1|Page
ATI PN Fundamentals Proctored Exam – Comprehensive Study Guide Covering Nursing
Fundamentals, Patient Safety, Infection Prevention, Basic Care and Comfort, Health
Assessment, Clinical Judgment, Communication, Documentation, Medication
Administration, Nursing Process, Ethical and Legal Principles, and NCLEX-PN®
Preparation
ATI PN Fundamentals Proctored Exam – Comprehensive Study Guide
Summarized Exam Coverage: Nursing Fundamentals, Patient Safety, Infection Prevention, Basic Care and Comfort,
Health Assessment, Clinical Judgment, Communication, Documentation, Medication Administration, Nursing
Process, Ethical and Legal Principles, and NCLEX-PN® Preparation.
1. A client who had abdominal surgery 24 hours ago reports a pulling sensation and pain in the surgical
incision, and the nurse finds the wound separated with viscera protruding. Which action is appropriate?
A. Apply an abdominal binder snugly around the abdomen
B. Offer the client a warm beverage, such as herbal tea
C. Cover the area with saline-soaked sterile dressings
D. Use sterile gloves to apply gentle pressure to the exposed tissues
2. A nurse is caring for a client who has a tracheostomy. Which action should the nurse take each time they
provide tracheostomy care?
A. Replace the tracheostomy ties with new ties each time
B. Use surgical asepsis to remove and clean the inner cannula
C. Cut a slit in gauze squares to place beneath the tube holder
D. Apply the oxygen source loosely only if the client complains of dyspnea
3. A nurse is measuring vital signs for a client with a low platelet count as a result of chemotherapy. What is
the priority instruction for the assistive personnel?
A. "Count the client's radial pulse for 30 seconds and multiply by 2."
B. "Don't measure the client's temperature rectally."
,2|Page
C. "Let the client rest for 5 minutes before you measure their blood pressure."
D. "Don't let the client know you are counting their respirations."
4. The nurse asks a client reporting severe abdominal pain whether they have nausea and has been vomiting.
Which aspect of pain is the nurse assessing?
A. Aggravating and relieving factors
B. Pain quality
C. Location of the pain
D. Presence of associated symptoms
5. A client states, "I plan to write that I don't want them to keep me on a breathing machine." This statement
indicates an understanding of which of the following?
A. Informed consent for a specific procedure
B. A living will within advance directives
C. The need for a durable power of attorney for health care
D. A requirement to discuss wishes with a regular doctor first
6. A nurse is preparing to administer a cleansing enema to an adult client. Which step is appropriate for the
nurse to take?
A. Lubricate the rectal tube or nozzle
B. Hang the enema container 24 inches above the client's anus
C. Slowly insert the rectal tube about 2 inches
D. Position the client on the right side with the left leg flexed forward
7. A client who is receiving continuous enteral feedings begins to show signs of potential aspiration. What is
the highest priority nursing intervention?
A. Auscultate breath sounds immediately
B. Obtain a stat chest x-ray
C. Initiate oxygen therapy via a non-rebreather mask
D. Stop the feeding
,3|Page
8. A nurse enters a client's room and he states, "I fell in the shower, but I got myself back up and into my
chair." How should the nurse document this in the client's chart?
A. The client fell in the shower and is now resting comfortably
B. The client states he fell in the shower and was able to get himself back into his chair
C. The nurse should not document this information because the fall was not witnessed
D. The client fell in the shower, but no injuries are apparent upon assessment
9. A nurse observes an assistive personnel reprimanding a client and threatening to put a diaper on him if he
does not use the urinal more carefully. Which tort is the AP committing?
A. False imprisonment
B. Battery
C. Assault
D. Invasion of privacy
10. A nurse is caring for a client who has had diarrhea for the past 4 days. Which finding should the nurse
expect?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Bradycardia
C. Poor skin turgor
D. Hypertension
11. A client who will undergo neurosurgery the following week tells the nurse in the surgeon's office that he
will prepare his advance directives before he goes to the hospital. Which of the following statements by the
client indicates to the nurse that he understands advance directives?
