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ATI FUNDAMENTALS PROCTORED EXAM
QUESTIONS AND APPROVED ANSWERS|
GRADED A+
Question 1
The nurse is preparing to administer 0.9% NS IV to a client with hypovolemia.
Which action is most important?
A. Use a macrodrip IV tubing
B. Prime the tubing before connecting
C. Monitor for fluid overload
D. Warm solution before administration
Answer: C. Monitor for fluid overload
Rationale 1: Even isotonic fluids can accumulate quickly in the vascular
system, causing pulmonary edema if cardiac function is compromised.
Rationale 2: Monitoring respiratory sounds, oxygen saturation, and urine
output ensures early recognition of fluid excess and prevents respiratory
distress.
Rationale 3: Patients with heart failure, renal impairment, or advanced
age are at especially high risk, requiring diligent nursing vigilance and
intervention.
Question 2
Which client should the nurse see first?
A. Post-op client requesting pain meds
B. COPD patient with O₂ sat 89% on room air
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C. Diabetic patient with blood sugar 68 mg/dL
D. Client needing discharge teaching
Answer: C. Diabetic patient with blood sugar 68 mg/dL
Rationale 1: Hypoglycemia is immediately life-threatening, as insufficient
glucose supply to the brain can lead to seizures, coma, and irreversible
injury.
Rationale 2: Rapid correction with glucose or carbohydrate intake restores
perfusion, protecting neurological function and preventing permanent
metabolic complications.
Rationale 3: Using ABC priority, circulation is compromised first in
hypoglycemia, making it more urgent than oxygen desaturation or pain
needs.
Question 3
A nurse is reinforcing teaching about proper cane use. Which statement
indicates correct learning?
A. “I will hold the cane on my weak side.”
B. “I will advance the cane with my strong leg.”
C. “I will hold the cane on my stronger side.”
D. “I will move both legs before moving the cane.”
Answer: C. I will hold the cane on my stronger side
Rationale 1: Holding the cane on the stronger side reduces stress on the
weaker limb and redistributes weight effectively during ambulation.
Rationale 2: Proper sequence—cane and weaker leg advance together,
then stronger leg—ensures balance and reduces the risk of tripping.
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Rationale 3: Teaching correct cane use prevents falls, supports
independence, and encourages safe mobility practices in rehabilitation or
chronic conditions.
Question 4
A nurse is caring for a client with restraints. Which action is correct?
A. Tie restraint to side rail
B. Remove every 4 hours
C. Tie with quick-release knot
D. Apply tightly to prevent movement
Answer: C. Tie with quick-release knot
Rationale 1: Quick-release knots allow restraints to be removed instantly
in emergencies such as fire, seizures, or sudden deterioration.
Rationale 2: Side rails are unsafe attachment points; restraints must be
secured to a fixed, immobile part of the bed frame.
Rationale 3: Legal and ethical guidelines emphasize safety, least-restrictive
care, and rapid intervention when restraints are clinically necessary.
Question 5
A client is prescribed digoxin. Which finding should the nurse report
immediately?
A. HR 55 bpm
B. BP 110/70 mmHg
C. Potassium 4.0 mEq/L
D. O₂ sat 96%
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Answer: A. HR 55 bpm
Rationale 1: A heart rate below 60 bpm indicates bradycardia, which
increases risk for digoxin toxicity and life-threatening arrhythmias.
Rationale 2: The nurse must always assess apical pulse for one minute
before administration and hold medication if rate is low.
Rationale 3: Patient safety depends on preventing toxicity, which may
present with visual changes, nausea, and dangerous ventricular
dysrhythmias.
Question 6
Which intervention promotes sleep hygiene for an older adult?
A. Take a daytime nap to restore energy
B. Drink hot cocoa before bed
C. Limit fluids 2 hours before bedtime
D. Watch TV until sleepy
Answer: C. Limit fluids 2 hours before bedtime
Rationale 1: Reducing late fluid intake decreases nocturia, preventing
frequent awakenings and allowing for deeper, more restorative sleep
cycles.
Rationale 2: Older adults are at increased risk for falls during nighttime
bathroom trips; prevention supports overall patient safety.
Rationale 3: Nonpharmacologic interventions, such as adjusting
environment and lifestyle, are recommended before sleep medications
due to lower adverse effects.
