ATI Fundamentals 2026/2027 | ACTUAL-Style ATI
Fundamentals Practice Questions & Answers, ATI
Fundamentals Nursing Exam Prep, Verified Answers, Detailed
Rationales, Nursing Fundamentals Study Guide, Basic Nursing
Skills, Safety & Infection Control, Vital Signs, Health
Assessment, Medication Administration, Pharmacology
Basics, Fluid & Electrolytes, Nutrition, Pain Management,
Mobility, Hygiene, Elimination, Oxygenation, Wound Care,
Documentation, Communication, Patient Education, Legal &
Ethical Nursing, Prioritization, Delegation & Comprehensive
RN Nursing Review
Question 1: A nurse is caring for a client who reports severe pain and
requests medication. Which of the following actions should the nurse
take first?
A. Administer the prescribed analgesic immediately
B. Assess the client's pain using a standardized scale
C. Document the client's request in the medical record
D. Notify the provider of the client's pain
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Assess the client's pain using a standardized
scale
Rationale: The nursing process begins with assessment. Before
administering any intervention, the nurse must first collect comprehensive
data regarding the pain, including location, quality, intensity, and duration.
This assessment guides the appropriate intervention and allows for
evaluation of effectiveness.
Question 2: A nurse is preparing to delegate tasks to an assistive
personnel (AP). Which of the following tasks is most appropriate for the
nurse to delegate?
A. Administering oral medications to a stable client
B. Performing a sterile dressing change
C. Measuring and recording a client's intake and output
D. Teaching a client about a new medication regimen
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Measuring and recording a client's intake and
output
,Rationale: Measuring intake and output is a routine, non-invasive task that
does not require nursing judgment or critical decision-making. This task
falls within the scope of practice for assistive personnel. Medication
administration, sterile procedures, and client teaching require the
assessment and judgment of a licensed nurse.
Question 3: A nurse is caring for a client who has an order for wrist
restraints. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Tie the restraint straps to the side rails of the bed
B. Remove the restraints every 2 hours to assess circulation
C. Apply the restraints tightly to prevent escape
D. Obtain a new prescription every 72 hours
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Remove the restraints every 2 hours to assess
circulation
Rationale: Restraints must be removed every 2 hours to allow for
assessment of circulation, range of motion, and provision of basic care
needs. Restraints should never be tied to side rails because injury can
occur if the rails are lowered. The restraint should allow for two fingers to fit
between the device and the client's skin. Prescriptions for restraints must
be renewed according to facility policy, typically every 24 hours for adults.
Question 4: A nurse is teaching a client about advance directives.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates
understanding?
A. "My doctor will decide when to stop my treatment."
B. "I can specify that I don't want to be on a ventilator."
C. "My family will automatically make decisions for me."
D. "I need a lawyer to complete this document."
CORRECT ANSWER: B. "I can specify that I don't want to be on a
ventilator."
Rationale: Advance directives allow clients to document their wishes
regarding life-sustaining treatments, including mechanical ventilation,
resuscitation, and artificial nutrition. The client does not need a lawyer to
complete these documents, and the purpose is to ensure the client's
wishes are honored when they cannot speak for themselves.
,Question 5: A nurse is preparing to administer an intradermal injection.
At which angle should the nurse insert the needle?
A. 15 degrees
B. 45 degrees
C. 60 degrees
D. 90 degrees
CORRECT ANSWER: A. 15 degrees
Rationale: Intradermal injections, such as tuberculin skin tests, require the
needle to be inserted at a 5- to 15-degree angle with the bevel facing
upward. This technique places the medication just beneath the epidermis
and creates a visible wheal. A 45-degree angle is used for subcutaneous
injections, while a 90-degree angle is used for intramuscular injections.
Question 6: A nurse is caring for a client who is at risk for falls. Which of
the following interventions should the nurse implement?
