives attention before a stable
chronic problem.
4. Actual before potential
o An existing serious problem generally takes priority over a possible future
problem.
5. Unstable before stable
Maslow's Hierarchy
Generally prioritize:
1. Physiological needs
2. Safety
3. Love/belonging
4. Esteem
5. Self-actualization
2. Vital Signs
VitalI sign Typical adult range*
Temperature ~36-38℃
Heart rate 60-100 bpm
Respiratory rate 12-20/min
SpO2 Usually ≥95% in many healthy adults
Blood pressure Varies; interpret in clinical context
*Ranges can vary by patient, age, condition, measurement method, and clinical
reference.
Important observations
Tachycardia
· HR>100 bpm in adults
· Causes may include fever, pain, dehydration, anxiety, hypoxia, or blood loss.
Bradycardia
· HR<60 bpm
· Can be normal in some healthy/athletic people.
, Tachypnea
· RR>20/min.
Bradypnea
·RR<12/min.
Hypoxia warning signs
·Restlessness
· Anxiety
· Confusion
· Tachycardia
·Dyspnea
·Cyanosis can be a late sign.
3. Infection Control
Chain of Infection
1. Infectious agent
2. Reservoir
3. Portal of exit
4. Mode of transmission
5. Portal of entry
6. Susceptible host
Breaking any link helps prevent infection.
Standard Precautions
Used with all patients, regardless of diagnosis.
Includes:
·Hand hygiene
·Gloves when exposure to body fluids is anticipated
·Eye/face protection when splashing is possible
· Appropriate gown use
· Safe handling of sharps
New Version 2026 Edition
Comprehensive LPN Study Guide
1. Nursing Fundamentals
Nursing Process - ADPIE
A-Assessment
· Collect subjective and objective data.
· Subjective: what the patient reports.
· Objective: what you observe or measure.
· Obtain baseline vital signs, history, medications, allergies, and relevant physical
findings.
D-Diagnosis
· Identify actual or potential patient problems based on assessment data.
· Nursing diagnoses are different from medical diagnoses.
P-Planning
· Establish measurable, patient-centered goals.
· Prioritize problems.
· Develop appropriate interventions.
I-Implementation
· Carry out nursing interventions.
· Provide medications, treatments, education, positioning, hygiene, etc.
E - Evaluation
· Determine whether goals were achieved.
·Modify the care plan when necessary.
Priority Frameworks
When several patients or problems compete for attention:
1. ABCs
, o Airway
o Breathing
。Circulation
2. Safety
, o Prevent falls, aspiration, medication errors, infection, and injury.
3. Acute before chronic
o A new change in condition generally receives attention before a stable
chronic problem.
4. Actual before potential
o An existing serious problem generally takes priority over a possible future
problem.
5. Unstable before stable
Maslow's Hierarchy
Generally prioritize:
1. Physiological needs
2. Safety
3. Love/belonging
4. Esteem
5. Self-actualization
2. Vital Signs
VitalI sign Typical adult range*
Temperature ~36-38℃
Heart rate 60-100 bpm
Respiratory rate 12-20/min
SpO2 Usually ≥95% in many healthy adults
Blood pressure Varies; interpret in clinical context
*Ranges can vary by patient, age, condition, measurement method, and clinical
reference.
Important observations
Tachycardia
· HR>100 bpm in adults
· Causes may include fever, pain, dehydration, anxiety, hypoxia, or blood loss.
Bradycardia
· HR<60 bpm
· Can be normal in some healthy/athletic people.
, Tachypnea
· RR>20/min.
Bradypnea
·RR<12/min.
Hypoxia warning signs
·Restlessness
· Anxiety
· Confusion
· Tachycardia
·Dyspnea
·Cyanosis can be a late sign.
3. Infection Control
Chain of Infection
1. Infectious agent
2. Reservoir
3. Portal of exit
4. Mode of transmission
5. Portal of entry
6. Susceptible host
Breaking any link helps prevent infection.
Standard Precautions
Used with all patients, regardless of diagnosis.
Includes:
·Hand hygiene
·Gloves when exposure to body fluids is anticipated
·Eye/face protection when splashing is possible
· Appropriate gown use
· Safe handling of sharps
