, ATI RN FUNDAMENTALS PROCTORED EXAM
50 Comprehensive Practice Questions, Correct Answers & Detailed
Rationales
EXAM INSTRUCTIONS & OVERVIEW
This exam is designed in accordance with ATI RN Fundamentals testing standards. It covers core nursing concepts including
infection control, safety, pharmacology administration, fluid & electrolytes, perioperative nursing, delegation, legal/ethical
principles, and basic health assessment. Each question includes multiple-choice options, designated correct answers, and
thorough evidence-based rationales.
QUESTION 1 OF 50
A nurse is caring for a client who requires airborne precautions. Which of the following personal protective
equipment (PPE) should the nurse don prior to entering the client's room?
A. Surgical mask
B. N95 respirator
C. Gown and gloves only
D. Face shield
Correct Answer: B. N95 respirator
Rationale: Airborne precautions (e.g., for tuberculosis, measles, varicella) require healthcare personnel to wear a fitted N95
or higher-level respirator before entering the room to filter out airborne infectious particles.
QUESTION 2 OF 50
A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular (IM) injection to an adult client. Which of the following
anatomical landmarks should the nurse locate for the ventrogluteal site?
A. Acromion process and axillary line
B. Greater trochanter, anterior superior iliac spine, and iliac crest
C. Posterior superior iliac spine and iliac crest
D. Patella and deep femoral artery
Correct Answer: B. Greater trochanter, anterior superior iliac spine, and iliac crest
Rationale: The ventrogluteal site is identified by placing the palm over the greater trochanter, pointing the index finger
toward the anterior superior iliac spine, and spreading the middle finger toward the iliac crest. This site is preferred for adult
IM injections due to deep muscle and absence of major nerves/vessels.
QUESTION 3 OF 50
, A nurse is performing a romberg test on a client during a neurological assessment. Which of the following
instructions should the nurse give to the client?
A. 'Walk tandem heel-to-toe across the room.'
B. 'Stand with feet together, arms at sides, and close your eyes.'
C. 'Hop on one foot and then the other.'
D. 'Touch your finger to your nose with eyes open.'
Correct Answer: B. 'Stand with feet together, arms at sides, and close your eyes.'
Rationale: The Romberg test assesses cerebellar function and balance. The nurse instructs the client to stand with feet
together, arms at sides, and eyes closed for approximately 20 seconds while observing for minimal swaying.
QUESTION 4 OF 50
A nurse is evaluating an AP (assistive personnel) transferring a client from a bed to a wheelchair. Which of the
following actions by the AP requires intervention by the nurse?
A. Locking the wheels of both the bed and wheelchair.
B. Placing the wheelchair at a 45-degree angle to the bed on the client's strong side.
C. Bending at the waist while lifting the client.
D. Using a gait belt around the client's waist.
Correct Answer: C. Bending at the waist while lifting the client.
Rationale: Proper body mechanics require lifting with the legs and flexing at the knees, maintaining a wide base of support
and a straight back. Bending at the waist increases strain on the lower back and poses an injury risk.
QUESTION 5 OF 50
A nurse is providing care to a client who has a serum sodium level of 122 mEq/L. Which of the following clinical
manifestations should the nurse expect?
A. Tachycardia and thirst
B. Confusion and headache
C. Hyperreflexia and twitching
D. Dry mucous membranes and flushed skin
Correct Answer: B. Confusion and headache
Rationale: Hyponatremia (serum sodium < 135 mEq/L) causes fluid shifts into cerebral cells, resulting in neurological
symptoms such as confusion, headache, lethargy, seizures, and altered mental status.
QUESTION 6 OF 50
A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter for a female client. Which of the following actions
demonstrates proper surgical aseptic technique?
50 Comprehensive Practice Questions, Correct Answers & Detailed
Rationales
EXAM INSTRUCTIONS & OVERVIEW
This exam is designed in accordance with ATI RN Fundamentals testing standards. It covers core nursing concepts including
infection control, safety, pharmacology administration, fluid & electrolytes, perioperative nursing, delegation, legal/ethical
principles, and basic health assessment. Each question includes multiple-choice options, designated correct answers, and
thorough evidence-based rationales.
QUESTION 1 OF 50
A nurse is caring for a client who requires airborne precautions. Which of the following personal protective
equipment (PPE) should the nurse don prior to entering the client's room?
A. Surgical mask
B. N95 respirator
C. Gown and gloves only
D. Face shield
Correct Answer: B. N95 respirator
Rationale: Airborne precautions (e.g., for tuberculosis, measles, varicella) require healthcare personnel to wear a fitted N95
or higher-level respirator before entering the room to filter out airborne infectious particles.
QUESTION 2 OF 50
A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular (IM) injection to an adult client. Which of the following
anatomical landmarks should the nurse locate for the ventrogluteal site?
A. Acromion process and axillary line
B. Greater trochanter, anterior superior iliac spine, and iliac crest
C. Posterior superior iliac spine and iliac crest
D. Patella and deep femoral artery
Correct Answer: B. Greater trochanter, anterior superior iliac spine, and iliac crest
Rationale: The ventrogluteal site is identified by placing the palm over the greater trochanter, pointing the index finger
toward the anterior superior iliac spine, and spreading the middle finger toward the iliac crest. This site is preferred for adult
IM injections due to deep muscle and absence of major nerves/vessels.
QUESTION 3 OF 50
, A nurse is performing a romberg test on a client during a neurological assessment. Which of the following
instructions should the nurse give to the client?
A. 'Walk tandem heel-to-toe across the room.'
B. 'Stand with feet together, arms at sides, and close your eyes.'
C. 'Hop on one foot and then the other.'
D. 'Touch your finger to your nose with eyes open.'
Correct Answer: B. 'Stand with feet together, arms at sides, and close your eyes.'
Rationale: The Romberg test assesses cerebellar function and balance. The nurse instructs the client to stand with feet
together, arms at sides, and eyes closed for approximately 20 seconds while observing for minimal swaying.
QUESTION 4 OF 50
A nurse is evaluating an AP (assistive personnel) transferring a client from a bed to a wheelchair. Which of the
following actions by the AP requires intervention by the nurse?
A. Locking the wheels of both the bed and wheelchair.
B. Placing the wheelchair at a 45-degree angle to the bed on the client's strong side.
C. Bending at the waist while lifting the client.
D. Using a gait belt around the client's waist.
Correct Answer: C. Bending at the waist while lifting the client.
Rationale: Proper body mechanics require lifting with the legs and flexing at the knees, maintaining a wide base of support
and a straight back. Bending at the waist increases strain on the lower back and poses an injury risk.
QUESTION 5 OF 50
A nurse is providing care to a client who has a serum sodium level of 122 mEq/L. Which of the following clinical
manifestations should the nurse expect?
A. Tachycardia and thirst
B. Confusion and headache
C. Hyperreflexia and twitching
D. Dry mucous membranes and flushed skin
Correct Answer: B. Confusion and headache
Rationale: Hyponatremia (serum sodium < 135 mEq/L) causes fluid shifts into cerebral cells, resulting in neurological
symptoms such as confusion, headache, lethargy, seizures, and altered mental status.
QUESTION 6 OF 50
A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter for a female client. Which of the following actions
demonstrates proper surgical aseptic technique?
