ATI Fundamentals | NGN Matrix/Grid Questions Practice Pack
2026/2027 Questions and Answers |Rationales
1. A nurse is assessing a client who has a suspected fecal impaction. Which of
the following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Frequent loose stools
B. High-pitched bowel sounds
C. Increased appetite
D. Small amounts of liquid stool leakage
Answer: D
Rationale: Small amounts of liquid stool leakage around the impaction is a classic sign of
fecal impaction, as the liquid part of the stool passes through the obstructed area.
2. A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to an adult
client. Which of the following angles should the nurse use?
A. 15 degrees
B. 45 degrees
C. 90 degrees
D. 30 degrees
Answer: C
Rationale: Intramuscular (IM) injections are administered at a 90-degree angle to reach
the muscle tissue beneath the subcutaneous layer.
,3. When transferring a client from a bed to a chair, which of the following
actions should the nurse take first?
A. Place the chair at a 45-degree angle to the bed
B. Assess the client’s ability to help with the transfer
C. Assist the client into a sitting position
D. Lower the side rails on the side of the bed near the chair
Answer: B
Rationale: The first step in any transfer is to assess the client’s functional ability and
strength to ensure safety during the process.
4. A nurse is caring for a client who is on droplet precautions. Which of the
following PPE is required when entering the room?
A. N95 respirator
B. Gown and gloves
C. Shoe covers
D. Surgical mask
Answer: D
Rationale: Droplet precautions require a surgical mask when working within 3 feet of the
client. An N95 is for airborne precautions.
5. Which of the following describes the ethical principle of ‘Autonomy’?
A. Doing good for the client
B. Respecting a client’s right to make their own decisions
C. Telling the truth
D. Fairness in care delivery
Answer: B
Rationale: Autonomy refers to the client’s right to self-determination and making their
own healthcare choices.
, 6. A nurse is caring for a client with a Stage 2 pressure injury. What should the
nurse expect to see?
A. Intact skin with non-blanchable redness
B. Partial-thickness skin loss with a visible ulcer
C. Full-thickness tissue loss with visible subcutaneous fat
D. Full-thickness loss with exposed bone
Answer: B
Rationale: Stage 2 pressure injuries involve partial-thickness loss of the dermis,
presenting as a shallow open ulcer or a fluid-filled blister.
7. A nurse is documenting in a client’s electronic health record. Which of the
following is a HIPAA violation?
A. Sharing a password with a colleague who forgot theirs
B. Logging out before leaving the terminal
C. Discussing the client’s condition with the provider
D. Using an encrypted device for documentation
Answer: A
Rationale: Sharing passwords is a direct violation of HIPAA security and confidentiality
protocols.
8. What is the first action a nurse should take if a medication error occurs?
A. Assess the client’s vital signs
B. Fill out an incident report
C. Notify the provider
D. Inform the nurse manager
Answer: A
Rationale: The priority is always the client’s safety. The nurse must first assess the client’s
status before taking administrative steps.
2026/2027 Questions and Answers |Rationales
1. A nurse is assessing a client who has a suspected fecal impaction. Which of
the following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Frequent loose stools
B. High-pitched bowel sounds
C. Increased appetite
D. Small amounts of liquid stool leakage
Answer: D
Rationale: Small amounts of liquid stool leakage around the impaction is a classic sign of
fecal impaction, as the liquid part of the stool passes through the obstructed area.
2. A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to an adult
client. Which of the following angles should the nurse use?
A. 15 degrees
B. 45 degrees
C. 90 degrees
D. 30 degrees
Answer: C
Rationale: Intramuscular (IM) injections are administered at a 90-degree angle to reach
the muscle tissue beneath the subcutaneous layer.
,3. When transferring a client from a bed to a chair, which of the following
actions should the nurse take first?
A. Place the chair at a 45-degree angle to the bed
B. Assess the client’s ability to help with the transfer
C. Assist the client into a sitting position
D. Lower the side rails on the side of the bed near the chair
Answer: B
Rationale: The first step in any transfer is to assess the client’s functional ability and
strength to ensure safety during the process.
4. A nurse is caring for a client who is on droplet precautions. Which of the
following PPE is required when entering the room?
A. N95 respirator
B. Gown and gloves
C. Shoe covers
D. Surgical mask
Answer: D
Rationale: Droplet precautions require a surgical mask when working within 3 feet of the
client. An N95 is for airborne precautions.
5. Which of the following describes the ethical principle of ‘Autonomy’?
A. Doing good for the client
B. Respecting a client’s right to make their own decisions
C. Telling the truth
D. Fairness in care delivery
Answer: B
Rationale: Autonomy refers to the client’s right to self-determination and making their
own healthcare choices.
, 6. A nurse is caring for a client with a Stage 2 pressure injury. What should the
nurse expect to see?
A. Intact skin with non-blanchable redness
B. Partial-thickness skin loss with a visible ulcer
C. Full-thickness tissue loss with visible subcutaneous fat
D. Full-thickness loss with exposed bone
Answer: B
Rationale: Stage 2 pressure injuries involve partial-thickness loss of the dermis,
presenting as a shallow open ulcer or a fluid-filled blister.
7. A nurse is documenting in a client’s electronic health record. Which of the
following is a HIPAA violation?
A. Sharing a password with a colleague who forgot theirs
B. Logging out before leaving the terminal
C. Discussing the client’s condition with the provider
D. Using an encrypted device for documentation
Answer: A
Rationale: Sharing passwords is a direct violation of HIPAA security and confidentiality
protocols.
8. What is the first action a nurse should take if a medication error occurs?
A. Assess the client’s vital signs
B. Fill out an incident report
C. Notify the provider
D. Inform the nurse manager
Answer: A
Rationale: The priority is always the client’s safety. The nurse must first assess the client’s
status before taking administrative steps.
