ATI PN Comprehensive Exit Exam NGN Questions | 100% Correct
Answers with Detailed Rationales (2026/2027 Edition)
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SECTION 1: Fundamentals of Nursing (Safety, Infection Control, Basic Care & Comfort)
Question 1
A practical nurse is caring for a client who is receiving oxygen via nasal cannula at 2
L/min. The nurse notes that the client has developed dry nasal mucosa and epistaxis.
Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Increase the oxygen flow rate to 4 L/min
B. Apply a water-soluble lubricant to the nares
C. Switch the client to a simple face mask
D. Notify the healthcare provider immediately
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Dry nasal mucosa and epistaxis are common complications of low-flow
oxygen therapy via nasal cannula due to the drying effect of oxygen. The nurse's first
action is to apply a water-soluble lubricant to moisturize the nasal passages and
prevent further irritation. Increasing the flow rate (A) would worsen the dryness.
Switching to a face mask (C) is unnecessary at this point. Notifying the provider (D) is
not the first action for this expected, manageable side effect.
,Question 2
A practical nurse is preparing to administer a medication to a client who is hard of
hearing. Which action by the nurse demonstrates appropriate therapeutic
communication?
A. Speak loudly and slowly directly into the client's ear
B. Face the client, speak clearly at a normal volume, and use written communication as
needed
C. Ask the family member to interpret for the client
D. Repeat the instructions multiple times in a louder voice
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When communicating with a client who is hard of hearing, the nurse should
face the client, speak clearly at a normal volume (not shouting), reduce background
noise, and supplement verbal communication with written materials if needed. Speaking
loudly into the ear (A) can distort sound and cause discomfort. Using family members
as interpreters (C) violates client confidentiality and autonomy unless the client
specifically requests it. Repeating in a louder voice (D) is ineffective and can be
perceived as condescending.
Question 3
,A practical nurse is caring for a client on contact precautions for methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The nurse is preparing to leave the room after
providing care. Which action should the nurse perform first?
A. Remove gloves
B. Remove gown
C. Perform hand hygiene
D. Remove face shield
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When doffing personal protective equipment (PPE) for contact precautions,
the correct sequence is: remove gloves first (as they are the most contaminated), then
remove gown, then perform hand hygiene. A face shield (D) is not typically required for
standard contact precautions unless splashing is anticipated. Removing gloves first
prevents contamination of bare hands when removing the gown.
Question 4 (Select All That Apply)
A practical nurse is caring for a client who is at risk for falls. Which interventions should
the nurse implement? Select all that apply.
A. Keep the bed in the lowest position
B. Place the call light within the client's reach
C. Apply a vest restraint as a preventive measure
D. Ensure non-skid footwear is available
E. Keep the room dimly lit to promote rest
, Correct Answer(s): A, B, D
Rationale: Fall prevention strategies include keeping the bed in the lowest position (A),
ensuring the call light is within reach (B), and providing non-skid footwear (D). Restraints
(C) should never be used as a preventive measure; they require a specific provider order
and are used only when less restrictive measures have failed. A dimly lit room (E)
increases fall risk; adequate lighting should be maintained.
Question 5
A practical nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter for a female client.
The nurse has completed hand hygiene and gathered supplies. Which action should the
nurse perform next?
A. Open the sterile catheterization kit
B. Position the client in the dorsal recumbent position
C. Cleanse the perineal area with soap and water
D. Don sterile gloves
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct sequence for female urinary catheter insertion is: explain the
procedure and provide privacy, perform hand hygiene, gather supplies, position the
client in the dorsal recumbent position with knees flexed and hips externally rotated,
drape the client, cleanse the perineum, don sterile gloves, open the kit maintaining
sterile technique, and then proceed with insertion. Positioning (B) must occur before
Answers with Detailed Rationales (2026/2027 Edition)
==============================
SECTION 1: Fundamentals of Nursing (Safety, Infection Control, Basic Care & Comfort)
Question 1
A practical nurse is caring for a client who is receiving oxygen via nasal cannula at 2
L/min. The nurse notes that the client has developed dry nasal mucosa and epistaxis.
Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Increase the oxygen flow rate to 4 L/min
B. Apply a water-soluble lubricant to the nares
C. Switch the client to a simple face mask
D. Notify the healthcare provider immediately
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Dry nasal mucosa and epistaxis are common complications of low-flow
oxygen therapy via nasal cannula due to the drying effect of oxygen. The nurse's first
action is to apply a water-soluble lubricant to moisturize the nasal passages and
prevent further irritation. Increasing the flow rate (A) would worsen the dryness.
Switching to a face mask (C) is unnecessary at this point. Notifying the provider (D) is
not the first action for this expected, manageable side effect.
,Question 2
A practical nurse is preparing to administer a medication to a client who is hard of
hearing. Which action by the nurse demonstrates appropriate therapeutic
communication?
A. Speak loudly and slowly directly into the client's ear
B. Face the client, speak clearly at a normal volume, and use written communication as
needed
C. Ask the family member to interpret for the client
D. Repeat the instructions multiple times in a louder voice
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When communicating with a client who is hard of hearing, the nurse should
face the client, speak clearly at a normal volume (not shouting), reduce background
noise, and supplement verbal communication with written materials if needed. Speaking
loudly into the ear (A) can distort sound and cause discomfort. Using family members
as interpreters (C) violates client confidentiality and autonomy unless the client
specifically requests it. Repeating in a louder voice (D) is ineffective and can be
perceived as condescending.
Question 3
,A practical nurse is caring for a client on contact precautions for methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The nurse is preparing to leave the room after
providing care. Which action should the nurse perform first?
A. Remove gloves
B. Remove gown
C. Perform hand hygiene
D. Remove face shield
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When doffing personal protective equipment (PPE) for contact precautions,
the correct sequence is: remove gloves first (as they are the most contaminated), then
remove gown, then perform hand hygiene. A face shield (D) is not typically required for
standard contact precautions unless splashing is anticipated. Removing gloves first
prevents contamination of bare hands when removing the gown.
Question 4 (Select All That Apply)
A practical nurse is caring for a client who is at risk for falls. Which interventions should
the nurse implement? Select all that apply.
A. Keep the bed in the lowest position
B. Place the call light within the client's reach
C. Apply a vest restraint as a preventive measure
D. Ensure non-skid footwear is available
E. Keep the room dimly lit to promote rest
, Correct Answer(s): A, B, D
Rationale: Fall prevention strategies include keeping the bed in the lowest position (A),
ensuring the call light is within reach (B), and providing non-skid footwear (D). Restraints
(C) should never be used as a preventive measure; they require a specific provider order
and are used only when less restrictive measures have failed. A dimly lit room (E)
increases fall risk; adequate lighting should be maintained.
Question 5
A practical nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter for a female client.
The nurse has completed hand hygiene and gathered supplies. Which action should the
nurse perform next?
A. Open the sterile catheterization kit
B. Position the client in the dorsal recumbent position
C. Cleanse the perineal area with soap and water
D. Don sterile gloves
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct sequence for female urinary catheter insertion is: explain the
procedure and provide privacy, perform hand hygiene, gather supplies, position the
client in the dorsal recumbent position with knees flexed and hips externally rotated,
drape the client, cleanse the perineum, don sterile gloves, open the kit maintaining
sterile technique, and then proceed with insertion. Positioning (B) must occur before
