ATI PN Fundamentals Exam Form B
2026/2027 - 75 Questions &
Rationales
DOMAIN 1 – BASIC NURSING CARE & SKILLS (20 items)
1. Question – Vital Signs
The PN obtains an oral temperature of 94.2 °F (34.6 °C) on an older adult who is
shivering. Which action is BEST?
A. Re-check in 15 min with a tympanic thermometer
B. Increase room temperature to 24 °C (75 °F) and apply warm blanket
C. Offer hot coffee to drink immediately
D. Document finding as normal variation for older adult
Answer – B – Key: Recognize hypothermia & provide passive warming.
Rationale: 94.2 °F = moderate hypothermia; older adults lose thermoregulation. Passive
warming (blanket, ambient temp) is first-line, non-invasive, and within PN scope.
Re-checking without warming delays care; caffeine causes vasodilation & heat loss;
value is not “normal.” (2026 Hartford Geriatric Guidelines)
2. Question – Hygiene
A confused client repeatedly pulls out the IV while bathing is attempted. Which
technique should the PN try FIRST?
A. Request soft wrist restraints
B. Give complete bed bath while family holds hands
C. Perform “bag-bath” with warmed no-rinse cloths at bedside
D. Omit bath for this shift
Answer – C – Key: Adapt hygiene method to decrease agitation.
, Rationale: “Bag-bath” is quick, decreases chilling, keeps body covered, and reduces
stimulation—often eliminates need for restraints (least-restraint policy). Omitting
hygiene compromises skin integrity.
3. SATA – Mobility
Select all that reduce shear injury when positioning an immobile client. (Choose
3)
☐ A. Head-of-bed ≤30° when supine
☐ B. Use trapeze to assist self-movement
☐ C. Slide rather than lift client
☐ D. Place pillow between knees
☐ E. Apply moisturizing lotion to heels
Answer – A, B, D – Key: Decrease friction/shear force.
Rationale: Low HOB reduces sacral shear; trapeze lets client lift off sheet; pillow stops
bony contact. Sliding (C) increases shear; lotion (E) treats dryness but does not reduce
shear.
4. Question – Nutrition
Which intervention is MOST important for the PN to implement before assisting a
stroke client with meals?
A. Cut food into ½-inch cubes
B. Position in high-Fowler’s with head flexed slightly forward
C. Offer fluids through wide straw
D. Document caloric intake
Answer – B – Key: Aspiration prevention.
Rationale: High-Fowler’s with chin tuck protects airway; other actions are secondary.
(2026 American Dysphagia Diet update)
5. Question – Elimination
A client reports “leaking urine when I laugh.” Which instruction is BEST for PN to
reinforce?
A. Perform Kegel exercises 10×/day
B. Limit fluids to 1000 mL daily
2026/2027 - 75 Questions &
Rationales
DOMAIN 1 – BASIC NURSING CARE & SKILLS (20 items)
1. Question – Vital Signs
The PN obtains an oral temperature of 94.2 °F (34.6 °C) on an older adult who is
shivering. Which action is BEST?
A. Re-check in 15 min with a tympanic thermometer
B. Increase room temperature to 24 °C (75 °F) and apply warm blanket
C. Offer hot coffee to drink immediately
D. Document finding as normal variation for older adult
Answer – B – Key: Recognize hypothermia & provide passive warming.
Rationale: 94.2 °F = moderate hypothermia; older adults lose thermoregulation. Passive
warming (blanket, ambient temp) is first-line, non-invasive, and within PN scope.
Re-checking without warming delays care; caffeine causes vasodilation & heat loss;
value is not “normal.” (2026 Hartford Geriatric Guidelines)
2. Question – Hygiene
A confused client repeatedly pulls out the IV while bathing is attempted. Which
technique should the PN try FIRST?
A. Request soft wrist restraints
B. Give complete bed bath while family holds hands
C. Perform “bag-bath” with warmed no-rinse cloths at bedside
D. Omit bath for this shift
Answer – C – Key: Adapt hygiene method to decrease agitation.
, Rationale: “Bag-bath” is quick, decreases chilling, keeps body covered, and reduces
stimulation—often eliminates need for restraints (least-restraint policy). Omitting
hygiene compromises skin integrity.
3. SATA – Mobility
Select all that reduce shear injury when positioning an immobile client. (Choose
3)
☐ A. Head-of-bed ≤30° when supine
☐ B. Use trapeze to assist self-movement
☐ C. Slide rather than lift client
☐ D. Place pillow between knees
☐ E. Apply moisturizing lotion to heels
Answer – A, B, D – Key: Decrease friction/shear force.
Rationale: Low HOB reduces sacral shear; trapeze lets client lift off sheet; pillow stops
bony contact. Sliding (C) increases shear; lotion (E) treats dryness but does not reduce
shear.
4. Question – Nutrition
Which intervention is MOST important for the PN to implement before assisting a
stroke client with meals?
A. Cut food into ½-inch cubes
B. Position in high-Fowler’s with head flexed slightly forward
C. Offer fluids through wide straw
D. Document caloric intake
Answer – B – Key: Aspiration prevention.
Rationale: High-Fowler’s with chin tuck protects airway; other actions are secondary.
(2026 American Dysphagia Diet update)
5. Question – Elimination
A client reports “leaking urine when I laugh.” Which instruction is BEST for PN to
reinforce?
A. Perform Kegel exercises 10×/day
B. Limit fluids to 1000 mL daily
