RN ATI CAPSTONE-STYLE COMPREHENSIVE
ASSESSMENT
350 ORIGINAL PRACTICE QUESTIONS, ANSWERS & RATIONALES
2026–2027 STUDY GUIDE • A–D MULTIPLE CHOICE
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW: A comprehensive original practice bank covering major RN Capstone-style domains: fundamentals and safety,
pharmacology, adult medical-surgical nursing, maternal-newborn, pediatrics, mental health, leadership/delegation, community health,
nutrition, perioperative care, critical care/emergency nursing, renal/endocrine/hematology, infection/oncology, and integrated clinical
judgment.
Fundamentals, Safety & Basic Care
Question 1. A nurse is preparing to enter the room of a client with suspected measles. Which PPE is the priority?
A) Surgical mask only
B) Face shield without a respirator
C) A fit-tested N95 respirator
D) Sterile gloves only
CORRECT ANSWER: C) A fit-tested N95 respirator
RATIONALE: Measles requires airborne precautions, so a fit-tested respirator is indicated.
Question 2. A client receiving oxygen by nasal cannula reports dryness of the nares. Which action is appropriate?
A) Apply petroleum jelly inside the nares
B) Use a water-soluble lubricant for the nares
C) Increase oxygen flow without an order
D) Place an occlusive plastic dressing over the nose
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Use a water-soluble lubricant for the nares
RATIONALE: Water-soluble products may be used for comfort; petroleum products are avoided around oxygen.
Question 3. Which action is most important when transferring a weak client from bed to chair?
A) Lock the bed and chair wheels before the transfer
B) Pull the client by the arms
C) Keep the chair several feet away
D) Ask the client to stand without assistance
CORRECT ANSWER: A) Lock the bed and chair wheels before the transfer RATIONALE: Securing the equipment
reduces the risk of falls during transfer.
Question 4. A nurse discovers a small fire in a client's wastebasket. What is the first action?
A) Activate the room television
B) Retrieve the medical record
C) Open the windows
D) Remove the client from immediate danger
CORRECT ANSWER: D) Remove the client from immediate danger
RATIONALE: The priority in a fire is protecting people from immediate harm.
Question 5. Which finding requires immediate follow-up after a nasogastric tube is inserted?
A) New coughing and respiratory distress
B) Small amount of oral secretions
C) Temporary nasal irritation
D) Mild throat discomfort
CORRECT ANSWER: A) New coughing and respiratory distress
RATIONALE: Respiratory distress can indicate airway placement or aspiration and requires immediate assessment.
Question 6. Which intervention best reduces aspiration risk for a client receiving enteral feedings?
A) Keep the head of the bed elevated during feeding
RN ATI Capstone-Style Original Practice Bank • Study Use Page 1
, B) Give the feeding as rapidly as possible
C) Offer large volumes at once
D) Place the client flat
CORRECT ANSWER: A) Keep the head of the bed elevated during feeding RATIONALE: Head elevation decreases
reflux and aspiration risk.
Question 7. A nurse is performing hand hygiene with soap and water. Which technique is correct?
A) Rinse before applying soap
B) Touch the faucet with clean hands afterward
C) Skip cleaning between the fingers
D) Rub all hand surfaces for at least 20 seconds
CORRECT ANSWER: D) Rub all hand surfaces for at least 20 seconds
RATIONALE: Adequate friction and coverage of all surfaces are essential for effective hand hygiene.
Question 8. A client reports dizziness when standing. Which action should the nurse take first?
A) Give a sedative
B) Leave to obtain a wheelchair
C) Assist the client back to a safe sitting or lying position
D) Encourage the client to walk
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Assist the client back to a safe sitting or lying position RATIONALE: Immediate fall prevention and
stabilization take priority.
Question 9. Which assessment finding is most consistent with dehydration?
A) Rapid weight gain
B) Bounding peripheral pulses
C) Orthostatic hypotension
D) Moist mucous membranes
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Orthostatic hypotension
RATIONALE: Volume depletion can cause orthostatic blood-pressure changes.
Question 10. A nurse is caring for a client with dysphagia. Which action is safest during meals?