A. Keep the bed in the highest position
B. Apply a fall risk wristband to the client
C. Leave the side rails down at all times
D. Restrain the client to prevent movement
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Apply a fall risk wristband to the client
Rationale: A fall risk wristband alerts all staff members to the client's risk
status and promotes consistent safety measures. The bed should be kept
in the lowest position, side rails should be used according to facility policy
(not left down), and restraints require a provider's order and should be used
only as a last resort.
Question 7: A nurse is performing hand hygiene before client care.
Which of the following actions demonstrates proper technique?
A. Using an alcohol-based hand rub when hands are visibly soiled
B. Washing hands for at least 15 seconds with soap and water
C. Wearing gloves as a substitute for hand hygiene
D. Rinsing hands with water only after removing gloves
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Washing hands for at least 15 seconds with
soap and water
, Rationale: Hand washing with soap and water should last at least 15 to 20
seconds to effectively remove transient microorganisms. Alcohol-based
hand rubs are appropriate when hands are not visibly soiled. Gloves do not
replace hand hygiene; hands must be washed after glove removal.
Question 8: A nurse is preparing to administer medication through a
nasogastric tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Mix all crushed medications together in water
B. Flush the tube with 15 to 30 mL of water between each medication
C. Administer the medications rapidly to prevent clogging
D. Use sterile water for flushing the tube
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Flush the tube with 15 to 30 mL of water
between each medication
Rationale: Administering each medication separately with a water flush
between medications prevents drug interactions and tube occlusion.
Medications should be administered one at a time, and the tube should be
flushed before, between, and after all medications. Rapid administration
can cause aspiration or tube rupture.
Question 9: A nurse is assessing a client who has a new colostomy.
Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
A. The stoma is pink and moist
B. The stoma is dark purple and dry
C. There is a small amount of bleeding at the stoma site
D. The stoma is slightly edematous
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The stoma is dark purple and dry
Rationale: A healthy stoma should be pink to red and moist, similar to the
oral mucosa. A dark purple, blue, or black stoma indicates inadequate
blood supply and possible necrosis, which requires immediate
intervention. Slight edema and minor bleeding are expected findings in the
immediate postoperative period.
Question 10: A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has
a new prescription for a metered-dose inhaler. Which of the following
instructions should the nurse include?
Fundamentals Practice Questions & Answers, ATI
Fundamentals Nursing Exam Prep, Verified Answers, Detailed
Rationales, Nursing Fundamentals Study Guide, Basic Nursing
Skills, Safety & Infection Control, Vital Signs, Health
Assessment, Medication Administration, Pharmacology
Basics, Fluid & Electrolytes, Nutrition, Pain Management,
Mobility, Hygiene, Elimination, Oxygenation, Wound Care,
Documentation, Communication, Patient Education, Legal &
Ethical Nursing, Prioritization, Delegation & Comprehensive
RN Nursing Review
Question 1: A nurse is caring for a client who reports severe pain and
requests medication. Which of the following actions should the nurse
take first?
A. Administer the prescribed analgesic immediately
B. Assess the client's pain using a standardized scale
C. Document the client's request in the medical record
D. Notify the provider of the client's pain
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Assess the client's pain using a standardized
scale
Rationale: The nursing process begins with assessment. Before
administering any intervention, the nurse must first collect comprehensive
data regarding the pain, including location, quality, intensity, and duration.
This assessment guides the appropriate intervention and allows for
evaluation of effectiveness.
Question 2: A nurse is preparing to delegate tasks to an assistive
personnel (AP). Which of the following tasks is most appropriate for the
nurse to delegate?
A. Administering oral medications to a stable client
B. Performing a sterile dressing change
C. Measuring and recording a client's intake and output
D. Teaching a client about a new medication regimen
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Measuring and recording a client's intake and
output
,Rationale: Measuring intake and output is a routine, non-invasive task that
does not require nursing judgment or critical decision-making. This task
falls within the scope of practice for assistive personnel. Medication
administration, sterile procedures, and client teaching require the
assessment and judgment of a licensed nurse.
