ATI RN LEADERSHIP PROCTORED
EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A nurse manager is implementing a new evidence-based practice protocol on the unit.
Which action by the manager represents the ‘unfreezing’ stage of Lewin’s Change Theory?
A. Providing training and resources for the new procedure
B. Evaluating the outcomes of the new practice after three months
C. Rewarding staff who consistently follow the new protocol
D. Recognizing and demonstrating the need for the change
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Unfreezing involves creating the motivation for change by
helping individuals realize that the current way of doing things is no longer productive or
effective.
2. A charge nurse is delegating tasks to an Assistive Personnel (AP). Which of the following
tasks is appropriate for the nurse to delegate?
A. Evaluating the effectiveness of pain medication
B. Providing discharge instructions to a patient with a new diagnosis
,C. Obtaining vital signs on a stable patient 4 hours post-operatively
D. Assessing the swallowing ability of a patient following a stroke
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: UAPs/APs can perform routine tasks on stable patients, such as
vital signs. Assessment, evaluation, and teaching require the judgment of a licensed nurse.
3. A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for surgery. The client tells the nurse, ‘I don’t
really understand why I need this procedure.’ Which of the following actions should the nurse
take?
A. Explain the risks and benefits of the surgery to the client
B. Reassure the client that the surgeon knows what is best
C. Document that the client has expressed a lack of understanding
D. Notify the surgeon that the client needs further clarification
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: It is the surgeon’s responsibility to provide informed consent. If
the client does not understand the procedure, the nurse must advocate for the client by
notifying the provider.
4. A nurse is prioritizing care for four clients. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. A client with a chest tube who has 50 mL of drainage in the last hour
B. A client 1 day post-appendectomy with a temp of 38.0 C (100.4 F)
, C. A client with COPD who has an oxygen saturation of 90% on room air
D. A client with heart failure who is reporting a new onset of shortness of breath
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: New onset shortness of breath indicates potential acute
pulmonary edema or worsening heart failure, which is an airway/breathing priority over
stable postoperative or chronic findings.
5. A nurse is using the SBAR communication tool. Which information should the nurse include
in the ‘A’ (Assessment) portion of the report?
A. The client’s primary diagnosis and date of admission
B. The client’s current vital signs and recent clinical changes
C. A recommendation for a change in the client’s medication dosage
D. The nurse’s name and the specific unit they are calling from
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The Assessment phase of SBAR involves relaying what the nurse
found or thinks the problem is, including clinical data like vital signs.
6. Which of the following leadership styles is characterized by the leader making all the
decisions and emphasizing task completion over staff input?
A. Laissez-faire
B. Democratic
EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A nurse manager is implementing a new evidence-based practice protocol on the unit.
Which action by the manager represents the ‘unfreezing’ stage of Lewin’s Change Theory?
A. Providing training and resources for the new procedure
B. Evaluating the outcomes of the new practice after three months
C. Rewarding staff who consistently follow the new protocol
D. Recognizing and demonstrating the need for the change
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Unfreezing involves creating the motivation for change by
helping individuals realize that the current way of doing things is no longer productive or
effective.
2. A charge nurse is delegating tasks to an Assistive Personnel (AP). Which of the following
tasks is appropriate for the nurse to delegate?
A. Evaluating the effectiveness of pain medication
B. Providing discharge instructions to a patient with a new diagnosis
,C. Obtaining vital signs on a stable patient 4 hours post-operatively
D. Assessing the swallowing ability of a patient following a stroke
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: UAPs/APs can perform routine tasks on stable patients, such as
vital signs. Assessment, evaluation, and teaching require the judgment of a licensed nurse.
3. A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for surgery. The client tells the nurse, ‘I don’t
really understand why I need this procedure.’ Which of the following actions should the nurse
take?
A. Explain the risks and benefits of the surgery to the client
B. Reassure the client that the surgeon knows what is best
C. Document that the client has expressed a lack of understanding
D. Notify the surgeon that the client needs further clarification
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: It is the surgeon’s responsibility to provide informed consent. If
the client does not understand the procedure, the nurse must advocate for the client by
notifying the provider.
4. A nurse is prioritizing care for four clients. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. A client with a chest tube who has 50 mL of drainage in the last hour
B. A client 1 day post-appendectomy with a temp of 38.0 C (100.4 F)
, C. A client with COPD who has an oxygen saturation of 90% on room air
D. A client with heart failure who is reporting a new onset of shortness of breath
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: New onset shortness of breath indicates potential acute
pulmonary edema or worsening heart failure, which is an airway/breathing priority over
stable postoperative or chronic findings.
5. A nurse is using the SBAR communication tool. Which information should the nurse include
in the ‘A’ (Assessment) portion of the report?
A. The client’s primary diagnosis and date of admission
B. The client’s current vital signs and recent clinical changes
C. A recommendation for a change in the client’s medication dosage
D. The nurse’s name and the specific unit they are calling from
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The Assessment phase of SBAR involves relaying what the nurse
found or thinks the problem is, including clinical data like vital signs.
6. Which of the following leadership styles is characterized by the leader making all the
decisions and emphasizing task completion over staff input?
A. Laissez-faire
B. Democratic
