This comprehensive ATI Fundamentals study guide is designed for nursing students preparing for ATI Fundamentals assessments and NCLEX readiness. It features 500+ verified, exam-style questions with accurate answers and detailed rationales, covering essent

January 2026 | ATI Fundamentals Nursing Comprehensive Exam Prep |
Complete Test Bank with Verified Questions, Correct Answers, Detailed
Rationales, Basic Nursing Skills, Patient Assessment, Vital Signs,
Medication Administration, Infection Control, Safety, Nursing
Interventions, Clinical Scenarios & First-Attempt Exam Success
Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of the nursing process?
A) To establish a relationship with patients
B) To ensure quality patient care
C) To document patient interactions
D) To manage healthcare staff
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: The nursing process is a systematic approach that ensures quality care is
delivered through assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.


Question 2:
Which of the following is considered a vital sign?
A) Blood glucose level
B) Blood pressure
C) Body mass index
D) Hemoglobin level
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Blood pressure is one of the four main vital signs and provides essential
information about cardiovascular health.


Question 3:
What is the expected range for an adult’s resting heart rate?
A) 60-80 bpm
B) 70-100 bpm
C) 60-100 bpm
D) 50-70 bpm
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: The normal resting heart rate for adults typically ranges from 60 to 100 beats
per minute.


Question 4:
Which of the following techniques is essential for effective hand hygiene?
A) Washing hands with soap and water
B) Wearing gloves
C) Using hand lotion
D) Wiping hands with a towel

,CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: Washing hands with soap and water is the best method to prevent the
spread of infections.


Question 5:
Which nursing intervention is appropriate for a patient with pain?
A) Ignoring the patient's complaints
B) Offering pain relief medication
C) Asking the patient to 'tough it out'
D) Delaying medication until the next shift
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Offering pain relief is essential to improve patient comfort and outcomes.


Question 6:
What does the acronym "ABCDE" stand for in airway management?
A) Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure
B) Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Decision, Emergency
C) Assessment, Breath, Clear, Detect, Evaluate
D) Assess, Breathe, Circulate, Direct, Enforce
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: "ABCDE" stands for a systematic approach to assess and manage a patient’s
airway and overall condition.


Question 7:
What is the proper way to assess for a pulse?
A) Directly over the heart
B) With the palm of the hand
C) Using two fingers on a major artery
D) By looking for visible cardiac movement
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: The pulse is best assessed by palpating a major artery using two fingers.


Question 8:
Which of the following signs would indicate hypoglycemia?
A) Rapid breathing
B) Fever
C) Sweating and tremors
D) Dry skin
CORRECT ANSWER: C

,Rationale: Symptoms like sweating and tremors are classic signs of low blood sugar, or
hypoglycemia.


Question 9:
What is the first step in the patient assessment process?
A) Gathering health history
B) Performing a physical exam
C) Developing a care plan
D) Implementing interventions
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: The first step is to gather a comprehensive health history to understand the
patient's needs.


Question 10:
In what order should nursing assessments be performed during a physical exam?
A) Inspection, Auscultation, Palpation, Percussion
B) Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
C) Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D) Percussion, Auscultation, Palpation, Inspection
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: The standard order facilitates optimal assessment.


Question 11:
What is the most effective position for a patient experiencing respiratory distress?
A) High Fowler's position
B) Supine position
C) Trendelenburg position
D) Prone position
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: High Fowler's position promotes lung expansion and facilitates breathing.


Question 12:
What type of precautions is necessary when caring for a patient with tuberculosis?
A) Droplet precautions
B) Airborne precautions
C) Contact precautions
D) Standard precautions
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Airborne precautions prevent the spread of TB through airborne particles.

, Question 13:
Which of the following is a sign of dehydration?
A) Increased appetite
B) Dark urine
C) Elevated temperature
D) Excessive sweating
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Dark urine often indicates dehydration as the body conserves water.


Question 14:
What does a patient's pain scale score of 4 out of 10 represent?
A) No pain
B) Mild pain
C) Moderate pain
D) Severe pain
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: A score of 4 typically indicates moderate pain which may require
intervention.


Question 15:
What is a common side effect of opioid pain medication?
A) Hypertension
B) Insomnia
C) Constipation
D) Nausea
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: Opioids are well-known for causing constipation as a side effect.


Question 16:
Which action should a nurse take first when a patient suddenly becomes
unresponsive?
A) Check for a pulse
B) Call for assistance
C) Begin CPR immediately
D) Assess the patient's breathing
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Calling for assistance ensures that help arrives while the nurse assesses the
patient.