ATI Leadership | ATI Nursing Leadership &
Management Proctored Exam 2026–2027 | ATI
Leadership Content Mastery Series Comprehensive
Study Guide & Exam Review | Nursing Leadership,
Management, Prioritization, Delegation, Assignment &
Supervision, Staffing, Scheduling, Teamwork,
Communication, Conflict Resolution, Decision-Making,
Advocacy, Quality Improvement, Patient Safety, Risk
Management, Legal & Ethical Nursing Practice, Scope
of Practice, Leadership Roles, Clinical Judgment, NGN
& NCLEX-Style Practice Questions with Detailed
Rationales
Question 1: A nurse manager is preparing to delegate tasks to
unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) on a medical-surgical unit.
Which task is most appropriate for the nurse manager to delegate
to the UAP?
A. Administering oral pain medication to a stable postoperative client
B. Assessing a newly admitted client's respiratory status
C. Obtaining vital signs on a stable client who is 2 days postoperative
D. Teaching a client how to use an incentive spirometer
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Obtaining vital signs on a stable client who
is 2 days postoperative
Rationale: Obtaining vital signs on a stable client is within the scope of
practice for unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) and is a routine, non-
invasive task that does not require nursing judgment. Administering
medications, assessing clients, and teaching require the skill and knowledge
of a licensed nurse and cannot be delegated to UAP.
Question 2: A charge nurse is using the five rights of delegation
when assigning tasks to a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Which of
the following is considered one of the five rights of delegation?
A. Right diagnosis
B. Right person
C. Right medication
D. Right documentation
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Right person
,Rationale: The five rights of delegation are right task, right circumstance,
right person, right direction/communication, and right
supervision/evaluation. "Right person" ensures that the task is delegated to
an individual with the appropriate skill level and scope of practice. Right
diagnosis, right medication, and right documentation are not part of the five
rights of delegation.
Question 3: A nurse is reviewing the scope of practice for an
LPN/LVN. Which action should the nurse identify as within the
LPN/LVN scope of practice?
A. Performing an initial assessment on a newly admitted client
B. Developing the client's plan of care
C. Administering prescribed medications to a stable client
D. Performing triage in the emergency department
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Administering prescribed medications to a
stable client
Rationale: LPNs/LVNs can administer prescribed medications to stable
clients under the supervision of an RN or physician. Initial assessments,
developing the plan of care, and performing triage require the education
and licensure of an RN and are not within the LPN/LVN scope of practice.
Question 4: A nurse manager is evaluating staff performance.
Which behavior best demonstrates the nurse manager is fulfilling
the role of a transformational leader?
A. Focusing exclusively on completing daily tasks and maintaining the
status quo
B. Inspiring and motivating staff to achieve a shared vision for improved
client care
C. Using punishment to correct staff who fail to follow unit policies
D. Avoiding communication with staff to maintain professional distance
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Inspiring and motivating staff to achieve a
shared vision for improved client care
Rationale: Transformational leadership focuses on inspiring, motivating,
and empowering staff to achieve a shared vision and exceed expectations.
Maintaining the status quo, using punishment, and avoiding communication
are characteristics of transactional, autocratic, or laissez-faire leadership
styles, not transformational leadership.
,Question 5: A nurse is preparing to delegate a task to a UAP. Which
factor is most important for the nurse to consider before
delegating?
A. The UAP's years of experience on the unit
B. The complexity and predictability of the task
C. The UAP's personal relationship with the client
D. The time of day the task will be performed
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The complexity and predictability of the
task
Rationale: Before delegating, the nurse must consider the five rights of
delegation, including the right task, which requires evaluating the
complexity and predictability of the task. Tasks that are routine,
predictable, and require minimal judgment are appropriate for delegation to
UAP. Experience, personal relationships, and time of day are secondary
considerations.
Question 6: A nurse is caring for a client who refuses a prescribed
medication. Which action by the nurse demonstrates advocacy?
