UTAH ATI FUNDAMENTALS – QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL DETAILED
ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE
Core Domains: - Basic Nursing Care and Comfort - Health Promotion and Maintenance -
Infection Control and Safety - Legal and Ethical Responsibilities in Nursing - Medication
Administration and Safety - Physiological Adaptation and Assessment - Psychosocial Integrity
- Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance
Introduction The purpose of this comprehensive assessment is to evaluate foundational
nursing skills and knowledge essential for clinical practice. Aligning with the rigorous
benchmarks of nursing practice standards, this exam focuses on measuring competence
across vital domains such as patient safety, ethical decision-making, and primary
physiological care. The structure comprises meticulously framed multiple-choice and
scenario-based questions designed to challenge clinical judgment. By emphasizing real-world
applications and critical thinking, this exam ensures that practitioners possess the clinical
reasoning skills necessary to deliver safe, high-quality, evidence-based patient care within
diverse healthcare environments.
1. A nurse is preparing to perform hand hygiene before a sterile procedure. Which
action should the nurse take to ensure proper infection control? A. Dry hands from
wrists down to fingertips. B. Keep hands lower than the elbows during the wash. C.
Wash hands with antimicrobial soap for at least 15 seconds. D. Use hot water to
eliminate transient flora.
C. Wash hands with antimicrobial soap for at least 15 seconds. Explanation:
Antimicrobial soap and water friction for at least 15 to 20 seconds effectively removes
transient microorganisms. Hands should be kept higher than elbows during sterile surgical
scrubs, but for standard handwashing, keeping them down is fine, though drying should
move from fingers to wrists. Avoid hot water to prevent skin irritation.
2. A nurse is caring for an older adult patient who has a stage 2 pressure injury on the
coccyx. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care? A. Apply a
hydrocolloid dressing to the wound. B. Massage the reddened bony prominence
daily. C. Cleanse the wound bed with hydrogen peroxide. D. Keep the head of the bed
elevated at 45 degrees.
A. Apply a hydrocolloid dressing to the wound. Explanation: Hydrocolloid dressings
maintain a moist healing environment and protect stage 2 pressure injuries from friction and
bacterial contamination. Massaging reddened areas causes further tissue damage, hydrogen
peroxide is cytotoxic, and elevating the head of the bed above 30 degrees increases shearing
forces.
3. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a patient who is receiving total
parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which finding should the nurse report to the provider
, immediately? A. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 18 mg/dL B. Serum calcium 9.2 mg/dL C.
Serum potassium 3.6 mEq/L D. Blood glucose 248 mg/dL
D. Blood glucose 248 mg/dL Explanation: TPN solution contains high concentrations
of dextrose, putting the patient at high risk for severe hyperglycemia. A blood glucose level
of 248 mg/dL requires immediate intervention and potential insulin coverage to avoid
hyperosmolar complications. Other values are within normal limits.
4. A patient refuses to take a prescribed oral medication, stating, "That pill makes me
feel nauseated." Which action should the nurse take first? A. Mix the medication
with applesauce to mask the taste. B. Document the patient's refusal and notify the
provider. C. Explore the patient's concerns and ask about previous experiences. D.
Explain the therapeutic benefits of the medication to encourage compliance.
C. Explore the patient's concerns and ask about previous experiences. Explanation:
Utilizing the nursing process, assessment is always the first step. The nurse must explore the
patient's complaints of nausea and understand their concerns before implementing
alternative methods or notifying the physician.
5. A nurse is reinforcing teaching about a clear liquid diet for a patient scheduled for a
colonoscopy. Which food item should the nurse instruct the patient to avoid? A.
Apple juice B. Lemon gelatin C. Orange sherbet D. Chicken broth
C. Orange sherbet Explanation: Clear liquids include foods that are liquid at room
temperature and transparent. Orange sherbet contains dairy and solids, making it a full
liquid, which is inappropriate for a clear liquid restriction.
6. A nurse is caring for a patient who is experiencing severe dyspnea. Which position
should the nurse place the patient in? A. Fowler's position B. Orthopneic position C.
Trendelenburg position D. Prone position
B. Orthopneic position Explanation: The orthopneic position (sitting up and leaning
forward over a bedside table) maximizes chest expansion and allows accessory muscles to
work efficiently, which provides optimal relief for severe dyspnea.
7. A patient has a prescription for a 24-hour urine collection. Which instructions should
the nurse provide to ensure an accurate collection? A. Save the first morning void on
day one and discard the rest. B. Discard the first morning void on day one and collect
all subsequent urine. C. Keep the collected urine container at room temperature on
the counter. D. Start the collection at noon and end it at midnight of the same day.
