ATI Fundamentals of Nursing Exam 1 (2026/2027
UPDATE)
Nursing Fundamentals | Key Domains: Nursing Process (Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning), Basic
Care & Comfort, Safety & Infection Control, Communication & Documentation, Legal & Ethical
Responsibilities, Health Assessment & Vital Signs, and Professional Identity | Expert-Aligned
Structure | Exam-Ready Format
Introduction
This structured ATI Fundamentals of Nursing Exam 1 for 2026/2027 provides a focused set of
high-quality exam-style questions with correct answers and rationales. It emphasizes the core
principles and essential skills that form the foundation of safe, effective nursing practice, including
clinical decision-making, patient advocacy, and adherence to professional standards.
Exam Structure:
• Exam 1: (65 QUESTIONS)
Answer Format
All correct answers must appear in bold and cyan blue, accompanied by concise rationales
explaining the fundamental nursing principle, the correct application of a safety or communication
technique, the ethical or legal guideline, and why alternative options are incorrect, unsafe, or violate
foundational standards of care.
Domain 1: Nursing Process
1. In the nursing process, which phase involves setting goals with the client?
A. Assessment
B. Diagnosis
C. Planning
D. Implementation
,C. Planning
The Planning phase includes prioritizing problems, setting SMART goals, and selecting interventions in
collaboration with the client. Assessment (A) is data collection; Diagnosis (B) is identifying problems;
Implementation (D) is carrying out the plan.
2. A nurse documents a client’s complaint of pain as “Client states, ‘My belly hurts really
bad.’” This is an example of:
A. Objective data
B. Subjective data
C. Assessment conclusion
D. Interpretation
B. Subjective data
Subjective data is information reported by the client (symptoms). Objective data (A) is
observable/measurable (e.g., vital signs, lab results). This is a direct quote, not an interpretation (D) or
conclusion (C).
Domain 2: Basic Care & Comfort
3. A client with limited mobility is at risk for pressure injury. How often should the nurse
reposition the client?
A. Every 8 hours
B. Every 4 hours
C. Every 2 hours
D. Only when the client requests it
C. Every 2 hours
, Standard of care for immobile clients is repositioning every 2 hours to relieve pressure on bony
prominences and maintain tissue perfusion. Less frequent turning (A, B) increases risk. Waiting for the
client to ask (D) is inappropriate for those with limited mobility or cognition.
4. A client is on strict intake and output (I&O). Which item must be recorded?
A. Gelatin
B. Ice cream
C. IV fluids
D. All of the above
D. All of the above
I&O includes all fluids taken by mouth (even solids that melt at room temperature like gelatin and ice
cream) and IV fluids. Accurate measurement is essential for fluid balance, especially in heart or kidney
failure.
Domain 3: Safety & Infection Control
5. A nurse is preparing to administer a medication. Which action best demonstrates
adherence to the “Right Patient” principle?
A. Checking the medication label against the MAR
B. Verifying the client’s name and date of birth using the wristband
C. Confirming the route with the pharmacy
D. Calculating the dose twice
B. Verifying the client’s name and date of birth using the wristband
The “Right Patient” requires using two patient identifiers (e.g., name and DOB) from the
wristband—not room number or bed label. This prevents medication errors. Option A relates to “Right
Drug,” C to “Right Route,” and D to “Right Dose.”
UPDATE)
Nursing Fundamentals | Key Domains: Nursing Process (Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning), Basic
Care & Comfort, Safety & Infection Control, Communication & Documentation, Legal & Ethical
Responsibilities, Health Assessment & Vital Signs, and Professional Identity | Expert-Aligned
Structure | Exam-Ready Format
Introduction
This structured ATI Fundamentals of Nursing Exam 1 for 2026/2027 provides a focused set of
high-quality exam-style questions with correct answers and rationales. It emphasizes the core
principles and essential skills that form the foundation of safe, effective nursing practice, including
clinical decision-making, patient advocacy, and adherence to professional standards.
Exam Structure:
• Exam 1: (65 QUESTIONS)
Answer Format
All correct answers must appear in bold and cyan blue, accompanied by concise rationales
explaining the fundamental nursing principle, the correct application of a safety or communication
technique, the ethical or legal guideline, and why alternative options are incorrect, unsafe, or violate
foundational standards of care.
Domain 1: Nursing Process
1. In the nursing process, which phase involves setting goals with the client?
A. Assessment
B. Diagnosis
C. Planning
D. Implementation
,C. Planning
The Planning phase includes prioritizing problems, setting SMART goals, and selecting interventions in
collaboration with the client. Assessment (A) is data collection; Diagnosis (B) is identifying problems;
Implementation (D) is carrying out the plan.
2. A nurse documents a client’s complaint of pain as “Client states, ‘My belly hurts really
bad.’” This is an example of:
A. Objective data
B. Subjective data
C. Assessment conclusion
D. Interpretation
B. Subjective data
Subjective data is information reported by the client (symptoms). Objective data (A) is
observable/measurable (e.g., vital signs, lab results). This is a direct quote, not an interpretation (D) or
conclusion (C).
Domain 2: Basic Care & Comfort
3. A client with limited mobility is at risk for pressure injury. How often should the nurse
reposition the client?
A. Every 8 hours
B. Every 4 hours
C. Every 2 hours
D. Only when the client requests it
C. Every 2 hours
, Standard of care for immobile clients is repositioning every 2 hours to relieve pressure on bony
prominences and maintain tissue perfusion. Less frequent turning (A, B) increases risk. Waiting for the
client to ask (D) is inappropriate for those with limited mobility or cognition.
4. A client is on strict intake and output (I&O). Which item must be recorded?
A. Gelatin
B. Ice cream
C. IV fluids
D. All of the above
D. All of the above
I&O includes all fluids taken by mouth (even solids that melt at room temperature like gelatin and ice
cream) and IV fluids. Accurate measurement is essential for fluid balance, especially in heart or kidney
failure.
Domain 3: Safety & Infection Control
5. A nurse is preparing to administer a medication. Which action best demonstrates
adherence to the “Right Patient” principle?
A. Checking the medication label against the MAR
B. Verifying the client’s name and date of birth using the wristband
C. Confirming the route with the pharmacy
D. Calculating the dose twice
B. Verifying the client’s name and date of birth using the wristband
The “Right Patient” requires using two patient identifiers (e.g., name and DOB) from the
wristband—not room number or bed label. This prevents medication errors. Option A relates to “Right
Drug,” C to “Right Route,” and D to “Right Dose.”
