ATI RN Fundamentals Practice Exam
2026 | 100 Sample Questions &
Answers with Detailed Rationales |
Complete Exam Prep & Study Guide
1. A nurse is preparing to administer medication to a client. Which action should
the nurse take first?
A. Document administration of the medication
B. Verify the client's identity using two identifiers
C. Explain the medication's adverse effects
D. Assess the client's response to the medication
Answer: B. Verify the client's identity using two identifiers
Rationale: The nurse should first correctly identify the client using two approved
identifiers to prevent medication errors.
2. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for oxygen at 2 L/min via
nasal cannula. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Oxygen saturation of 96%
B. Respiratory rate of 18/min
,C. Client reports dryness of the nasal passages
D. Client has an increasing respiratory rate and restlessness
Answer: D. Client has an increasing respiratory rate and restlessness
Rationale: Increasing respiratory rate and restlessness can indicate worsening
hypoxia and require prompt assessment and intervention.
3. Which intervention is most appropriate for preventing pressure injuries in an
immobile client?
A. Massage reddened areas
B. Reposition the client regularly
C. Restrict oral fluids
D. Place a donut-shaped cushion beneath the sacrum
Answer: B. Reposition the client regularly
Rationale: Regular repositioning reduces prolonged pressure over bony
prominences and helps prevent pressure injuries.
4. A client tells the nurse, “I'm afraid my illness is going to get worse.” Which
response demonstrates therapeutic communication?
A. “You shouldn't worry about that.”
B. “Everything will probably be fine.”
C. “Tell me more about what concerns you.”
D. “You need to stay positive.”
Answer: C. “Tell me more about what concerns you.”
Rationale: This open-ended response encourages the client to express feelings
and allows the nurse to explore the client's concerns.
,5. A nurse is assessing a client's pain. Which question provides the most useful
information about pain intensity?
A. “Where does it hurt?”
B. “What caused the pain?”
C. “How would you describe the pain?”
D. “On a scale of 0 to 10, how severe is your pain?”
Answer: D. “On a scale of 0 to 10, how severe is your pain?”
Rationale: A numerical rating scale allows the client to quantify pain intensity
and provides a baseline for evaluating treatment effectiveness.
6. A nurse is performing hand hygiene. Which action is appropriate?
A. Use hot water for every handwashing procedure
B. Keep hands above the elbows while rinsing
C. Remove jewelry that could interfere with effective hand hygiene
D. Touch the faucet with clean hands after washing
Answer: C. Remove jewelry that could interfere with effective hand hygiene
Rationale: Jewelry can harbor microorganisms and interfere with thorough
cleaning of the hands and wrists.
7. A nurse is transferring a client from the bed to a wheelchair. Which action
should the nurse take?
A. Lock the wheelchair wheels before the transfer
B. Place the wheelchair several feet away from the bed
C. Have the client stand before applying nonskid footwear
D. Pull the client toward the wheelchair by the arms
Answer: A. Lock the wheelchair wheels before the transfer
, Rationale: Locking the wheelchair prevents movement during transfer and
reduces the risk of falls.
8. A nurse is caring for a client who has difficulty swallowing. Which action is
appropriate during meals?
A. Place the client in a supine position
B. Encourage the client to drink through a straw
C. Position the client upright
D. Encourage the client to eat rapidly
Answer: C. Position the client upright
Rationale: An upright position promotes safer swallowing and decreases the risk
of aspiration.
9. A nurse is providing discharge teaching. Which action best evaluates whether
the client understands the instructions?
A. Ask, “Do you understand?”
B. Provide the client with written instructions only
C. Ask the client to explain the instructions in their own words
D. Ask a family member whether the client understands
Answer: C. Ask the client to explain the instructions in their own words
Rationale: Teach-back allows the nurse to directly evaluate the client's
understanding and identify information that needs clarification.
10. A nurse receives a prescription that appears unclear. What should the nurse
do?