A) Offer thin liquids first
B) Position the client upright
C) Feed while the client is lying flat
D) Use a straw for every client
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Position the client upright
RATIONALE: Upright positioning helps protect the airway during swallowing.
Question 11. Which action is appropriate when obtaining a pulse oximeter reading?
A) Place the sensor on a warm, well-perfused site
B) Wrap the sensor tightly enough to impair circulation
C) Place it over dark nail polish without consideration
D) Use a cold finger with poor circulation
CORRECT ANSWER: A) Place the sensor on a warm, well-perfused site
RATIONALE: Good peripheral perfusion improves the accuracy of pulse oximetry.
Question 12. A client is at high risk for pressure injury. Which intervention is most appropriate?
A) Massage reddened bony areas
B) Reposition the client regularly and inspect the skin
C) Keep the skin moist with perspiration
D) Use a donut ring under the sacrum
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Reposition the client regularly and inspect the skin RATIONALE: Regular repositioning and
skin assessment reduce pressure injury risk.
Question 13. Which statement by a client using a walker indicates correct technique?
A) I move the walker forward, then step into it.
RN ATI Capstone-Style Original Practice Bank • Study Use Page 2
, B) I place the walker far ahead and lean forward
C) I pull the walker behind me
D) I carry the walker while walking
CORRECT ANSWER: A) I move the walker forward, then step into it.
RATIONALE: Advancing the walker a safe distance and stepping into it promotes stability.
Question 14. A nurse is preparing a sterile field. Which action contaminates the field?
A) Adding a sterile item without touching the field
B) Keeping sterile items above waist level
C) Reaching over the sterile field
D) Opening the package away from the body
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Reaching over the sterile field
RATIONALE: Reaching over a sterile field risks dropping contaminants onto it.
Question 15. Which method is best for measuring an apical pulse in an adult with an irregular rhythm?
A) Count for 10 seconds and multiply by six
B) Estimate from the monitor display only
C) Auscultate for a full minute
D) Count for 15 seconds and multiply by four
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Auscultate for a full minute
RATIONALE: A full minute provides the most accurate rate and rhythm assessment.
Question 16. A client has a new prescription for a medication and asks why allergies are reviewed first. What is the best response?
A) Allergy information helps prevent potentially serious reactions.
B) It guarantees the medication will be effective
C) It determines the client's room assignment
D) It replaces the need for vital signs
CORRECT ANSWER: A) Allergy information helps prevent potentially serious reactions.
RATIONALE: Checking allergies is a core medication-safety step.
Question 17. Which finding suggests impaired oxygenation rather than simple anxiety?
A) Rapid speech with normal oxygenation
B) Mild hand tremor
C) Worry about an upcoming procedure
D) Cyanosis with altered level of consciousness
CORRECT ANSWER: D) Cyanosis with altered level of consciousness
RATIONALE: Cyanosis and altered mentation can indicate significant hypoxemia.
Question 18. Which nursing action best protects a client during a seizure?
A) Restrain the extremities
B) Clear nearby objects and protect the head
C) Place an object in the mouth
D) Force oral fluids
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Clear nearby objects and protect the head
RATIONALE: Safety measures prevent injury; restraints and objects in the mouth can cause harm.
Question 19. A nurse is caring for a client with a urinary catheter. Which action reduces infection risk?
A) Disconnect the tubing routinely
B) Irrigate without an order
C) Place the bag on the bed
D) Keep the drainage bag below bladder level
CORRECT ANSWER: D) Keep the drainage bag below bladder level
RATIONALE: A dependent closed drainage system helps prevent backflow and infection.
Question 20. Which documentation entry is most appropriate?
RN ATI Capstone-Style Original Practice Bank • Study Use Page 3
, A) Client had a good day
B) Client states, 'My pain is 6 out of 10.'
C) Client seems difficult
D) Client appears bad
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Client states, 'My pain is 6 out of 10.'
RATIONALE: Objective, specific observations and direct quotes are appropriate documentation.
Question 21. A client asks the nurse to leave the side rails raised on all four sides so the client cannot get out of bed. What should
the nurse do?