A. "I know they won't go ahead with the surgery unless I prepare these forms."
B. "I plan to write that I don't want them to keep me on a breathing machine."
C. "I will get my regular doctor to approve my plan before I hand it in at the hospital."
D. "I would rather have my brother make decisions for me, but I know it has to be my wife."
12. A nurse is caring for a client who has an acute respiratory infection that puts them at risk for hypoxemia.
Which finding is an early indication of hypoxemia?
,4|Page
A. Bradycardia
B. Confusion
C. Restlessness
D. Cyanosis
13. A client who is 1 day postoperative following a total knee arthroplasty states their pain level is a 10 on a
scale of 0 to 10. Which of the following medications should the nurse anticipate administering?
A. Oxycodone 10 mg PO
B. Meperidine 75 mg IM
C. Fentanyl 50 mcg/hr transdermal patch
D. Morphine 2 mg IV
14. A nurse is discussing the dangers of food poisoning with a client. Which information should the nurse
include?
A. Healthy individuals usually recover from the illness in a few weeks
B. Most food poisoning is caused by a virus
C. Immunocompromised individuals are at risk for complications from food poisoning
D. Handling raw and fresh food separately is only necessary in restaurant settings
15. A nurse is providing discharge instructions for a client with a prescription for home oxygen therapy. Which
statement should the nurse include?
A. "Wool bedding and clothing are preferred to prevent static electricity."
B. "Nail polish should not be used near a client who is receiving oxygen."
C. "Family members who smoke must be at least 10 feet from the client when oxygen is in use."
D. "Apply petroleum jelly around the inside of your nares to prevent drying."
16. A nurse is caring for a client who has difficulty breathing and is already receiving oxygen therapy via nasal
cannula. What is the nurse's priority intervention?
A. Promote removal of pulmonary secretions
B. Increase the oxygen flow rate to 6 L/min
,5|Page
C. Assist the client to Fowler's position
D. Obtain a specimen for arterial blood gases
17. A client who has been sitting in a chair for 3 hours is at risk for developing which problem?
A. Stasis of secretions
B. Muscle atrophy
C. Pressure ulcer
D. Fecal impaction
18. A nurse prepares to administer an injection of morphine to a client who reports pain, but is then called to
assist another client onto a bedpan. What should the second nurse who is asked to give the injection do?
A. Tell the client needing the bedpan she will have to wait for her nurse
B. Prepare another syringe and administer the injection
C. Offer to assist the client needing the bedpan
D. Administer the injection prepared by the other nurse
19. A nurse is teaching an adult client how to administer ear drops. Which statement by the client indicates an
understanding of the proper technique?
A. "I will insert the nozzle of the ear drop bottle snug into my ear before squeezing the drops in."
B. "I will straighten my ear canal by pulling my ear down and back."
C. "I will gently apply pressure with my finger to the tragus of my ear after putting in the drops."
D. "After the drops are in, I will place a cotton ball all the way into my ear canal."
20. A client asks why water is necessary after the formula drains from the syringe during an intermittent NG
tube feeding. What is an appropriate response by the nurse?
A. "Adding water makes the formula less concentrated so it is easier to digest."
B. "This will help you get enough fluids to meet your daily hydration goals."
C. "Water helps clear the tube so it doesn't get clogged."
D. "Flushing helps make sure the tube stays in the correct position in your stomach."
,6|Page
21. A nurse has noticed several occasions when another nurse on the unit seemed drowsy and unable to focus,
and today she found the nurse asleep in a chair in the break room when not on break. Which action should
the nurse take?
A. Remind the nurse that safe client care is a priority on the unit
B. Ask others on the team whether they have observed the same behavior
C. Conclude that her coworker's fatigue is not her problem to solve
D. Report observations to the nurse manager on the unit
22. A client on bed rest needs an intervention to maintain the patency of their airway. Which intervention
should the nurse implement?
A. Promote incentive spirometer use
B. Give low-dose heparin subcutaneously
C. Suction every 8 hours
D. Encourage isometric exercises
23. A nurse is preparing information for a change-of-shift report. Which of the following information should
the nurse include in the report?
