ATI RN Basic Care and Comfort Final
Exam Questions and Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales |
2026 /2027 Q&A | Instant Download
Pdf.
1. A nurse is caring for a client who has difficulty swallowing
following a stroke. Which action should the nurse take to reduce
the client's risk for aspiration?
A. Offer thin liquids between meals
B. Place the client in a supine position during meals
C. Encourage the client to tilt the head backward when swallowing
D. Position the client upright at 90° during meals
Rationale: Upright positioning during meals promotes safe swallowing
and reduces the risk of aspiration. The client should remain upright
during and after eating. Thin liquids can be difficult for clients with
dysphagia to control, and extending the neck can increase aspiration
risk.
2. A nurse is assisting a client with oral hygiene who is unconscious.
Which action is appropriate?
A. Place the client in a supine position
B. Turn the client's head to the side and use a suction device as
needed
,C. Pour water directly into the client's mouth
D. Use a toothbrush without removing oral secretions
Rationale: An unconscious client is at high risk for aspiration because
protective airway reflexes are impaired. Turning the head to the side
facilitates drainage of secretions, while suctioning helps maintain
airway patency. Fluids should not be poured into the mouth.
3. A nurse is caring for a client who reports constipation. Which
dietary choice should the nurse recommend?
A. White rice and cheese
B. Refined bread and processed meats
C. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
D. Clear liquids only
Rationale: Dietary fiber increases stool bulk and promotes intestinal
motility. Fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains are good sources
of fiber. Adequate fluid intake should also accompany increased fiber
unless contraindicated.
4. A nurse is teaching a client about measures to prevent pressure
injuries. Which instruction should the nurse include?
A. Massage reddened areas over bony prominences
B. Keep the skin moist at all times
C. Change position regularly and inspect pressure areas
D. Use donut-shaped devices under the sacrum
Rationale: Frequent repositioning and routine skin inspection reduce
prolonged pressure and help identify early tissue injury. Massage over
reddened areas can further damage tissue, and donut-shaped devices
can concentrate pressure around the affected area.
, 5. A nurse is caring for a client who requires assistance with bathing.
Which action promotes the client's independence?
A. Complete the entire bath for the client
B. Perform the most difficult tasks first
C. Encourage the client to perform as much of the bath as possible
D. Avoid offering adaptive equipment
Rationale: Supporting independence promotes self-esteem, functional
ability, and autonomy. The nurse should allow the client to perform
activities within their capabilities while providing assistance for tasks
they cannot safely complete.
6. A nurse is assisting a client who has left-sided weakness with
ambulation. Where should the nurse position themselves?
A. On the client's left side
B. Directly in front of the client
C. On the client's weaker side
D. Several steps behind the client
Rationale: The nurse should generally stand on the client's weaker side
when assisting with ambulation to provide support and help prevent
falls. A gait belt should be used when appropriate.
7. A client has been prescribed a mechanical soft diet. Which food is
appropriate for the nurse to offer?
A. Raw carrots
B. Popcorn
C. Mashed potatoes
D. Tough steak
, Rationale: A mechanical soft diet consists of foods that are soft and easy
to chew and swallow. Mashed potatoes are appropriate. Raw
vegetables, popcorn, and tough meats require greater chewing and are
generally inappropriate.
8. A nurse is caring for a client who has urinary incontinence. Which
intervention is most appropriate?
A. Restrict all fluids
B. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter routinely
C. Establish a regular toileting schedule
D. Keep the client in bed
Rationale: Scheduled toileting can reduce episodes of incontinence by
providing regular opportunities for bladder emptying. Routine fluid
restriction can cause dehydration, and indwelling catheters should not
be used solely for convenience.
9. A nurse is assisting a client with a bed bath. Which area should the
nurse wash first?
A. Perineal area
B. Feet
C. Back
D. Face
Rationale: Bathing generally begins with the cleanest areas and
progresses toward areas that are more contaminated. The face is
washed first, followed by the upper body and extremities, with the
perineal area washed last.
10. A nurse is teaching a client how to use a cane. Which
instruction should the nurse provide?
