ATI FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
Safety and Infection Control
Health Promotion and Maintenance
Basic Care and Comfort
Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
Psychosocial Integrity
Physiological Adaptation
Legal and Ethical Issues in Nursing
Nursing Process and Critical Thinking
Introduction
*This comprehensive examination is designed to assess foundational knowledge and clinical judgment essential
for success in ATI Fundamentals of Nursing. Each question evaluates the integration of nursing theory,
evidence-based practice, regulatory standards, and ethical principles across diverse patient care scenarios. The
200 multiple-choice questions emphasize real-world application, prioritization, delegation, and clinical decision-
making. Each item includes a verified correct answer with a concise rationale to reinforce understanding. This
assessment mirrors the structure and rigor of standardized nursing examinations, preparing learners for both
academic and licensure testing environments.*
,SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a patient who requires a sterile wound dressing change. Which action demonstrates proper
sterile technique?
A. Setting up the sterile field 15 minutes before the procedure
B. Opening the sterile package toward the body first
C. Holding sterile objects above waist level
D. Placing the sterile drape with the plastic side up
🟢C
🔴 RATIONALE: Sterile objects must remain above waist level to maintain sterility, as this area is considered
within the sterile field and minimizes risk of contamination.
Question 2
A nurse notes that a patient’s radial pulse is irregular. What should the nurse do next?
A. Document the finding as normal
B. Auscultate the apical pulse for one full minute
C. Reassess the radial pulse for 15 seconds and multiply by 4
D. Notify the provider immediately
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: An irregular radial pulse requires confirmation by auscultating the apical pulse for 60 seconds
to accurately assess rate and rhythm.
,Question 3
A patient has a new prescription for enoxaparin (Lovenox) subcutaneously. Which injection site is most
appropriate?
A. Deltoid muscle
B. Abdomen, alternating sides
C. Ventrogluteal area
D. Vastus lateralis
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: Enoxaparin is administered subcutaneously into the abdomen, away from the umbilicus,
alternating sides to prevent hematoma formation.
Question 4
A nurse is teaching a patient about a low-sodium diet. Which food choice indicates understanding?
A. Canned vegetable soup
B. Fresh grilled chicken breast
C. Salted pretzels
D. Processed cheese slice
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: Fresh grilled chicken is naturally low in sodium. Canned, processed, and salted foods typically
contain high sodium levels.
Question 5
A patient falls while attempting to ambulate independently. What is the nurse’s priority action?
, A. Complete an incident report
B. Notify the charge nurse
C. Assess the patient for injuries
D. Document the fall in the medical record
🟢C
🔴 RATIONALE: Assessment of the patient for injuries is the immediate priority to ensure safety and identify any
harm requiring intervention.
Question 6
A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter. Which technique is correct for maintaining sterility?
A. Opening the catheter kit with clean gloves
B. Using sterile gloves and a sterile drape
C. Placing the drainage bag on the floor
D. Wiping the meatus with antiseptic from back to front (female)
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: Sterile gloves and a sterile drape maintain the sterile field required for urinary catheterization to
prevent infection.
Question 7
A patient reports pain rated 8/10 after abdominal surgery. The nurse administers morphine 4 mg IV.
Reassessment for effectiveness should occur in approximately:
A. 5 minutes
B. 15 minutes
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
Safety and Infection Control
Health Promotion and Maintenance
Basic Care and Comfort
Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
Psychosocial Integrity
Physiological Adaptation
Legal and Ethical Issues in Nursing
Nursing Process and Critical Thinking
Introduction
*This comprehensive examination is designed to assess foundational knowledge and clinical judgment essential
for success in ATI Fundamentals of Nursing. Each question evaluates the integration of nursing theory,
evidence-based practice, regulatory standards, and ethical principles across diverse patient care scenarios. The
200 multiple-choice questions emphasize real-world application, prioritization, delegation, and clinical decision-
making. Each item includes a verified correct answer with a concise rationale to reinforce understanding. This
assessment mirrors the structure and rigor of standardized nursing examinations, preparing learners for both
academic and licensure testing environments.*
,SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a patient who requires a sterile wound dressing change. Which action demonstrates proper
sterile technique?
A. Setting up the sterile field 15 minutes before the procedure
B. Opening the sterile package toward the body first
C. Holding sterile objects above waist level
D. Placing the sterile drape with the plastic side up
🟢C
🔴 RATIONALE: Sterile objects must remain above waist level to maintain sterility, as this area is considered
within the sterile field and minimizes risk of contamination.
Question 2
A nurse notes that a patient’s radial pulse is irregular. What should the nurse do next?
A. Document the finding as normal
B. Auscultate the apical pulse for one full minute
C. Reassess the radial pulse for 15 seconds and multiply by 4
D. Notify the provider immediately
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: An irregular radial pulse requires confirmation by auscultating the apical pulse for 60 seconds
to accurately assess rate and rhythm.
,Question 3
A patient has a new prescription for enoxaparin (Lovenox) subcutaneously. Which injection site is most
appropriate?
A. Deltoid muscle
B. Abdomen, alternating sides
C. Ventrogluteal area
D. Vastus lateralis
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: Enoxaparin is administered subcutaneously into the abdomen, away from the umbilicus,
alternating sides to prevent hematoma formation.
Question 4
A nurse is teaching a patient about a low-sodium diet. Which food choice indicates understanding?
A. Canned vegetable soup
B. Fresh grilled chicken breast
C. Salted pretzels
D. Processed cheese slice
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: Fresh grilled chicken is naturally low in sodium. Canned, processed, and salted foods typically
contain high sodium levels.
Question 5
A patient falls while attempting to ambulate independently. What is the nurse’s priority action?
, A. Complete an incident report
B. Notify the charge nurse
C. Assess the patient for injuries
D. Document the fall in the medical record
🟢C
🔴 RATIONALE: Assessment of the patient for injuries is the immediate priority to ensure safety and identify any
harm requiring intervention.
Question 6
A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter. Which technique is correct for maintaining sterility?
A. Opening the catheter kit with clean gloves
B. Using sterile gloves and a sterile drape
C. Placing the drainage bag on the floor
D. Wiping the meatus with antiseptic from back to front (female)
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: Sterile gloves and a sterile drape maintain the sterile field required for urinary catheterization to
prevent infection.
Question 7
A patient reports pain rated 8/10 after abdominal surgery. The nurse administers morphine 4 mg IV.
Reassessment for effectiveness should occur in approximately:
A. 5 minutes
B. 15 minutes
