ATI RN Fundamentals Proctored Exam 2026 Study Guide –
(Version 1) NGN Case-Based Practice with Rationales,
SATA, Prioritization & Clinical Judgment Focus | Instant Pdf
Download
1. A nurse is caring for a postoperative client who has just returned from surgery and
is at risk for airway obstruction due to sedation and positioning. Which nursing
intervention is the highest priority to maintain airway patency and ensure adequate
oxygenation?
A. Administer IV fluids as prescribed
B. Assess surgical dressing for bleeding
C. Position the client on their side with head slightly elevated
D. Provide pain medication immediately
Rationale: Airway is the priority (ABCs); side positioning prevents aspiration and
obstruction.
2. A nurse is assessing a client with suspected dehydration who reports dizziness,
dry mouth, and decreased urine output over the past 24 hours. Which assessment
finding would confirm moderate dehydration in this client?
A. Increased blood pressure
B. Moist mucous membranes
C. Elevated heart rate with poor skin turgor
D. Increased urine output
Rationale: Tachycardia and poor skin turgor indicate dehydration.
3. A nurse is caring for a client receiving IV therapy and notices swelling, coolness,
and pain at the insertion site. What is the nurse’s priority action in this situation?
A. Flush the IV line
B. Slow the infusion rate
,C. Stop the infusion and remove the IV catheter
D. Apply warm compress
Rationale: These are signs of infiltration; stop infusion immediately.
4. A nurse is preparing to administer a medication and notes that the client has a
documented allergy to the drug class. What is the most appropriate nursing action
before administering the medication?
A. Administer at lower dose
B. Monitor closely
C. Hold the medication and notify the provider
D. Document and proceed
Rationale: Medication allergies require withholding and provider notification.
5. A nurse is caring for a client on bed rest and wants to prevent complications
associated with immobility. Which intervention is most effective in preventing deep
vein thrombosis (DVT)?
A. Encourage fluid intake only
B. Provide passive range of motion once daily
C. Apply sequential compression devices and encourage leg exercises
D. Elevate head of bed
Rationale: SCDs and movement improve circulation and prevent DVT.
6. A nurse is caring for a client with a pressure injury and needs to select appropriate
interventions to promote wound healing and prevent further breakdown. Which
intervention is most appropriate?
A. Massage the area
B. Keep area dry
C. Reposition client every 2 hours and use pressure-relieving devices
D. Apply heat
, Rationale: Repositioning reduces pressure and promotes healing.
7. A nurse is educating a client about infection prevention techniques after surgery.
Which statement by the client indicates correct understanding of proper hand
hygiene practices?
A. “I will wash my hands only before meals.”
B. “I will use gloves instead of washing hands.”
C. “I will wash my hands before and after touching my wound.”
D. “Hand hygiene is not necessary at home.”
Rationale: Hand hygiene before and after contact prevents infection.
8. A nurse is caring for a client who suddenly develops shortness of breath, chest
pain, and decreased oxygen saturation. Which condition should the nurse suspect
first based on these findings?
A. Pneumonia
B. Asthma
C. Pulmonary embolism
D. Heart failure
Rationale: Classic PE signs include sudden SOB and chest pain.
9. A nurse is caring for a client receiving opioid analgesics for pain management.
Which assessment finding indicates a potential adverse effect requiring immediate
intervention?
A. Mild constipation
B. Drowsiness
C. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute
D. Nausea
Rationale: Respiratory depression is life-threatening.
(Version 1) NGN Case-Based Practice with Rationales,
SATA, Prioritization & Clinical Judgment Focus | Instant Pdf
Download
1. A nurse is caring for a postoperative client who has just returned from surgery and
is at risk for airway obstruction due to sedation and positioning. Which nursing
intervention is the highest priority to maintain airway patency and ensure adequate
oxygenation?
A. Administer IV fluids as prescribed
B. Assess surgical dressing for bleeding
C. Position the client on their side with head slightly elevated
D. Provide pain medication immediately
Rationale: Airway is the priority (ABCs); side positioning prevents aspiration and
obstruction.
2. A nurse is assessing a client with suspected dehydration who reports dizziness,
dry mouth, and decreased urine output over the past 24 hours. Which assessment
finding would confirm moderate dehydration in this client?
A. Increased blood pressure
B. Moist mucous membranes
C. Elevated heart rate with poor skin turgor
D. Increased urine output
Rationale: Tachycardia and poor skin turgor indicate dehydration.
3. A nurse is caring for a client receiving IV therapy and notices swelling, coolness,
and pain at the insertion site. What is the nurse’s priority action in this situation?
A. Flush the IV line
B. Slow the infusion rate
,C. Stop the infusion and remove the IV catheter
D. Apply warm compress
Rationale: These are signs of infiltration; stop infusion immediately.
4. A nurse is preparing to administer a medication and notes that the client has a
documented allergy to the drug class. What is the most appropriate nursing action
before administering the medication?
A. Administer at lower dose
B. Monitor closely
C. Hold the medication and notify the provider
D. Document and proceed
Rationale: Medication allergies require withholding and provider notification.
5. A nurse is caring for a client on bed rest and wants to prevent complications
associated with immobility. Which intervention is most effective in preventing deep
vein thrombosis (DVT)?
A. Encourage fluid intake only
B. Provide passive range of motion once daily
C. Apply sequential compression devices and encourage leg exercises
D. Elevate head of bed
Rationale: SCDs and movement improve circulation and prevent DVT.
6. A nurse is caring for a client with a pressure injury and needs to select appropriate
interventions to promote wound healing and prevent further breakdown. Which
intervention is most appropriate?
A. Massage the area
B. Keep area dry
C. Reposition client every 2 hours and use pressure-relieving devices
D. Apply heat
, Rationale: Repositioning reduces pressure and promotes healing.
7. A nurse is educating a client about infection prevention techniques after surgery.
Which statement by the client indicates correct understanding of proper hand
hygiene practices?
A. “I will wash my hands only before meals.”
B. “I will use gloves instead of washing hands.”
C. “I will wash my hands before and after touching my wound.”
D. “Hand hygiene is not necessary at home.”
Rationale: Hand hygiene before and after contact prevents infection.
8. A nurse is caring for a client who suddenly develops shortness of breath, chest
pain, and decreased oxygen saturation. Which condition should the nurse suspect
first based on these findings?
A. Pneumonia
B. Asthma
C. Pulmonary embolism
D. Heart failure
Rationale: Classic PE signs include sudden SOB and chest pain.
9. A nurse is caring for a client receiving opioid analgesics for pain management.
Which assessment finding indicates a potential adverse effect requiring immediate
intervention?
A. Mild constipation
B. Drowsiness
C. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute
D. Nausea
Rationale: Respiratory depression is life-threatening.
