1
RN ATI Fundamentals Test Bank 2025–2026 | All 58
Chapters | 200+ NCLEX-Style Questions & Rationales
| Based on ATI 10th Ed
✅ Question 1
A nurse is orienting a newly hired nurse to the standards of professional practice. During the
discussion, the nurse asks about the role of the American Nurses Association (ANA) in shaping
nursing responsibilities. Which of the following responses by the newly hired nurse reflects a
correct understanding of the ANA’s function in nursing?
A. “The ANA enforces disciplinary action when nurses violate practice acts.”
B. “The ANA determines legal licensure requirements for each state.”
C. “The ANA sets clinical protocols nurses must follow exactly.”
D. “The ANA establishes standards of practice to guide safe and effective care.”
Correct Answer: D. “The ANA establishes standards of practice to guide safe and effective
care.”
Rationale: The ANA plays a central role in defining the scope and standards of nursing
practice, offering a framework for nurses to provide competent, ethical, and patient-centered
care. While state boards handle licensure and disciplinary action, the ANA offers non-legally
binding guidance to enhance the quality of practice and uphold professionalism. Understanding
the ANA’s role helps nurses stay aligned with national practice expectations.
📚 Source: ATI Fundamentals for Nursing 10.0, Ch. 1 – Nursing as a Profession; Taylor’s
Fundamentals of Nursing, 10th Ed., Ch. 1
✅ Question 2
A nurse is caring for a client admitted with abdominal pain and dehydration. The nurse knows
that using the nursing process is essential to delivering safe care. What is the first step the nurse
should take in this structured clinical decision-making process?
,2
A. Establish measurable short-term and long-term goals for fluid balance
B. Implement orders by starting IV fluids as prescribed
C. Evaluate the client’s progress after 8 hours of fluid administration
D. Perform a comprehensive assessment to gather subjective and objective data
Correct Answer: D. Perform a comprehensive assessment to gather subjective and
objective data
Rationale: The nursing process begins with assessment, which involves collecting both
subjective (client-reported symptoms) and objective (vital signs, lab values) data. This
information guides planning, implementation, and evaluation. Jumping into implementation
without assessing may cause inappropriate care decisions or missed diagnoses. Assessment
provides the foundation for all subsequent steps in clinical judgment.
📚 Source: ATI Fundamentals 10.0, Ch. 3 – The Nursing Process; Taylor’s Fundamentals of
Nursing, 10th Ed., Ch. 11
✅ Question 3
A terminally ill client tells the nurse, “I don’t want any more aggressive treatments. I just want to
go home and be comfortable.” The family is insisting that “everything possible” be done to
prolong life. The nurse recognizes an ethical dilemma and must uphold the principle of
autonomy. What is the nurse’s best response?
A. Contact the provider to override the client’s decision
B. Respect the client’s wishes and support the decision after verifying understanding
C. Arrange a family meeting to convince the client to reconsider
D. Transfer the case to another nurse due to family conflict
Correct Answer: B. Respect the client’s wishes and support the decision after verifying
understanding
Rationale: Autonomy is a core ethical principle in nursing, giving clients the right to make
informed decisions about their care—even if family disagrees. The nurse must verify that the
client is competent and understands the implications, then advocate for their preferences. This
protects the client’s dignity and avoids ethical violations. Nurses must balance family emotions
while staying true to professional obligations.
📚 Source: ATI Fundamentals 10.0, Ch. 4 – Ethical Responsibilities; Taylor’s Fundamentals,
Ch. 6 – Values, Ethics, and Advocacy
✅ Question 4
A nurse is reviewing documentation policies with a student nurse. The student asks what to do if
a charting error is made during shift documentation. What is the most appropriate response by
the nurse?
,3
A. “Use correction fluid or erase the error completely and write the correct entry.”
B. “Draw a single line through the error, initial it, and document the correction.”
C. “Cover the mistake by rewriting the entire entry lower in the chart.”
D. “Leave it uncorrected and mention the error to the charge nurse later.”
Correct Answer: B. “Draw a single line through the error, initial it, and document the
correction.”