A) Assess the need and follow facility policy because four raised rails may be a restraint
B) Raise all four rails automatically
C) Apply restraints without an order
D) Refuse to assess the client
CORRECT ANSWER: A) Assess the need and follow facility policy because four raised rails may be a restraint
RATIONALE: Four raised rails can function as a restraint and require appropriate assessment and policy compliance.
Question 22. Which intervention is appropriate for a client at risk for falls?
A) Keep frequently used items within easy reach
B) Encourage walking without assistance
C) Place the call light out of reach
D) Keep the room dark
CORRECT ANSWER: A) Keep frequently used items within easy reach
RATIONALE: Easy access to needed items decreases unsafe reaching and unassisted ambulation.
Question 23. A client with a new ostomy is learning skin care. Which teaching is most important?
A) Use alcohol on every change
B) Leave leaking appliances in place
C) Scrub the skin vigorously
D) Protect the peristomal skin from leakage
CORRECT ANSWER: D) Protect the peristomal skin from leakage
RATIONALE: Moisture and effluent can damage peristomal skin, so a secure fit and skin protection are important.
Question 24. A nurse is changing a simple dressing. Which finding should be reported?
A) Small amount of clear serous drainage
B) Increasing purulent drainage and a foul odor
C) Mild tenderness immediately after surgery
D) Intact wound edges
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Increasing purulent drainage and a foul odor RATIONALE: Purulence and foul odor
can indicate infection.
Question 25. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A) A client with chronic mild back pain
B) A client with new stridor after extubation
C) A client awaiting routine discharge teaching
D) A client requesting a blanket
CORRECT ANSWER: B) A client with new stridor after extubation
RATIONALE: Stridor can indicate upper-airway obstruction and threatens airway patency.
Pharmacology & Medication Safety
Question 26. A client taking warfarin asks which food pattern is safest. Which response is best?
A) Double vitamin K intake after every dose
B) Change dietary vitamin K intake frequently
C) Avoid all vegetables permanently
D) Keep vitamin K intake consistent from week to week
RN ATI Capstone-Style Original Practice Bank • Study Use Page 4
ASSESSMENT
350 ORIGINAL PRACTICE QUESTIONS, ANSWERS & RATIONALES
2026–2027 STUDY GUIDE • A–D MULTIPLE CHOICE
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW: A comprehensive original practice bank covering major RN Capstone-style domains: fundamentals and safety,
pharmacology, adult medical-surgical nursing, maternal-newborn, pediatrics, mental health, leadership/delegation, community health,
nutrition, perioperative care, critical care/emergency nursing, renal/endocrine/hematology, infection/oncology, and integrated clinical
judgment.
Fundamentals, Safety & Basic Care
Question 1. A nurse is preparing to enter the room of a client with suspected measles. Which PPE is the priority?
A) Surgical mask only
B) Face shield without a respirator
C) A fit-tested N95 respirator
D) Sterile gloves only
CORRECT ANSWER: C) A fit-tested N95 respirator
RATIONALE: Measles requires airborne precautions, so a fit-tested respirator is indicated.
Question 2. A client receiving oxygen by nasal cannula reports dryness of the nares. Which action is appropriate?
A) Apply petroleum jelly inside the nares
B) Use a water-soluble lubricant for the nares
C) Increase oxygen flow without an order
D) Place an occlusive plastic dressing over the nose
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Use a water-soluble lubricant for the nares
RATIONALE: Water-soluble products may be used for comfort; petroleum products are avoided around oxygen.
Question 3. Which action is most important when transferring a weak client from bed to chair?
A) Lock the bed and chair wheels before the transfer
B) Pull the client by the arms
C) Keep the chair several feet away
D) Ask the client to stand without assistance
CORRECT ANSWER: A) Lock the bed and chair wheels before the transfer RATIONALE: Securing the equipment
reduces the risk of falls during transfer.
Question 4. A nurse discovers a small fire in a client's wastebasket. What is the first action?
A) Activate the room television
B) Retrieve the medical record
C) Open the windows
D) Remove the client from immediate danger
CORRECT ANSWER: D) Remove the client from immediate danger
RATIONALE: The priority in a fire is protecting people from immediate harm.
