PROCTORED EXA MINATION
ATI RN
Concept-Based
Assessment
Level 2
100 verified questions with comprehensive explanations
aligned with 2026-2027 ATI competencies and nursing
education standards.
Verified Questions and Answers
With Detailed Explanations Graded A+
2026/2027 Edition
N U R S I N G E D U C AT I O N R E S O U R C E
,Section 1: Patient-Centered Care and Communication (Q1-Q15)
1. A nurse is caring for a client who states, "I do not want to take my medication because I do not
understand why I need it." Which response by the nurse demonstrates therapeutic communication?
A. You should take it because the doctor ordered it.
B. Can you tell me what concerns you have about taking the medication? **[CORRECT]**
C. Do not worry, the medication will help you feel better.
D. If you do not take it, you will not get better.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct response uses open-ended questioning to explore the client's concerns, which is a therapeutic
communication technique that promotes patient-centered care. Option A is an authoritarian approach that dismisses the
client's feelings. Option C provides false reassurance without addressing the underlying concern. Option D uses a threatening
approach that increases anxiety. ATI emphasizes therapeutic communication techniques such as open-ended questions, active
listening, and exploring patient concerns to build trust and promote adherence to the plan of care.
2. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with limited English proficiency. Which action
should the nurse take first?
A. Use a family member who speaks some English to interpret.
B. Obtain a professional medical interpreter. **[CORRECT]**
C. Provide written materials in English with simple words.
D. Speak slowly and use hand gestures to communicate.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse should obtain a professional medical interpreter for clients with limited English proficiency, as this
ensures accurate communication and protects patient safety. ATI standards require the use of qualified interpreters rather
than family members, who may filter information or misinterpret medical terminology. Using family members (Option A)
violates confidentiality and may result in inaccurate translations. Written materials in English (Option C) are ineffective if
the patient cannot read English. Hand gestures (Option D) are insufficient for conveying complex medical information and
may lead to dangerous misunderstandings.
3. A nurse is caring for a client who is terminally ill and requests information about hospice care. Which
statement by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. Hospice is for patients who have given up on treatment.
B. Hospice focuses on comfort and quality of life when a prognosis is six months or less.
**[CORRECT]**
C. You should continue with curative treatment as long as possible.
D. Let us not talk about that right now and focus on getting better.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hospice care is appropriate for patients with a prognosis of six months or less and focuses on comfort, symptom
management, and quality of life rather than curative treatment. Option A is incorrect because hospice is not about giving up;
it is about shifting the focus to comfort care. Option C fails to respect the client's autonomy and right to information about
all care options. Option D uses the non-therapeutic technique of changing the subject, which blocks communication. ATI
guidelines emphasize providing accurate information about end-of-life care options while respecting patient autonomy and
preferences.
Page 1
,4. A nurse is using the teach-back method to evaluate a client's understanding of discharge instructions.
Which response by the client indicates the teach-back was effective?
A. The client nods and says, "I understand."
B. The client states, "I will take my metformin with breakfast and dinner, and check my blood sugar
before meals." **[CORRECT]**
C. The client says, "The doctor gave me some pills to take."
D. The client asks, "When should I take my medication?"
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The teach-back method requires the patient to demonstrate understanding by explaining the information in their
own words. Option B shows the client can accurately describe specific instructions, confirming comprehension. Option A is
insufficient because merely nodding or stating understanding does not verify actual comprehension. Option C demonstrates
a lack of specific understanding about the medication regimen. Option D indicates the client did not understand the
instructions at all. ATI promotes the teach-back method as the gold standard for confirming patient understanding,
particularly for health literacy, and recommends educating at a 5th to 6th grade reading level.
5. A nurse is caring for a client from a different cultural background who refuses to make eye contact
during conversation. Which response by the nurse demonstrates cultural competence?
