ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2026 Exit Exam
with NGN | Complete 180- Exam Questions Test
Bank with Verified Correct Answers & Rationales
Exam Overview
Component Details
Total 180 (150 scored + 30 pretest)
Questions
Time Limit 3 hours
Passing Level 2 or higher recommended
Standard
Content Fundamentals, Pharmacology, Med-Surg, Maternal-Newborn,
Areas Pediatrics, Mental Health, Leadership/Management, NGN Case
Studies
SECTION 1: FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING (Questions 1–30)
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a client's vital signs. The client's blood pressure is 158/94 mm Hg.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Administer an antihypertensive medication
B. Retake the blood pressure in the same arm after 2 minutes
C. Notify the provider immediately
D. Document the finding and continue the assessment
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When a single blood pressure reading is elevated, the nurse should first
verify the reading by retaking the measurement after allowing the client to rest for 1 to 2
minutes. This helps rule out factors such as anxiety, incorrect cuff size, or improper
positioning that may have caused a falsely elevated reading. Only after confirming the
reading should the nurse proceed with further actions such as notifying the provider or
administering medications. Premature intervention based on a single reading could lead
to unnecessary treatment .
pg. 1
,Question 2
A client is on fall precautions. Which of the following interventions should the nurse
implement? (Select all that apply.)
A. Keep the bed in the lowest position
B. Raise all four side rails
C. Place a fall risk bracelet on the client
D. Ensure the call light is within reach
Correct Answers: A, C, D
Rationale: Keeping the bed in the lowest position reduces the distance and potential
injury if a client attempts to get out of bed. A fall risk bracelet alerts all staff to the
client's risk status. The call light within reach enables the client to request assistance.
Raising all four side rails is considered a restraint and can actually increase fall risk if
the client attempts to climb over them. Two side rails may be used for comfort, but four-
point rail restraint requires a provider order and can increase agitation and injury risk .
Question 3
A client is receiving continuous enteral feeding via a nasogastric tube. Which of the
following actions should the nurse take to prevent aspiration?
A. Place the client in a supine position during feeding
B. Elevate the head of the bed to at least 30 degrees
C. Administer bolus feedings rather than continuous
D. Check residual volumes every 8 hours only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: To prevent aspiration in clients receiving enteral feedings, the head of the
bed should be elevated to at least 30 to 45 degrees during feeding and for at least 30 to
60 minutes after feeding. This position uses gravity to reduce the risk of gastric contents
refluxing into the esophagus and being aspirated. The supine position increases
aspiration risk. Bolus feedings actually increase aspiration risk compared to continuous
feedings. Residual volumes should be checked every 4 to 6 hours, not just every 8
hours .
Question 4
A nurse is teaching a client about using an incentive spirometer. Which of the following
instructions should the nurse include?
A. Inhale slowly and deeply to elevate the cylinder
B. Exhale forcefully into the device
C. Use the device once every 8 hours
D. Hold breath for 2 seconds after exhalation
pg. 2
,Correct Answer: A
Rationale: An incentive spirometer is used to promote deep breathing and prevent
atelectasis. The client should inhale slowly and deeply to elevate the cylinder or piston to
the target level, hold the breath for 3 to 5 seconds at maximum inhalation, and then
exhale normally. Exhaling into the device is incorrect as the spirometer measures
inspiratory effort. Use should be every 1 to 2 hours, not once every 8 hours. Breath
holding occurs after inhalation, not exhalation .
Question 5
A nurse is performing a pain assessment on a client who is nonverbal. Which of the
following assessment tools is most appropriate?
A. Numeric Rating Scale
B. Visual Analog Scale
C. FACES Pain Scale
D. PAINAD scale
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The PAINAD (Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia) scale is specifically
designed for clients who are nonverbal, including those with advanced dementia. It
assesses five indicators: breathing, negative vocalization, facial expression, body
language, and consolability. The Numeric Rating Scale and Visual Analog Scale require
verbal self-report. The FACES Pain Scale requires the client to point to a face, which
may not be feasible for a nonverbal client .
Question 6
A nurse is caring for a client who has a nasogastric tube attached to low intermittent
suction. Which of the following findings indicates the tube is properly positioned in the
stomach?