B. Discard the first morning void on day one and collect all subsequent urine.
Explanation: For a 24-hour urine specimen collection, the first voiding is discarded to ensure
a clean start time, and all urine for the next 24 hours is preserved, typically on ice or
refrigerated.
, 8. A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter for a female patient.
Which action should the nurse perform to maintain sterile technique? A. Clean the
perineal area from back to front. B. Open the outer wrapping of the catheter kit away
from the body. C. Secure the catheter tubing to the patient's inner thigh before
insertion. D. Adjust the sterile drape using non-sterile examination gloves.
B. Open the outer wrapping of the catheter kit away from the body. Explanation:
Opening the primary sterile flap away from the body avoids reaching over the sterile field,
keeping it uncontaminated. Cleansing should be front to back, and sterile drapes must be
touched only with sterile gloves.
9. A patient is diagnosed with a Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection. Which infection
control precaution must the nurse implement? A. Wear an N95 respirator mask when
entering the room. B. Perform hand hygiene using alcohol-based hand rub only. C.
Assign the patient to a positive-airflow isolation room. D. Dedicate a stethoscope and
blood pressure cuff exclusively to this room.
D. Dedicate a stethoscope and blood pressure cuff exclusively to this room.
Explanation: Contact precautions for C. diff require dedicated patient care equipment to
prevent cross-contamination. Hand hygiene must be done with soap and water because
alcohol rubs do not kill C. diff spores.
10. A nurse is assessing a patient's peripheral pulses and notes that the radial pulse is
difficult to palpate and fades out with light pressure. How should the nurse
document this finding? A. 1+ B. 2+ C. 3+ D. 4+
A. 1+ Explanation: A pulse graded as 1+ is weak, thready, easily obliterated with light
pressure, and difficult to palpate. 2+ is a normal pulse, 3+ is increased/full, and 4+ is
bounding.
11. A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular (IM) injection to an infant. Which
muscle site should the nurse select as the safest option? A. Dorsogluteal B. Deltoid C.
Ventrogluteal D. Vastus lateralis
D. Vastus lateralis Explanation: The vastus lateralis muscle is the largest and most
developed muscle mass in infants, making it the preferred and safest site for IM injections
under 12 months of age.
12. A nurse is performing a spiritual assessment on a newly admitted patient. Which
question should the nurse ask to understand the patient's religious preferences? A.
"Do you have any dietary restrictions based on your beliefs?" B. "How often do you
go out to exercise?" C. "What is your primary source of family income?" D. "Who do
you want listed as your emergency medical contact?"
, A. "Do you have any dietary restrictions based on your beliefs?" Explanation: Dietary
practices are heavily tied to religious and spiritual beliefs. Asking about specific dietary
restrictions helps the nurse plan appropriate, culturally competent nutritional care.
13. A patient is scheduled for surgery and has signed the informed consent form. The
patient tells the nurse, "I'm still not really sure what the doctor is planning to
remove." Which action should the nurse take? A. Explain the surgical procedure to
the patient in simpler terms. B. Notify the surgeon that the patient has questions
about the procedure. C. Reassure the patient that the surgeon is highly qualified and
experienced. D. Document that the patient understands the consent form since it
was signed.
B. Notify the surgeon that the patient has questions about the procedure.
Explanation: It is the nurse's legal responsibility to witness the signature, but the provider is
responsible for ensuring understanding. If the patient expresses confusion, the nurse must
contact the surgeon to clarify.
14. A nurse is monitoring a patient who is receiving an intravenous infusion of 0.9%
sodium chloride. The nurse notes puffiness, coolness, and pallor at the insertion site.
Which complication should the nurse suspect? A. Phlebitis B. Infiltration C.
Thrombophlebitis D. Fluid volume overload
B. Infiltration Explanation: Infiltration is characterized by coolness, pallor, and
swelling at the IV insertion site due to fluid leaking into surrounding subcutaneous tissues.
Phlebitis would present with warmth and erythema.
15. A patient who is legally blind is admitted to the medical-surgical unit. Which
intervention should the nurse implement to assist the patient with meals? A. Feed
the patient entirely to avoid any spills or burns. B. Describe the location of food on
the plate using a clock face pattern. C. Purée all solid foods so they can be consumed
through a straw. D. Tell the patient to wait until a family member arrives to help them
eat.
B. Describe the location of food on the plate using a clock face pattern. Explanation:
Describing the location of food using a clock face system promotes patient independence
and preserves dignity while ensuring they can safely feed themselves.
16. A nurse is planning care for an immobile patient to prevent deep vein thrombosis
(DVT). Which intervention should the nurse include? A. Place a pillow under the
patient's knees while in bed. B. Massage the calf muscles vigorously twice per day. C.
Apply sequential compression devices (SCDs) to both legs. D. Instruct the patient to
perform isometric abdominal exercises.
ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE
Core Domains: - Basic Nursing Care and Comfort - Health Promotion and Maintenance -
Infection Control and Safety - Legal and Ethical Responsibilities in Nursing - Medication
Administration and Safety - Physiological Adaptation and Assessment - Psychosocial Integrity
- Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance
Introduction The purpose of this comprehensive assessment is to evaluate foundational
nursing skills and knowledge essential for clinical practice. Aligning with the rigorous
benchmarks of nursing practice standards, this exam focuses on measuring competence
across vital domains such as patient safety, ethical decision-making, and primary
physiological care. The structure comprises meticulously framed multiple-choice and
scenario-based questions designed to challenge clinical judgment. By emphasizing real-world
applications and critical thinking, this exam ensures that practitioners possess the clinical
reasoning skills necessary to deliver safe, high-quality, evidence-based patient care within
diverse healthcare environments.
1. A nurse is preparing to perform hand hygiene before a sterile procedure. Which
action should the nurse take to ensure proper infection control? A. Dry hands from
wrists down to fingertips. B. Keep hands lower than the elbows during the wash. C.
Wash hands with antimicrobial soap for at least 15 seconds. D. Use hot water to
eliminate transient flora.
C. Wash hands with antimicrobial soap for at least 15 seconds. Explanation:
Antimicrobial soap and water friction for at least 15 to 20 seconds effectively removes
transient microorganisms. Hands should be kept higher than elbows during sterile surgical
scrubs, but for standard handwashing, keeping them down is fine, though drying should
move from fingers to wrists. Avoid hot water to prevent skin irritation.
2. A nurse is caring for an older adult patient who has a stage 2 pressure injury on the
coccyx. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care? A. Apply a
hydrocolloid dressing to the wound. B. Massage the reddened bony prominence
daily. C. Cleanse the wound bed with hydrogen peroxide. D. Keep the head of the bed
elevated at 45 degrees.
A. Apply a hydrocolloid dressing to the wound. Explanation: Hydrocolloid dressings
maintain a moist healing environment and protect stage 2 pressure injuries from friction and
bacterial contamination. Massaging reddened areas causes further tissue damage, hydrogen
peroxide is cytotoxic, and elevating the head of the bed above 30 degrees increases shearing
forces.
3. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a patient who is receiving total
parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which finding should the nurse report to the provider
, immediately? A. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 18 mg/dL B. Serum calcium 9.2 mg/dL C.
Serum potassium 3.6 mEq/L D. Blood glucose 248 mg/dL
D. Blood glucose 248 mg/dL Explanation: TPN solution contains high concentrations
of dextrose, putting the patient at high risk for severe hyperglycemia. A blood glucose level
of 248 mg/dL requires immediate intervention and potential insulin coverage to avoid
hyperosmolar complications. Other values are within normal limits.
4. A patient refuses to take a prescribed oral medication, stating, "That pill makes me
feel nauseated." Which action should the nurse take first? A. Mix the medication
with applesauce to mask the taste. B. Document the patient's refusal and notify the
provider. C. Explore the patient's concerns and ask about previous experiences. D.
Explain the therapeutic benefits of the medication to encourage compliance.
C. Explore the patient's concerns and ask about previous experiences. Explanation:
Utilizing the nursing process, assessment is always the first step. The nurse must explore the
patient's complaints of nausea and understand their concerns before implementing
alternative methods or notifying the physician.
5. A nurse is reinforcing teaching about a clear liquid diet for a patient scheduled for a
colonoscopy. Which food item should the nurse instruct the patient to avoid? A.
Apple juice B. Lemon gelatin C. Orange sherbet D. Chicken broth
C. Orange sherbet Explanation: Clear liquids include foods that are liquid at room
temperature and transparent. Orange sherbet contains dairy and solids, making it a full
liquid, which is inappropriate for a clear liquid restriction.
6. A nurse is caring for a patient who is experiencing severe dyspnea. Which position
should the nurse place the patient in? A. Fowler's position B. Orthopneic position C.
Trendelenburg position D. Prone position
B. Orthopneic position Explanation: The orthopneic position (sitting up and leaning
forward over a bedside table) maximizes chest expansion and allows accessory muscles to
work efficiently, which provides optimal relief for severe dyspnea.
7. A patient has a prescription for a 24-hour urine collection. Which instructions should
the nurse provide to ensure an accurate collection? A. Save the first morning void on
day one and discard the rest. B. Discard the first morning void on day one and collect
all subsequent urine. C. Keep the collected urine container at room temperature on
the counter. D. Start the collection at noon and end it at midnight of the same day.
