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ATI RN Fundamentals Proctored Exam 2026/2027 Actual
Exam | Latest Test Bank with 150 Questions & Verified
Answers with Detailed Rationales | Fundamentals of Nursing
| Pass Guaranteed - A+ Graded
Section 1: Foundations of Nursing
Q1: A nurse is using Maslow's hierarchy of needs to prioritize patient care. Which of the
following patient needs should the nurse address FIRST?
A. The patient's need for self-esteem
B. The patient's need for oxygenation [CORRECT]
C. The patient's need for love and belonging
D. The patient's need for self-actualization
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Maslow's hierarchy prioritizes physiological needs (oxygenation, food, water,
elimination) as the most basic and essential for survival. These must be met before safety,
love/belonging, esteem, or self-actualization needs. Option B addresses a physiological need,
while options A, C, and D represent higher-level psychological needs.
Q2: A nurse is caring for a client who decides to leave the hospital against medical advice
(AMA). Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Notify the risk management department.
B. Document the incident in the client's medical record.
C. Ensure the client signs the AMA form. [CORRECT]
D. Notify the provider.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The first action is to ensure the client is informed of the risks of leaving and to have
them sign the AMA form, which serves as a legal document releasing the facility from liability.
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While notifying the provider (D) and documenting (B) are essential steps, obtaining the signed
form is the priority to protect the client's autonomy and the facility's legal standing immediately.
Q3: A nurse is demonstrating the proper use of a cane to a client. Which of the following
instructions should the nurse include?
A. "Hold the cane on your weaker side."
B. "Advance the cane and your weaker leg simultaneously." [CORRECT]
C. "Move your stronger leg forward before moving the cane."
D. "Keep the cane height level with your waist."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct gait for a cane is to hold it on the stronger side (A is incorrect) to provide
support for the weaker leg. The client should move the cane and the weaker leg forward together,
then move the stronger leg. The cane handle should be level with the styloid process of the wrist
or the greater trochanter (D is incorrect).
Q4: A nurse is reviewing the concept of critical thinking with a newly licensed nurse. Which of
the following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding?
A. "Critical thinking involves following strict protocols without deviation."
B. "Critical thinking is a linear process that always leads to one correct answer."
C. "Critical thinking requires reflection and questioning one's own assumptions." [CORRECT]
D. "Critical thinking is solely based on intuition and gut feelings."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Critical thinking is a disciplined, creative process involving reflection, analysis, and
questioning assumptions to solve problems and make clinical judgments. It is not linear (B), not
strictly intuitive (D), and while protocols are important, critical thinking involves adapting them
to individual client needs (A).
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Q5: A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for surgery. The client states, "I am afraid I
might not wake up." Which of the following responses by the nurse uses the communication
technique of validation?
A. "Everything will be fine; the surgeons are very skilled."
B. "Why are you feeling afraid?"
C. "It sounds like you are feeling scared about the anesthesia." [CORRECT]
D. "You shouldn't worry; fear is normal."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Validation involves acknowledging the client's feelings and confirming them. Option
C reflects the client's statement back to them, validating their fear. Option A provides false
reassurance. Option B asks a "why" question which can make the client defensive. Option D
minimizes the client's feelings.
Q6: A nurse is preparing to obtain informed consent from a client for a procedure. Which of the
following is the nurse's responsibility?
A. Explaining the risks and benefits of the procedure.
B. Determining if the client is competent to give consent. [CORRECT]
C. Answering specific questions about the procedure.
D. Ensuring the consent form is signed without witnesses.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: While the provider explains the procedure (A), the nurse is responsible for witnessing
the signature, ensuring the client understands the information (is competent), and that consent is
voluntary. The nurse can answer basic questions but complex medical questions should be
referred to the provider (C). Consent forms often require a witness (D).
Q7: A nurse enters a client's room and finds them on the floor. Which of the following actions
should the nurse take first?
A. Call for help.
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B. Assess the client for injuries. [CORRECT]
C. Document the incident.
D. Notify the provider.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Assessment is the priority. Before moving the client, the nurse must assess for injuries
to prevent further harm. Calling for help (A) may be necessary, but the immediate assessment
determines the next steps. Documentation and notification occur after the client is safe.
Q8: A nurse is caring for a client of the Jehovah's Witness faith who is scheduled for a blood
transfusion. The client refuses the transfusion. Which of the following actions should the nurse
take?
A. Remind the client that the transfusion is life-saving.
B. Notify the provider about the client's refusal. [CORRECT]
C. Administer the transfusion slowly.
D. Ask a family member to convince the client.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Competent adults have the right to refuse treatment. The nurse must respect the
client's autonomy and religious beliefs, and notify the provider so alternative treatments can be
discussed. Forcing treatment (C) is battery. Coercion (D) is unethical.
Q9: A nurse is prioritizing care for four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse
assess first?