Rationale: When documentation errors occur, legal and ethical standards require the nurse to
strike through the incorrect entry with a single line, initial, and write the correct
information. This maintains transparency and protects the nurse from legal risk. Erasing, using
white-out, or hiding the mistake violates facility and regulatory policies. Documentation must
always be clear, accurate, and auditable.
📚 Source: ATI Fundamentals 10.0, Ch. 26 – Documentation; Taylor’s Fundamentals, 10th Ed.,
Ch. 19
✅ Question 5
A nurse enters the client’s room and finds the client on the floor after attempting to walk to the
bathroom unassisted. The client appears uninjured but shaken. After ensuring safety and
notifying the provider, what is the nurse’s priority action regarding incident documentation?
A. Document the fall in the progress notes and complete an incident report per policy
B. File the incident report in the client’s chart for legal documentation
C. Tell the oncoming nurse so it can be documented during the next shift
D. Avoid completing the report unless injury is confirmed
Correct Answer: A. Document the fall in the progress notes and complete an incident
report per policy
Rationale: The nurse must objectively document the fall in the client’s medical record without
assigning blame and then complete a separate incident report for internal use. Incident reports
are not included in the medical chart and are used to analyze risks and improve patient safety.
Timely, accurate documentation protects the nurse and supports quality assurance.
📚 Source: ATI Fundamentals 10.0, Ch. 27 – Safety & Incident Reporting; Taylor’s
Fundamentals of Nursing, Ch. 23
✅ Question 6
A nurse is caring for an older adult client who frequently attempts to get out of bed unassisted
and is at high risk for falls. The provider orders the application of soft wrist restraints. Before
applying them, the nurse knows several legal and ethical actions must be taken to ensure
compliance with standards of care. Which of the following steps should the nurse perform first?
, 4
A. Apply the restraints immediately to prevent further risk of injury
B. Obtain informed consent and ensure all less restrictive interventions have failed
C. Place the client in a room near the nurse’s station for close observation
D. Document the use of restraints after they have been applied
Correct Answer: B. Obtain informed consent and ensure all less restrictive interventions
have failed
Rationale: Restraints should only be used as a last resort, after all alternative interventions
(e.g., bed alarms, sitter, low bed) have failed. The nurse must ensure informed consent is
obtained and follow facility protocol, including ongoing assessment and documentation.
Applying restraints without justification or consent can constitute false imprisonment and
violates ethical principles such as autonomy and nonmaleficence.
📚 Source: ATI Fundamentals 10.0, Ch. 27 – Safety and Restraints; Taylor’s Fundamentals,
10th Ed., Ch. 23
✅ Question 7
A nurse is caring for a client newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus who voices concerns about
managing medications and lifestyle changes at home. The nurse uses therapeutic
communication techniques to explore the client's feelings. Which of the following is the best
response by the nurse to encourage further discussion?
A. “I had a relative with diabetes and it’s manageable if you try.”
B. “It sounds like you are feeling overwhelmed. Can you tell me more?”
C. “You’re overthinking it. Thousands of people manage this every day.”
D. “Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it with time.”
Correct Answer: B. “It sounds like you are feeling overwhelmed. Can you tell me more?”
Rationale: This response uses reflection and open-ended communication, key components of
therapeutic communication. It acknowledges the client’s feelings and encourages expression
without judgment. The other options dismiss or minimize the client’s concerns or shift focus
away from the client’s emotional state, which is not therapeutic.
📚 Source: ATI Fundamentals 10.0, Ch. 3 – Communication; Taylor’s Fundamentals, Ch. 20
✅ Question 8
A registered nurse is supervising a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and a certified nursing
assistant (CNA) on a medical-surgical unit. Which of the following tasks is most appropriate
for the RN to delegate to the CNA?