A. You need to look at me when I am speaking to you.
B. I understand that in some cultures eye contact is considered disrespectful, so I will not take it
personally. **[CORRECT]**
C. If you do not look at me, I cannot help you.
D. Let me find another nurse who speaks your language.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cultural competence requires the nurse to recognize and respect cultural differences in communication styles. In
many cultures, avoiding direct eye contact is a sign of respect, not disinterest or dishonesty. Option A is culturally insensitive
and confrontational. Option C uses a threatening approach that damages the nurse-client relationship. Option D implies the
issue is language-related when it is actually a cultural norm. ATI emphasizes the LEARN Model (Listen, Explain,
Acknowledge, Recommend, Negotiate) for culturally competent care and stresses that nurses must avoid imposing their own
cultural values on patients from diverse backgrounds.
6. A nurse is providing palliative care to a client with terminal cancer who reports severe pain. Which
medication should the nurse anticipate administering first?
A. Lorazepam
B. Ondansetron
C. Morphine **[CORRECT]**
D. Haloperidol
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Morphine is the primary pharmacological intervention for severe pain in palliative care, as it is a potent opioid
analgesic that effectively manages cancer-related pain. ATI symptom management guidelines for palliative care prioritize
pain management with morphine as the first-line approach. Lorazepam (Option A) is used for anxiety, not pain.
Ondansetron (Option B) is an antiemetic used for nausea. Haloperidol (Option D) is an antipsychotic used for delirium.
While all these medications may be needed in palliative care, pain assessment and management takes priority based on
Maslow's hierarchy of needs, with physiological needs addressed first.
Page 2
, 7. Which nursing response is an example of the therapeutic technique of restating?
A. You seem very upset about your diagnosis.
B. You said that you are afraid the surgery will not work. **[CORRECT]**
C. Why do you think the surgery will fail?
D. Do not worry, the surgeon is very experienced.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Restating involves repeating the main idea expressed by the client using similar words, which demonstrates active
listening and encourages further communication. Option B correctly restates the client's concern about surgery. Option A is
an example of reflecting feelings, not restating. Option C uses a non-therapeutic "why" question, which can make the client
feel defensive and interrogated. Option D provides false reassurance, which is a non-therapeutic technique that dismisses
the client's concerns. ATI identifies restating as a key therapeutic communication technique that validates the client's message
and promotes further exploration of their concerns.
8. A nurse is caring for a client who is dying and experiencing dyspnea. Which intervention should the
nurse implement first?
A. Administer morphine as prescribed.
B. Place the client in high-Fowler's position. **[CORRECT]**
C. Apply supplemental oxygen.
D. Provide a fan in the room.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Placing the client in high-Fowler's position is the first nonpharmacological intervention for dyspnea because it
maximizes lung expansion and reduces the work of breathing by using gravity to decrease pressure on the diaphragm. ATI
prioritization frameworks (ABCs) guide the nurse to address the airway and breathing first. While morphine (Option A) and
oxygen (Option C) are also appropriate interventions for dyspnea in end-of-life care, positioning is the immediate,
noninvasive first step. A fan (Option D) may provide comfort but is not the priority intervention.
9. A nurse is providing health education to a client with low health literacy. Which strategy is most
appropriate?
A. Provide detailed medical brochures for the client to read at home.
B. Use medical terminology to ensure accuracy of information.
C. Use simple language, visual aids, and short sentences at a 5th- to 6th-grade reading level.
**[CORRECT]**
D. Provide all information at once so the client has everything they need.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: For clients with low health literacy, the nurse should use simple language at a 5th- to 6th-grade reading level,
supplemented with visual aids and short sentences to enhance comprehension. ATI health literacy standards emphasize
matching educational materials to the patient's reading level. Option A is inappropriate because detailed brochures written at
a high reading level will not be understood. Option B is incorrect because medical terminology impedes understanding.
Option D is wrong because providing too much information at once overwhelms the patient; education should be provided in
small, manageable amounts.