A. Documenting the refusal and notifying the provider
B. Administering the medication against the client's will
C. Ignoring the client's refusal and continuing with other tasks
D. Telling the client they will be discharged if they refuse
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Documenting the refusal and notifying the
provider
Rationale: Advocacy involves respecting the client's right to make decisions
about their care. When a client refuses medication, the nurse should
document the refusal, notify the provider, and continue to monitor the
client. Administering medication against the client's will, ignoring the
refusal, or threatening discharge all violate the client's rights and the nurse's
role as an advocate.
Question 7: A nurse manager is addressing a conflict between two
staff nurses. Which conflict resolution strategy is most appropriate
for the nurse manager to use initially?
A. Avoiding the conflict and hoping it resolves on its own
B. Collaborating with both nurses to find a mutually acceptable solution
, C. Forcing one nurse to accept the other's viewpoint
D. Reporting both nurses to human resources immediately
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Collaborating with both nurses to find a
mutually acceptable solution
Rationale: Collaboration is the most effective conflict resolution strategy
because it involves open communication and seeks a win-win solution that
addresses the concerns of all parties. Avoiding, forcing, and immediately
reporting to human resources are less constructive approaches that do not
promote resolution or professional growth.
Question 8: A nurse is assigned to care for a client who has a
prescription for a new medication. The nurse is unfamiliar with the
medication. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Administer the medication as prescribed without question
B. Ask another nurse to administer the medication
C. Consult a reliable drug reference before administering the medication
D. Refuse to administer the medication
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Consult a reliable drug reference before
administering the medication
Rationale: The nurse is responsible for understanding the medications they
administer, including indications, adverse effects, and nursing
considerations. Consulting a reliable drug reference is the appropriate first
step. Administering without knowledge, asking another nurse to administer,
or refusing without investigation are not appropriate actions.
Question 9: A nurse manager is conducting a performance
evaluation for a staff nurse. Which action by the nurse manager
best demonstrates effective evaluation?
A. Providing only negative feedback to motivate the nurse
B. Comparing the nurse's performance to other staff members publicly
C. Providing specific, objective feedback based on observed behaviors
D. Delaying the evaluation until the nurse makes a mistake
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Providing specific, objective feedback based
on observed behaviors
Rationale: Effective performance evaluation involves providing specific,
objective, and timely feedback based on observed behaviors and
Management Proctored Exam 2026–2027 | ATI
Leadership Content Mastery Series Comprehensive
Study Guide & Exam Review | Nursing Leadership,
Management, Prioritization, Delegation, Assignment &
Supervision, Staffing, Scheduling, Teamwork,
Communication, Conflict Resolution, Decision-Making,
Advocacy, Quality Improvement, Patient Safety, Risk
Management, Legal & Ethical Nursing Practice, Scope
of Practice, Leadership Roles, Clinical Judgment, NGN
& NCLEX-Style Practice Questions with Detailed
Rationales
Question 1: A nurse manager is preparing to delegate tasks to
unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) on a medical-surgical unit.
Which task is most appropriate for the nurse manager to delegate
to the UAP?
A. Administering oral pain medication to a stable postoperative client
B. Assessing a newly admitted client's respiratory status
C. Obtaining vital signs on a stable client who is 2 days postoperative
D. Teaching a client how to use an incentive spirometer
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Obtaining vital signs on a stable client who
is 2 days postoperative
Rationale: Obtaining vital signs on a stable client is within the scope of
practice for unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) and is a routine, non-
invasive task that does not require nursing judgment. Administering
medications, assessing clients, and teaching require the skill and knowledge
of a licensed nurse and cannot be delegated to UAP.
Question 2: A charge nurse is using the five rights of delegation
when assigning tasks to a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Which of
the following is considered one of the five rights of delegation?
A. Right diagnosis
B. Right person
C. Right medication
D. Right documentation
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Right person
,Rationale: The five rights of delegation are right task, right circumstance,
right person, right direction/communication, and right
supervision/evaluation. "Right person" ensures that the task is delegated to
an individual with the appropriate skill level and scope of practice. Right
diagnosis, right medication, and right documentation are not part of the five
rights of delegation.
Question 3: A nurse is reviewing the scope of practice for an
LPN/LVN. Which action should the nurse identify as within the
LPN/LVN scope of practice?
