Test Bank for Fundamentals for Nursing
Edition 12.0 ATI Review Model Content
Mastery Series
SECTION I: FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING PRACTICE (Questions 1–20)
1. A nurse is preparing to administer a medication to a client. Which action should the nurse
take first to ensure correct client identification?
A. Ask the client to state their room number
B. Compare the client's name with the room assignment
C. Ask the client to state their full name and date of birth
D. Ask another nurse to identify the client
Rationale: Using two approved client identifiers, such as name and date of birth, helps
prevent medication and treatment errors. Room numbers should not be used as client
identifiers.
2. A nurse is caring for a client who has influenza. Which transmission-based precaution should
the nurse use?
A. Airborne
B. Droplet
C. Contact
D. Protective environment
Rationale: Influenza is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets. Droplet
precautions include appropriate respiratory protection and measures to reduce exposure to
respiratory secretions.
3. Which task is appropriate for a nurse to delegate to assistive personnel (AP)?
A. Assessing a newly admitted client
B. Evaluating the effectiveness of pain medication
,C. Obtaining routine vital signs for a stable client
D. Developing a client's nursing care plan
Rationale: Routine data collection for a stable client can generally be delegated to AP
according to facility policy. Assessment, evaluation, and care planning require nursing judgment
and remain the nurse's responsibility.
4. A nurse is repositioning an immobile client. Which intervention is most important for
preventing pressure injury?
A. Massage reddened areas
B. Reposition the client at regular intervals
C. Keep the head of the bed elevated at 60°
D. Place a donut-shaped device beneath the sacrum
Rationale: Regular repositioning reduces prolonged pressure over bony prominences.
Massaging reddened areas can damage tissue, and donut-shaped devices can concentrate
pressure rather than relieve it.
5. A nurse is teaching a client how to use an incentive spirometer after surgery. Which
instruction should the nurse provide?
A. Exhale forcefully into the device
B. Inhale slowly and deeply through the mouthpiece
C. Use the device once every 8 hr
D. Cough immediately before every inhalation
Rationale: Incentive spirometry promotes deep inspiration and helps prevent postoperative
atelectasis. The client should inhale slowly and deeply through the mouthpiece while
attempting to raise the indicator appropriately.
6. A nurse is performing hand hygiene after caring for a client. Which action is appropriate?
A. Turn off the faucet with bare hands
B. Dry the hands before applying soap
C. Use friction while rubbing the hands together
D. Rinse the hands before wetting them
, Rationale: Friction is essential for mechanically removing microorganisms from the hands.
When using a sink, the nurse should also avoid recontaminating clean hands when turning off
the faucet.
7. A client reports pain rated 8 on a 0-to-10 scale. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Document that the client is exaggerating the pain
B. Assess the characteristics of the pain
C. Tell the client that medication cannot be given yet
D. Reassess the pain at the end of the shift
Rationale: Pain is subjective, and the nurse should assess its location, quality, intensity,
duration, and aggravating or relieving factors before determining appropriate interventions.
8. Which finding should a nurse identify as a potential indication of hypoxia?
A. Bradycardia
B. Restlessness
C. Warm, dry skin
D. Increased appetite
Rationale: Restlessness and changes in mental status can occur with inadequate
oxygenation. The nurse should assess oxygenation and other clinical findings promptly.
9. A nurse is providing oral care to an unconscious client. Which position is safest?
A. Supine
B. Side-lying
C. High-Fowler's
D. Trendelenburg
Rationale: A side-lying position allows secretions to drain from the mouth and reduces the
risk of aspiration in an unconscious client.
10. A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular (IM) injection. Which action should the
nurse take first?
, A. Select a 23-gauge needle
B. Verify the client's identity
C. Cleanse the injection site
D. Aspirate for blood return
Rationale: Verifying the client's identity using two identifiers is the first step to ensure
safety and prevent medication errors. Selecting a needle, cleansing the site, and aspirating
follow after confirmation.
11. A nurse is assessing a client's peripheral pulse. Which finding indicates adequate circulation?
A. Pulse rate of 110 bpm
B. Pulse strength of 2+
C. Pulse rhythm irregular
D. Pulse volume weak
Rationale: A pulse strength of 2+ (normal, easily palpable) indicates adequate circulation. A
rate of 110 bpm may suggest tachycardia, an irregular rhythm may indicate dysrhythmia, and a
weak pulse suggests poor perfusion.
12. A nurse is teaching a client about hand hygiene. Which statement by the client indicates
understanding?
A. "I should wash my hands only after using the restroom."
B. "I need to wash my hands for at least 20 seconds."
C. "I can use hand sanitizer if my hands are visibly soiled."
D. "I should dry my hands with a cloth towel."
Rationale: The CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water for at least 20
seconds to remove pathogens effectively. Hand sanitizer is ineffective for visibly soiled hands,
washing is needed beyond restroom use, and paper towels are preferred to prevent
recontamination.
