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ATI Capstone Fundamentals Pre-Assessment
2026 | Nursing Fundamentals & Med-Surg |
MultipleChoice & Select-All-That-Apply Q&A
Exam Structure:
Subject: Nursing Fundamentals / Medical-Surgical Nursing
Source: ATI Capstone Fundamentals Pre-Assessment (2026)
Format: Multiple-choice and multiple-select questions with Correct Answers and
rationales
1. A nurse is assessing four clients for fluid balance. The nurse should
identify that which of the following clients is exhibiting manifestations
of dehydration?
A. A client who has a temperature of 39° C (102° F)
Correct Answer: A. A client who has a temperature of 39° C (102° F)
Rationale:
1. This temperature is greater than the expected reference range of 36° C
(96.8° F) to 37° C (98.6° F).
2. An elevated temperature is a manifestation of dehydration.
2. A nurse is preparing to administer total parenteral nutrition (TPN)
to a client. Which of the following findings indicates a need to obtain a
new bag of TPN before administering?
A. The TPN solution has an oily appearance and a layer of fat on top of the
solution.
Correct Answer: A. The TPN solution has an oily appearance and a
layer of fat on top of the solution.
Rationale:
1. Before administration of TPN, the nurse should look for "cracking" of TPN
solution.
2. This occurs if the calcium or phosphorous content is high or if poor-salt
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albumin is added.
3. A "cracked" TPN solution has an oily appearance or a layer of fat on top of
the solution and should not be used.
3. A nurse is caring for a client receiving radiation treatments for
cancer. The client states he is experiencing dryness, redness, and
scaling at the treatment area. Which of the following should the nurse
instruct the client to do?
A. Liberally apply prescribed lotion to the area
Correct Answer: A. Liberally apply prescribed lotion to the area
Rationale:
1. Hydrating lotions are commonly prescribed to treat irradiated areas.
2. The client should avoid applying other lotions not prescribed by the
radiologist to affected areas.
4. A nurse is providing dietary education to a client with cholecystitis
who has been prescribed a low-fat diet. Which of the following meal
selections by the client indicates understanding of education?
A. Roast turkey, rice pilaf, green beans
Correct Answer: A. Roast turkey, rice pilaf, green beans
Rationale:
1. Roast turkey is a low-fat protein option that would be an excellent choice
for a low-fat diet.
5. A nurse is caring for a client with encephalopathy secondary to liver
failure. The client has been prescribed a high calorie, low protein diet.
Which of the following meal selections is appropriate for this client?
A. Chicken breast, mashed potatoes, spinach.
Correct Answer: A. Chicken breast, mashed potatoes, spinach.
Rationale:
1. This option meets the prescribed diet. It is high in calories and while
chicken does provide protein it is a low-fat source and can be eaten in
moderation on a low-protein diet.
2. Spinach will provide additional vitamin K for this client at risk for bleeding
due to liver failure.
ATI Capstone Fundamentals Pre-Assessment
2026 | Nursing Fundamentals & Med-Surg |
MultipleChoice & Select-All-That-Apply Q&A
Exam Structure:
Subject: Nursing Fundamentals / Medical-Surgical Nursing
Source: ATI Capstone Fundamentals Pre-Assessment (2026)
Format: Multiple-choice and multiple-select questions with Correct Answers and
rationales
1. A nurse is assessing four clients for fluid balance. The nurse should
identify that which of the following clients is exhibiting manifestations
of dehydration?
A. A client who has a temperature of 39° C (102° F)
Correct Answer: A. A client who has a temperature of 39° C (102° F)
Rationale:
1. This temperature is greater than the expected reference range of 36° C
(96.8° F) to 37° C (98.6° F).
2. An elevated temperature is a manifestation of dehydration.
2. A nurse is preparing to administer total parenteral nutrition (TPN)
to a client. Which of the following findings indicates a need to obtain a
new bag of TPN before administering?
A. The TPN solution has an oily appearance and a layer of fat on top of the
solution.
Correct Answer: A. The TPN solution has an oily appearance and a
layer of fat on top of the solution.
Rationale:
1. Before administration of TPN, the nurse should look for "cracking" of TPN
solution.
2. This occurs if the calcium or phosphorous content is high or if poor-salt
, 2|Page
albumin is added.
3. A "cracked" TPN solution has an oily appearance or a layer of fat on top of
the solution and should not be used.
3. A nurse is caring for a client receiving radiation treatments for
cancer. The client states he is experiencing dryness, redness, and
scaling at the treatment area. Which of the following should the nurse
instruct the client to do?
A. Liberally apply prescribed lotion to the area
Correct Answer: A. Liberally apply prescribed lotion to the area
Rationale:
1. Hydrating lotions are commonly prescribed to treat irradiated areas.
2. The client should avoid applying other lotions not prescribed by the
radiologist to affected areas.
4. A nurse is providing dietary education to a client with cholecystitis
who has been prescribed a low-fat diet. Which of the following meal
selections by the client indicates understanding of education?
A. Roast turkey, rice pilaf, green beans
Correct Answer: A. Roast turkey, rice pilaf, green beans
Rationale:
1. Roast turkey is a low-fat protein option that would be an excellent choice
for a low-fat diet.
5. A nurse is caring for a client with encephalopathy secondary to liver
failure. The client has been prescribed a high calorie, low protein diet.
Which of the following meal selections is appropriate for this client?
A. Chicken breast, mashed potatoes, spinach.
Correct Answer: A. Chicken breast, mashed potatoes, spinach.
Rationale:
1. This option meets the prescribed diet. It is high in calories and while
chicken does provide protein it is a low-fat source and can be eaten in
moderation on a low-protein diet.
2. Spinach will provide additional vitamin K for this client at risk for bleeding
due to liver failure.