A. Administering a subcutaneous insulin injection to a diabetic client
B. Evaluating a client's response to a new pain medication
RN ATI Fundamentals Test Bank 2025–2026 | All 58
Chapters | 200+ NCLEX-Style Questions & Rationales
| Based on ATI 10th Ed
✅ Question 1
A nurse is orienting a newly hired nurse to the standards of professional practice. During the
discussion, the nurse asks about the role of the American Nurses Association (ANA) in shaping
nursing responsibilities. Which of the following responses by the newly hired nurse reflects a
correct understanding of the ANA’s function in nursing?
A. “The ANA enforces disciplinary action when nurses violate practice acts.”
B. “The ANA determines legal licensure requirements for each state.”
C. “The ANA sets clinical protocols nurses must follow exactly.”
D. “The ANA establishes standards of practice to guide safe and effective care.”
Correct Answer: D. “The ANA establishes standards of practice to guide safe and effective
care.”
Rationale: The ANA plays a central role in defining the scope and standards of nursing
practice, offering a framework for nurses to provide competent, ethical, and patient-centered
care. While state boards handle licensure and disciplinary action, the ANA offers non-legally
binding guidance to enhance the quality of practice and uphold professionalism. Understanding
the ANA’s role helps nurses stay aligned with national practice expectations.
📚 Source: ATI Fundamentals for Nursing 10.0, Ch. 1 – Nursing as a Profession; Taylor’s
Fundamentals of Nursing, 10th Ed., Ch. 1
✅ Question 2
A nurse is caring for a client admitted with abdominal pain and dehydration. The nurse knows
that using the nursing process is essential to delivering safe care. What is the first step the nurse
should take in this structured clinical decision-making process?
,2
A. Establish measurable short-term and long-term goals for fluid balance
B. Implement orders by starting IV fluids as prescribed
C. Evaluate the client’s progress after 8 hours of fluid administration
D. Perform a comprehensive assessment to gather subjective and objective data
Correct Answer: D. Perform a comprehensive assessment to gather subjective and
objective data
Rationale: The nursing process begins with assessment, which involves collecting both
subjective (client-reported symptoms) and objective (vital signs, lab values) data. This
information guides planning, implementation, and evaluation. Jumping into implementation
without assessing may cause inappropriate care decisions or missed diagnoses. Assessment
provides the foundation for all subsequent steps in clinical judgment.
📚 Source: ATI Fundamentals 10.0, Ch. 3 – The Nursing Process; Taylor’s Fundamentals of
Nursing, 10th Ed., Ch. 11
✅ Question 3
A terminally ill client tells the nurse, “I don’t want any more aggressive treatments. I just want to
go home and be comfortable.” The family is insisting that “everything possible” be done to
prolong life. The nurse recognizes an ethical dilemma and must uphold the principle of
autonomy. What is the nurse’s best response?
A. Contact the provider to override the client’s decision
B. Respect the client’s wishes and support the decision after verifying understanding
C. Arrange a family meeting to convince the client to reconsider
D. Transfer the case to another nurse due to family conflict
Correct Answer: B. Respect the client’s wishes and support the decision after verifying
understanding
Rationale: Autonomy is a core ethical principle in nursing, giving clients the right to make
informed decisions about their care—even if family disagrees. The nurse must verify that the
client is competent and understands the implications, then advocate for their preferences. This
protects the client’s dignity and avoids ethical violations. Nurses must balance family emotions
while staying true to professional obligations.
📚 Source: ATI Fundamentals 10.0, Ch. 4 – Ethical Responsibilities; Taylor’s Fundamentals,
Ch. 6 – Values, Ethics, and Advocacy
✅ Question 4
A nurse is reviewing documentation policies with a student nurse. The student asks what to do if
a charting error is made during shift documentation. What is the most appropriate response by
the nurse?
,3
A. “Use correction fluid or erase the error completely and write the correct entry.”
B. “Draw a single line through the error, initial it, and document the correction.”
C. “Cover the mistake by rewriting the entire entry lower in the chart.”
D. “Leave it uncorrected and mention the error to the charge nurse later.”
Correct Answer: B. “Draw a single line through the error, initial it, and document the
correction.”