Question 5. Which finding requires immediate follow-up after a nasogastric tube is inserted?
A) New coughing and respiratory distress
B) Small amount of oral secretions
C) Temporary nasal irritation
D) Mild throat discomfort
CORRECT ANSWER: A) New coughing and respiratory distress
RATIONALE: Respiratory distress can indicate airway placement or aspiration and requires immediate assessment.
Question 6. Which intervention best reduces aspiration risk for a client receiving enteral feedings?
A) Keep the head of the bed elevated during feeding
RN ATI Capstone-Style Original Practice Bank • Study Use Page 1
, B) Give the feeding as rapidly as possible
C) Offer large volumes at once
D) Place the client flat
CORRECT ANSWER: A) Keep the head of the bed elevated during feeding RATIONALE: Head elevation decreases
reflux and aspiration risk.
Question 7. A nurse is performing hand hygiene with soap and water. Which technique is correct?
A) Rinse before applying soap
B) Touch the faucet with clean hands afterward
C) Skip cleaning between the fingers
D) Rub all hand surfaces for at least 20 seconds
CORRECT ANSWER: D) Rub all hand surfaces for at least 20 seconds
RATIONALE: Adequate friction and coverage of all surfaces are essential for effective hand hygiene.
Question 8. A client reports dizziness when standing. Which action should the nurse take first?
A) Give a sedative
B) Leave to obtain a wheelchair
C) Assist the client back to a safe sitting or lying position
D) Encourage the client to walk
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Assist the client back to a safe sitting or lying position RATIONALE: Immediate fall prevention and
stabilization take priority.
Question 9. Which assessment finding is most consistent with dehydration?
A) Rapid weight gain
B) Bounding peripheral pulses
C) Orthostatic hypotension
D) Moist mucous membranes
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Orthostatic hypotension
RATIONALE: Volume depletion can cause orthostatic blood-pressure changes.
Question 10. A nurse is caring for a client with dysphagia. Which action is safest during meals?
A) Offer thin liquids first
B) Position the client upright
C) Feed while the client is lying flat
D) Use a straw for every client
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Position the client upright
RATIONALE: Upright positioning helps protect the airway during swallowing.
Question 11. Which action is appropriate when obtaining a pulse oximeter reading?
A) Place the sensor on a warm, well-perfused site
B) Wrap the sensor tightly enough to impair circulation
C) Place it over dark nail polish without consideration
D) Use a cold finger with poor circulation
CORRECT ANSWER: A) Place the sensor on a warm, well-perfused site
RATIONALE: Good peripheral perfusion improves the accuracy of pulse oximetry.
Question 12. A client is at high risk for pressure injury. Which intervention is most appropriate?
A) Massage reddened bony areas
B) Reposition the client regularly and inspect the skin
C) Keep the skin moist with perspiration
D) Use a donut ring under the sacrum
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Reposition the client regularly and inspect the skin RATIONALE: Regular repositioning and
skin assessment reduce pressure injury risk.
Question 13. Which statement by a client using a walker indicates correct technique?
A) I move the walker forward, then step into it.
RN ATI Capstone-Style Original Practice Bank • Study Use Page 2
, B) I place the walker far ahead and lean forward
C) I pull the walker behind me
D) I carry the walker while walking
CORRECT ANSWER: A) I move the walker forward, then step into it.
RATIONALE: Advancing the walker a safe distance and stepping into it promotes stability.
Question 14. A nurse is preparing a sterile field. Which action contaminates the field?
A) Adding a sterile item without touching the field
B) Keeping sterile items above waist level
C) Reaching over the sterile field
D) Opening the package away from the body
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Reaching over the sterile field
RATIONALE: Reaching over a sterile field risks dropping contaminants onto it.
Question 15. Which method is best for measuring an apical pulse in an adult with an irregular rhythm?
A) Count for 10 seconds and multiply by six
B) Estimate from the monitor display only
C) Auscultate for a full minute
D) Count for 15 seconds and multiply by four
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Auscultate for a full minute
RATIONALE: A full minute provides the most accurate rate and rhythm assessment.