A. The client complains of a sore throat
B. Aspiration of gastric contents with a pH of 4
C. The external tube length is 50 cm at the naris
D. The client is able to speak without difficulty
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Aspiration of gastric contents with a pH of 4 or lower confirms that the
nasogastric tube is properly positioned in the stomach. Gastric contents are typically
acidic with a pH range of 1 to 4. Sore throat and ability to speak do not confirm
placement. External tube length gives an approximate position but does not confirm
gastric placement .
pg. 3
, Question 7
A nurse is preparing to transfer a client from the bed to a wheelchair. Which action
should the nurse take first?
A. Lock the wheels on the bed and wheelchair
B. Apply a gait belt around the client's waist
C. Assess the client's ability to bear weight
D. Position the wheelchair at a 45-degree angle to the bed
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Before any transfer, the nurse must first assess the client's strength,
mobility, and ability to bear weight. This assessment determines the safest transfer
method and equipment needed. Locking wheels, applying a gait belt, and positioning
the wheelchair are important steps but should follow assessment of client capability .
Question 8
A client is prescribed oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula. Which of the following is a
correct nursing action?
A. Set the humidifier to deliver cool moisture
B. Ensure the tubing is snug against the client's cheeks
C. Apply water-soluble lubricant to the nares
D. Increase the flow rate to 6 L/min for better oxygenation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Water-soluble lubricant can be applied to the nares to prevent dryness and
irritation caused by the nasal cannula. At low flow rates (1 to 4 L/min), a humidifier is
typically not necessary. The tubing should be adjusted comfortably but not snugly
against the cheeks, as this can cause pressure injuries. The nurse should never increase
the oxygen flow rate without a provider order, as excessive oxygen can be harmful,
particularly for clients with chronic lung conditions who rely on hypoxic drive .
Question 9
A nurse is performing a skin assessment on an older adult client. Which of the following
is an expected age-related change?
A. Increased skin elasticity
B. Decreased subcutaneous fat
C. Increased sweat production
D. Thickening of the epidermis
pg. 4
with NGN | Complete 180- Exam Questions Test
Bank with Verified Correct Answers & Rationales
Exam Overview
Component Details
Total 180 (150 scored + 30 pretest)
Questions
Time Limit 3 hours
Passing Level 2 or higher recommended
Standard
Content Fundamentals, Pharmacology, Med-Surg, Maternal-Newborn,
Areas Pediatrics, Mental Health, Leadership/Management, NGN Case
Studies
SECTION 1: FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING (Questions 1–30)
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a client's vital signs. The client's blood pressure is 158/94 mm Hg.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Administer an antihypertensive medication
B. Retake the blood pressure in the same arm after 2 minutes
C. Notify the provider immediately
D. Document the finding and continue the assessment
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When a single blood pressure reading is elevated, the nurse should first
verify the reading by retaking the measurement after allowing the client to rest for 1 to 2
minutes. This helps rule out factors such as anxiety, incorrect cuff size, or improper
positioning that may have caused a falsely elevated reading. Only after confirming the
reading should the nurse proceed with further actions such as notifying the provider or
administering medications. Premature intervention based on a single reading could lead
to unnecessary treatment .
pg. 1
,Question 2
A client is on fall precautions. Which of the following interventions should the nurse
implement? (Select all that apply.)
A. Keep the bed in the lowest position
B. Raise all four side rails
C. Place a fall risk bracelet on the client
D. Ensure the call light is within reach
Correct Answers: A, C, D
Rationale: Keeping the bed in the lowest position reduces the distance and potential
injury if a client attempts to get out of bed. A fall risk bracelet alerts all staff to the
client's risk status. The call light within reach enables the client to request assistance.
Raising all four side rails is considered a restraint and can actually increase fall risk if
the client attempts to climb over them. Two side rails may be used for comfort, but four-
point rail restraint requires a provider order and can increase agitation and injury risk .
Question 3
A client is receiving continuous enteral feeding via a nasogastric tube. Which of the
following actions should the nurse take to prevent aspiration?
