ATI CAPSTONE FUNDAMENTALS PROCTORED
EXAM 300 ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND
COTRRECT ANSWERS WITH RATIONALE
LATEST UPDATE ALREADY GRADED A+
ASSURED PASS
This comprehensive set of 300 unique, multiple-choice questions is
meticulously designed to mirror the content and complexity of the ATI
Capstone Fundamentals Proctored Exam. Each question targets a distinct,
high-yield nursing concept, ensuring no repetition across the entire bank. The
questions cover a wide array of essential topics, including medication
administration, infection control, safety protocols, wound care, nutrition, and
therapeutic communication. Every item is paired with a correct answer and a
detailed, evidence-based rationale that explains the clinical reasoning behind
the correct choice. This resource serves as an intensive review tool, helping
students solidify their foundational knowledge, identify knowledge gaps, and
build the critical thinking skills necessary for success on the proctored exam
and the NCLEX-RN .
1. A nurse is preparing to administer a tuberculin skin test. Which action is
correct?
A. Insert the needle at a 45-degree angle with the bevel up.
B. Insert the needle at a 5- to 15-degree angle with the bevel up.
C. Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle with the bevel down.
D. Insert the needle at a 60-degree angle using a 25-gauge needle.
Answer: B
Rationale: A tuberculin skin test (PPD) is administered intradermally. The
needle is inserted at a 5- to 15-degree angle (almost flat), bevel up, until the bevel
is just under the skin to create a wheal .
2. A client is placed in restraints. Which action by the nurse is incorrect?
A. Tie the restraints to the movable bed frame.
B. Remove the restraints every 2 hours for range of motion.
, C. Document the client's behavior leading to restraint use.
D. Obtain a provider's order within 15-30 minutes of application.
Answer: A
Rationale: Restraints should be tied to the bed frame (non-movable part), not the
side rails, to prevent injury if the side rail is lowered. Orders must be obtained
quickly, and restraints must be removed every 2 hours for assessment and range of
motion .
3. A nurse is caring for a client with tuberculosis. Which type of precautions
should the nurse implement?
A. Contact Precautions
B. Droplet Precautions
C. Airborne Precautions
D. Standard Precautions alone
Answer: C
Rationale: Tuberculosis is transmitted via airborne particles and requires
Airborne Precautions. This includes a negative pressure room and an N95
respirator mask [citation:3, citation:6].
4. A nurse is caring for a client with a prescription for a narcotic medication. After
administration, the nurse is left with an unused portion. What should the nurse do?
A. Discard the medication in the sharps container.
B. Return the unused portion to the pharmacy.
C. Discard the medication with another nurse as a witness.
D. Save the unused portion for the next scheduled dose.
Answer: C
Rationale: For controlled substances, any unused portion must be wasted in the
presence of another licensed nurse who witnesses the disposal .
5. A nurse is assessing the pain level of a client who has dementia and difficulty
communicating. Which pain assessment technique should the nurse use?
A. Ask the client to rate pain on a scale of 0 to 10.
B. Observe for behavioral indicators like increased agitation or restlessness.
C. Wait for the client to report pain verbally.
D. Assess pain using a visual analog scale.
Answer: B
Rationale: For clients with dementia who cannot self-report pain, the nurse
should assess for behavioral indicators such as increased agitation, restlessness,
moaning, or guarding [citation:3, citation:7].
,6. A nurse receives a report from assistive personnel that a client's blood pressure
is 160/95 mm Hg. What should the nurse do first?
A. Notify the provider immediately.
B. Recheck the client's blood pressure.
C. Administer an antihypertensive medication.
D. Document the reading in the client's chart.
Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse's first action is to reassess the client's blood pressure to
confirm the finding before any intervention [citation:3, citation:7].
7. A nurse is assessing the IV infusion site of a client who reports pain. The site is
red and there is warmth along the course of the vein. What should the nurse do?
A. Slow the infusion rate.
B. Apply a cool compress.
C. Discontinue the infusion.
D. Elevate the affected arm.
Answer: C
Rationale: The assessment findings indicate phlebitis (inflammation of the vein).
The nurse should discontinue the IV infusion and apply a warm compress. If
continued therapy is required, a new IV should be started at a different site
[citation:3, citation:7].
8. A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has a nonpalpable skin lesion that
is less than 0.5 cm (0.2 in) in diameter. Which term should the nurse use to
document this finding?