A. A client who has a prescription for a routine dressing change.
B. A client who is postoperative and has a temperature of 37.2°C (99°F).
C. A client who has a new onset of confusion and restlessness. [CORRECT]
D. A client who requests pain medication.
ATI RN Fundamentals Proctored Exam 2026/2027 Actual
Exam | Latest Test Bank with 150 Questions & Verified
Answers with Detailed Rationales | Fundamentals of Nursing
| Pass Guaranteed - A+ Graded
Section 1: Foundations of Nursing
Q1: A nurse is using Maslow's hierarchy of needs to prioritize patient care. Which of the
following patient needs should the nurse address FIRST?
A. The patient's need for self-esteem
B. The patient's need for oxygenation [CORRECT]
C. The patient's need for love and belonging
D. The patient's need for self-actualization
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Maslow's hierarchy prioritizes physiological needs (oxygenation, food, water,
elimination) as the most basic and essential for survival. These must be met before safety,
love/belonging, esteem, or self-actualization needs. Option B addresses a physiological need,
while options A, C, and D represent higher-level psychological needs.
Q2: A nurse is caring for a client who decides to leave the hospital against medical advice
(AMA). Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Notify the risk management department.
B. Document the incident in the client's medical record.
C. Ensure the client signs the AMA form. [CORRECT]
D. Notify the provider.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The first action is to ensure the client is informed of the risks of leaving and to have
them sign the AMA form, which serves as a legal document releasing the facility from liability.
,2
While notifying the provider (D) and documenting (B) are essential steps, obtaining the signed
form is the priority to protect the client's autonomy and the facility's legal standing immediately.
Q3: A nurse is demonstrating the proper use of a cane to a client. Which of the following
instructions should the nurse include?
A. "Hold the cane on your weaker side."
B. "Advance the cane and your weaker leg simultaneously." [CORRECT]
C. "Move your stronger leg forward before moving the cane."
D. "Keep the cane height level with your waist."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct gait for a cane is to hold it on the stronger side (A is incorrect) to provide
support for the weaker leg. The client should move the cane and the weaker leg forward together,
then move the stronger leg. The cane handle should be level with the styloid process of the wrist
or the greater trochanter (D is incorrect).
Q4: A nurse is reviewing the concept of critical thinking with a newly licensed nurse. Which of
the following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding?
A. "Critical thinking involves following strict protocols without deviation."
B. "Critical thinking is a linear process that always leads to one correct answer."
C. "Critical thinking requires reflection and questioning one's own assumptions." [CORRECT]
D. "Critical thinking is solely based on intuition and gut feelings."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Critical thinking is a disciplined, creative process involving reflection, analysis, and
questioning assumptions to solve problems and make clinical judgments. It is not linear (B), not
strictly intuitive (D), and while protocols are important, critical thinking involves adapting them
to individual client needs (A).
,3
Q5: A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for surgery. The client states, "I am afraid I
might not wake up." Which of the following responses by the nurse uses the communication
technique of validation?
A. "Everything will be fine; the surgeons are very skilled."
B. "Why are you feeling afraid?"
C. "It sounds like you are feeling scared about the anesthesia." [CORRECT]
D. "You shouldn't worry; fear is normal."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Validation involves acknowledging the client's feelings and confirming them. Option
C reflects the client's statement back to them, validating their fear. Option A provides false
reassurance. Option B asks a "why" question which can make the client defensive. Option D
minimizes the client's feelings.
Q6: A nurse is preparing to obtain informed consent from a client for a procedure. Which of the
following is the nurse's responsibility?
A. Explaining the risks and benefits of the procedure.
B. Determining if the client is competent to give consent. [CORRECT]
C. Answering specific questions about the procedure.
D. Ensuring the consent form is signed without witnesses.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: While the provider explains the procedure (A), the nurse is responsible for witnessing
the signature, ensuring the client understands the information (is competent), and that consent is
voluntary. The nurse can answer basic questions but complex medical questions should be
referred to the provider (C). Consent forms often require a witness (D).
Q7: A nurse enters a client's room and finds them on the floor. Which of the following actions
should the nurse take first?
A. Call for help.
, 4
B. Assess the client for injuries. [CORRECT]
C. Document the incident.
D. Notify the provider.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Assessment is the priority. Before moving the client, the nurse must assess for injuries
to prevent further harm. Calling for help (A) may be necessary, but the immediate assessment
determines the next steps. Documentation and notification occur after the client is safe.
Q8: A nurse is caring for a client of the Jehovah's Witness faith who is scheduled for a blood
transfusion. The client refuses the transfusion. Which of the following actions should the nurse
take?
A. Remind the client that the transfusion is life-saving.
B. Notify the provider about the client's refusal. [CORRECT]
C. Administer the transfusion slowly.
D. Ask a family member to convince the client.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Competent adults have the right to refuse treatment. The nurse must respect the
client's autonomy and religious beliefs, and notify the provider so alternative treatments can be
discussed. Forcing treatment (C) is battery. Coercion (D) is unethical.
Q9: A nurse is prioritizing care for four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse
assess first?
A. A client who has a prescription for a routine dressing change.
B. A client who is postoperative and has a temperature of 37.2°C (99°F).
C. A client who has a new onset of confusion and restlessness. [CORRECT]
D. A client who requests pain medication.