A. The client's blood pressure from the previous day
B. The medication routine from the medication administration record
C. A bone scan that is scheduled for today
D. The client's detailed intake and output for the past 24 hours
24. A nurse is evaluating a client's neurosensory system. To evaluate stereognosis, what should the nurse ask
the client to close their eyes and identify?
A. The vibration of a tuning fork placed on their foot
B. A number traced on the palm of their hand
C. A familiar object placed in their hand
D. A word whispered 30 cm from their ear
25. A nurse is counseling a young adult who describes having difficulty dealing with several issues. Which
problem verbalized by the client should the nurse identify as the priority for further assessment and
, 7|Page
intervention?
A. "My girlfriend is pregnant, and I don't think I have what it takes to be a good father."
B. "It's been so stressful for me to even think about having my own family."
C. "I don't even know who I am yet, and now I'm supposed to know what to do."
D. "I have my own apartment now, but it's not easy living away from my parents."
26. A nurse is assessing a client who reports pain when the nurse evaluates the internal rotation of her right
shoulder. Which activity is this problem likely to affect?
A. Reaching into a cabinet above her sink
B. Mopping her floors
C. Brushing the back of her hair
D. Fastening her bra behind her back
27. While a nurse is administering a cleansing enema, the client reports abdominal cramping. What is the
appropriate intervention?
A. Remind the client that cramping is common at this time
B. Lower the enema fluid container
C. Have the client hold their breath briefly
D. Discontinue the fluid instillation immediately
28. A nurse is assessing a client who takes haloperidol for the treatment of schizophrenia. Which finding
should the nurse document as extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)?
A. Orthostatic hypotension
B. Fine motor tremors
C. Decreased level of consciousness
D. A rapid, bounding pulse
29. A nurse is preparing to administer lactated Ringer's (LR) IV 100 mL over 15 min. The nurse should set the
infusion pump to deliver how many mL/hr?
A. 200 mL/hr
B. 300 mL/hr
ATI PN Fundamentals Proctored Exam – Comprehensive Study Guide Covering Nursing
Fundamentals, Patient Safety, Infection Prevention, Basic Care and Comfort, Health
Assessment, Clinical Judgment, Communication, Documentation, Medication
Administration, Nursing Process, Ethical and Legal Principles, and NCLEX-PN®
Preparation
ATI PN Fundamentals Proctored Exam – Comprehensive Study Guide
Summarized Exam Coverage: Nursing Fundamentals, Patient Safety, Infection Prevention, Basic Care and Comfort,
Health Assessment, Clinical Judgment, Communication, Documentation, Medication Administration, Nursing
Process, Ethical and Legal Principles, and NCLEX-PN® Preparation.
1. A client who had abdominal surgery 24 hours ago reports a pulling sensation and pain in the surgical
incision, and the nurse finds the wound separated with viscera protruding. Which action is appropriate?
A. Apply an abdominal binder snugly around the abdomen
B. Offer the client a warm beverage, such as herbal tea
C. Cover the area with saline-soaked sterile dressings
D. Use sterile gloves to apply gentle pressure to the exposed tissues
2. A nurse is caring for a client who has a tracheostomy. Which action should the nurse take each time they
provide tracheostomy care?
A. Replace the tracheostomy ties with new ties each time
B. Use surgical asepsis to remove and clean the inner cannula
C. Cut a slit in gauze squares to place beneath the tube holder
D. Apply the oxygen source loosely only if the client complains of dyspnea
3. A nurse is measuring vital signs for a client with a low platelet count as a result of chemotherapy. What is
the priority instruction for the assistive personnel?
A. "Count the client's radial pulse for 30 seconds and multiply by 2."
B. "Don't measure the client's temperature rectally."
,2|Page
C. "Let the client rest for 5 minutes before you measure their blood pressure."
D. "Don't let the client know you are counting their respirations."
4. The nurse asks a client reporting severe abdominal pain whether they have nausea and has been vomiting.
Which aspect of pain is the nurse assessing?
