ATI RN Nutrition Proctored Exam 2026 | NGN Integrated Page 1
ATI RN NUTRITION PROCTORED ACTUAL EXAM
WITH NGN QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
2026 Updated Edition
Total Questions: 90 (Multiple Choice + NGN Formats)
Time Allotted: 180 minutes
Passing Score: Level 2 or higher (ATI Proficiency)
Cognitive Distribution: 25% Recall | 50% Application | 25% Analysis
Question Style: 80% Scenario-based with NGN integration
NGN Formats Included: Case studies, Bow-tie, Trend, Extended Multiple Response
Sections: 8 Content Areas per ATI Blueprint
Clinical Judgment Model: Recognize Cues, Analyze Cues, Prioritize Hypotheses, Generate Solutions, Take Action, Evaluate Outcome
Examination Overview: This comprehensive examination is aligned with the 2026 ATI RN Nutrition
Proctored Exam blueprint and integrates Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) clinical judgment items. Each
question includes detailed rationales with ATI-specific clinical reasoning, evidence-based nutritional
guidelines, and patient safety considerations. The exam covers eight major content areas: Nutrition
Fundamentals and Assessment; Medical Nutrition Therapy for Cardiovascular, Gastrointestinal, Endocrine,
and Renal Disorders; Nutrition Across the Lifespan; Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition; and a culminating NGN
Case Study Integration section testing multidimensional care, clinical judgment, prioritization, and delegation
using the Tanner Clinical Judgment Measurement Model.
ATI RN NUTRITION PROCTORED EXAM 2026 - NGN - 90 Questions | Verified & Rationaled
,ATI RN Nutrition Proctored Exam 2026 | NGN Integrated Page 2
Examination Blueprint & Content Map
This exam follows the ATI RN Nutrition Proctored blueprint with Next Generation NCLEX (NGN)
integration. Questions are organized into 8 sections, covering fundamental nutrition concepts through complex
multidimensional clinical scenarios. Each section builds clinical judgment skills required for safe nursing
practice.
Section Topic Questions Cognitive Focus
1 Nutrition Fundamentals and Assessment Q1-15 Recall, Application
2 MNT for Cardiovascular Disorders Q16-25 Application, Analysis
3 MNT for Gastrointestinal Disorders Q26-35 Application, Analysis
4 MNT for Endocrine Disorders Q36-45 Application, Analysis
5 MNT for Renal and Urinary Disorders Q46-52 Application, Analysis
6 Nutrition Across the Lifespan Q53-62 Application, Analysis
7 Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Q63-72 Application, Analysis
8 NGN Case Study Integration Q73-90 Analysis, Clinical Judgment
TOTAL 90 Questions 25% / 50% / 25%
ATI Priority-Setting Frameworks Tested:
• ABC Framework: Airway, Breathing, Circulation prioritization for acute care
• Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: Physiological needs before safety/security
• Least Restrictive Intervention: Least invasive option that achieves the goal
• Safety First: Eliminate options that pose patient harm risk
• Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (CJMM): Six-step cognitive process
• Delegation Principles: Five Rights of Delegation (task, circumstance, person, direction, supervision)
ATI RN NUTRITION PROCTORED EXAM 2026 - NGN - 90 Questions | Verified & Rationaled
,ATI RN Nutrition Proctored Exam 2026 | NGN Integrated Page 3
SECTION 1: NUTRITION FUNDAMENTALS AND ASSESSMENT
Q1-15 | Nutrients, Digestion, Absorption, Metabolism, & Nutritional Assessment
Q1: A nurse is teaching a community class on macronutrients. Which statement by a participant indicates a
correct understanding of the primary function of carbohydrates in the body?
A. Carbohydrates are the body's preferred and most efficient source of energy, supplying 4 kcal/g for cellular
metabolism, particularly for the brain and nervous system. [CORRECT]
B. Carbohydrates function primarily to build and repair muscle tissue, providing 9 kcal per gram through
gluconeogenesis pathways.
C. Carbohydrates are essential for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K through the lymphatic
system.
D. Carbohydrates serve as the major structural component of cell membranes and serve as long-term energy reserves.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Carbohydrates are the body's preferred energy source, yielding 4 kcal/g, and are obligatory for brain and red blood cell
metabolism. Proteins (not carbohydrates) build and repair tissue; fats (not carbohydrates) facilitate absorption of fat-soluble
vitamins and yield 9 kcal/g; lipids (not carbohydrates) form cell membrane structure and provide long-term energy storage.
Q2: A nurse is counseling a patient following a vegan diet. Which food combination should the nurse
recommend to provide all nine essential amino acids through complementary proteins?
