FUNDAMENTALS ATI RN EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026
VERIFIED.
Telephone orders: best practice - ANS -have a second RN listen in
-repeat the prescription back
-make sure the provider signs the prescription within 24 hr
Information Security - ANS -HIPPA: ensures confidentiality of health info
-Only those responsible for patient's care may access the medical record.
-Do not use patient names on display boards
-communication about the pt should happen in a private place or at the nurse's station
-password protect electronic records. Do not share passwords.
-Do not share pt information with unauthorized people.
code system can be used.
living will - ANS communicates patient's wishes regarding medical treatment if patient
becomes incapacitated.
DPOA - ANS durable power of attorney
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,patient designates health care proxy to make medical decisions for them if they become
incapacitated.
Provider's orders - ANS Prescription for DNR and/or AND
Mandatory reporting for RN - ANS -suspicion of abuse (child, elderly, domestic violence)
-communicable diseases to local/state health department (mandated by state)
informed consent: Provider responsibility - ANS -communicate purpose of procedure, and
complete description of procedure in the patient's primary language (use medical interpreter if
needed)
-explain risks vs. benefits
-describe other options to treat the condition
informed consent: RN responsibility - ANS -ensure the provider gave the pt the above
information
-ensure pt is competent to give informed consent (adult, emancipated minor, not impaired)
-have patient sign consent document
-notify provider if pt has more questions or doesn't understand any information provided.
nonspecific immunity - ANS defense mechanisms (barriers) in the body that respond
immediately to all antigens. Barriers include: skin, stomach acid, mucus, inflammatory response,
phagocytic cells.
specific adaptive immunity - ANS body produces antibodies in response to a specific antigen
through action of B and T lymphocytes. Requires more time, but the immune response against
that antigen in the future is more efficient.
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,incubation - ANS time from when the pathogen enters the body until the first symptom
appears.
prodromal stage - ANS time from the onset of general symptoms (malaise, fatigue) to specific
symptoms.
illness stage - ANS time when specific symptoms occur
convalescence - ANS time from when symptoms disappear to complete recovery (can take
months)
primary prevention - ANS prevents initial occurrence of disease
ex: education, immunizations, prenatal classes
secondary prevention - ANS focuses on early detection of disease, limiting severity of
disease.
ex: screenings, control of outbreaks
tertiary prevention - ANS maximize recovery after injury /illness
ex: rehab, PT/OT, support groups
active natural immunity - ANS body produces antibodies in response to exposure to live
pathogen
active artificial immunity - ANS body produces antibodies in response to vaccine
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, passive natural immunity - ANS antibodies are passed from the mom to her baby through the
placenta or breast milk
passive artificial immunity - ANS immunoglobulins are administered to an individual after
they have been exposed to a pathogen
ABCDE Principle - ANS A (airway): ensure pt airway. Stabilize cervical spine if neck/head
trauma is suspected
B (breathing): assess for respirations
C (circulation): check heart rate, blood pressure, and capillary refill
D (disability): assess the patient's level of consciousness
E (exposure): assess the patient's body for trauma, exposure to heat/cold
Using an interpreter - ANS -DO NOT use patient's family or friends
-use certified medical interpreter
-explain purpose of meeting to interpreter prior to approaching the patient
-direct questions at family, not interpreter
-use layman's terms (NOT medical jargon)
-DO NOT supplement words with gestures or nonverbal reinforcement
nursing care: Hearing loss - ANS -face the pt and avoid covering your mouth
-speak slowly and clearly; use brief sentences
-try lowering vocal pitch
-do not shout
-use sign-language interpreter, or write down communication
@COPYRIGHT ALL RIGHTS RESERVED PAGE 4 OF 66
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026
VERIFIED.
Telephone orders: best practice - ANS -have a second RN listen in
-repeat the prescription back
-make sure the provider signs the prescription within 24 hr
Information Security - ANS -HIPPA: ensures confidentiality of health info
-Only those responsible for patient's care may access the medical record.
-Do not use patient names on display boards
-communication about the pt should happen in a private place or at the nurse's station
-password protect electronic records. Do not share passwords.
-Do not share pt information with unauthorized people.
code system can be used.
living will - ANS communicates patient's wishes regarding medical treatment if patient
becomes incapacitated.
DPOA - ANS durable power of attorney
@COPYRIGHT ALL RIGHTS RESERVED PAGE 1 OF 66
,patient designates health care proxy to make medical decisions for them if they become
incapacitated.
Provider's orders - ANS Prescription for DNR and/or AND
Mandatory reporting for RN - ANS -suspicion of abuse (child, elderly, domestic violence)
-communicable diseases to local/state health department (mandated by state)
informed consent: Provider responsibility - ANS -communicate purpose of procedure, and
complete description of procedure in the patient's primary language (use medical interpreter if
needed)
-explain risks vs. benefits
-describe other options to treat the condition
informed consent: RN responsibility - ANS -ensure the provider gave the pt the above
information
-ensure pt is competent to give informed consent (adult, emancipated minor, not impaired)
-have patient sign consent document
-notify provider if pt has more questions or doesn't understand any information provided.
nonspecific immunity - ANS defense mechanisms (barriers) in the body that respond
immediately to all antigens. Barriers include: skin, stomach acid, mucus, inflammatory response,
phagocytic cells.
specific adaptive immunity - ANS body produces antibodies in response to a specific antigen
through action of B and T lymphocytes. Requires more time, but the immune response against
that antigen in the future is more efficient.
@COPYRIGHT ALL RIGHTS RESERVED PAGE 2 OF 66
,incubation - ANS time from when the pathogen enters the body until the first symptom
appears.
prodromal stage - ANS time from the onset of general symptoms (malaise, fatigue) to specific
symptoms.
illness stage - ANS time when specific symptoms occur
convalescence - ANS time from when symptoms disappear to complete recovery (can take
months)
primary prevention - ANS prevents initial occurrence of disease
ex: education, immunizations, prenatal classes
secondary prevention - ANS focuses on early detection of disease, limiting severity of
disease.
ex: screenings, control of outbreaks
tertiary prevention - ANS maximize recovery after injury /illness
ex: rehab, PT/OT, support groups
active natural immunity - ANS body produces antibodies in response to exposure to live
pathogen
active artificial immunity - ANS body produces antibodies in response to vaccine
@COPYRIGHT ALL RIGHTS RESERVED PAGE 3 OF 66
, passive natural immunity - ANS antibodies are passed from the mom to her baby through the
placenta or breast milk
passive artificial immunity - ANS immunoglobulins are administered to an individual after
they have been exposed to a pathogen
ABCDE Principle - ANS A (airway): ensure pt airway. Stabilize cervical spine if neck/head
trauma is suspected
B (breathing): assess for respirations
C (circulation): check heart rate, blood pressure, and capillary refill
D (disability): assess the patient's level of consciousness
E (exposure): assess the patient's body for trauma, exposure to heat/cold
Using an interpreter - ANS -DO NOT use patient's family or friends
-use certified medical interpreter
-explain purpose of meeting to interpreter prior to approaching the patient
-direct questions at family, not interpreter
-use layman's terms (NOT medical jargon)
-DO NOT supplement words with gestures or nonverbal reinforcement
nursing care: Hearing loss - ANS -face the pt and avoid covering your mouth
-speak slowly and clearly; use brief sentences
-try lowering vocal pitch
-do not shout
-use sign-language interpreter, or write down communication
@COPYRIGHT ALL RIGHTS RESERVED PAGE 4 OF 66
