ATI Critical Thinking Exam Questions
and Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
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Question 1
What is the first step of the nursing process?
A. Planning
B. Assessment
C. Implementation
D. Evaluation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Assessment is the first step of the nursing process. The nurse gathers subjective
and objective data before making clinical decisions.
Question 2
Which nursing process step involves identifying patient problems?
A. Assessment
B. Diagnosis
C. Planning
D. Evaluation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The nursing diagnosis identifies actual or potential health problems based on
assessment findings.
,Question 3
Which action best demonstrates critical thinking?
A. Following routines without question
B. Analyzing patient information before acting
C. Memorizing procedures only
D. Waiting for others to make decisions
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Critical thinking requires analyzing available information to make safe and
appropriate clinical decisions.
Question 4
Which assessment data is considered subjective?
A. Blood pressure of 120/80 mm Hg
B. Temperature of 37°C (98.6°F)
C. Patient reports pain rated 8 out of 10
D. Heart rate of 72 beats/min
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Subjective data are symptoms reported by the patient and cannot be directly
measured by the nurse.
Question 5
Which assessment finding is objective?
A. "I feel dizzy."
B. "My stomach hurts."
,C. Respiratory rate of 18 breaths/min
D. "I feel anxious."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Objective data are measurable observations obtained through examination or
equipment.
Question 6
What is the primary goal of patient safety?
A. Reduce documentation
B. Prevent patient harm
C. Increase medication use
D. Shorten hospital stays
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Patient safety focuses on preventing injury, errors, and avoidable complications.
Question 7
Hand hygiene is the most effective method to:
A. Reduce medication errors
B. Prevent the spread of infection
C. Improve documentation
D. Lower blood pressure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Proper hand hygiene significantly reduces transmission of infectious organisms.
Question 8
, Which communication technique promotes therapeutic communication?
A. Giving personal opinions
B. Asking open-ended questions
C. Interrupting the patient
D. Changing the subject
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Open-ended questions encourage patients to share information and feelings.
Question 9
Which patient requires assessment first?
A. Stable patient awaiting discharge
B. Patient reporting sudden chest pain
C. Patient requesting water
D. Patient watching television
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Sudden chest pain may indicate a life-threatening condition requiring immediate
assessment.
Question 10
Which abbreviation should generally be avoided in documentation?
A. mL
B. mg
C. U for units
D. kg
Correct Answer: C
and Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
Question 1
What is the first step of the nursing process?
A. Planning
B. Assessment
C. Implementation
D. Evaluation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Assessment is the first step of the nursing process. The nurse gathers subjective
and objective data before making clinical decisions.
Question 2
Which nursing process step involves identifying patient problems?
A. Assessment
B. Diagnosis
C. Planning
D. Evaluation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The nursing diagnosis identifies actual or potential health problems based on
assessment findings.
,Question 3
Which action best demonstrates critical thinking?
A. Following routines without question
B. Analyzing patient information before acting
C. Memorizing procedures only
D. Waiting for others to make decisions
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Critical thinking requires analyzing available information to make safe and
appropriate clinical decisions.
Question 4
Which assessment data is considered subjective?
A. Blood pressure of 120/80 mm Hg
B. Temperature of 37°C (98.6°F)
C. Patient reports pain rated 8 out of 10
D. Heart rate of 72 beats/min
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Subjective data are symptoms reported by the patient and cannot be directly
measured by the nurse.
Question 5
Which assessment finding is objective?
A. "I feel dizzy."
B. "My stomach hurts."
,C. Respiratory rate of 18 breaths/min
D. "I feel anxious."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Objective data are measurable observations obtained through examination or
equipment.
Question 6
What is the primary goal of patient safety?
A. Reduce documentation
B. Prevent patient harm
C. Increase medication use
D. Shorten hospital stays
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Patient safety focuses on preventing injury, errors, and avoidable complications.
Question 7
Hand hygiene is the most effective method to:
A. Reduce medication errors
B. Prevent the spread of infection
C. Improve documentation
D. Lower blood pressure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Proper hand hygiene significantly reduces transmission of infectious organisms.
Question 8
, Which communication technique promotes therapeutic communication?
A. Giving personal opinions
B. Asking open-ended questions
C. Interrupting the patient
D. Changing the subject
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Open-ended questions encourage patients to share information and feelings.
Question 9
Which patient requires assessment first?
A. Stable patient awaiting discharge
B. Patient reporting sudden chest pain
C. Patient requesting water
D. Patient watching television
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Sudden chest pain may indicate a life-threatening condition requiring immediate
assessment.
Question 10
Which abbreviation should generally be avoided in documentation?
A. mL
B. mg
C. U for units
D. kg
Correct Answer: C