A. Whole wheat bread with lean turkey breast
B. Brown rice and black beans with corn [CORRECT]
C. Greek yogurt mixed with fresh strawberries
D. Egg white omelet with cheddar cheese
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Grains (rice) and legumes (beans) are complementary plant proteins that, when consumed together, supply all nine essential
amino acids, making this an appropriate vegan recommendation. Options A, C, and D include animal proteins (turkey,
yogurt, eggs, cheese) which are not suitable for a vegan diet. While complete proteins individually, they do not meet the
patient's dietary preference.
Q3: A patient is 5 feet 6 inches (66 inches) tall and weighs 165 pounds. What is the patient's BMI, and how
should the nurse classify this measurement according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) guidelines?
A. 24.2 kg/m² - Healthy weight
B. 26.6 kg/m² - Overweight [CORRECT]
C. 30.1 kg/m² - Obese Class I
D. 22.5 kg/m² - Healthy weight
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
BMI = weight (kg) / height (m)². Converting: 165 lb / 2.2 = 75 kg; 66 in × 2.54 = 167.64 cm = 1.6764 m; 1.6764² = 2.81; 75 /
2.81 = 26.6 kg/m². Per CDC, BMI 25-29.9 is classified as overweight. A BMI of 24.2 or 22.5 would be healthy weight
(18.5-24.9), and 30.1 would be obese. The correct calculation yields 26.6, placing the patient in the overweight category
requiring lifestyle counseling.
ATI RN NUTRITION PROCTORED EXAM 2026 - NGN - 90 Questions | Verified & Rationaled
, ATI RN Nutrition Proctored Exam 2026 | NGN Integrated Page 4
Q4: A nurse is completing a comprehensive nutritional assessment using the ABCD method. Which
component corresponds to the 'B' in this framework, and what laboratory value is most reflective of this
domain?
A. Behavioral assessment; evaluated through 24-hour dietary recall and food frequency questionnaires
B. Biochemical assessment; evaluated through serum albumin, prealbumin, transferrin, and total lymphocyte
count [CORRECT]
C. Body composition assessment; evaluated through triceps skinfold and mid-arm muscle circumference
D. Bowel function assessment; evaluated through stool frequency and consistency documentation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
In the ABCD nutritional assessment framework, A = Anthropometric (height, weight, BMI, skinfolds), B = Biochemical
(laboratory values such as albumin, prealbumin, transferrin, total lymphocyte count), C = Clinical (physical examination
findings), and D = Dietary (intake history). Option B correctly identifies biochemical assessment and the appropriate
laboratory markers used to evaluate visceral protein status and immune function.
Q5: A nurse in a long-term care facility is using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) to screen an
82-year-old resident. Which finding should the nurse identify as the strongest predictor of malnutrition risk
on this validated geriatric screening tool?
A. Resident reports eating fewer than 3 meals per day due to decreased appetite [CORRECT]
B. Resident has lost 2 pounds over the past month during a recheck weigh-in
C. Resident's BMI is calculated at 23.5 kg/m², which falls within healthy range
D. Resident lives alone and prepares meals using a microwave and frozen foods
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
The MNA screening tool prioritizes food intake decline (fewer than 3 meals daily), weight loss, mobility issues,
psychological stress, and neuropsychological problems as key predictors of malnutrition risk. A reduction in meal frequency
directly impacts nutritional adequacy and is heavily weighted. While recent weight loss is concerning, a 2-pound loss over
one month is below the 5% threshold for significant loss, and BMI of 23.5 is normal. Living alone is a screening
consideration but not the strongest single predictor.
Q6: A hospital nurse is assessing a newly admitted patient using the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool
(MUST). Which three components does this validated screening tool evaluate to determine the patient's
overall malnutrition risk score?
A. Current BMI score, unplanned weight loss score, and acute disease effect score [CORRECT]
B. Appetite score, recent illness score, and mobility impairment score
C. Triceps skinfold score, mid-arm circumference score, and grip strength score
D. Albumin level score, lymphocyte count score, and nitrogen balance score
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
The Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) calculates overall malnutrition risk using three components: BMI score
(0 if >20, 1 if 18.5-20, 2 if <18.5), unplanned weight loss score (0 if <5%, 1 if 5-10%, 2 if >10%), and acute disease effect
score (added if patient is acutely ill and there has been or is likely to be no nutritional intake for >5 days). The other options
describe different screening tools (MNA, SGA, or biochemical panels). MUST is the standard tool used in adult hospital
settings in the United Kingdom and increasingly in the U.S.
