Spring Semester February 2026 ATI Fundamentals Proctored Exam
Review & Practice Pack | Core Nursing Skills, Patient Care Principles,
Vital Signs, Infection Control, Safety & Legal Standards, NGN-Style
Questions, Rationales & ATI Testing Success Guide
,Question 1:
Which of the following action is a fundamental nursing responsibility when
assessing a patient’s vital signs?
• A) Determine the patient's blood type
• B) Measure and record the patient's temperature
• C) Schedule laboratory tests
• D) Review patient’s medical history
Correct Option: B) Measure and record the patient's temperature
Rationale:
Measuring and recording a patient's temperature is a primary responsibility of nurses as
it provides baseline data about the patient's health status. Vital signs, including
temperature, are crucial indicators of physiological functions and can signal potential
issues that may require further investigation or intervention.
Question 2:
Which of the following is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infection?
• A) Wearing gloves at all times
• B) Ensuring all surfaces are cleaned with disinfectants
• C) Performing hand hygiene regularly
• D) Using face masks
Correct Option: C) Performing hand hygiene regularly
Rationale:
Regular hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infection. This
practice reduces the number of pathogens on hands and minimizes the risk of
transmission during direct patient care or handling of materials. Guidelines emphasize
performing hand hygiene before and after patient contact, after using the restroom, and
before eating.
Question 3:
What is the primary purpose of patient education in nursing care?
• A) To enhance the patient's understanding of their health
• B) To fill out forms and paperwork
• C) To delegate tasks to unlicensed assistive personnel
, • D) To ensure all medications are administered on time
Correct Option: A) To enhance the patient's understanding of their health
Rationale:
Patient education serves to enhance the patient's understanding of their health,
promoting informed decision-making and adherence to treatment plans. Education
empowers patients, helping them understand their conditions and necessary care,
which can lead to better health outcomes and compliance with self-care practices.
Question 4:
In which position should a patient be placed when receiving a rectal temperature?
• A) Supine
• B) Sims' position
• C) Dorsal recumbent
• D) Sitting upright
Correct Option: B) Sims' position
Rationale:
Sims’ position is recommended for obtaining a rectal temperature because it allows for
easier access to the rectum while promoting comfort and privacy for the patient. In this
position, the patient lies on their side with their lower arm behind them and their upper
leg flexed, which also helps to facilitate relaxation of the anal sphincter.
Question 5:
Which of the following are considered the five core competencies in nursing?
• A) Patient-centered care, teamwork and collaboration, evidence-based
practice, quality improvement, safety
• B) Critical thinking, communication, leadership, time management,
documentation
• C) Flexibility, empathy, decisiveness, planning, supervision
• D) Technology use, assessment, observation, reporting, accountability
Correct Option: A) Patient-centered care, teamwork and collaboration, evidence-
based practice, quality improvement, safety
Rationale:
The five core competencies outlined by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) are essential for
the delivery of high-quality nursing care. These competencies ensure that nursing
Review & Practice Pack | Core Nursing Skills, Patient Care Principles,
Vital Signs, Infection Control, Safety & Legal Standards, NGN-Style
Questions, Rationales & ATI Testing Success Guide
,Question 1:
Which of the following action is a fundamental nursing responsibility when
assessing a patient’s vital signs?
• A) Determine the patient's blood type
• B) Measure and record the patient's temperature
• C) Schedule laboratory tests
• D) Review patient’s medical history
Correct Option: B) Measure and record the patient's temperature
Rationale:
Measuring and recording a patient's temperature is a primary responsibility of nurses as
it provides baseline data about the patient's health status. Vital signs, including
temperature, are crucial indicators of physiological functions and can signal potential
issues that may require further investigation or intervention.
Question 2:
Which of the following is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infection?
• A) Wearing gloves at all times
• B) Ensuring all surfaces are cleaned with disinfectants
• C) Performing hand hygiene regularly
• D) Using face masks
Correct Option: C) Performing hand hygiene regularly
Rationale:
Regular hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infection. This
practice reduces the number of pathogens on hands and minimizes the risk of
transmission during direct patient care or handling of materials. Guidelines emphasize
performing hand hygiene before and after patient contact, after using the restroom, and
before eating.
Question 3:
What is the primary purpose of patient education in nursing care?
• A) To enhance the patient's understanding of their health
• B) To fill out forms and paperwork
• C) To delegate tasks to unlicensed assistive personnel
, • D) To ensure all medications are administered on time
Correct Option: A) To enhance the patient's understanding of their health
Rationale:
Patient education serves to enhance the patient's understanding of their health,
promoting informed decision-making and adherence to treatment plans. Education
empowers patients, helping them understand their conditions and necessary care,
which can lead to better health outcomes and compliance with self-care practices.
Question 4:
In which position should a patient be placed when receiving a rectal temperature?
• A) Supine
• B) Sims' position
• C) Dorsal recumbent
• D) Sitting upright
Correct Option: B) Sims' position
Rationale:
Sims’ position is recommended for obtaining a rectal temperature because it allows for
easier access to the rectum while promoting comfort and privacy for the patient. In this
position, the patient lies on their side with their lower arm behind them and their upper
leg flexed, which also helps to facilitate relaxation of the anal sphincter.
Question 5:
Which of the following are considered the five core competencies in nursing?
• A) Patient-centered care, teamwork and collaboration, evidence-based
practice, quality improvement, safety
• B) Critical thinking, communication, leadership, time management,
documentation
• C) Flexibility, empathy, decisiveness, planning, supervision
• D) Technology use, assessment, observation, reporting, accountability
Correct Option: A) Patient-centered care, teamwork and collaboration, evidence-
based practice, quality improvement, safety
Rationale:
The five core competencies outlined by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) are essential for
the delivery of high-quality nursing care. These competencies ensure that nursing
