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PN ATI Fundamentals Exam Bank: 200+
NCLEX/ATI/HESI Style Questions with Detailed
Rationales, high yield content LATEST 2026-2027
Section 1: Safe & Effective Care Environment (Questions 1-35)
1. A practical nurse (PN) is caring for a client who is post-operative
and has an indwelling urinary catheter. Which of the following
actions by the PN requires the charge nurse to intervene?
a) Taping the catheter tubing to the client's thigh.
b) Placing the drainage bag on the bed while transferring the client.
c) Ensuring the drainage bag is below the level of the bladder.
d) Using a sterile specimen port to obtain a urine sample.
Correct Answer: b) Placing the drainage bag on the bed while
transferring the client.
Rationale: The drainage bag must always be kept below the level of the
bladder to prevent backflow of urine, which can cause a urinary tract
infection. Placing it on the bed violates this principle and creates a risk
for infection. Taping the tubing to the thigh helps prevent traction. The
drainage bag must be below the bladder. The specimen port is a closed,
sterile system for collection.
2. A PN is preparing to administer a rectal suppository to a client.
Which of the following actions should the PN take first?
a) Lubricate the suppository with a water-soluble lubricant.
b) Position the client in the left lateral (Sims') position.
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c) Explain the procedure to the client.
d) Don clean gloves.
Correct Answer: c) Explain the procedure to the client.
Rationale: The nursing process and principles of client-centered care
dictate that the first step in any procedure is to assess the client and
provide education to gain informed consent and cooperation. While all
other options are necessary steps in the procedure, they
occur after explaining the procedure.
3. A PN is caring for a client who has a new prescription for wrist
restraints. Which of the following actions is the highest priority?
a) Document the client's behavior that necessitated the restraints.
b) Ensure the restraint is tied to a non-moving part of the bed frame.
c) Assess the neurovascular status of the restrained hand.
d) Obtain a prescription from the provider that specifies the type and
duration of restraints.
Correct Answer: c) Assess the neurovascular status of the restrained
hand.
Rationale: While all options are important, the highest priority is client
safety. Restraints can compromise circulation, sensation, and mobility.
Assessing neurovascular status (color, temperature, pulse, capillary
refill, sensation, and movement) is the immediate priority to prevent
injury such as nerve damage or ischemia. A prescription is required for
restraints but is a preceding step.
4. A PN is reinforcing teaching with a client about using a patient-
controlled analgesia (PCA) pump. Which statement by the client
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indicates a correct understanding?
a) "I will ask my family member to press the button for me if I'm
sleeping."
b) "I can only press the button when the pain becomes severe."
c) "I will press the button when I feel pain, even if I am a little sleepy."
d) "The pump is set to deliver a continuous amount of medication
without me pressing the button."
Correct Answer: c) "I will press the button when I feel pain, even if
I am a little sleepy."
Rationale: The key concept of PCA is that the client has control over
pain medication administration. The pump is programmed with a
lockout interval to prevent overdose, even if the client is sleepy. Only
the client should press the button to ensure they are alert enough to
manage their pain and to prevent accidental overdose by a third party.
Pain should be managed before it becomes severe.
5. A PN observes a colleague preparing to administer a medication
via nasogastric (NG) tube. The colleague crushes an enteric-coated
tablet and mixes it with water. Which of the following actions should
the PN take?
a) Ignore it, as it is a common practice.
b) Report the colleague to the nursing supervisor immediately.
c) Remind the colleague that enteric-coated medications should not be
crushed.
d) Ask the colleague if they are sure the client can swallow the
medication.
Correct Answer: c) Remind the colleague that enteric-coated
medications should not be crushed.
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Rationale: Enteric-coated tablets are designed to dissolve in the small
intestine to protect the stomach lining or to delay absorption. Crushing
them destroys this protective mechanism, potentially causing gastric
irritation or altering the drug's efficacy. The PN has a duty to address the
error professionally with the colleague first, unless there is an immediate
risk of harm.
6. A PN is reinforcing discharge instructions to a client who speaks a
different language. A family member is translating. What is the most
appropriate action by the PN?
a) Direct all questions to the family member to ensure understanding.
b) Use medical terminology to ensure the translation is accurate.
c) Observe the family member's nonverbal cues and the client's body
language.
d) Avoid eye contact with the client to allow the family member to
focus.
Correct Answer: c) Observe the family member's nonverbal cues
and the client's body language.
Rationale: When using an interpreter, even a family member, it is
crucial to assess for understanding. Nonverbal cues may indicate
confusion, discomfort, or disagreement that is not being translated. The
PN should speak directly to the client, not the interpreter, and avoid
complex medical jargon.
7. A client is being transferred from a long-term care facility to an
acute care hospital. Which of the following should the PN ensure is
included in the transfer report?
a) A copy of the client's advance directives.