ATI RN NUTRITION PROCTORED EXAM 2026 - NGN - 90 Questions | Verified & Rationaled
ATI RN NUTRITION PROCTORED ACTUAL EXAM
WITH NGN QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
2026 Updated Edition
Total Questions: 90 (Multiple Choice + NGN Formats)
Time Allotted: 180 minutes
Passing Score: Level 2 or higher (ATI Proficiency)
Cognitive Distribution: 25% Recall | 50% Application | 25% Analysis
Question Style: 80% Scenario-based with NGN integration
NGN Formats Included: Case studies, Bow-tie, Trend, Extended Multiple Response
Sections: 8 Content Areas per ATI Blueprint
Clinical Judgment Model: Recognize Cues, Analyze Cues, Prioritize Hypotheses, Generate Solutions, Take Action, Evaluate Outcome
Examination Overview: This comprehensive examination is aligned with the 2026 ATI RN Nutrition
Proctored Exam blueprint and integrates Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) clinical judgment items. Each
question includes detailed rationales with ATI-specific clinical reasoning, evidence-based nutritional
guidelines, and patient safety considerations. The exam covers eight major content areas: Nutrition
Fundamentals and Assessment; Medical Nutrition Therapy for Cardiovascular, Gastrointestinal, Endocrine,
and Renal Disorders; Nutrition Across the Lifespan; Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition; and a culminating NGN
Case Study Integration section testing multidimensional care, clinical judgment, prioritization, and delegation
using the Tanner Clinical Judgment Measurement Model.
ATI RN NUTRITION PROCTORED EXAM 2026 - NGN - 90 Questions | Verified & Rationaled
,ATI RN Nutrition Proctored Exam 2026 | NGN Integrated Page 2
Examination Blueprint & Content Map
This exam follows the ATI RN Nutrition Proctored blueprint with Next Generation NCLEX (NGN)
integration. Questions are organized into 8 sections, covering fundamental nutrition concepts through complex
multidimensional clinical scenarios. Each section builds clinical judgment skills required for safe nursing
practice.
Section Topic Questions Cognitive Focus
1 Nutrition Fundamentals and Assessment Q1-15 Recall, Application
2 MNT for Cardiovascular Disorders Q16-25 Application, Analysis
3 MNT for Gastrointestinal Disorders Q26-35 Application, Analysis
4 MNT for Endocrine Disorders Q36-45 Application, Analysis
5 MNT for Renal and Urinary Disorders Q46-52 Application, Analysis
6 Nutrition Across the Lifespan Q53-62 Application, Analysis
7 Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Q63-72 Application, Analysis
8 NGN Case Study Integration Q73-90 Analysis, Clinical Judgment
TOTAL 90 Questions 25% / 50% / 25%
ATI Priority-Setting Frameworks Tested:
• ABC Framework: Airway, Breathing, Circulation prioritization for acute care
• Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: Physiological needs before safety/security
• Least Restrictive Intervention: Least invasive option that achieves the goal
• Safety First: Eliminate options that pose patient harm risk
• Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (CJMM): Six-step cognitive process
• Delegation Principles: Five Rights of Delegation (task, circumstance, person, direction, supervision)
ATI RN NUTRITION PROCTORED EXAM 2026 - NGN - 90 Questions | Verified & Rationaled
,ATI RN Nutrition Proctored Exam 2026 | NGN Integrated Page 3
SECTION 1: NUTRITION FUNDAMENTALS AND ASSESSMENT
Q1-15 | Nutrients, Digestion, Absorption, Metabolism, & Nutritional Assessment
Q1: A nurse is teaching a community class on macronutrients. Which statement by a participant indicates a
correct understanding of the primary function of carbohydrates in the body?
A. Carbohydrates are the body's preferred and most efficient source of energy, supplying 4 kcal/g for cellular
metabolism, particularly for the brain and nervous system. [CORRECT]
B. Carbohydrates function primarily to build and repair muscle tissue, providing 9 kcal per gram through
gluconeogenesis pathways.
C. Carbohydrates are essential for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K through the lymphatic
system.
D. Carbohydrates serve as the major structural component of cell membranes and serve as long-term energy reserves.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Carbohydrates are the body's preferred energy source, yielding 4 kcal/g, and are obligatory for brain and red blood cell
metabolism. Proteins (not carbohydrates) build and repair tissue; fats (not carbohydrates) facilitate absorption of fat-soluble
vitamins and yield 9 kcal/g; lipids (not carbohydrates) form cell membrane structure and provide long-term energy storage.
Q2: A nurse is counseling a patient following a vegan diet. Which food combination should the nurse
recommend to provide all nine essential amino acids through complementary proteins?
