ATI PN Fundamentals 2026 Proctored Exam:
150 NGN & Multiple-Choice Questions with
Answers and Rationales for Practical Nursing
Students
Table of Contents
1. Safe and Effective Care Environment: Management of Care (Questions 1–15)
2. Safety and Infection Control (Questions 16–35)
3. Health Promotion and Maintenance (Questions 36–50)
4. Psychosocial Integrity (Questions 51–65)
5. Basic Care and Comfort (Questions 66–85)
6. Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies (Questions 86–105)
7. Reduction of Risk Potential (Questions 106–125)
8. Physiological Adaptation (Questions 126–140)
9. NGN-Style Clinical Judgment Scenarios (Questions 141–150)
Section 1: Safe and Effective Care Environment: Management of Care
🟢 1. A licensed practical nurse (LPN) is preparing to delegate a task to a nursing assistant. Which of the
following tasks is appropriate for the LPN to delegate?
A. Administering oral medications
B. Performing a sterile dressing change
C. Assisting a client with ambulation
D. Teaching a client about a new medication
🔴🔴 Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Assisting with ambulation is a standard, non-invasive task that falls within the nursing
assistant's scope of practice. Medication administration, sterile procedures, and client teaching require
the assessment and judgment of a licensed nurse.
🟢 2. A nurse is reviewing a client's advance directives. Which of the following statements by the client
indicates an understanding of a living will?
A. "It allows my family to make all decisions for me."
B. "It specifies the medical treatments I want if I become terminally ill."
C. "It only applies if I am in a persistent vegetative state."
D. "It is the same as a durable power of attorney for health care."
,🔴🔴 Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A living will is a legal document that outlines a client's wishes regarding medical treatment,
particularly life-sustaining measures, in the event they become unable to communicate. It is distinct
from a durable power of attorney, which designates a decision-maker.
🟢 3. An LPN is caring for a client who speaks a different language. Which of the following actions
should the nurse take to ensure effective communication?
A. Ask a family member to interpret.
B. Use a facility-approved medical interpreter.
C. Speak loudly and use hand gestures.
D. Provide written instructions in English.
🔴🔴 Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Using a professional medical interpreter ensures accurate and confidential communication.
Family members should not be used as interpreters due to potential errors and privacy concerns.
🟢 4. A nurse is preparing to administer a medication to a client. Which of the following is the most
important action to ensure client safety?
A. Verify the medication order with the charge nurse.
B. Check the client's identification using two identifiers.
C. Review the client's allergy history.
D. Assess the client's vital signs before administration.
🔴🔴 Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most critical safety step is to correctly identify the client using two identifiers (e.g., name
and date of birth) to prevent medication errors. While the other actions are important, they are
secondary to correct client identification.
🟢 5. A nurse is caring for a client who is at risk for falls. Which of the following actions should the
nurse take?
A. Keep all four bed rails up at all times.
B. Place the bed in the lowest position with wheels locked.
C. Restrain the client to prevent ambulation.
D. Keep the client's room dark to promote sleep.
🔴🔴 Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Placing the bed in the lowest position with wheels locked is a standard fall prevention
measure. Raising all four bed rails can be considered a restraint, and restraints are not a primary
prevention strategy.
🟢 6. A nurse is reviewing a client's medical record and notes a "Do Not Resuscitate" (DNR) order.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Ignore the order during an emergency.
B. Ensure the order is documented and communicated to the healthcare team.
C. Ask the family to confirm the order.
D. Discontinue the order after 24 hours.
🔴🔴 Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A DNR order is a legal document that must be honored. The nurse is responsible for ensuring
it is properly documented and that all members of the healthcare team are aware of it.
,🟢 7. An LPN is working with a client who has a new prescription for a medication. The client asks the
nurse about the purpose of the medication. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Tell the client to ask the provider.
B. Provide the information as prescribed by the provider.
C. Guess the purpose based on the medication name.
D. Refuse to answer and change the subject.
🔴🔴 Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The LPN's role includes reinforcing teaching provided by the provider. The nurse should share
the information that the provider has already given to the client.
🟢 8. A nurse is preparing to perform a procedure on a client. Which of the following actions should the
nurse take first?
A. Gather all necessary supplies.
B. Verify the client's identity.
C. Explain the procedure to the client.
D. Perform hand hygiene.
🔴🔴 Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The first step in any client interaction, especially before a procedure, is to verify the client's
identity using two identifiers to ensure the correct client receives the correct procedure.
🟢 9. A nurse is caring for a client who has a communicable disease. Which of the following actions
should the nurse take to prevent the spread of infection?
A. Place the client in a private room.
B. Wear a mask and gloves only.
C. Use standard precautions only.
D. Implement transmission-based precautions as indicated.
🔴🔴 Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Transmission-based precautions (contact, droplet, or airborne) are used in addition to
standard precautions for clients with known or suspected infectious diseases, based on the mode of
transmission.
🟢 10. An LPN is reviewing a client's plan of care. Which of the following tasks is within the LPN's scope
of practice?
