ATI Health Assessment Exam | Questions,
Correct answers & Rationales | Practice Exam
| Study Notes | Exam Success Bundle | Updated
2026 | Nursing & Healthcare Students |
Guaranteed
1. A nurse is preparing to perform a physical assessment on a client. The client states, "I am really
nervous about this." Which of the following responses by the nurse is most appropriate?
a) "Don't worry, it will be over quickly."
b) "There is no reason to be nervous."
c) "I understand you're feeling nervous. I will explain everything as we go."
d) "Let's just get started so you can relax."
Correct answers: c) "I understand you're feeling nervous. I will explain everything as we go."
Rationale: This response validates the client's feelings and uses a therapeutic communication technique.
It promotes trust and reduces anxiety by informing the client about the procedure.
2. A nurse is assessing a client's general appearance. Which of the following findings is a priority to
report to the healthcare provider?
a) The client is dressed appropriately for the weather.
b) The client maintains eye contact during the interview.
c) The client has a body mass index (BMI) of 19.
d) The client appears to be in acute distress, grimacing and holding their abdomen.
Correct answers: d) the client appears to be in acute distress, grimacing and holding their
abdomen.
Rationale: This finding indicates a potential acute problem (e.g., pain, abdominal emergency) that
requires immediate attention. The other options are within normal limits or not immediately life-
threatening.
, 3. A nurse is measuring a client's blood pressure. The client is seated with their arm supported at heart
level. The cuff is placed 2.5 cm (1 inch) above the antecubital space. The nurse inflates the cuff to 180
mmHg and slowly releases the pressure. The first Korotkoff sound is heard at 142 mmHg, and the fifth
sound is heard at 88 mmHg. Which of the following is the correct blood pressure reading?
a) 180/88
b) 142/88
c) 142/92
d) 88/142
Correct answers: b) 142/88
Rationale: The systolic pressure is the first Korotkoff sound (phase I). The diastolic pressure is the point
at which the fifth Korotkoff sound (phase V) disappears. The reading is written as systolic/diastolic.
4. A nurse is assessing a client's temperature using a tympanic thermometer. Which of the following
actions is correct?
a) Pull the pinna up and back for an adult.
b) Pull the pinna down and back for an adult.
c) Pull the pinna up and back for a child under 3 years.
d) Gently push the speculum into the ear canal until resistance is met.
Correct answers: a) Pull the pinna up and back for an adult.
Rationale: Pulling the pinna up and back straightens the ear canal for an adult. For a child under 3, the
pinna is pulled down and back to visualize the ear canal properly.
5. A nurse is assessing a client's pain level. The client is awake, alert, and oriented. Which of the
following pain scales is the most appropriate to use?
a) Faces Pain Scale
b) Numeric Rating Scale (0-10)
c) FLACC Scale
d) PAINAD Scale
Correct answers & Rationales | Practice Exam
| Study Notes | Exam Success Bundle | Updated
2026 | Nursing & Healthcare Students |
Guaranteed
1. A nurse is preparing to perform a physical assessment on a client. The client states, "I am really
nervous about this." Which of the following responses by the nurse is most appropriate?
a) "Don't worry, it will be over quickly."
b) "There is no reason to be nervous."
c) "I understand you're feeling nervous. I will explain everything as we go."
d) "Let's just get started so you can relax."
Correct answers: c) "I understand you're feeling nervous. I will explain everything as we go."
Rationale: This response validates the client's feelings and uses a therapeutic communication technique.
It promotes trust and reduces anxiety by informing the client about the procedure.
2. A nurse is assessing a client's general appearance. Which of the following findings is a priority to
report to the healthcare provider?
a) The client is dressed appropriately for the weather.
b) The client maintains eye contact during the interview.
c) The client has a body mass index (BMI) of 19.
d) The client appears to be in acute distress, grimacing and holding their abdomen.
Correct answers: d) the client appears to be in acute distress, grimacing and holding their
abdomen.
Rationale: This finding indicates a potential acute problem (e.g., pain, abdominal emergency) that
requires immediate attention. The other options are within normal limits or not immediately life-
threatening.
, 3. A nurse is measuring a client's blood pressure. The client is seated with their arm supported at heart
level. The cuff is placed 2.5 cm (1 inch) above the antecubital space. The nurse inflates the cuff to 180
mmHg and slowly releases the pressure. The first Korotkoff sound is heard at 142 mmHg, and the fifth
sound is heard at 88 mmHg. Which of the following is the correct blood pressure reading?
a) 180/88
b) 142/88
c) 142/92
d) 88/142
Correct answers: b) 142/88
Rationale: The systolic pressure is the first Korotkoff sound (phase I). The diastolic pressure is the point
at which the fifth Korotkoff sound (phase V) disappears. The reading is written as systolic/diastolic.
4. A nurse is assessing a client's temperature using a tympanic thermometer. Which of the following
actions is correct?
a) Pull the pinna up and back for an adult.
b) Pull the pinna down and back for an adult.
c) Pull the pinna up and back for a child under 3 years.
d) Gently push the speculum into the ear canal until resistance is met.
Correct answers: a) Pull the pinna up and back for an adult.
Rationale: Pulling the pinna up and back straightens the ear canal for an adult. For a child under 3, the
pinna is pulled down and back to visualize the ear canal properly.
5. A nurse is assessing a client's pain level. The client is awake, alert, and oriented. Which of the
following pain scales is the most appropriate to use?
a) Faces Pain Scale
b) Numeric Rating Scale (0-10)
c) FLACC Scale
d) PAINAD Scale