B. Discard the first morning void on day one and collect all subsequent urine.
Explanation: For a 24-hour urine specimen collection, the first voiding is discarded to ensure
a clean start time, and all urine for the next 24 hours is preserved, typically on ice or
refrigerated.
, 8. A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter for a female patient.
Which action should the nurse perform to maintain sterile technique? A. Clean the
perineal area from back to front. B. Open the outer wrapping of the catheter kit away
from the body. C. Secure the catheter tubing to the patient's inner thigh before
insertion. D. Adjust the sterile drape using non-sterile examination gloves.
B. Open the outer wrapping of the catheter kit away from the body. Explanation:
Opening the primary sterile flap away from the body avoids reaching over the sterile field,
keeping it uncontaminated. Cleansing should be front to back, and sterile drapes must be
touched only with sterile gloves.
9. A patient is diagnosed with a Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection. Which infection
control precaution must the nurse implement? A. Wear an N95 respirator mask when
entering the room. B. Perform hand hygiene using alcohol-based hand rub only. C.
Assign the patient to a positive-airflow isolation room. D. Dedicate a stethoscope and
blood pressure cuff exclusively to this room.
D. Dedicate a stethoscope and blood pressure cuff exclusively to this room.
Explanation: Contact precautions for C. diff require dedicated patient care equipment to
prevent cross-contamination. Hand hygiene must be done with soap and water because
alcohol rubs do not kill C. diff spores.
10. A nurse is assessing a patient's peripheral pulses and notes that the radial pulse is
difficult to palpate and fades out with light pressure. How should the nurse
document this finding? A. 1+ B. 2+ C. 3+ D. 4+
A. 1+ Explanation: A pulse graded as 1+ is weak, thready, easily obliterated with light
pressure, and difficult to palpate. 2+ is a normal pulse, 3+ is increased/full, and 4+ is
bounding.
11. A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular (IM) injection to an infant. Which
muscle site should the nurse select as the safest option? A. Dorsogluteal B. Deltoid C.
Ventrogluteal D. Vastus lateralis
D. Vastus lateralis Explanation: The vastus lateralis muscle is the largest and most
developed muscle mass in infants, making it the preferred and safest site for IM injections
under 12 months of age.
12. A nurse is performing a spiritual assessment on a newly admitted patient. Which
question should the nurse ask to understand the patient's religious preferences? A.
"Do you have any dietary restrictions based on your beliefs?" B. "How often do you
go out to exercise?" C. "What is your primary source of family income?" D. "Who do
you want listed as your emergency medical contact?"
, A. "Do you have any dietary restrictions based on your beliefs?" Explanation: Dietary
practices are heavily tied to religious and spiritual beliefs. Asking about specific dietary
restrictions helps the nurse plan appropriate, culturally competent nutritional care.
13. A patient is scheduled for surgery and has signed the informed consent form. The
patient tells the nurse, "I'm still not really sure what the doctor is planning to
remove." Which action should the nurse take? A. Explain the surgical procedure to
the patient in simpler terms. B. Notify the surgeon that the patient has questions
about the procedure. C. Reassure the patient that the surgeon is highly qualified and
experienced. D. Document that the patient understands the consent form since it
was signed.
B. Notify the surgeon that the patient has questions about the procedure.
Explanation: It is the nurse's legal responsibility to witness the signature, but the provider is
responsible for ensuring understanding. If the patient expresses confusion, the nurse must
contact the surgeon to clarify.
14. A nurse is monitoring a patient who is receiving an intravenous infusion of 0.9%
sodium chloride. The nurse notes puffiness, coolness, and pallor at the insertion site.
Which complication should the nurse suspect? A. Phlebitis B. Infiltration C.
Thrombophlebitis D. Fluid volume overload
B. Infiltration Explanation: Infiltration is characterized by coolness, pallor, and
swelling at the IV insertion site due to fluid leaking into surrounding subcutaneous tissues.
Phlebitis would present with warmth and erythema.
15. A patient who is legally blind is admitted to the medical-surgical unit. Which
intervention should the nurse implement to assist the patient with meals? A. Feed
the patient entirely to avoid any spills or burns. B. Describe the location of food on
the plate using a clock face pattern. C. Purée all solid foods so they can be consumed
through a straw. D. Tell the patient to wait until a family member arrives to help them
eat.
B. Describe the location of food on the plate using a clock face pattern. Explanation:
Describing the location of food using a clock face system promotes patient independence
and preserves dignity while ensuring they can safely feed themselves.
16. A nurse is planning care for an immobile patient to prevent deep vein thrombosis
(DVT). Which intervention should the nurse include? A. Place a pillow under the
patient's knees while in bed. B. Massage the calf muscles vigorously twice per day. C.
Apply sequential compression devices (SCDs) to both legs. D. Instruct the patient to
perform isometric abdominal exercises.