A. Aggravating and relieving factors
B. Pain quality
C. Location of the pain
D. Presence of associated symptoms
5. A client states, "I plan to write that I don't want them to keep me on a breathing machine." This statement
indicates an understanding of which of the following?
A. Informed consent for a specific procedure
B. A living will within advance directives
C. The need for a durable power of attorney for health care
D. A requirement to discuss wishes with a regular doctor first
6. A nurse is preparing to administer a cleansing enema to an adult client. Which step is appropriate for the
nurse to take?
A. Lubricate the rectal tube or nozzle
B. Hang the enema container 24 inches above the client's anus
C. Slowly insert the rectal tube about 2 inches
D. Position the client on the right side with the left leg flexed forward
7. A client who is receiving continuous enteral feedings begins to show signs of potential aspiration. What is
the highest priority nursing intervention?
A. Auscultate breath sounds immediately
B. Obtain a stat chest x-ray
C. Initiate oxygen therapy via a non-rebreather mask
D. Stop the feeding
,3|Page
8. A nurse enters a client's room and he states, "I fell in the shower, but I got myself back up and into my
chair." How should the nurse document this in the client's chart?
A. The client fell in the shower and is now resting comfortably
B. The client states he fell in the shower and was able to get himself back into his chair
C. The nurse should not document this information because the fall was not witnessed
D. The client fell in the shower, but no injuries are apparent upon assessment
9. A nurse observes an assistive personnel reprimanding a client and threatening to put a diaper on him if he
does not use the urinal more carefully. Which tort is the AP committing?
A. False imprisonment
B. Battery
C. Assault
D. Invasion of privacy
10. A nurse is caring for a client who has had diarrhea for the past 4 days. Which finding should the nurse
expect?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Bradycardia
C. Poor skin turgor
D. Hypertension
11. A client who will undergo neurosurgery the following week tells the nurse in the surgeon's office that he
will prepare his advance directives before he goes to the hospital. Which of the following statements by the
client indicates to the nurse that he understands advance directives?
A. "I know they won't go ahead with the surgery unless I prepare these forms."
B. "I plan to write that I don't want them to keep me on a breathing machine."
C. "I will get my regular doctor to approve my plan before I hand it in at the hospital."
D. "I would rather have my brother make decisions for me, but I know it has to be my wife."
12. A nurse is caring for a client who has an acute respiratory infection that puts them at risk for hypoxemia.
Which finding is an early indication of hypoxemia?
,4|Page
A. Bradycardia
B. Confusion
C. Restlessness
D. Cyanosis
13. A client who is 1 day postoperative following a total knee arthroplasty states their pain level is a 10 on a
scale of 0 to 10. Which of the following medications should the nurse anticipate administering?
A. Oxycodone 10 mg PO
B. Meperidine 75 mg IM
C. Fentanyl 50 mcg/hr transdermal patch
D. Morphine 2 mg IV
14. A nurse is discussing the dangers of food poisoning with a client. Which information should the nurse
include?
A. Healthy individuals usually recover from the illness in a few weeks
B. Most food poisoning is caused by a virus
C. Immunocompromised individuals are at risk for complications from food poisoning
D. Handling raw and fresh food separately is only necessary in restaurant settings
15. A nurse is providing discharge instructions for a client with a prescription for home oxygen therapy. Which
statement should the nurse include?
A. "Wool bedding and clothing are preferred to prevent static electricity."
B. "Nail polish should not be used near a client who is receiving oxygen."
C. "Family members who smoke must be at least 10 feet from the client when oxygen is in use."
D. "Apply petroleum jelly around the inside of your nares to prevent drying."
16. A nurse is caring for a client who has difficulty breathing and is already receiving oxygen therapy via nasal
cannula. What is the nurse's priority intervention?