A. Place the client in a supine position during feeding
B. Elevate the head of the bed to at least 30 degrees
C. Administer bolus feedings rather than continuous
D. Check residual volumes every 8 hours only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: To prevent aspiration in clients receiving enteral feedings, the head of the
bed should be elevated to at least 30 to 45 degrees during feeding and for at least 30 to
60 minutes after feeding. This position uses gravity to reduce the risk of gastric contents
refluxing into the esophagus and being aspirated. The supine position increases
aspiration risk. Bolus feedings actually increase aspiration risk compared to continuous
feedings. Residual volumes should be checked every 4 to 6 hours, not just every 8
hours .
Question 4
A nurse is teaching a client about using an incentive spirometer. Which of the following
instructions should the nurse include?
A. Inhale slowly and deeply to elevate the cylinder
B. Exhale forcefully into the device
C. Use the device once every 8 hours
D. Hold breath for 2 seconds after exhalation
pg. 2
,Correct Answer: A
Rationale: An incentive spirometer is used to promote deep breathing and prevent
atelectasis. The client should inhale slowly and deeply to elevate the cylinder or piston to
the target level, hold the breath for 3 to 5 seconds at maximum inhalation, and then
exhale normally. Exhaling into the device is incorrect as the spirometer measures
inspiratory effort. Use should be every 1 to 2 hours, not once every 8 hours. Breath
holding occurs after inhalation, not exhalation .
Question 5
A nurse is performing a pain assessment on a client who is nonverbal. Which of the
following assessment tools is most appropriate?
A. Numeric Rating Scale
B. Visual Analog Scale
C. FACES Pain Scale
D. PAINAD scale
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The PAINAD (Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia) scale is specifically
designed for clients who are nonverbal, including those with advanced dementia. It
assesses five indicators: breathing, negative vocalization, facial expression, body
language, and consolability. The Numeric Rating Scale and Visual Analog Scale require
verbal self-report. The FACES Pain Scale requires the client to point to a face, which
may not be feasible for a nonverbal client .
Question 6
A nurse is caring for a client who has a nasogastric tube attached to low intermittent
suction. Which of the following findings indicates the tube is properly positioned in the
stomach?
A. The client complains of a sore throat
B. Aspiration of gastric contents with a pH of 4
C. The external tube length is 50 cm at the naris
D. The client is able to speak without difficulty
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Aspiration of gastric contents with a pH of 4 or lower confirms that the
nasogastric tube is properly positioned in the stomach. Gastric contents are typically
acidic with a pH range of 1 to 4. Sore throat and ability to speak do not confirm
placement. External tube length gives an approximate position but does not confirm
gastric placement .
pg. 3
, Question 7
A nurse is preparing to transfer a client from the bed to a wheelchair. Which action
should the nurse take first?
A. Lock the wheels on the bed and wheelchair
B. Apply a gait belt around the client's waist
C. Assess the client's ability to bear weight
D. Position the wheelchair at a 45-degree angle to the bed
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Before any transfer, the nurse must first assess the client's strength,
mobility, and ability to bear weight. This assessment determines the safest transfer
method and equipment needed. Locking wheels, applying a gait belt, and positioning
the wheelchair are important steps but should follow assessment of client capability .
Question 8
A client is prescribed oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula. Which of the following is a
correct nursing action?
A. Set the humidifier to deliver cool moisture
B. Ensure the tubing is snug against the client's cheeks
C. Apply water-soluble lubricant to the nares
D. Increase the flow rate to 6 L/min for better oxygenation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Water-soluble lubricant can be applied to the nares to prevent dryness and
irritation caused by the nasal cannula. At low flow rates (1 to 4 L/min), a humidifier is
typically not necessary. The tubing should be adjusted comfortably but not snugly
against the cheeks, as this can cause pressure injuries. The nurse should never increase
the oxygen flow rate without a provider order, as excessive oxygen can be harmful,
particularly for clients with chronic lung conditions who rely on hypoxic drive .
Question 9
A nurse is performing a skin assessment on an older adult client. Which of the following
is an expected age-related change?
A. Increased skin elasticity
B. Decreased subcutaneous fat
C. Increased sweat production
D. Thickening of the epidermis
pg. 4
