1
ATI RN Comprehensive Predictor Exams 2026 (PDF) | NGN
Nursing Questions | Ati Exit Exam Prep (Latest Update)
Fundamentals & Basic Care
1. A nurse is assessing a client's neurological status using the Glasgow Coma Scale
(GCS). The client opens eyes to pain, makes incomprehensible sounds, and
withdraws to pain. What is the GCS score?
• A. 7
• B. 8
• C. 9
• D. 10
Answer: B. 8
Rationale: Eye opening to pain = 2, incomprehensible sounds = 2, withdrawal to pain =
4. Total = 2+2+4 = 8.
2. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client after a myocardial infarction.
Which statement indicates understanding?
• A. "I will stop taking my aspirin if I have ringing in my ears"
• B. "I will take my nitroglycerin every 5 minutes for chest pain up to 3 doses"
• C. "I will walk only if I do not have chest pain at that time"
• D. "I can stop my statin if my cholesterol is normal"
Answer: B
,2
Rationale: Nitroglycerin protocol: one tablet every 5 minutes for up to 3 doses. Call 911
if no relief after first dose. Aspirin and statins are lifelong medications regardless of
symptom resolution or normalized lab values.
3. A nurse is caring for a client with a nasogastric (NG) tube set to continuous
suction. The nurse notes the client has absent bowel sounds and abdominal
distention. What is the priority action?
• A. Irrigate the NG tube
• B. Reposition the NG tube
• C. Discontinue suction and notify the provider
• D. Increase suction pressure
Answer: C
Rationale: Absent bowel sounds with abdominal distention in a client with an NG tube
may indicate an ileus or obstruction. The priority is to discontinue suction (which can
worsen distention if the tube is non-functional) and notify the provider. Irrigation or
repositioning without an order could be harmful.
4. A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter for a female client.
Which technique is correct?
• A. Insert the catheter 1–2 inches until urine flows
• B. Insert the catheter 2–3 inches until urine flows
• C. Insert the catheter 3–4 inches until urine flows
• D. Insert the catheter 4–5 inches until urine flows
,3
Answer: B
Rationale: For a female, the catheter should be inserted 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) until
urine flows, then advanced another 1–2 inches. The female urethra is approximately 3–5
cm long.
5. A nurse is providing fall prevention education to an older adult client. Which
statement indicates understanding?
• A. "I will wear socks without shoes to feel the floor better"
• B. "I will use a nightlight in the bathroom"
• C. "I will hurry to the bathroom when I wake up"
• D. "I will keep my walkway rugs in place for traction"
Answer: B
Rationale: A nightlight improves visibility during nighttime trips to the bathroom,
reducing fall risk. Socks without shoes increase slip risk. Area rugs are a tripping hazard.
Rushing increases fall risk.
6. A nurse is caring for a client with a foley catheter. Which action is correct when
obtaining a urine specimen?
• A. Collect urine from the drainage bag
• B. Clamp the tubing below the port, cleanse with alcohol, aspirate with sterile
syringe
• C. Disconnect the catheter from the drainage tubing
• D. Use the same port for multiple collections without cleaning
, 4
Answer: B
Rationale: The correct method uses the catheter's sampling port. Clamp below the port,
cleanse with alcohol, and aspirate with a sterile syringe. Never collect from the drainage
bag (stagnant urine). Never disconnect the closed system.
7. A nurse is assessing a client's peripheral pulse. Which finding should be
reported?
• A. Pulse rate of 80 bpm
• B. Pulse rhythm irregular
• C. Pulse strength of 2+ (normal)
• D. Pulse equal bilaterally
Answer: B
Rationale: An irregular pulse rhythm may indicate atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias
and requires further evaluation. Rate of 80 bpm, 2+ strength, and equal bilateral pulses
are normal findings.