13. A nurse is assisting a client with ambulation. Which action ensures client safety?
A. Allow the client to walk barefoot
B. Use a gait belt around the client's waist
Edition 12.0 ATI Review Model Content
Mastery Series
SECTION I: FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING PRACTICE (Questions 1–20)
1. A nurse is preparing to administer a medication to a client. Which action should the nurse
take first to ensure correct client identification?
A. Ask the client to state their room number
B. Compare the client's name with the room assignment
C. Ask the client to state their full name and date of birth
D. Ask another nurse to identify the client
Rationale: Using two approved client identifiers, such as name and date of birth, helps
prevent medication and treatment errors. Room numbers should not be used as client
identifiers.
2. A nurse is caring for a client who has influenza. Which transmission-based precaution should
the nurse use?
A. Airborne
B. Droplet
C. Contact
D. Protective environment
Rationale: Influenza is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets. Droplet
precautions include appropriate respiratory protection and measures to reduce exposure to
respiratory secretions.
3. Which task is appropriate for a nurse to delegate to assistive personnel (AP)?
A. Assessing a newly admitted client
B. Evaluating the effectiveness of pain medication
,C. Obtaining routine vital signs for a stable client
D. Developing a client's nursing care plan
Rationale: Routine data collection for a stable client can generally be delegated to AP
according to facility policy. Assessment, evaluation, and care planning require nursing judgment
and remain the nurse's responsibility.
4. A nurse is repositioning an immobile client. Which intervention is most important for
preventing pressure injury?
A. Massage reddened areas
B. Reposition the client at regular intervals
C. Keep the head of the bed elevated at 60°
D. Place a donut-shaped device beneath the sacrum
Rationale: Regular repositioning reduces prolonged pressure over bony prominences.
Massaging reddened areas can damage tissue, and donut-shaped devices can concentrate
pressure rather than relieve it.
5. A nurse is teaching a client how to use an incentive spirometer after surgery. Which
instruction should the nurse provide?
A. Exhale forcefully into the device
B. Inhale slowly and deeply through the mouthpiece
C. Use the device once every 8 hr
D. Cough immediately before every inhalation
Rationale: Incentive spirometry promotes deep inspiration and helps prevent postoperative
atelectasis. The client should inhale slowly and deeply through the mouthpiece while
attempting to raise the indicator appropriately.
6. A nurse is performing hand hygiene after caring for a client. Which action is appropriate?
A. Turn off the faucet with bare hands
B. Dry the hands before applying soap
C. Use friction while rubbing the hands together
D. Rinse the hands before wetting them
, Rationale: Friction is essential for mechanically removing microorganisms from the hands.
When using a sink, the nurse should also avoid recontaminating clean hands when turning off
the faucet.
7. A client reports pain rated 8 on a 0-to-10 scale. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Document that the client is exaggerating the pain
B. Assess the characteristics of the pain
C. Tell the client that medication cannot be given yet
D. Reassess the pain at the end of the shift
Rationale: Pain is subjective, and the nurse should assess its location, quality, intensity,
duration, and aggravating or relieving factors before determining appropriate interventions.
8. Which finding should a nurse identify as a potential indication of hypoxia?
A. Bradycardia
B. Restlessness
C. Warm, dry skin
D. Increased appetite
Rationale: Restlessness and changes in mental status can occur with inadequate
oxygenation. The nurse should assess oxygenation and other clinical findings promptly.
9. A nurse is providing oral care to an unconscious client. Which position is safest?
A. Supine
B. Side-lying
C. High-Fowler's
D. Trendelenburg
Rationale: A side-lying position allows secretions to drain from the mouth and reduces the
risk of aspiration in an unconscious client.
10. A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular (IM) injection. Which action should the
nurse take first?
, A. Select a 23-gauge needle
B. Verify the client's identity
C. Cleanse the injection site
D. Aspirate for blood return
Rationale: Verifying the client's identity using two identifiers is the first step to ensure
safety and prevent medication errors. Selecting a needle, cleansing the site, and aspirating
follow after confirmation.
11. A nurse is assessing a client's peripheral pulse. Which finding indicates adequate circulation?
A. Pulse rate of 110 bpm
B. Pulse strength of 2+
C. Pulse rhythm irregular
D. Pulse volume weak
Rationale: A pulse strength of 2+ (normal, easily palpable) indicates adequate circulation. A
rate of 110 bpm may suggest tachycardia, an irregular rhythm may indicate dysrhythmia, and a
weak pulse suggests poor perfusion.
12. A nurse is teaching a client about hand hygiene. Which statement by the client indicates
understanding?
A. "I should wash my hands only after using the restroom."
B. "I need to wash my hands for at least 20 seconds."
C. "I can use hand sanitizer if my hands are visibly soiled."
D. "I should dry my hands with a cloth towel."
Rationale: The CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water for at least 20
seconds to remove pathogens effectively. Hand sanitizer is ineffective for visibly soiled hands,
washing is needed beyond restroom use, and paper towels are preferred to prevent
recontamination.
13. A nurse is assisting a client with ambulation. Which action ensures client safety?
A. Allow the client to walk barefoot
B. Use a gait belt around the client's waist