Question 7
ATI FUNDAMENTALS PROCTORED EXAM
QUESTIONS AND APPROVED ANSWERS|
GRADED A+
Question 1
The nurse is preparing to administer 0.9% NS IV to a client with hypovolemia.
Which action is most important?
A. Use a macrodrip IV tubing
B. Prime the tubing before connecting
C. Monitor for fluid overload
D. Warm solution before administration
Answer: C. Monitor for fluid overload
Rationale 1: Even isotonic fluids can accumulate quickly in the vascular
system, causing pulmonary edema if cardiac function is compromised.
Rationale 2: Monitoring respiratory sounds, oxygen saturation, and urine
output ensures early recognition of fluid excess and prevents respiratory
distress.
Rationale 3: Patients with heart failure, renal impairment, or advanced
age are at especially high risk, requiring diligent nursing vigilance and
intervention.
Question 2
Which client should the nurse see first?
A. Post-op client requesting pain meds
B. COPD patient with O₂ sat 89% on room air
,2|Page
C. Diabetic patient with blood sugar 68 mg/dL
D. Client needing discharge teaching
Answer: C. Diabetic patient with blood sugar 68 mg/dL
Rationale 1: Hypoglycemia is immediately life-threatening, as insufficient
glucose supply to the brain can lead to seizures, coma, and irreversible
injury.
Rationale 2: Rapid correction with glucose or carbohydrate intake restores
perfusion, protecting neurological function and preventing permanent
metabolic complications.
Rationale 3: Using ABC priority, circulation is compromised first in
hypoglycemia, making it more urgent than oxygen desaturation or pain
needs.
Question 3
A nurse is reinforcing teaching about proper cane use. Which statement
indicates correct learning?
A. “I will hold the cane on my weak side.”
B. “I will advance the cane with my strong leg.”
C. “I will hold the cane on my stronger side.”
D. “I will move both legs before moving the cane.”
Answer: C. I will hold the cane on my stronger side
Rationale 1: Holding the cane on the stronger side reduces stress on the
weaker limb and redistributes weight effectively during ambulation.
Rationale 2: Proper sequence—cane and weaker leg advance together,
then stronger leg—ensures balance and reduces the risk of tripping.
,3|Page
Rationale 3: Teaching correct cane use prevents falls, supports
independence, and encourages safe mobility practices in rehabilitation or
chronic conditions.
Question 4
A nurse is caring for a client with restraints. Which action is correct?
A. Tie restraint to side rail
B. Remove every 4 hours
C. Tie with quick-release knot
D. Apply tightly to prevent movement
Answer: C. Tie with quick-release knot
Rationale 1: Quick-release knots allow restraints to be removed instantly
in emergencies such as fire, seizures, or sudden deterioration.
Rationale 2: Side rails are unsafe attachment points; restraints must be
secured to a fixed, immobile part of the bed frame.
Rationale 3: Legal and ethical guidelines emphasize safety, least-restrictive
care, and rapid intervention when restraints are clinically necessary.
Question 5
A client is prescribed digoxin. Which finding should the nurse report
immediately?
A. HR 55 bpm
B. BP 110/70 mmHg
C. Potassium 4.0 mEq/L
D. O₂ sat 96%
, 4|Page
Answer: A. HR 55 bpm
Rationale 1: A heart rate below 60 bpm indicates bradycardia, which
increases risk for digoxin toxicity and life-threatening arrhythmias.
Rationale 2: The nurse must always assess apical pulse for one minute
before administration and hold medication if rate is low.
Rationale 3: Patient safety depends on preventing toxicity, which may
present with visual changes, nausea, and dangerous ventricular
dysrhythmias.
Question 6
Which intervention promotes sleep hygiene for an older adult?
A. Take a daytime nap to restore energy
B. Drink hot cocoa before bed
C. Limit fluids 2 hours before bedtime
D. Watch TV until sleepy
Answer: C. Limit fluids 2 hours before bedtime
Rationale 1: Reducing late fluid intake decreases nocturia, preventing
frequent awakenings and allowing for deeper, more restorative sleep
cycles.
Rationale 2: Older adults are at increased risk for falls during nighttime
bathroom trips; prevention supports overall patient safety.
Rationale 3: Nonpharmacologic interventions, such as adjusting
environment and lifestyle, are recommended before sleep medications
due to lower adverse effects.
Question 7