8. A nurse is providing tracheostomy care. Which action is correct?
• A. Change the tracheostomy ties daily
• B. Secure new ties before removing old ties
• C. Cut a 4×4 gauze to fit around the stoma
• D. Use cotton balls to clean around the stoma
Answer: B
ATI RN Comprehensive Predictor Exams 2026 (PDF) | NGN
Nursing Questions | Ati Exit Exam Prep (Latest Update)
Fundamentals & Basic Care
1. A nurse is assessing a client's neurological status using the Glasgow Coma Scale
(GCS). The client opens eyes to pain, makes incomprehensible sounds, and
withdraws to pain. What is the GCS score?
• A. 7
• B. 8
• C. 9
• D. 10
Answer: B. 8
Rationale: Eye opening to pain = 2, incomprehensible sounds = 2, withdrawal to pain =
4. Total = 2+2+4 = 8.
2. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client after a myocardial infarction.
Which statement indicates understanding?
• A. "I will stop taking my aspirin if I have ringing in my ears"
• B. "I will take my nitroglycerin every 5 minutes for chest pain up to 3 doses"
• C. "I will walk only if I do not have chest pain at that time"
• D. "I can stop my statin if my cholesterol is normal"
Answer: B
,2
Rationale: Nitroglycerin protocol: one tablet every 5 minutes for up to 3 doses. Call 911
if no relief after first dose. Aspirin and statins are lifelong medications regardless of
symptom resolution or normalized lab values.
3. A nurse is caring for a client with a nasogastric (NG) tube set to continuous
suction. The nurse notes the client has absent bowel sounds and abdominal
distention. What is the priority action?
• A. Irrigate the NG tube
• B. Reposition the NG tube
• C. Discontinue suction and notify the provider
• D. Increase suction pressure
Answer: C
Rationale: Absent bowel sounds with abdominal distention in a client with an NG tube
may indicate an ileus or obstruction. The priority is to discontinue suction (which can
worsen distention if the tube is non-functional) and notify the provider. Irrigation or
repositioning without an order could be harmful.
4. A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter for a female client.
Which technique is correct?
• A. Insert the catheter 1–2 inches until urine flows
• B. Insert the catheter 2–3 inches until urine flows
• C. Insert the catheter 3–4 inches until urine flows
• D. Insert the catheter 4–5 inches until urine flows
,3
Answer: B
Rationale: For a female, the catheter should be inserted 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) until
urine flows, then advanced another 1–2 inches. The female urethra is approximately 3–5
cm long.
5. A nurse is providing fall prevention education to an older adult client. Which
statement indicates understanding?
• A. "I will wear socks without shoes to feel the floor better"
• B. "I will use a nightlight in the bathroom"
• C. "I will hurry to the bathroom when I wake up"
• D. "I will keep my walkway rugs in place for traction"
Answer: B
Rationale: A nightlight improves visibility during nighttime trips to the bathroom,
reducing fall risk. Socks without shoes increase slip risk. Area rugs are a tripping hazard.
Rushing increases fall risk.
6. A nurse is caring for a client with a foley catheter. Which action is correct when
obtaining a urine specimen?
• A. Collect urine from the drainage bag
• B. Clamp the tubing below the port, cleanse with alcohol, aspirate with sterile
syringe
• C. Disconnect the catheter from the drainage tubing
• D. Use the same port for multiple collections without cleaning
, 4
Answer: B
Rationale: The correct method uses the catheter's sampling port. Clamp below the port,
cleanse with alcohol, and aspirate with a sterile syringe. Never collect from the drainage
bag (stagnant urine). Never disconnect the closed system.
7. A nurse is assessing a client's peripheral pulse. Which finding should be
reported?
• A. Pulse rate of 80 bpm
• B. Pulse rhythm irregular
• C. Pulse strength of 2+ (normal)
• D. Pulse equal bilaterally
Answer: B
Rationale: An irregular pulse rhythm may indicate atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias
and requires further evaluation. Rate of 80 bpm, 2+ strength, and equal bilateral pulses
are normal findings.
8. A nurse is providing tracheostomy care. Which action is correct?
• A. Change the tracheostomy ties daily
• B. Secure new ties before removing old ties
• C. Cut a 4×4 gauze to fit around the stoma
• D. Use cotton balls to clean around the stoma
Answer: B