A. Developing the initial nursing diagnosis.
B. Performing an initial assessment.
C. Administering oral medications.
D. Formulating the client's care plan.
🔴🔴 Correct Answer: C
Rationale: LPNs can administer oral medications. Developing nursing diagnoses, performing initial
assessments, and formulating care plans are responsibilities of the RN.
🟢 11. A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for surgery. Which of the following actions should
the nurse take to ensure informed consent?
A. Witness the client's signature on the consent form.
B. Explain the surgical procedure to the client.
C. Obtain the client's signature on the consent form.
, D. Determine the client's understanding of the procedure.
🔴🔴 Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse's role in informed consent is to witness the client's signature and ensure the client
has been informed by the provider. The provider is responsible for explaining the procedure and
obtaining consent.
🟢 12. A nurse is preparing to administer a blood transfusion. Which of the following actions should the
nurse take to prevent a transfusion reaction?
A. Verify the blood type with a second nurse.
B. Administer the blood with a solution of lactated Ringer's.
C. Premedicate the client with an antihistamine.
D. Warm the blood in a microwave.
🔴🔴 Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Verifying the blood type and unit number with a second nurse is a critical safety step to
prevent a hemolytic transfusion reaction. Blood should be administered with normal saline, not lactated
Ringer's.
🟢 13. A nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for a medication that requires a peak
and trough level. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Draw the peak level 30 minutes after the dose.
B. Draw the trough level 30 minutes before the next dose.
C. Draw both levels at the same time.
D. Draw the peak level immediately after the dose.
🔴🔴 Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A trough level is drawn just before the next dose to measure the lowest concentration of the
medication in the blood. A peak level is drawn after the medication is absorbed, typically 30-60 minutes
after administration.
🟢 14. A nurse is caring for a client who is being discharged. Which of the following actions should the
nurse take to ensure a safe transition of care?
A. Provide the client with a list of medications.
B. Send the client home with a copy of the discharge summary.
C. Ensure the client has a follow-up appointment.
D. All of the above.
🔴🔴 Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A safe discharge includes providing a medication list, a copy of the discharge summary, and
ensuring follow-up care is arranged. All these actions help prevent complications and readmissions.
🟢 15. A nurse is working on a quality improvement project. Which of the following is an example of a
structure indicator?
A. The number of client falls.
B. The rate of medication errors.
C. The availability of hand hygiene stations.
D. The percentage of clients who received discharge teaching.
🔴🔴 Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Structure indicators measure the resources and infrastructure available to provide care, such
150 NGN & Multiple-Choice Questions with
Answers and Rationales for Practical Nursing
Students
Table of Contents
1. Safe and Effective Care Environment: Management of Care (Questions 1–15)
2. Safety and Infection Control (Questions 16–35)
3. Health Promotion and Maintenance (Questions 36–50)
4. Psychosocial Integrity (Questions 51–65)
5. Basic Care and Comfort (Questions 66–85)
6. Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies (Questions 86–105)
7. Reduction of Risk Potential (Questions 106–125)
8. Physiological Adaptation (Questions 126–140)
9. NGN-Style Clinical Judgment Scenarios (Questions 141–150)
Section 1: Safe and Effective Care Environment: Management of Care
🟢 1. A licensed practical nurse (LPN) is preparing to delegate a task to a nursing assistant. Which of the
following tasks is appropriate for the LPN to delegate?
A. Administering oral medications
B. Performing a sterile dressing change
C. Assisting a client with ambulation
D. Teaching a client about a new medication
🔴🔴 Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Assisting with ambulation is a standard, non-invasive task that falls within the nursing
assistant's scope of practice. Medication administration, sterile procedures, and client teaching require
the assessment and judgment of a licensed nurse.
🟢 2. A nurse is reviewing a client's advance directives. Which of the following statements by the client
indicates an understanding of a living will?
A. "It allows my family to make all decisions for me."
B. "It specifies the medical treatments I want if I become terminally ill."
C. "It only applies if I am in a persistent vegetative state."
D. "It is the same as a durable power of attorney for health care."
,🔴🔴 Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A living will is a legal document that outlines a client's wishes regarding medical treatment,
particularly life-sustaining measures, in the event they become unable to communicate. It is distinct
from a durable power of attorney, which designates a decision-maker.
🟢 3. An LPN is caring for a client who speaks a different language. Which of the following actions
should the nurse take to ensure effective communication?
A. Ask a family member to interpret.
B. Use a facility-approved medical interpreter.
C. Speak loudly and use hand gestures.
D. Provide written instructions in English.
🔴🔴 Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Using a professional medical interpreter ensures accurate and confidential communication.
Family members should not be used as interpreters due to potential errors and privacy concerns.
🟢 4. A nurse is preparing to administer a medication to a client. Which of the following is the most
important action to ensure client safety?