Rationale: When documentation errors occur, legal and ethical standards require the nurse to
strike through the incorrect entry with a single line, initial, and write the correct
information. This maintains transparency and protects the nurse from legal risk. Erasing, using
white-out, or hiding the mistake violates facility and regulatory policies. Documentation must
always be clear, accurate, and auditable.
📚 Source: ATI Fundamentals 10.0, Ch. 26 – Documentation; Taylor’s Fundamentals, 10th Ed.,
Ch. 19
✅ Question 5
A nurse enters the client’s room and finds the client on the floor after attempting to walk to the
bathroom unassisted. The client appears uninjured but shaken. After ensuring safety and
notifying the provider, what is the nurse’s priority action regarding incident documentation?
A. Document the fall in the progress notes and complete an incident report per policy
B. File the incident report in the client’s chart for legal documentation
C. Tell the oncoming nurse so it can be documented during the next shift
D. Avoid completing the report unless injury is confirmed
Correct Answer: A. Document the fall in the progress notes and complete an incident
report per policy
Rationale: The nurse must objectively document the fall in the client’s medical record without
assigning blame and then complete a separate incident report for internal use. Incident reports
are not included in the medical chart and are used to analyze risks and improve patient safety.
Timely, accurate documentation protects the nurse and supports quality assurance.
📚 Source: ATI Fundamentals 10.0, Ch. 27 – Safety & Incident Reporting; Taylor’s
Fundamentals of Nursing, Ch. 23
✅ Question 6
A nurse is caring for an older adult client who frequently attempts to get out of bed unassisted
and is at high risk for falls. The provider orders the application of soft wrist restraints. Before
applying them, the nurse knows several legal and ethical actions must be taken to ensure
compliance with standards of care. Which of the following steps should the nurse perform first?
, 4
A. Apply the restraints immediately to prevent further risk of injury
B. Obtain informed consent and ensure all less restrictive interventions have failed
C. Place the client in a room near the nurse’s station for close observation
D. Document the use of restraints after they have been applied
Correct Answer: B. Obtain informed consent and ensure all less restrictive interventions
have failed
Rationale: Restraints should only be used as a last resort, after all alternative interventions
(e.g., bed alarms, sitter, low bed) have failed. The nurse must ensure informed consent is
obtained and follow facility protocol, including ongoing assessment and documentation.
Applying restraints without justification or consent can constitute false imprisonment and
violates ethical principles such as autonomy and nonmaleficence.
📚 Source: ATI Fundamentals 10.0, Ch. 27 – Safety and Restraints; Taylor’s Fundamentals,
10th Ed., Ch. 23
✅ Question 7
A nurse is caring for a client newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus who voices concerns about
managing medications and lifestyle changes at home. The nurse uses therapeutic
communication techniques to explore the client's feelings. Which of the following is the best
response by the nurse to encourage further discussion?
A. “I had a relative with diabetes and it’s manageable if you try.”
B. “It sounds like you are feeling overwhelmed. Can you tell me more?”
C. “You’re overthinking it. Thousands of people manage this every day.”
D. “Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it with time.”
Correct Answer: B. “It sounds like you are feeling overwhelmed. Can you tell me more?”
Rationale: This response uses reflection and open-ended communication, key components of
therapeutic communication. It acknowledges the client’s feelings and encourages expression
without judgment. The other options dismiss or minimize the client’s concerns or shift focus
away from the client’s emotional state, which is not therapeutic.
📚 Source: ATI Fundamentals 10.0, Ch. 3 – Communication; Taylor’s Fundamentals, Ch. 20
✅ Question 8
A registered nurse is supervising a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and a certified nursing
assistant (CNA) on a medical-surgical unit. Which of the following tasks is most appropriate
for the RN to delegate to the CNA?
A. Administering a subcutaneous insulin injection to a diabetic client
B. Evaluating a client's response to a new pain medication