Page 3
ATI RN
Concept-Based
Assessment
Level 2
100 verified questions with comprehensive explanations
aligned with 2026-2027 ATI competencies and nursing
education standards.
Verified Questions and Answers
With Detailed Explanations Graded A+
2026/2027 Edition
N U R S I N G E D U C AT I O N R E S O U R C E
,Section 1: Patient-Centered Care and Communication (Q1-Q15)
1. A nurse is caring for a client who states, "I do not want to take my medication because I do not
understand why I need it." Which response by the nurse demonstrates therapeutic communication?
A. You should take it because the doctor ordered it.
B. Can you tell me what concerns you have about taking the medication? **[CORRECT]**
C. Do not worry, the medication will help you feel better.
D. If you do not take it, you will not get better.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct response uses open-ended questioning to explore the client's concerns, which is a therapeutic
communication technique that promotes patient-centered care. Option A is an authoritarian approach that dismisses the
client's feelings. Option C provides false reassurance without addressing the underlying concern. Option D uses a threatening
approach that increases anxiety. ATI emphasizes therapeutic communication techniques such as open-ended questions, active
listening, and exploring patient concerns to build trust and promote adherence to the plan of care.
2. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with limited English proficiency. Which action
should the nurse take first?
A. Use a family member who speaks some English to interpret.
B. Obtain a professional medical interpreter. **[CORRECT]**
C. Provide written materials in English with simple words.
D. Speak slowly and use hand gestures to communicate.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse should obtain a professional medical interpreter for clients with limited English proficiency, as this
ensures accurate communication and protects patient safety. ATI standards require the use of qualified interpreters rather
than family members, who may filter information or misinterpret medical terminology. Using family members (Option A)
violates confidentiality and may result in inaccurate translations. Written materials in English (Option C) are ineffective if
the patient cannot read English. Hand gestures (Option D) are insufficient for conveying complex medical information and
may lead to dangerous misunderstandings.
3. A nurse is caring for a client who is terminally ill and requests information about hospice care. Which
statement by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. Hospice is for patients who have given up on treatment.
B. Hospice focuses on comfort and quality of life when a prognosis is six months or less.
**[CORRECT]**
C. You should continue with curative treatment as long as possible.
D. Let us not talk about that right now and focus on getting better.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hospice care is appropriate for patients with a prognosis of six months or less and focuses on comfort, symptom
management, and quality of life rather than curative treatment. Option A is incorrect because hospice is not about giving up;
it is about shifting the focus to comfort care. Option C fails to respect the client's autonomy and right to information about
all care options. Option D uses the non-therapeutic technique of changing the subject, which blocks communication. ATI
guidelines emphasize providing accurate information about end-of-life care options while respecting patient autonomy and
preferences.
Page 1
,4. A nurse is using the teach-back method to evaluate a client's understanding of discharge instructions.
Which response by the client indicates the teach-back was effective?
A. The client nods and says, "I understand."
B. The client states, "I will take my metformin with breakfast and dinner, and check my blood sugar
before meals." **[CORRECT]**
C. The client says, "The doctor gave me some pills to take."
D. The client asks, "When should I take my medication?"
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The teach-back method requires the patient to demonstrate understanding by explaining the information in their
own words. Option B shows the client can accurately describe specific instructions, confirming comprehension. Option A is
insufficient because merely nodding or stating understanding does not verify actual comprehension. Option C demonstrates
a lack of specific understanding about the medication regimen. Option D indicates the client did not understand the
instructions at all. ATI promotes the teach-back method as the gold standard for confirming patient understanding,
particularly for health literacy, and recommends educating at a 5th to 6th grade reading level.
5. A nurse is caring for a client from a different cultural background who refuses to make eye contact
during conversation. Which response by the nurse demonstrates cultural competence?
