ATI RN FUNDAMENTALS – FULL TRADITIONAL EXAM (150 Questions) | Answers & Rationales Included | 2025/2026 Edition

ATI RN FUNDAMENTALS – FULL TRADITIONAL EXAM
(150 Questions) | Answers & Rationales Included |
2025/2026 Edition

Q1. What is the normal range for adult blood pressure?

 A) 80/50 mmHg
 B) 120/80 mmHg
 C) 140/90 mmHg
 D) 100/60 mmHg

Rationale: The standard normal adult blood pressure is around 120/80 mmHg.
Values significantly above or below may indicate hypertension or hypotension.



Q2. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with vomiting?

 A) Hyperkalemia
 B) Hypokalemia
 C) Hypernatremia
 D) Hyponatremia

Rationale: Vomiting causes loss of gastric contents rich in potassium, leading to
hypokalemia.



Q3. A nurse is administering a medication that is contraindicated in pregnancy.
Which category does it most likely belong to?

 A) Category A
 B) Category B
 C) Category C
 D) Category X

Rationale: Category X medications are contraindicated in pregnancy due to
proven fetal risk.

,Q4. The nurse is caring for a client receiving IV morphine. Which is the priority
assessment?

 A) Bowel sounds
 B) Respiratory rate
 C) Urine output
 D) Blood pressure

Rationale: Morphine can depress respirations; monitoring respiratory rate is
essential to detect opioid-induced respiratory depression.



Q5. A client with heart failure has edema in the lower extremities. Which
intervention is most appropriate?

 A) Elevate the legs above heart level
 B) Encourage prolonged standing
 C) Restrict fluids completely
 D) Apply cold compresses

Rationale: Elevating the legs helps reduce dependent edema by promoting venous
return.



Q6. Which lab value indicates hypokalemia?

 A) 4.0 mEq/L
 B) 2.8 mEq/L
 C) 5.0 mEq/L
 D) 3.8 mEq/L

Rationale: Normal potassium is 3.5–5.0 mEq/L. Values below 3.5 indicate
hypokalemia.

,Q7. Which intervention is appropriate for a client with a nasogastric tube for
suction?

 A) Assess tube placement before feeding
 B) Flush tube once per week
 C) Leave head of bed flat during feeding
 D) Clamp tube permanently

Rationale: Tube placement should be verified to prevent aspiration; head of bed
should be elevated, and flushing should follow protocol.



Q8. Which action best prevents medication errors?

 A) Follow the “five rights” of medication administration
 B) Administer quickly to all clients
 C) Skip verifying allergies if documented
 D) Rely on memory

Rationale: The “five rights” (right patient, drug, dose, route, time) reduce the risk
of errors.



Q9. Which finding requires immediate intervention in a client on oxygen therapy?

 A) O₂ sat 92%
 B) Slight nasal dryness
 C) O₂ sat 84%
 D) Warm skin

Rationale: Oxygen saturation below 90% indicates hypoxemia and requires
prompt intervention.



Q10. A client with chronic kidney disease has potassium 6.2 mEq/L. What is the
priority intervention?

 A) Notify the provider and prepare for treatment

,  B) Encourage oral potassium intake
 C) Document only
 D) Restrict fluids only

Rationale: Hyperkalemia is life-threatening; immediate intervention is required to
prevent cardiac arrhythmias.



Q11. A nurse is preparing to administer a subcutaneous injection. Which site is
appropriate?

 A) Dorsal hand
 B) Forearm
 C) Abdomen
 D) Scalp

Rationale: The abdomen is preferred for subcutaneous injections due to consistent
fat layer and absorption.



Q12. A client with COPD is experiencing dyspnea. Which intervention is most
effective?

 A) Encourage lying flat
 B) Elevate head of bed
 C) Limit fluid intake
 D) Apply warm compress

Rationale: Elevating the head improves lung expansion and facilitates easier
breathing.



Q13. Which action is appropriate for preventing hospital-acquired infections?

 A) Perform hand hygiene before and after client contact
 B) Wear gloves at all times regardless of contact
 C) Avoid cleaning equipment
 D) Limit reporting of infections