Question 3: A nurse is caring for a client who has an order for wrist
restraints. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Tie the restraint straps to the side rails of the bed
B. Remove the restraints every 2 hours to assess circulation
C. Apply the restraints tightly to prevent escape
D. Obtain a new prescription every 72 hours
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Remove the restraints every 2 hours to assess
circulation
Rationale: Restraints must be removed every 2 hours to allow for
assessment of circulation, range of motion, and provision of basic care
needs. Restraints should never be tied to side rails because injury can
occur if the rails are lowered. The restraint should allow for two fingers to fit
between the device and the client's skin. Prescriptions for restraints must
be renewed according to facility policy, typically every 24 hours for adults.
Question 4: A nurse is teaching a client about advance directives.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates
understanding?
A. "My doctor will decide when to stop my treatment."
B. "I can specify that I don't want to be on a ventilator."
C. "My family will automatically make decisions for me."
D. "I need a lawyer to complete this document."
CORRECT ANSWER: B. "I can specify that I don't want to be on a
ventilator."
Rationale: Advance directives allow clients to document their wishes
regarding life-sustaining treatments, including mechanical ventilation,
resuscitation, and artificial nutrition. The client does not need a lawyer to
complete these documents, and the purpose is to ensure the client's
wishes are honored when they cannot speak for themselves.
,Question 5: A nurse is preparing to administer an intradermal injection.
At which angle should the nurse insert the needle?
A. 15 degrees
B. 45 degrees
C. 60 degrees
D. 90 degrees
CORRECT ANSWER: A. 15 degrees
Rationale: Intradermal injections, such as tuberculin skin tests, require the
needle to be inserted at a 5- to 15-degree angle with the bevel facing
upward. This technique places the medication just beneath the epidermis
and creates a visible wheal. A 45-degree angle is used for subcutaneous
injections, while a 90-degree angle is used for intramuscular injections.
Question 6: A nurse is caring for a client who is at risk for falls. Which of
the following interventions should the nurse implement?
A. Keep the bed in the highest position
B. Apply a fall risk wristband to the client
C. Leave the side rails down at all times
D. Restrain the client to prevent movement
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Apply a fall risk wristband to the client
Rationale: A fall risk wristband alerts all staff members to the client's risk
status and promotes consistent safety measures. The bed should be kept
in the lowest position, side rails should be used according to facility policy
(not left down), and restraints require a provider's order and should be used
only as a last resort.
Question 7: A nurse is performing hand hygiene before client care.
Which of the following actions demonstrates proper technique?
A. Using an alcohol-based hand rub when hands are visibly soiled
B. Washing hands for at least 15 seconds with soap and water
C. Wearing gloves as a substitute for hand hygiene
D. Rinsing hands with water only after removing gloves
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Washing hands for at least 15 seconds with
soap and water
, Rationale: Hand washing with soap and water should last at least 15 to 20
seconds to effectively remove transient microorganisms. Alcohol-based
hand rubs are appropriate when hands are not visibly soiled. Gloves do not
replace hand hygiene; hands must be washed after glove removal.
Question 8: A nurse is preparing to administer medication through a
nasogastric tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Mix all crushed medications together in water
B. Flush the tube with 15 to 30 mL of water between each medication
C. Administer the medications rapidly to prevent clogging
D. Use sterile water for flushing the tube
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Flush the tube with 15 to 30 mL of water
between each medication
Rationale: Administering each medication separately with a water flush
between medications prevents drug interactions and tube occlusion.
Medications should be administered one at a time, and the tube should be
flushed before, between, and after all medications. Rapid administration
can cause aspiration or tube rupture.
Question 9: A nurse is assessing a client who has a new colostomy.
Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
A. The stoma is pink and moist
B. The stoma is dark purple and dry
C. There is a small amount of bleeding at the stoma site
D. The stoma is slightly edematous
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The stoma is dark purple and dry
Rationale: A healthy stoma should be pink to red and moist, similar to the
oral mucosa. A dark purple, blue, or black stoma indicates inadequate
blood supply and possible necrosis, which requires immediate
intervention. Slight edema and minor bleeding are expected findings in the
immediate postoperative period.
Question 10: A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has
a new prescription for a metered-dose inhaler. Which of the following
instructions should the nurse include?
