ATI Capstone Fundamentals Assessment Exam
Study Guide: 150 Verified Q&A
SECTION 1: FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING PRACTICE (Questions 1–20)
Question 1
A nurse is admitting a client who speaks limited English. Which action best
demonstrates the principle of patient-centered care?
A) Using a family member to interpret all medical discussions
B) Providing a certified medical interpreter when discussing the plan of care
C) Speaking slowly and loudly in English to ensure understanding
D) Handing the client written materials in English and assuming comprehension
Correct Answer: B) Providing a certified medical interpreter when
discussing the plan of care
Rationale: Patient-centered care requires effective communication that
respects the client's language and cultural needs. Using a certified medical
interpreter ensures accurate communication and preserves patient safety and
autonomy. Family members may misinterpret medical terminology and may filter
information inappropriately. Speaking loudly does not overcome language
barriers, and written materials in English alone are insufficient for clients with
limited English proficiency.
Question 2
Which action by a nurse best demonstrates the principle of evidence-based
practice?
A) Performing a procedure a certain way because it has always been done that
way
B) Following a colleague's personal preference for wound care
C) Integrating research evidence with clinical expertise and client preferences
D) Choosing interventions based solely on cost-effectiveness
, Correct Answer: C) Integrating research evidence with clinical expertise
and client preferences
Rationale: Evidence-based practice (EBP) combines the best available
research evidence, the nurse's clinical expertise, and the client's values and
preferences. Tradition (A) and personal preference (B) are not evidence-based.
Cost alone (D) is insufficient justification for clinical decisions.
Question 3
A nurse discovers that a prescribed medication dose appears unusually high for
the client's weight and renal function. What should the nurse do first?
A) Administer the medication as prescribed
B) Ask another client whether they received the same dose
C) Hold the medication and verify the prescription with the prescriber
D) Independently reduce the dose to a safer level
Correct Answer: C) Hold the medication and verify the prescription with
the prescriber
Rationale: When a medication order appears unsafe, the nurse must hold
the medication and clarify the prescription with the prescriber. Nurses must never
administer a potentially unsafe dose or independently alter a prescription.
Verifying with another client (B) violates confidentiality and provides no useful
information.
Question 4
A nurse is caring for four clients. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A) A client requesting assistance with a bath
B) A client with new-onset shortness of breath
C) A client requesting discharge instructions
D) A client reporting mild chronic back pain
Correct Answer: B) A client with new-onset shortness of breath
, Rationale: Nursing prioritization follows the ABCs—Airway, Breathing,
Circulation. New-onset shortness of breath may indicate impaired oxygenation
and is potentially life-threatening. It takes priority over routine care, discharge
teaching, and chronic pain management.
Question 5
A nurse is preparing to administer total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and notices the
solution has an oily appearance with a layer of fat on top. Which action should
the nurse take?
A) Administer the TPN as prescribed since the additives have separated
B) Shake the bag vigorously to redistribute the fat layer
C) Obtain a new bag of TPN before administering
D) Warm the bag to dissolve the fat layer
Correct Answer: C) Obtain a new bag of TPN before administering
Rationale: A "cracked" TPN solution has an oily appearance or a layer of
fat on top and should never be administered. This occurs when calcium or
phosphorus content is high or if poor-salt albumin is added. The nurse must
obtain a new bag to ensure patient safety.
Question 6
A nurse is teaching a client about the correct use of a cane. Which of the following
should the nurse include? (Select all that apply.)
A) Ensure the cane has a rubber cap
B) Hold the cane on the stronger side
C) Flex the elbow slightly when using the cane
D) Use a quad cane for increased support
E) Hold the cane on the weaker side
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D
, Rationale: The cane should have a rubber cap to prevent slipping, be held
on the stronger side for maximum support, and the elbow should be flexed
slightly (about 15–30 degrees) for proper alignment. A quad cane provides a
wider base for increased stability. Holding the cane on the weaker side (E) is
incorrect because it provides less support and increases fall risk.
Question 7
Which finding is considered objective data?
A) The client reports feeling nauseated
B) The client states "I have a headache"
C) The nurse observes a blood pressure of 148/92 mm Hg
D) The client describes their pain as "sharp and stabbing"
Correct Answer: C) The nurse observes a blood pressure of 148/92 mm
Hg
Rationale: Objective data are measurable, observable findings obtained
through physical examination, vital signs, and laboratory results. Subjective data
include what the client reports, such as nausea, headache, and pain descriptions.
Blood pressure measurement is objective data.
Question 8
A nurse manager is implementing a new electronic health record system. Several
staff members are resistant. Which is the most effective leadership strategy?
