ATI Leadership | Prioritization & Time Management 2026 |Questions
|Answers |Rationales
1. A nurse is reviewing the assigned tasks for the shift. Which client should the
nurse assess first?
A. A client who is 2 days postoperative following a colon resection.
B. A client who has a prescription for discharge in 2 hours.
C. A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus who reports feeling shaky and diaphoretic.
D. A client who is scheduled for a physical therapy session in 30 minutes.
Answer: C
Rationale: Using the Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and ABC framework, the client with
shakiness and diaphoresis is showing signs of hypoglycemia, which is an acute
physiological instability requiring immediate intervention.
2. A nurse is delegating tasks to an Assistive Personnel (AP). Which task is
appropriate for the nurse to delegate?
A. Evaluating a client’s response to pain medication.
B. Updating the plan of care for a client with a pressure ulcer.
C. Teaching a client how to use an incentive spirometer.
D. Assisting a stable client with a bed bath.
Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse can delegate activities of daily living (ADLs) for stable clients to an
AP. Assessment, teaching, and clinical judgment must be performed by the RN.
,3. Which priority-setting framework should the nurse use when a client reports
sudden shortness of breath?
A. Chronic vs. Acute
B. Urgent vs. Non-urgent
C. Least Restrictive/Least Invasive
D. Airway-Breathing-Circulation (ABC)
Answer: D
Rationale: The ABC framework is the priority choice for life-threatening respiratory
distress to ensure airway patency and adequate oxygenation.
4. A charge nurse is managing a unit. Which of the following is the first step in
the time management process?
A. Setting goals and identifying priorities.
B. Delegating tasks to other staff members.
C. Completing the highest priority task.
D. Reviewing the outcomes of the shift.
Answer: A
Rationale: Effective time management begins with planning, which involves setting goals
and identifying priorities for the shift.
5. A nurse is caring for four clients. Which client should the nurse see first after
the morning report?
A. A client with a potassium level of 5.2 mEq/L.
B. A client with a blood pressure of 138/88 mmHg.
C. A client who requested a PRN pain medication 30 minutes ago.
D. A client who has a new onset of confusion and restlessness.
Answer: D
Rationale: New onset confusion and restlessness are early signs of hypoxia or neurological
change, requiring immediate assessment.
, 6. A nurse is planning care for a group of clients. Which task should the nurse
perform first?
A. Change a sterile dressing for a postoperative client.
B. Assess a client who just returned from a cardiac catheterization.
C. Administer a scheduled antibiotic due in 15 minutes.
D. Document the intake and output for the previous shift.
Answer: B
Rationale: A client returning from an invasive procedure is at risk for hemorrhage and
instability, making them the highest priority for assessment.
7. A nurse is delegating tasks to a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Which task is
within the LPN’s scope of practice?
A. Performing an initial admission assessment.
B. Developing a nursing diagnosis for a new client.
C. Administering a bolus of IV morphine.
D. Administering an enteral tube feeding to a stable client.
Answer: D
Rationale: LPNs can perform routine tasks such as tube feedings for stable clients. High-
risk IV medications and initial assessments are typically reserved for the RN.
8. A nurse is overwhelmed with tasks. Which strategy is most effective for
improving time management?
A. Grouping activities that are in the same location.
B. Waiting until the end of the shift to document all care.
C. Performing tasks as they come to mind.
D. Skipping breaks to catch up on paperwork.
Answer: A
Rationale: Grouping or ‘clustering’ care minimizes travel time and increases efficiency.
|Answers |Rationales
1. A nurse is reviewing the assigned tasks for the shift. Which client should the
nurse assess first?
A. A client who is 2 days postoperative following a colon resection.
B. A client who has a prescription for discharge in 2 hours.
C. A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus who reports feeling shaky and diaphoretic.
D. A client who is scheduled for a physical therapy session in 30 minutes.
Answer: C
Rationale: Using the Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and ABC framework, the client with
shakiness and diaphoresis is showing signs of hypoglycemia, which is an acute
physiological instability requiring immediate intervention.
2. A nurse is delegating tasks to an Assistive Personnel (AP). Which task is
appropriate for the nurse to delegate?
A. Evaluating a client’s response to pain medication.
B. Updating the plan of care for a client with a pressure ulcer.
C. Teaching a client how to use an incentive spirometer.
D. Assisting a stable client with a bed bath.
Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse can delegate activities of daily living (ADLs) for stable clients to an
AP. Assessment, teaching, and clinical judgment must be performed by the RN.
,3. Which priority-setting framework should the nurse use when a client reports
sudden shortness of breath?
A. Chronic vs. Acute
B. Urgent vs. Non-urgent
C. Least Restrictive/Least Invasive
D. Airway-Breathing-Circulation (ABC)
Answer: D
Rationale: The ABC framework is the priority choice for life-threatening respiratory
distress to ensure airway patency and adequate oxygenation.
4. A charge nurse is managing a unit. Which of the following is the first step in
the time management process?
A. Setting goals and identifying priorities.
B. Delegating tasks to other staff members.
C. Completing the highest priority task.
D. Reviewing the outcomes of the shift.
Answer: A
Rationale: Effective time management begins with planning, which involves setting goals
and identifying priorities for the shift.
5. A nurse is caring for four clients. Which client should the nurse see first after
the morning report?
A. A client with a potassium level of 5.2 mEq/L.
B. A client with a blood pressure of 138/88 mmHg.
C. A client who requested a PRN pain medication 30 minutes ago.
D. A client who has a new onset of confusion and restlessness.
Answer: D
Rationale: New onset confusion and restlessness are early signs of hypoxia or neurological
change, requiring immediate assessment.
, 6. A nurse is planning care for a group of clients. Which task should the nurse
perform first?
A. Change a sterile dressing for a postoperative client.
B. Assess a client who just returned from a cardiac catheterization.
C. Administer a scheduled antibiotic due in 15 minutes.
D. Document the intake and output for the previous shift.
Answer: B
Rationale: A client returning from an invasive procedure is at risk for hemorrhage and
instability, making them the highest priority for assessment.
7. A nurse is delegating tasks to a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Which task is
within the LPN’s scope of practice?
A. Performing an initial admission assessment.
B. Developing a nursing diagnosis for a new client.
C. Administering a bolus of IV morphine.
D. Administering an enteral tube feeding to a stable client.
Answer: D
Rationale: LPNs can perform routine tasks such as tube feedings for stable clients. High-
risk IV medications and initial assessments are typically reserved for the RN.
8. A nurse is overwhelmed with tasks. Which strategy is most effective for
improving time management?
A. Grouping activities that are in the same location.
B. Waiting until the end of the shift to document all care.
C. Performing tasks as they come to mind.
D. Skipping breaks to catch up on paperwork.
Answer: A
Rationale: Grouping or ‘clustering’ care minimizes travel time and increases efficiency.