A. Performing an initial assessment on a newly admitted client
B. Developing the client's plan of care
C. Administering prescribed medications to a stable client
D. Performing triage in the emergency department
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Administering prescribed medications to a
stable client
Rationale: LPNs/LVNs can administer prescribed medications to stable
clients under the supervision of an RN or physician. Initial assessments,
developing the plan of care, and performing triage require the education
and licensure of an RN and are not within the LPN/LVN scope of practice.
Question 4: A nurse manager is evaluating staff performance.
Which behavior best demonstrates the nurse manager is fulfilling
the role of a transformational leader?
A. Focusing exclusively on completing daily tasks and maintaining the
status quo
B. Inspiring and motivating staff to achieve a shared vision for improved
client care
C. Using punishment to correct staff who fail to follow unit policies
D. Avoiding communication with staff to maintain professional distance
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Inspiring and motivating staff to achieve a
shared vision for improved client care
Rationale: Transformational leadership focuses on inspiring, motivating,
and empowering staff to achieve a shared vision and exceed expectations.
Maintaining the status quo, using punishment, and avoiding communication
are characteristics of transactional, autocratic, or laissez-faire leadership
styles, not transformational leadership.
,Question 5: A nurse is preparing to delegate a task to a UAP. Which
factor is most important for the nurse to consider before
delegating?
A. The UAP's years of experience on the unit
B. The complexity and predictability of the task
C. The UAP's personal relationship with the client
D. The time of day the task will be performed
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The complexity and predictability of the
task
Rationale: Before delegating, the nurse must consider the five rights of
delegation, including the right task, which requires evaluating the
complexity and predictability of the task. Tasks that are routine,
predictable, and require minimal judgment are appropriate for delegation to
UAP. Experience, personal relationships, and time of day are secondary
considerations.
Question 6: A nurse is caring for a client who refuses a prescribed
medication. Which action by the nurse demonstrates advocacy?
A. Documenting the refusal and notifying the provider
B. Administering the medication against the client's will
C. Ignoring the client's refusal and continuing with other tasks
D. Telling the client they will be discharged if they refuse
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Documenting the refusal and notifying the
provider
Rationale: Advocacy involves respecting the client's right to make decisions
about their care. When a client refuses medication, the nurse should
document the refusal, notify the provider, and continue to monitor the
client. Administering medication against the client's will, ignoring the
refusal, or threatening discharge all violate the client's rights and the nurse's
role as an advocate.
Question 7: A nurse manager is addressing a conflict between two
staff nurses. Which conflict resolution strategy is most appropriate
for the nurse manager to use initially?
A. Avoiding the conflict and hoping it resolves on its own
B. Collaborating with both nurses to find a mutually acceptable solution
, C. Forcing one nurse to accept the other's viewpoint
D. Reporting both nurses to human resources immediately
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Collaborating with both nurses to find a
mutually acceptable solution
Rationale: Collaboration is the most effective conflict resolution strategy
because it involves open communication and seeks a win-win solution that
addresses the concerns of all parties. Avoiding, forcing, and immediately
reporting to human resources are less constructive approaches that do not
promote resolution or professional growth.
Question 8: A nurse is assigned to care for a client who has a
prescription for a new medication. The nurse is unfamiliar with the
medication. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Administer the medication as prescribed without question
B. Ask another nurse to administer the medication
C. Consult a reliable drug reference before administering the medication
D. Refuse to administer the medication
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Consult a reliable drug reference before
administering the medication
Rationale: The nurse is responsible for understanding the medications they
administer, including indications, adverse effects, and nursing
considerations. Consulting a reliable drug reference is the appropriate first
step. Administering without knowledge, asking another nurse to administer,
or refusing without investigation are not appropriate actions.
Question 9: A nurse manager is conducting a performance
evaluation for a staff nurse. Which action by the nurse manager
best demonstrates effective evaluation?
A. Providing only negative feedback to motivate the nurse
B. Comparing the nurse's performance to other staff members publicly
C. Providing specific, objective feedback based on observed behaviors
D. Delaying the evaluation until the nurse makes a mistake
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Providing specific, objective feedback based
on observed behaviors
Rationale: Effective performance evaluation involves providing specific,
objective, and timely feedback based on observed behaviors and
