ATI Fundamentals Proctored
Assessment: Physiological &
Psychosocial Needs (SCORED A+)2026
1. A nurse is assessing a client who reports shortness of breath.
Which finding requires the nurse's immediate attention?
A. Respiratory rate of 22/min
B. Oxygen saturation of 89%
C. Mild anxiety
D. Heart rate of 96/min
Answer: B. Oxygen saturation of 89%
An oxygen saturation of 89% indicates hypoxemia and requires
prompt assessment and intervention.
2. Which position should the nurse place a client in to promote lung
expansion?
A. Supine
B. Trendelenburg
C. High-Fowler's
D. Sims'
Answer: C. High-Fowler's
High-Fowler's positioning facilitates maximal chest expansion and
can improve ventilation.
3. A nurse is caring for a client with dysphagia. Which action is
appropriate during meals?
A. Place the client supine after eating
B. Offer thin liquids first
,C. Keep the client upright during and after meals
D. Encourage the client to use a straw
Answer: C. Keep the client upright during and after meals
An upright position reduces the risk of aspiration during and after
swallowing.
4. Which assessment finding is most consistent with dehydration?
A. Bounding pulse
B. Moist mucous membranes
C. Orthostatic hypotension
D. Increased urine output
Answer: C. Orthostatic hypotension
Volume depletion can cause a drop in blood pressure when the client
changes position.
5. A client has a prescription for intake and output measurement.
Which should the nurse include as intake?
A. Emesis
B. Urine
C. Ice chips
D. Wound drainage
Answer: C. Ice chips
Ice chips contribute to fluid intake and should be measured according
to facility policy.
6. Which food is highest in potassium?
A. White rice
B. Banana
,C. Applesauce
D. White bread
Answer: B. Banana
Bananas are a potassium-rich food.
7. A nurse is teaching a client about preventing constipation. Which
instruction should the nurse include?
A. Limit fluid intake
B. Avoid physical activity
C. Increase dietary fiber gradually
D. Use stimulant laxatives daily
Answer: C. Increase dietary fiber gradually
Fiber, adequate fluids, and physical activity promote normal bowel
function.
8. Which finding indicates effective pain management?
A. The client reports pain decreased from 8 to 3
B. The client sleeps continuously for 12 hr
C. The client has no facial expression
D. The client refuses all activity
Answer: A. The client reports pain decreased from 8 to 3
Pain is subjective; the client's report is the primary indicator of pain
relief.
9. Which intervention is appropriate for a client experiencing acute
pain?
A. Delay analgesia until pain becomes severe
B. Assess pain using an appropriate scale
, C. Tell the client to ignore the pain
D. Avoid nonpharmacologic interventions
Answer: B. Assess pain using an appropriate scale
Pain assessment establishes severity and guides treatment.
10. A nurse is assessing a client's sleep pattern. Which factor
commonly interferes with sleep in hospitalized clients?
A. Quiet environment
B. Consistent bedtime routine
C. Frequent nighttime interruptions
D. Adequate daytime activity
Answer: C. Frequent nighttime interruptions
Noise, procedures, vital-sign checks, and other interruptions can
disrupt sleep.
11. Which nursing action promotes sleep for a hospitalized client?
A. Schedule unnecessary procedures during sleeping hours
B. Reduce environmental noise at night
C. Keep all lights on
D. Encourage caffeine before bedtime
Answer: B. Reduce environmental noise at night
Reducing environmental stimulation supports restorative sleep.
12. A nurse is assessing a client for pressure injury risk. Which factor
increases risk?
A. Independent mobility
B. Adequate nutrition
Assessment: Physiological &
Psychosocial Needs (SCORED A+)2026
1. A nurse is assessing a client who reports shortness of breath.
Which finding requires the nurse's immediate attention?
A. Respiratory rate of 22/min
B. Oxygen saturation of 89%
C. Mild anxiety
D. Heart rate of 96/min
Answer: B. Oxygen saturation of 89%
An oxygen saturation of 89% indicates hypoxemia and requires
prompt assessment and intervention.
2. Which position should the nurse place a client in to promote lung
expansion?
A. Supine
B. Trendelenburg
C. High-Fowler's
D. Sims'
Answer: C. High-Fowler's
High-Fowler's positioning facilitates maximal chest expansion and
can improve ventilation.
3. A nurse is caring for a client with dysphagia. Which action is
appropriate during meals?
A. Place the client supine after eating
B. Offer thin liquids first
,C. Keep the client upright during and after meals
D. Encourage the client to use a straw
Answer: C. Keep the client upright during and after meals
An upright position reduces the risk of aspiration during and after
swallowing.
4. Which assessment finding is most consistent with dehydration?
A. Bounding pulse
B. Moist mucous membranes
C. Orthostatic hypotension
D. Increased urine output
Answer: C. Orthostatic hypotension
Volume depletion can cause a drop in blood pressure when the client
changes position.
5. A client has a prescription for intake and output measurement.
Which should the nurse include as intake?
A. Emesis
B. Urine
C. Ice chips
D. Wound drainage
Answer: C. Ice chips
Ice chips contribute to fluid intake and should be measured according
to facility policy.
6. Which food is highest in potassium?
A. White rice
B. Banana
,C. Applesauce
D. White bread
Answer: B. Banana
Bananas are a potassium-rich food.
7. A nurse is teaching a client about preventing constipation. Which
instruction should the nurse include?
A. Limit fluid intake
B. Avoid physical activity
C. Increase dietary fiber gradually
D. Use stimulant laxatives daily
Answer: C. Increase dietary fiber gradually
Fiber, adequate fluids, and physical activity promote normal bowel
function.
8. Which finding indicates effective pain management?
A. The client reports pain decreased from 8 to 3
B. The client sleeps continuously for 12 hr
C. The client has no facial expression
D. The client refuses all activity
Answer: A. The client reports pain decreased from 8 to 3
Pain is subjective; the client's report is the primary indicator of pain
relief.
9. Which intervention is appropriate for a client experiencing acute
pain?
A. Delay analgesia until pain becomes severe
B. Assess pain using an appropriate scale
, C. Tell the client to ignore the pain
D. Avoid nonpharmacologic interventions
Answer: B. Assess pain using an appropriate scale
Pain assessment establishes severity and guides treatment.
10. A nurse is assessing a client's sleep pattern. Which factor
commonly interferes with sleep in hospitalized clients?
A. Quiet environment
B. Consistent bedtime routine
C. Frequent nighttime interruptions
D. Adequate daytime activity
Answer: C. Frequent nighttime interruptions
Noise, procedures, vital-sign checks, and other interruptions can
disrupt sleep.
11. Which nursing action promotes sleep for a hospitalized client?
A. Schedule unnecessary procedures during sleeping hours
B. Reduce environmental noise at night
C. Keep all lights on
D. Encourage caffeine before bedtime
Answer: B. Reduce environmental noise at night
Reducing environmental stimulation supports restorative sleep.
12. A nurse is assessing a client for pressure injury risk. Which factor
increases risk?
A. Independent mobility
B. Adequate nutrition