A. Verify the medication order with the charge nurse.
B. Check the client's identification using two identifiers.
C. Review the client's allergy history.
D. Assess the client's vital signs before administration.
🔴🔴 Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most critical safety step is to correctly identify the client using two identifiers (e.g., name
and date of birth) to prevent medication errors. While the other actions are important, they are
secondary to correct client identification.
🟢 5. A nurse is caring for a client who is at risk for falls. Which of the following actions should the
nurse take?
A. Keep all four bed rails up at all times.
B. Place the bed in the lowest position with wheels locked.
C. Restrain the client to prevent ambulation.
D. Keep the client's room dark to promote sleep.
🔴🔴 Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Placing the bed in the lowest position with wheels locked is a standard fall prevention
measure. Raising all four bed rails can be considered a restraint, and restraints are not a primary
prevention strategy.
🟢 6. A nurse is reviewing a client's medical record and notes a "Do Not Resuscitate" (DNR) order.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Ignore the order during an emergency.
B. Ensure the order is documented and communicated to the healthcare team.
C. Ask the family to confirm the order.
D. Discontinue the order after 24 hours.
🔴🔴 Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A DNR order is a legal document that must be honored. The nurse is responsible for ensuring
it is properly documented and that all members of the healthcare team are aware of it.
,🟢 7. An LPN is working with a client who has a new prescription for a medication. The client asks the
nurse about the purpose of the medication. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Tell the client to ask the provider.
B. Provide the information as prescribed by the provider.
C. Guess the purpose based on the medication name.
D. Refuse to answer and change the subject.
🔴🔴 Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The LPN's role includes reinforcing teaching provided by the provider. The nurse should share
the information that the provider has already given to the client.
🟢 8. A nurse is preparing to perform a procedure on a client. Which of the following actions should the
nurse take first?
A. Gather all necessary supplies.
B. Verify the client's identity.
C. Explain the procedure to the client.
D. Perform hand hygiene.
🔴🔴 Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The first step in any client interaction, especially before a procedure, is to verify the client's
identity using two identifiers to ensure the correct client receives the correct procedure.
🟢 9. A nurse is caring for a client who has a communicable disease. Which of the following actions
should the nurse take to prevent the spread of infection?
A. Place the client in a private room.
B. Wear a mask and gloves only.
C. Use standard precautions only.
D. Implement transmission-based precautions as indicated.
🔴🔴 Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Transmission-based precautions (contact, droplet, or airborne) are used in addition to
standard precautions for clients with known or suspected infectious diseases, based on the mode of
transmission.
🟢 10. An LPN is reviewing a client's plan of care. Which of the following tasks is within the LPN's scope
of practice?
A. Developing the initial nursing diagnosis.
B. Performing an initial assessment.
C. Administering oral medications.
D. Formulating the client's care plan.
🔴🔴 Correct Answer: C
Rationale: LPNs can administer oral medications. Developing nursing diagnoses, performing initial
assessments, and formulating care plans are responsibilities of the RN.
🟢 11. A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for surgery. Which of the following actions should
the nurse take to ensure informed consent?
A. Witness the client's signature on the consent form.
B. Explain the surgical procedure to the client.
C. Obtain the client's signature on the consent form.
, D. Determine the client's understanding of the procedure.
🔴🔴 Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse's role in informed consent is to witness the client's signature and ensure the client
has been informed by the provider. The provider is responsible for explaining the procedure and
obtaining consent.
🟢 12. A nurse is preparing to administer a blood transfusion. Which of the following actions should the
nurse take to prevent a transfusion reaction?
A. Verify the blood type with a second nurse.
B. Administer the blood with a solution of lactated Ringer's.
C. Premedicate the client with an antihistamine.
D. Warm the blood in a microwave.
🔴🔴 Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Verifying the blood type and unit number with a second nurse is a critical safety step to
prevent a hemolytic transfusion reaction. Blood should be administered with normal saline, not lactated
Ringer's.
🟢 13. A nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for a medication that requires a peak
and trough level. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Draw the peak level 30 minutes after the dose.
B. Draw the trough level 30 minutes before the next dose.
C. Draw both levels at the same time.
D. Draw the peak level immediately after the dose.
🔴🔴 Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A trough level is drawn just before the next dose to measure the lowest concentration of the
medication in the blood. A peak level is drawn after the medication is absorbed, typically 30-60 minutes
after administration.
🟢 14. A nurse is caring for a client who is being discharged. Which of the following actions should the
nurse take to ensure a safe transition of care?
A. Provide the client with a list of medications.
B. Send the client home with a copy of the discharge summary.
C. Ensure the client has a follow-up appointment.
D. All of the above.
🔴🔴 Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A safe discharge includes providing a medication list, a copy of the discharge summary, and
ensuring follow-up care is arranged. All these actions help prevent complications and readmissions.
🟢 15. A nurse is working on a quality improvement project. Which of the following is an example of a
structure indicator?
A. The number of client falls.
B. The rate of medication errors.
C. The availability of hand hygiene stations.
D. The percentage of clients who received discharge teaching.
🔴🔴 Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Structure indicators measure the resources and infrastructure available to provide care, such