Exam Questions and Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales |
2026 /2027 Q&A | Instant Download
Pdf.
1. A nurse is caring for a client who has difficulty swallowing
following a stroke. Which action should the nurse take to reduce
the client's risk for aspiration?
A. Offer thin liquids between meals
B. Place the client in a supine position during meals
C. Encourage the client to tilt the head backward when swallowing
D. Position the client upright at 90° during meals
Rationale: Upright positioning during meals promotes safe swallowing
and reduces the risk of aspiration. The client should remain upright
during and after eating. Thin liquids can be difficult for clients with
dysphagia to control, and extending the neck can increase aspiration
risk.
2. A nurse is assisting a client with oral hygiene who is unconscious.
Which action is appropriate?
A. Place the client in a supine position
B. Turn the client's head to the side and use a suction device as
needed
,C. Pour water directly into the client's mouth
D. Use a toothbrush without removing oral secretions
Rationale: An unconscious client is at high risk for aspiration because
protective airway reflexes are impaired. Turning the head to the side
facilitates drainage of secretions, while suctioning helps maintain
airway patency. Fluids should not be poured into the mouth.
3. A nurse is caring for a client who reports constipation. Which
dietary choice should the nurse recommend?
A. White rice and cheese
B. Refined bread and processed meats
C. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
D. Clear liquids only
Rationale: Dietary fiber increases stool bulk and promotes intestinal
motility. Fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains are good sources
of fiber. Adequate fluid intake should also accompany increased fiber
unless contraindicated.
4. A nurse is teaching a client about measures to prevent pressure
injuries. Which instruction should the nurse include?
A. Massage reddened areas over bony prominences
B. Keep the skin moist at all times
C. Change position regularly and inspect pressure areas
D. Use donut-shaped devices under the sacrum
Rationale: Frequent repositioning and routine skin inspection reduce
prolonged pressure and help identify early tissue injury. Massage over
reddened areas can further damage tissue, and donut-shaped devices
can concentrate pressure around the affected area.
, 5. A nurse is caring for a client who requires assistance with bathing.
Which action promotes the client's independence?
A. Complete the entire bath for the client
B. Perform the most difficult tasks first
C. Encourage the client to perform as much of the bath as possible
D. Avoid offering adaptive equipment
Rationale: Supporting independence promotes self-esteem, functional
ability, and autonomy. The nurse should allow the client to perform
activities within their capabilities while providing assistance for tasks
they cannot safely complete.
6. A nurse is assisting a client who has left-sided weakness with
ambulation. Where should the nurse position themselves?
A. On the client's left side
B. Directly in front of the client
C. On the client's weaker side
D. Several steps behind the client
Rationale: The nurse should generally stand on the client's weaker side
when assisting with ambulation to provide support and help prevent
falls. A gait belt should be used when appropriate.
7. A client has been prescribed a mechanical soft diet. Which food is
appropriate for the nurse to offer?
A. Raw carrots
B. Popcorn
C. Mashed potatoes
D. Tough steak
, Rationale: A mechanical soft diet consists of foods that are soft and easy
to chew and swallow. Mashed potatoes are appropriate. Raw
vegetables, popcorn, and tough meats require greater chewing and are
generally inappropriate.
8. A nurse is caring for a client who has urinary incontinence. Which
intervention is most appropriate?
A. Restrict all fluids
B. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter routinely
C. Establish a regular toileting schedule
D. Keep the client in bed
Rationale: Scheduled toileting can reduce episodes of incontinence by
providing regular opportunities for bladder emptying. Routine fluid
restriction can cause dehydration, and indwelling catheters should not
be used solely for convenience.
9. A nurse is assisting a client with a bed bath. Which area should the
nurse wash first?
A. Perineal area
B. Feet
C. Back
D. Face
Rationale: Bathing generally begins with the cleanest areas and
progresses toward areas that are more contaminated. The face is
washed first, followed by the upper body and extremities, with the
perineal area washed last.
10. A nurse is teaching a client how to use a cane. Which
instruction should the nurse provide?