A. Promote removal of pulmonary secretions
B. Increase the oxygen flow rate to 6 L/min
,5|Page
C. Assist the client to Fowler's position
D. Obtain a specimen for arterial blood gases
17. A client who has been sitting in a chair for 3 hours is at risk for developing which problem?
A. Stasis of secretions
B. Muscle atrophy
C. Pressure ulcer
D. Fecal impaction
18. A nurse prepares to administer an injection of morphine to a client who reports pain, but is then called to
assist another client onto a bedpan. What should the second nurse who is asked to give the injection do?
A. Tell the client needing the bedpan she will have to wait for her nurse
B. Prepare another syringe and administer the injection
C. Offer to assist the client needing the bedpan
D. Administer the injection prepared by the other nurse
19. A nurse is teaching an adult client how to administer ear drops. Which statement by the client indicates an
understanding of the proper technique?
A. "I will insert the nozzle of the ear drop bottle snug into my ear before squeezing the drops in."
B. "I will straighten my ear canal by pulling my ear down and back."
C. "I will gently apply pressure with my finger to the tragus of my ear after putting in the drops."
D. "After the drops are in, I will place a cotton ball all the way into my ear canal."
20. A client asks why water is necessary after the formula drains from the syringe during an intermittent NG
tube feeding. What is an appropriate response by the nurse?
A. "Adding water makes the formula less concentrated so it is easier to digest."
B. "This will help you get enough fluids to meet your daily hydration goals."
C. "Water helps clear the tube so it doesn't get clogged."
D. "Flushing helps make sure the tube stays in the correct position in your stomach."
,6|Page
21. A nurse has noticed several occasions when another nurse on the unit seemed drowsy and unable to focus,
and today she found the nurse asleep in a chair in the break room when not on break. Which action should
the nurse take?
A. Remind the nurse that safe client care is a priority on the unit
B. Ask others on the team whether they have observed the same behavior
C. Conclude that her coworker's fatigue is not her problem to solve
D. Report observations to the nurse manager on the unit
22. A client on bed rest needs an intervention to maintain the patency of their airway. Which intervention
should the nurse implement?
A. Promote incentive spirometer use
B. Give low-dose heparin subcutaneously
C. Suction every 8 hours
D. Encourage isometric exercises
23. A nurse is preparing information for a change-of-shift report. Which of the following information should
the nurse include in the report?
A. The client's blood pressure from the previous day
B. The medication routine from the medication administration record
C. A bone scan that is scheduled for today
D. The client's detailed intake and output for the past 24 hours
24. A nurse is evaluating a client's neurosensory system. To evaluate stereognosis, what should the nurse ask
the client to close their eyes and identify?
A. The vibration of a tuning fork placed on their foot
B. A number traced on the palm of their hand
C. A familiar object placed in their hand
D. A word whispered 30 cm from their ear
25. A nurse is counseling a young adult who describes having difficulty dealing with several issues. Which
problem verbalized by the client should the nurse identify as the priority for further assessment and
, 7|Page
intervention?
A. "My girlfriend is pregnant, and I don't think I have what it takes to be a good father."
B. "It's been so stressful for me to even think about having my own family."
C. "I don't even know who I am yet, and now I'm supposed to know what to do."
D. "I have my own apartment now, but it's not easy living away from my parents."
26. A nurse is assessing a client who reports pain when the nurse evaluates the internal rotation of her right
shoulder. Which activity is this problem likely to affect?
A. Reaching into a cabinet above her sink
B. Mopping her floors
C. Brushing the back of her hair
D. Fastening her bra behind her back
27. While a nurse is administering a cleansing enema, the client reports abdominal cramping. What is the
appropriate intervention?
A. Remind the client that cramping is common at this time
B. Lower the enema fluid container
C. Have the client hold their breath briefly
D. Discontinue the fluid instillation immediately
28. A nurse is assessing a client who takes haloperidol for the treatment of schizophrenia. Which finding
should the nurse document as extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)?
A. Orthostatic hypotension
B. Fine motor tremors
C. Decreased level of consciousness
D. A rapid, bounding pulse
29. A nurse is preparing to administer lactated Ringer's (LR) IV 100 mL over 15 min. The nurse should set the
infusion pump to deliver how many mL/hr?
A. 200 mL/hr
B. 300 mL/hr
