ATI RN Comprehensive Predictor
2025: 150 NGN-Style Practice
Questions with Correct Answers &
Detailed Rationale
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and is experiencing dyspnea. What is the
first action the nurse should take?
Correct Answer: Sit the client upright in Fowler’s position.
Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed improves lung expansion and reduces the work of
breathing, making it the most immediate and effective intervention.
Question 2
A client receiving IV heparin for DVT suddenly reports chest pain and shortness of breath.
What should the nurse do immediately?
Correct Answer: Administer oxygen and notify the provider.
Rationale: These symptoms may indicate a pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening
complication of DVT. Oxygen supports perfusion, and immediate provider notification is
necessary for advanced treatment.
,Question 3
A client has a serum potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L. What should the nurse prepare to
administer?
Correct Answer: Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate).
Rationale: This medication binds potassium in the colon and removes it through the stool,
lowering serum potassium in cases of hyperkalemia.
Question 4
A nurse is reviewing lab values of a client taking warfarin. The INR is 4.5. What is the
appropriate nursing action?
Correct Answer: Hold the next dose and notify the provider.
Rationale: An INR of 4.5 is above the therapeutic range (typically 2–3). Holding the dose
reduces the risk of bleeding, and the provider may adjust the dose or administer vitamin K.
Question 5
A client has been newly diagnosed with diabetes and asks how to treat hypoglycemia at home.
Correct Answer: Consume 15 grams of simple carbohydrates, such as 4 oz of fruit juice.
Rationale: The "15-15 rule" for hypoglycemia involves consuming 15 grams of fast-acting
carbs, then rechecking glucose in 15 minutes. Juice provides rapid glucose absorption.
Question 6
A nurse is caring for a client receiving digoxin. Which assessment is a priority before
administering the next dose?
Correct Answer: Apical heart rate for one full minute.
Rationale: Digoxin can cause bradycardia. Assessing the apical pulse helps determine if the
medication is safe to administer. Hold if pulse <60 bpm in adults.
Question 7
A client on contact precautions for MRSA asks why the staff wear gowns and gloves.
Correct Answer: To prevent the transmission of infection to other clients and staff.
, Rationale: Contact precautions reduce the spread of pathogens via direct or indirect contact,
protecting both healthcare workers and other patients.
Question 8
A pregnant client at 12 weeks gestation is experiencing nausea. What dietary instruction
should the nurse provide?
Correct Answer: Eat dry crackers before getting out of bed in the morning.
Rationale: Dry foods can help settle the stomach, and eating before rising can reduce
morning nausea due to hormonal changes in early pregnancy.
Question 9
What is the priority action when a client experiences anaphylaxis after a medication?
Correct Answer: Administer intramuscular epinephrine.
Rationale: Epinephrine is the first-line treatment in anaphylaxis to counteract airway
swelling and hypotension. Time is critical to prevent respiratory failure or cardiac arrest.
Question 10
A client with COPD has oxygen saturation at 88% on room air. What is the nurse's initial
action?
Correct Answer: Apply low-flow oxygen via nasal cannula.
Rationale: Clients with COPD require controlled oxygen delivery (usually 1–2 L/min) to avoid
suppressing their respiratory drive, while still treating hypoxemia.
Question 11
A client with type 1 diabetes reports shakiness, diaphoresis, and confusion. What is the nurse’s
immediate action?
Correct Answer: Check the client’s blood glucose level.
Rationale: These are signs of hypoglycemia. The first step is to confirm with a glucose
reading so that treatment can be appropriate and safe.
Question 12
A nurse is caring for a client post-thyroidectomy. The client develops hoarseness and tingling
around the mouth. What lab value should be assessed?
2025: 150 NGN-Style Practice
Questions with Correct Answers &
Detailed Rationale
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and is experiencing dyspnea. What is the
first action the nurse should take?
Correct Answer: Sit the client upright in Fowler’s position.
Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed improves lung expansion and reduces the work of
breathing, making it the most immediate and effective intervention.
Question 2
A client receiving IV heparin for DVT suddenly reports chest pain and shortness of breath.
What should the nurse do immediately?
Correct Answer: Administer oxygen and notify the provider.
Rationale: These symptoms may indicate a pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening
complication of DVT. Oxygen supports perfusion, and immediate provider notification is
necessary for advanced treatment.
,Question 3
A client has a serum potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L. What should the nurse prepare to
administer?
Correct Answer: Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate).
Rationale: This medication binds potassium in the colon and removes it through the stool,
lowering serum potassium in cases of hyperkalemia.
Question 4
A nurse is reviewing lab values of a client taking warfarin. The INR is 4.5. What is the
appropriate nursing action?
Correct Answer: Hold the next dose and notify the provider.
Rationale: An INR of 4.5 is above the therapeutic range (typically 2–3). Holding the dose
reduces the risk of bleeding, and the provider may adjust the dose or administer vitamin K.
Question 5
A client has been newly diagnosed with diabetes and asks how to treat hypoglycemia at home.
Correct Answer: Consume 15 grams of simple carbohydrates, such as 4 oz of fruit juice.
Rationale: The "15-15 rule" for hypoglycemia involves consuming 15 grams of fast-acting
carbs, then rechecking glucose in 15 minutes. Juice provides rapid glucose absorption.
Question 6
A nurse is caring for a client receiving digoxin. Which assessment is a priority before
administering the next dose?
Correct Answer: Apical heart rate for one full minute.
Rationale: Digoxin can cause bradycardia. Assessing the apical pulse helps determine if the
medication is safe to administer. Hold if pulse <60 bpm in adults.
Question 7
A client on contact precautions for MRSA asks why the staff wear gowns and gloves.
Correct Answer: To prevent the transmission of infection to other clients and staff.
, Rationale: Contact precautions reduce the spread of pathogens via direct or indirect contact,
protecting both healthcare workers and other patients.
Question 8
A pregnant client at 12 weeks gestation is experiencing nausea. What dietary instruction
should the nurse provide?
Correct Answer: Eat dry crackers before getting out of bed in the morning.
Rationale: Dry foods can help settle the stomach, and eating before rising can reduce
morning nausea due to hormonal changes in early pregnancy.
Question 9
What is the priority action when a client experiences anaphylaxis after a medication?
Correct Answer: Administer intramuscular epinephrine.
Rationale: Epinephrine is the first-line treatment in anaphylaxis to counteract airway
swelling and hypotension. Time is critical to prevent respiratory failure or cardiac arrest.
Question 10
A client with COPD has oxygen saturation at 88% on room air. What is the nurse's initial
action?
Correct Answer: Apply low-flow oxygen via nasal cannula.
Rationale: Clients with COPD require controlled oxygen delivery (usually 1–2 L/min) to avoid
suppressing their respiratory drive, while still treating hypoxemia.
Question 11
A client with type 1 diabetes reports shakiness, diaphoresis, and confusion. What is the nurse’s
immediate action?
Correct Answer: Check the client’s blood glucose level.
Rationale: These are signs of hypoglycemia. The first step is to confirm with a glucose
reading so that treatment can be appropriate and safe.
Question 12
A nurse is caring for a client post-thyroidectomy. The client develops hoarseness and tingling
around the mouth. What lab value should be assessed?