A. Papule
B. Vesicle
C. Macule
D. Pustule
Answer: C
Rationale: A macule is a flat, nonpalpable, circumscribed area of skin
discoloration less than 1 cm in diameter (e.g., freckle) [citation:3, citation:7].
9. A community health nurse is teaching a group of clients about first aid for
different types of wounds. Which client statement indicates an understanding of
the teaching?
A. I should remove blood-saturated dressings and reapply new ones.
B. I should apply clean dressings over the top of blood-saturated dressings and
hold pressure.
C. I should apply a tourniquet above the wound to stop the bleeding.
, D. I should clean the wound with alcohol before applying a dressing.
Answer: B
Rationale: The client should apply clean dressings over blood-saturated ones to
maintain pressure and prevent disruption of wound tissue. The old dressing should
not be removed as this can dislodge a clot [citation:3, citation:7].
10. A nurse is sitting with the partner of a client who recently died. Which action
should the nurse take to facilitate mourning?
A. Encourage the partner to talk about the deceased.
B. Encourage the partner to ask for help when needed.
C. Share personal experiences of loss.
D. Encourage the partner to stay busy to avoid dwelling on the loss.
Answer: B
Rationale: Encouraging the bereaved partner to ask for help when needed
supports them through the grieving process and acknowledges that coping with
loss requires support [citation:3, citation:7].
11. A nurse in an acute care facility is caring for a client who is postoperative
following abdominal surgery. Which behavior should the nurse identify as
increasing the client's risk for constipation?
A. Drinking 2 L of water per day.
B. Using a stool softener daily.
C. A history of urge suppression.
D. Walking in the hallway three times daily.
Answer: C
Rationale: Suppressing the urge to defecate is a behavioral factor that can lead t o
constipation. Other risk factors include inadequate fluid intake and a history of
chronic stimulant laxative use [citation:3, citation:7].
12. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a prescription for
home oxygen. Which information should the nurse include?
A. Wear cotton socks when the oxygen is in use.
B. Apply petroleum-based ointment to the nares for comfort.
C. Use an electric razor to prevent skin irritation.
D. Store oxygen cylinders in a horizontal position.
Answer: A
Rationale: Clients using home oxygen should wear cotton socks and clothing to
prevent static electricity, which can cause a fire. Petroleum-based products should
be avoided, and a safety razor should be used .
EXAM 300 ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND
COTRRECT ANSWERS WITH RATIONALE
LATEST UPDATE ALREADY GRADED A+
ASSURED PASS
This comprehensive set of 300 unique, multiple-choice questions is
meticulously designed to mirror the content and complexity of the ATI
Capstone Fundamentals Proctored Exam. Each question targets a distinct,
high-yield nursing concept, ensuring no repetition across the entire bank. The
questions cover a wide array of essential topics, including medication
administration, infection control, safety protocols, wound care, nutrition, and
therapeutic communication. Every item is paired with a correct answer and a
detailed, evidence-based rationale that explains the clinical reasoning behind
the correct choice. This resource serves as an intensive review tool, helping
students solidify their foundational knowledge, identify knowledge gaps, and
build the critical thinking skills necessary for success on the proctored exam
and the NCLEX-RN .
1. A nurse is preparing to administer a tuberculin skin test. Which action is
correct?
A. Insert the needle at a 45-degree angle with the bevel up.
B. Insert the needle at a 5- to 15-degree angle with the bevel up.
C. Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle with the bevel down.
D. Insert the needle at a 60-degree angle using a 25-gauge needle.
Answer: B
Rationale: A tuberculin skin test (PPD) is administered intradermally. The
needle is inserted at a 5- to 15-degree angle (almost flat), bevel up, until the bevel
is just under the skin to create a wheal .
2. A client is placed in restraints. Which action by the nurse is incorrect?
A. Tie the restraints to the movable bed frame.
B. Remove the restraints every 2 hours for range of motion.
, C. Document the client's behavior leading to restraint use.
D. Obtain a provider's order within 15-30 minutes of application.
Answer: A
Rationale: Restraints should be tied to the bed frame (non-movable part), not the
side rails, to prevent injury if the side rail is lowered. Orders must be obtained
quickly, and restraints must be removed every 2 hours for assessment and range of
motion .
3. A nurse is caring for a client with tuberculosis. Which type of precautions
should the nurse implement?
A. Contact Precautions
B. Droplet Precautions
C. Airborne Precautions
D. Standard Precautions alone
Answer: C
Rationale: Tuberculosis is transmitted via airborne particles and requires
Airborne Precautions. This includes a negative pressure room and an N95
respirator mask [citation:3, citation:6].