A. Whole wheat bread with lean turkey breast
B. Brown rice and black beans with corn [CORRECT]
C. Greek yogurt mixed with fresh strawberries
D. Egg white omelet with cheddar cheese
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Grains (rice) and legumes (beans) are complementary plant proteins that, when consumed together, supply all nine essential
amino acids, making this an appropriate vegan recommendation. Options A, C, and D include animal proteins (turkey,
yogurt, eggs, cheese) which are not suitable for a vegan diet. While complete proteins individually, they do not meet the
patient's dietary preference.
Q3: A patient is 5 feet 6 inches (66 inches) tall and weighs 165 pounds. What is the patient's BMI, and how
should the nurse classify this measurement according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) guidelines?
A. 24.2 kg/m² - Healthy weight
B. 26.6 kg/m² - Overweight [CORRECT]
C. 30.1 kg/m² - Obese Class I
D. 22.5 kg/m² - Healthy weight
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
BMI = weight (kg) / height (m)². Converting: 165 lb / 2.2 = 75 kg; 66 in × 2.54 = 167.64 cm = 1.6764 m; 1.6764² = 2.81; 75 /
2.81 = 26.6 kg/m². Per CDC, BMI 25-29.9 is classified as overweight. A BMI of 24.2 or 22.5 would be healthy weight
(18.5-24.9), and 30.1 would be obese. The correct calculation yields 26.6, placing the patient in the overweight category
requiring lifestyle counseling.
ATI RN NUTRITION PROCTORED EXAM 2026 - NGN - 90 Questions | Verified & Rationaled
, ATI RN Nutrition Proctored Exam 2026 | NGN Integrated Page 4
Q4: A nurse is completing a comprehensive nutritional assessment using the ABCD method. Which
component corresponds to the 'B' in this framework, and what laboratory value is most reflective of this
domain?
A. Behavioral assessment; evaluated through 24-hour dietary recall and food frequency questionnaires
B. Biochemical assessment; evaluated through serum albumin, prealbumin, transferrin, and total lymphocyte
count [CORRECT]
C. Body composition assessment; evaluated through triceps skinfold and mid-arm muscle circumference
D. Bowel function assessment; evaluated through stool frequency and consistency documentation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
In the ABCD nutritional assessment framework, A = Anthropometric (height, weight, BMI, skinfolds), B = Biochemical
(laboratory values such as albumin, prealbumin, transferrin, total lymphocyte count), C = Clinical (physical examination
findings), and D = Dietary (intake history). Option B correctly identifies biochemical assessment and the appropriate
laboratory markers used to evaluate visceral protein status and immune function.
Q5: A nurse in a long-term care facility is using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) to screen an
82-year-old resident. Which finding should the nurse identify as the strongest predictor of malnutrition risk
on this validated geriatric screening tool?
A. Resident reports eating fewer than 3 meals per day due to decreased appetite [CORRECT]
B. Resident has lost 2 pounds over the past month during a recheck weigh-in
C. Resident's BMI is calculated at 23.5 kg/m², which falls within healthy range
D. Resident lives alone and prepares meals using a microwave and frozen foods
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
The MNA screening tool prioritizes food intake decline (fewer than 3 meals daily), weight loss, mobility issues,
psychological stress, and neuropsychological problems as key predictors of malnutrition risk. A reduction in meal frequency
directly impacts nutritional adequacy and is heavily weighted. While recent weight loss is concerning, a 2-pound loss over
one month is below the 5% threshold for significant loss, and BMI of 23.5 is normal. Living alone is a screening
consideration but not the strongest single predictor.
Q6: A hospital nurse is assessing a newly admitted patient using the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool
(MUST). Which three components does this validated screening tool evaluate to determine the patient's
overall malnutrition risk score?
A. Current BMI score, unplanned weight loss score, and acute disease effect score [CORRECT]
B. Appetite score, recent illness score, and mobility impairment score
C. Triceps skinfold score, mid-arm circumference score, and grip strength score
D. Albumin level score, lymphocyte count score, and nitrogen balance score
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
The Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) calculates overall malnutrition risk using three components: BMI score
(0 if >20, 1 if 18.5-20, 2 if <18.5), unplanned weight loss score (0 if <5%, 1 if 5-10%, 2 if >10%), and acute disease effect
score (added if patient is acutely ill and there has been or is likely to be no nutritional intake for >5 days). The other options
describe different screening tools (MNA, SGA, or biochemical panels). MUST is the standard tool used in adult hospital
settings in the United Kingdom and increasingly in the U.S.
ATI RN NUTRITION PROCTORED EXAM 2026 - NGN - 90 Questions | Verified & Rationaled