PN ATI Fundamentals Exam Bank: 200+
NCLEX/ATI/HESI Style Questions with Detailed
Rationales, high yield content LATEST 2026-2027
Section 1: Safe & Effective Care Environment (Questions 1-35)
1. A practical nurse (PN) is caring for a client who is post-operative
and has an indwelling urinary catheter. Which of the following
actions by the PN requires the charge nurse to intervene?
a) Taping the catheter tubing to the client's thigh.
b) Placing the drainage bag on the bed while transferring the client.
c) Ensuring the drainage bag is below the level of the bladder.
d) Using a sterile specimen port to obtain a urine sample.
Correct Answer: b) Placing the drainage bag on the bed while
transferring the client.
Rationale: The drainage bag must always be kept below the level of the
bladder to prevent backflow of urine, which can cause a urinary tract
infection. Placing it on the bed violates this principle and creates a risk
for infection. Taping the tubing to the thigh helps prevent traction. The
drainage bag must be below the bladder. The specimen port is a closed,
sterile system for collection.
2. A PN is preparing to administer a rectal suppository to a client.
Which of the following actions should the PN take first?
a) Lubricate the suppository with a water-soluble lubricant.
b) Position the client in the left lateral (Sims') position.
,2|Page
c) Explain the procedure to the client.
d) Don clean gloves.
Correct Answer: c) Explain the procedure to the client.
Rationale: The nursing process and principles of client-centered care
dictate that the first step in any procedure is to assess the client and
provide education to gain informed consent and cooperation. While all
other options are necessary steps in the procedure, they
occur after explaining the procedure.
3. A PN is caring for a client who has a new prescription for wrist
restraints. Which of the following actions is the highest priority?
a) Document the client's behavior that necessitated the restraints.
b) Ensure the restraint is tied to a non-moving part of the bed frame.
c) Assess the neurovascular status of the restrained hand.
d) Obtain a prescription from the provider that specifies the type and
duration of restraints.
Correct Answer: c) Assess the neurovascular status of the restrained
hand.
Rationale: While all options are important, the highest priority is client
safety. Restraints can compromise circulation, sensation, and mobility.
Assessing neurovascular status (color, temperature, pulse, capillary
refill, sensation, and movement) is the immediate priority to prevent
injury such as nerve damage or ischemia. A prescription is required for
restraints but is a preceding step.
4. A PN is reinforcing teaching with a client about using a patient-
controlled analgesia (PCA) pump. Which statement by the client
,3|Page
indicates a correct understanding?
a) "I will ask my family member to press the button for me if I'm
sleeping."
b) "I can only press the button when the pain becomes severe."
c) "I will press the button when I feel pain, even if I am a little sleepy."
d) "The pump is set to deliver a continuous amount of medication
without me pressing the button."
Correct Answer: c) "I will press the button when I feel pain, even if
I am a little sleepy."
Rationale: The key concept of PCA is that the client has control over
pain medication administration. The pump is programmed with a
lockout interval to prevent overdose, even if the client is sleepy. Only
the client should press the button to ensure they are alert enough to
manage their pain and to prevent accidental overdose by a third party.
Pain should be managed before it becomes severe.
5. A PN observes a colleague preparing to administer a medication
via nasogastric (NG) tube. The colleague crushes an enteric-coated
tablet and mixes it with water. Which of the following actions should
the PN take?
a) Ignore it, as it is a common practice.
b) Report the colleague to the nursing supervisor immediately.
c) Remind the colleague that enteric-coated medications should not be
crushed.
d) Ask the colleague if they are sure the client can swallow the
medication.
Correct Answer: c) Remind the colleague that enteric-coated
medications should not be crushed.
, 4|Page
Rationale: Enteric-coated tablets are designed to dissolve in the small
intestine to protect the stomach lining or to delay absorption. Crushing
them destroys this protective mechanism, potentially causing gastric
irritation or altering the drug's efficacy. The PN has a duty to address the
error professionally with the colleague first, unless there is an immediate
risk of harm.
6. A PN is reinforcing discharge instructions to a client who speaks a
different language. A family member is translating. What is the most
appropriate action by the PN?
a) Direct all questions to the family member to ensure understanding.
b) Use medical terminology to ensure the translation is accurate.
c) Observe the family member's nonverbal cues and the client's body
language.
d) Avoid eye contact with the client to allow the family member to
focus.
Correct Answer: c) Observe the family member's nonverbal cues
and the client's body language.
Rationale: When using an interpreter, even a family member, it is
crucial to assess for understanding. Nonverbal cues may indicate
confusion, discomfort, or disagreement that is not being translated. The
PN should speak directly to the client, not the interpreter, and avoid
complex medical jargon.
7. A client is being transferred from a long-term care facility to an
acute care hospital. Which of the following should the PN ensure is
included in the transfer report?
a) A copy of the client's advance directives.