4. A nurse is caring for a client with a prescription for a narcotic medication. After
administration, the nurse is left with an unused portion. What should the nurse do?
A. Discard the medication in the sharps container.
B. Return the unused portion to the pharmacy.
C. Discard the medication with another nurse as a witness.
D. Save the unused portion for the next scheduled dose.
Answer: C
Rationale: For controlled substances, any unused portion must be wasted in the
presence of another licensed nurse who witnesses the disposal .
5. A nurse is assessing the pain level of a client who has dementia and difficulty
communicating. Which pain assessment technique should the nurse use?
A. Ask the client to rate pain on a scale of 0 to 10.
B. Observe for behavioral indicators like increased agitation or restlessness.
C. Wait for the client to report pain verbally.
D. Assess pain using a visual analog scale.
Answer: B
Rationale: For clients with dementia who cannot self-report pain, the nurse
should assess for behavioral indicators such as increased agitation, restlessness,
moaning, or guarding [citation:3, citation:7].
,6. A nurse receives a report from assistive personnel that a client's blood pressure
is 160/95 mm Hg. What should the nurse do first?
A. Notify the provider immediately.
B. Recheck the client's blood pressure.
C. Administer an antihypertensive medication.
D. Document the reading in the client's chart.
Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse's first action is to reassess the client's blood pressure to
confirm the finding before any intervention [citation:3, citation:7].
7. A nurse is assessing the IV infusion site of a client who reports pain. The site is
red and there is warmth along the course of the vein. What should the nurse do?
A. Slow the infusion rate.
B. Apply a cool compress.
C. Discontinue the infusion.
D. Elevate the affected arm.
Answer: C
Rationale: The assessment findings indicate phlebitis (inflammation of the vein).
The nurse should discontinue the IV infusion and apply a warm compress. If
continued therapy is required, a new IV should be started at a different site
[citation:3, citation:7].
8. A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has a nonpalpable skin lesion that
is less than 0.5 cm (0.2 in) in diameter. Which term should the nurse use to
document this finding?
A. Papule
B. Vesicle
C. Macule
D. Pustule
Answer: C
Rationale: A macule is a flat, nonpalpable, circumscribed area of skin
discoloration less than 1 cm in diameter (e.g., freckle) [citation:3, citation:7].
9. A community health nurse is teaching a group of clients about first aid for
different types of wounds. Which client statement indicates an understanding of
the teaching?
A. I should remove blood-saturated dressings and reapply new ones.
B. I should apply clean dressings over the top of blood-saturated dressings and
hold pressure.
C. I should apply a tourniquet above the wound to stop the bleeding.
, D. I should clean the wound with alcohol before applying a dressing.
Answer: B
Rationale: The client should apply clean dressings over blood-saturated ones to
maintain pressure and prevent disruption of wound tissue. The old dressing should
not be removed as this can dislodge a clot [citation:3, citation:7].
10. A nurse is sitting with the partner of a client who recently died. Which action
should the nurse take to facilitate mourning?
A. Encourage the partner to talk about the deceased.
B. Encourage the partner to ask for help when needed.
C. Share personal experiences of loss.
D. Encourage the partner to stay busy to avoid dwelling on the loss.
Answer: B
Rationale: Encouraging the bereaved partner to ask for help when needed
supports them through the grieving process and acknowledges that coping with
loss requires support [citation:3, citation:7].
11. A nurse in an acute care facility is caring for a client who is postoperative
following abdominal surgery. Which behavior should the nurse identify as
increasing the client's risk for constipation?
A. Drinking 2 L of water per day.
B. Using a stool softener daily.
C. A history of urge suppression.
D. Walking in the hallway three times daily.
Answer: C
Rationale: Suppressing the urge to defecate is a behavioral factor that can lead t o
constipation. Other risk factors include inadequate fluid intake and a history of
chronic stimulant laxative use [citation:3, citation:7].
12. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a prescription for
home oxygen. Which information should the nurse include?
A. Wear cotton socks when the oxygen is in use.
B. Apply petroleum-based ointment to the nares for comfort.
C. Use an electric razor to prevent skin irritation.
D. Store oxygen cylinders in a horizontal position.
Answer: A
Rationale: Clients using home oxygen should wear cotton socks and clothing to
prevent static electricity, which can cause a fire. Petroleum-based products should
be avoided, and a safety razor should be used .