Question 16. A client has a new prescription for a medication and asks why allergies are reviewed first. What is the best response?
A) Allergy information helps prevent potentially serious reactions.
B) It guarantees the medication will be effective
C) It determines the client's room assignment
D) It replaces the need for vital signs
CORRECT ANSWER: A) Allergy information helps prevent potentially serious reactions.
RATIONALE: Checking allergies is a core medication-safety step.
Question 17. Which finding suggests impaired oxygenation rather than simple anxiety?
A) Rapid speech with normal oxygenation
B) Mild hand tremor
C) Worry about an upcoming procedure
D) Cyanosis with altered level of consciousness
CORRECT ANSWER: D) Cyanosis with altered level of consciousness
RATIONALE: Cyanosis and altered mentation can indicate significant hypoxemia.
Question 18. Which nursing action best protects a client during a seizure?
A) Restrain the extremities
B) Clear nearby objects and protect the head
C) Place an object in the mouth
D) Force oral fluids
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Clear nearby objects and protect the head
RATIONALE: Safety measures prevent injury; restraints and objects in the mouth can cause harm.
Question 19. A nurse is caring for a client with a urinary catheter. Which action reduces infection risk?
A) Disconnect the tubing routinely
B) Irrigate without an order
C) Place the bag on the bed
D) Keep the drainage bag below bladder level
CORRECT ANSWER: D) Keep the drainage bag below bladder level
RATIONALE: A dependent closed drainage system helps prevent backflow and infection.
Question 20. Which documentation entry is most appropriate?
RN ATI Capstone-Style Original Practice Bank • Study Use Page 3
, A) Client had a good day
B) Client states, 'My pain is 6 out of 10.'
C) Client seems difficult
D) Client appears bad
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Client states, 'My pain is 6 out of 10.'
RATIONALE: Objective, specific observations and direct quotes are appropriate documentation.
Question 21. A client asks the nurse to leave the side rails raised on all four sides so the client cannot get out of bed. What should
the nurse do?
A) Assess the need and follow facility policy because four raised rails may be a restraint
B) Raise all four rails automatically
C) Apply restraints without an order
D) Refuse to assess the client
CORRECT ANSWER: A) Assess the need and follow facility policy because four raised rails may be a restraint
RATIONALE: Four raised rails can function as a restraint and require appropriate assessment and policy compliance.
Question 22. Which intervention is appropriate for a client at risk for falls?
A) Keep frequently used items within easy reach
B) Encourage walking without assistance
C) Place the call light out of reach
D) Keep the room dark
CORRECT ANSWER: A) Keep frequently used items within easy reach
RATIONALE: Easy access to needed items decreases unsafe reaching and unassisted ambulation.
Question 23. A client with a new ostomy is learning skin care. Which teaching is most important?
A) Use alcohol on every change
B) Leave leaking appliances in place
C) Scrub the skin vigorously
D) Protect the peristomal skin from leakage
CORRECT ANSWER: D) Protect the peristomal skin from leakage
RATIONALE: Moisture and effluent can damage peristomal skin, so a secure fit and skin protection are important.
Question 24. A nurse is changing a simple dressing. Which finding should be reported?
A) Small amount of clear serous drainage
B) Increasing purulent drainage and a foul odor
C) Mild tenderness immediately after surgery
D) Intact wound edges
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Increasing purulent drainage and a foul odor RATIONALE: Purulence and foul odor
can indicate infection.
Question 25. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A) A client with chronic mild back pain
B) A client with new stridor after extubation
C) A client awaiting routine discharge teaching
D) A client requesting a blanket
CORRECT ANSWER: B) A client with new stridor after extubation
RATIONALE: Stridor can indicate upper-airway obstruction and threatens airway patency.
Pharmacology & Medication Safety
Question 26. A client taking warfarin asks which food pattern is safest. Which response is best?
A) Double vitamin K intake after every dose
B) Change dietary vitamin K intake frequently
C) Avoid all vegetables permanently
D) Keep vitamin K intake consistent from week to week
RN ATI Capstone-Style Original Practice Bank • Study Use Page 4