A. You need to look at me when I am speaking to you.
B. I understand that in some cultures eye contact is considered disrespectful, so I will not take it
personally. **[CORRECT]**
C. If you do not look at me, I cannot help you.
D. Let me find another nurse who speaks your language.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cultural competence requires the nurse to recognize and respect cultural differences in communication styles. In
many cultures, avoiding direct eye contact is a sign of respect, not disinterest or dishonesty. Option A is culturally insensitive
and confrontational. Option C uses a threatening approach that damages the nurse-client relationship. Option D implies the
issue is language-related when it is actually a cultural norm. ATI emphasizes the LEARN Model (Listen, Explain,
Acknowledge, Recommend, Negotiate) for culturally competent care and stresses that nurses must avoid imposing their own
cultural values on patients from diverse backgrounds.
6. A nurse is providing palliative care to a client with terminal cancer who reports severe pain. Which
medication should the nurse anticipate administering first?
A. Lorazepam
B. Ondansetron
C. Morphine **[CORRECT]**
D. Haloperidol
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Morphine is the primary pharmacological intervention for severe pain in palliative care, as it is a potent opioid
analgesic that effectively manages cancer-related pain. ATI symptom management guidelines for palliative care prioritize
pain management with morphine as the first-line approach. Lorazepam (Option A) is used for anxiety, not pain.
Ondansetron (Option B) is an antiemetic used for nausea. Haloperidol (Option D) is an antipsychotic used for delirium.
While all these medications may be needed in palliative care, pain assessment and management takes priority based on
Maslow's hierarchy of needs, with physiological needs addressed first.
Page 2
, 7. Which nursing response is an example of the therapeutic technique of restating?
A. You seem very upset about your diagnosis.
B. You said that you are afraid the surgery will not work. **[CORRECT]**
C. Why do you think the surgery will fail?
D. Do not worry, the surgeon is very experienced.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Restating involves repeating the main idea expressed by the client using similar words, which demonstrates active
listening and encourages further communication. Option B correctly restates the client's concern about surgery. Option A is
an example of reflecting feelings, not restating. Option C uses a non-therapeutic "why" question, which can make the client
feel defensive and interrogated. Option D provides false reassurance, which is a non-therapeutic technique that dismisses
the client's concerns. ATI identifies restating as a key therapeutic communication technique that validates the client's message
and promotes further exploration of their concerns.
8. A nurse is caring for a client who is dying and experiencing dyspnea. Which intervention should the
nurse implement first?
A. Administer morphine as prescribed.
B. Place the client in high-Fowler's position. **[CORRECT]**
C. Apply supplemental oxygen.
D. Provide a fan in the room.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Placing the client in high-Fowler's position is the first nonpharmacological intervention for dyspnea because it
maximizes lung expansion and reduces the work of breathing by using gravity to decrease pressure on the diaphragm. ATI
prioritization frameworks (ABCs) guide the nurse to address the airway and breathing first. While morphine (Option A) and
oxygen (Option C) are also appropriate interventions for dyspnea in end-of-life care, positioning is the immediate,
noninvasive first step. A fan (Option D) may provide comfort but is not the priority intervention.
9. A nurse is providing health education to a client with low health literacy. Which strategy is most
appropriate?
A. Provide detailed medical brochures for the client to read at home.
B. Use medical terminology to ensure accuracy of information.
C. Use simple language, visual aids, and short sentences at a 5th- to 6th-grade reading level.
**[CORRECT]**
D. Provide all information at once so the client has everything they need.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: For clients with low health literacy, the nurse should use simple language at a 5th- to 6th-grade reading level,
supplemented with visual aids and short sentences to enhance comprehension. ATI health literacy standards emphasize
matching educational materials to the patient's reading level. Option A is inappropriate because detailed brochures written at
a high reading level will not be understood. Option B is incorrect because medical terminology impedes understanding.
Option D is wrong because providing too much information at once overwhelms the patient; education should be provided in
small, manageable amounts.
Page 3