2026 | 100 Sample Questions &
Answers with Detailed Rationales |
Complete Exam Prep & Study Guide
1. A nurse is preparing to administer medication to a client. Which action should
the nurse take first?
A. Document administration of the medication
B. Verify the client's identity using two identifiers
C. Explain the medication's adverse effects
D. Assess the client's response to the medication
Answer: B. Verify the client's identity using two identifiers
Rationale: The nurse should first correctly identify the client using two approved
identifiers to prevent medication errors.
2. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for oxygen at 2 L/min via
nasal cannula. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Oxygen saturation of 96%
B. Respiratory rate of 18/min
,C. Client reports dryness of the nasal passages
D. Client has an increasing respiratory rate and restlessness
Answer: D. Client has an increasing respiratory rate and restlessness
Rationale: Increasing respiratory rate and restlessness can indicate worsening
hypoxia and require prompt assessment and intervention.
3. Which intervention is most appropriate for preventing pressure injuries in an
immobile client?
A. Massage reddened areas
B. Reposition the client regularly
C. Restrict oral fluids
D. Place a donut-shaped cushion beneath the sacrum
Answer: B. Reposition the client regularly
Rationale: Regular repositioning reduces prolonged pressure over bony
prominences and helps prevent pressure injuries.
4. A client tells the nurse, “I'm afraid my illness is going to get worse.” Which
response demonstrates therapeutic communication?
A. “You shouldn't worry about that.”
B. “Everything will probably be fine.”
C. “Tell me more about what concerns you.”
D. “You need to stay positive.”
Answer: C. “Tell me more about what concerns you.”
Rationale: This open-ended response encourages the client to express feelings
and allows the nurse to explore the client's concerns.
,5. A nurse is assessing a client's pain. Which question provides the most useful
information about pain intensity?
A. “Where does it hurt?”
B. “What caused the pain?”
C. “How would you describe the pain?”
D. “On a scale of 0 to 10, how severe is your pain?”
Answer: D. “On a scale of 0 to 10, how severe is your pain?”
Rationale: A numerical rating scale allows the client to quantify pain intensity
and provides a baseline for evaluating treatment effectiveness.
6. A nurse is performing hand hygiene. Which action is appropriate?
A. Use hot water for every handwashing procedure
B. Keep hands above the elbows while rinsing
C. Remove jewelry that could interfere with effective hand hygiene
D. Touch the faucet with clean hands after washing
Answer: C. Remove jewelry that could interfere with effective hand hygiene
Rationale: Jewelry can harbor microorganisms and interfere with thorough
cleaning of the hands and wrists.
7. A nurse is transferring a client from the bed to a wheelchair. Which action
should the nurse take?
A. Lock the wheelchair wheels before the transfer
B. Place the wheelchair several feet away from the bed
C. Have the client stand before applying nonskid footwear
D. Pull the client toward the wheelchair by the arms
Answer: A. Lock the wheelchair wheels before the transfer
, Rationale: Locking the wheelchair prevents movement during transfer and
reduces the risk of falls.
8. A nurse is caring for a client who has difficulty swallowing. Which action is
appropriate during meals?
A. Place the client in a supine position
B. Encourage the client to drink through a straw
C. Position the client upright
D. Encourage the client to eat rapidly
Answer: C. Position the client upright
Rationale: An upright position promotes safer swallowing and decreases the risk
of aspiration.
9. A nurse is providing discharge teaching. Which action best evaluates whether
the client understands the instructions?
A. Ask, “Do you understand?”
B. Provide the client with written instructions only
C. Ask the client to explain the instructions in their own words
D. Ask a family member whether the client understands
Answer: C. Ask the client to explain the instructions in their own words
Rationale: Teach-back allows the nurse to directly evaluate the client's
understanding and identify information that needs clarification.
10. A nurse receives a prescription that appears unclear. What should the nurse
do?