A) Mandate immediate compliance without discussion
B) Provide education about benefits, involve staff, and address concerns
C) Allow staff to continue using paper records if they prefer
D) Terminate staff who refuse to adapt
Correct Answer: B) Provide education about benefits, involve staff, and
address concerns
Study Guide: 150 Verified Q&A
SECTION 1: FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING PRACTICE (Questions 1–20)
Question 1
A nurse is admitting a client who speaks limited English. Which action best
demonstrates the principle of patient-centered care?
A) Using a family member to interpret all medical discussions
B) Providing a certified medical interpreter when discussing the plan of care
C) Speaking slowly and loudly in English to ensure understanding
D) Handing the client written materials in English and assuming comprehension
Correct Answer: B) Providing a certified medical interpreter when
discussing the plan of care
Rationale: Patient-centered care requires effective communication that
respects the client's language and cultural needs. Using a certified medical
interpreter ensures accurate communication and preserves patient safety and
autonomy. Family members may misinterpret medical terminology and may filter
information inappropriately. Speaking loudly does not overcome language
barriers, and written materials in English alone are insufficient for clients with
limited English proficiency.
Question 2
Which action by a nurse best demonstrates the principle of evidence-based
practice?
A) Performing a procedure a certain way because it has always been done that
way
B) Following a colleague's personal preference for wound care
C) Integrating research evidence with clinical expertise and client preferences
D) Choosing interventions based solely on cost-effectiveness
, Correct Answer: C) Integrating research evidence with clinical expertise
and client preferences
Rationale: Evidence-based practice (EBP) combines the best available
research evidence, the nurse's clinical expertise, and the client's values and
preferences. Tradition (A) and personal preference (B) are not evidence-based.
Cost alone (D) is insufficient justification for clinical decisions.
Question 3
A nurse discovers that a prescribed medication dose appears unusually high for
the client's weight and renal function. What should the nurse do first?
A) Administer the medication as prescribed
B) Ask another client whether they received the same dose
C) Hold the medication and verify the prescription with the prescriber
D) Independently reduce the dose to a safer level
Correct Answer: C) Hold the medication and verify the prescription with
the prescriber
Rationale: When a medication order appears unsafe, the nurse must hold
the medication and clarify the prescription with the prescriber. Nurses must never
administer a potentially unsafe dose or independently alter a prescription.
Verifying with another client (B) violates confidentiality and provides no useful
information.
Question 4
A nurse is caring for four clients. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A) A client requesting assistance with a bath
B) A client with new-onset shortness of breath
C) A client requesting discharge instructions
D) A client reporting mild chronic back pain
Correct Answer: B) A client with new-onset shortness of breath
, Rationale: Nursing prioritization follows the ABCs—Airway, Breathing,
Circulation. New-onset shortness of breath may indicate impaired oxygenation
and is potentially life-threatening. It takes priority over routine care, discharge
teaching, and chronic pain management.
Question 5
A nurse is preparing to administer total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and notices the
solution has an oily appearance with a layer of fat on top. Which action should
the nurse take?
A) Administer the TPN as prescribed since the additives have separated
B) Shake the bag vigorously to redistribute the fat layer
C) Obtain a new bag of TPN before administering
D) Warm the bag to dissolve the fat layer
Correct Answer: C) Obtain a new bag of TPN before administering
Rationale: A "cracked" TPN solution has an oily appearance or a layer of
fat on top and should never be administered. This occurs when calcium or
phosphorus content is high or if poor-salt albumin is added. The nurse must
obtain a new bag to ensure patient safety.
Question 6
A nurse is teaching a client about the correct use of a cane. Which of the following
should the nurse include? (Select all that apply.)
A) Ensure the cane has a rubber cap
B) Hold the cane on the stronger side
C) Flex the elbow slightly when using the cane
D) Use a quad cane for increased support
E) Hold the cane on the weaker side
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D
, Rationale: The cane should have a rubber cap to prevent slipping, be held
on the stronger side for maximum support, and the elbow should be flexed
slightly (about 15–30 degrees) for proper alignment. A quad cane provides a
wider base for increased stability. Holding the cane on the weaker side (E) is
incorrect because it provides less support and increases fall risk.
Question 7
Which finding is considered objective data?
A) The client reports feeling nauseated
B) The client states "I have a headache"
C) The nurse observes a blood pressure of 148/92 mm Hg
D) The client describes their pain as "sharp and stabbing"
Correct Answer: C) The nurse observes a blood pressure of 148/92 mm
Hg
Rationale: Objective data are measurable, observable findings obtained
through physical examination, vital signs, and laboratory results. Subjective data
include what the client reports, such as nausea, headache, and pain descriptions.
Blood pressure measurement is objective data.
Question 8
A nurse manager is implementing a new electronic health record system. Several
staff members are resistant. Which is the most effective leadership strategy?
A) Mandate immediate compliance without discussion
B) Provide education about benefits, involve staff, and address concerns
C) Allow staff to continue using paper records if they prefer
D) Terminate staff who refuse to adapt
Correct Answer: B) Provide education about benefits, involve staff, and
address concerns
