RN ATI Nutrition Proctored Exam
with Rationalized Answers ACTUAL
EXAM 2026/2027 | ATI Nutrition
Proctored RN | Verified Q&A | Pass
Guaranteed - A+ Graded
Section A: Multiple Choice (Questions 1–45)
Q1: A nurse is caring for a client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 4 who is receiving an ACE
inhibitor. The client reports muscle weakness and palpitations. Which laboratory value should the nurse
review first?
A. Serum creatinine
B. Serum potassium
C. Blood urea nitrogen
D. Serum sodium
Correct Answer: B. Serum potassium. [CORRECT]
Rationale: ACE inhibitors reduce aldosterone secretion, which impairs potassium excretion and places
CKD clients at high risk for hyperkalemia. Muscle weakness and palpitations are classic early
manifestations of elevated serum potassium, making this the priority assessment before cardiac
dysrhythmias develop
.
Q2: A client newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is starting metformin. Which statement by the client
indicates understanding of food-drug interactions?
A. "I will take my medication with grapefruit juice to improve absorption."
B. "I should avoid alcohol while taking this medication because it can cause low blood sugar."
,C. "I need to increase my calcium intake to prevent stomach upset."
D. "I will eat a high-fiber meal right before taking my dose."
Correct Answer: B. "I should avoid alcohol while taking this medication because it can cause low blood
sugar." [CORRECT]
Rationale: Alcohol potentiates the hypoglycemic effect of metformin and increases the risk of lactic
acidosis. Client education must emphasize limiting or avoiding alcohol consumption to prevent
dangerous metabolic complications
.
Q3: A nurse is assessing a client receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) via a central venous catheter.
The client suddenly reports shortness of breath and shoulder pain. Which complication should the nurse
suspect?
A. Hyperglycemia
B. Air embolism
C. Catheter-related bloodstream infection
D. Fluid overload
Correct Answer: B. Air embolism. [CORRECT]
Rationale: Sudden dyspnea, shoulder pain, and tachycardia in a client with a central line receiving TPN
are hallmark signs of air embolism. The nurse should immediately place the client in left lateral
Trendelenburg position to trap air in the right ventricle and prevent pulmonary circulation entry
.
Q4: A client with heart failure is prescribed a 2-g sodium diet. Which meal selection by the client
demonstrates adequate understanding of the restriction?
A. Canned chicken noodle soup, saltine crackers, and iced tea
B. Grilled chicken breast, steamed green beans, and a fresh apple
C. Deli ham sandwich with cheese, pickles, and tomato juice
D. Frozen lasagna, garlic bread, and canned peaches
Correct Answer: B. Grilled chicken breast, steamed green beans, and a fresh apple. [CORRECT]
Rationale: Fresh, unprocessed foods are naturally low in sodium. Processed, canned, and cured items
contain high sodium content as preservatives, which would exceed the 2-g daily restriction and
exacerbate fluid retention in heart failure.
, Q5: A nurse is teaching a pregnant client about iron supplementation. Which instruction should the
nurse include to enhance absorption?
A. Take the supplement with a glass of milk
B. Take the supplement with orange juice
C. Take the supplement immediately before bed
D. Take the supplement with an antacid
Correct Answer: B. Take the supplement with orange juice. [CORRECT]
Rationale: Vitamin C significantly enhances non-heme iron absorption by converting ferric iron to the
more soluble ferrous form. Calcium, antacids, and taking iron without food all decrease absorption and
should be avoided.
Q6: A client with Crohn's disease is receiving enteral nutrition via nasogastric tube at 60 mL/hr
continuous infusion. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Gastric residual volume of 250 mL
B. Bowel sounds present in all four quadrants
C. Abdominal distension and absent bowel sounds
D. Client reports mild nausea
Correct Answer: C. Abdominal distension and absent bowel sounds. [CORRECT]
Rationale: Abdominal distension with absent bowel sounds indicates ileus or bowel obstruction, which
is a contraindication to continuing enteral feeding. The nurse must stop the infusion immediately to
prevent aspiration and further gastrointestinal compromise.
Q7: A nurse is reviewing laboratory values for a client receiving parenteral nutrition. Which finding
indicates adequate nutritional status?
A. Albumin 2.8 g/dL
B. Prealbumin 18 mg/dL
C. Transferrin 150 mg/dL
D. Total protein 5.0 g/dL
Correct Answer: B. Prealbumin 18 mg/dL. [CORRECT]
Rationale: Prealbumin has a short half-life of 2–3 days and is a sensitive indicator of recent nutritional
status and protein synthesis. A level of 18–35 mg/dL indicates adequate nutritional repletion, whereas
albumin reflects longer-term status and is affected by inflammation.
with Rationalized Answers ACTUAL
EXAM 2026/2027 | ATI Nutrition
Proctored RN | Verified Q&A | Pass
Guaranteed - A+ Graded
Section A: Multiple Choice (Questions 1–45)
Q1: A nurse is caring for a client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 4 who is receiving an ACE
inhibitor. The client reports muscle weakness and palpitations. Which laboratory value should the nurse
review first?
A. Serum creatinine
B. Serum potassium
C. Blood urea nitrogen
D. Serum sodium
Correct Answer: B. Serum potassium. [CORRECT]
Rationale: ACE inhibitors reduce aldosterone secretion, which impairs potassium excretion and places
CKD clients at high risk for hyperkalemia. Muscle weakness and palpitations are classic early
manifestations of elevated serum potassium, making this the priority assessment before cardiac
dysrhythmias develop
.
Q2: A client newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is starting metformin. Which statement by the client
indicates understanding of food-drug interactions?
A. "I will take my medication with grapefruit juice to improve absorption."
B. "I should avoid alcohol while taking this medication because it can cause low blood sugar."
,C. "I need to increase my calcium intake to prevent stomach upset."
D. "I will eat a high-fiber meal right before taking my dose."
Correct Answer: B. "I should avoid alcohol while taking this medication because it can cause low blood
sugar." [CORRECT]
Rationale: Alcohol potentiates the hypoglycemic effect of metformin and increases the risk of lactic
acidosis. Client education must emphasize limiting or avoiding alcohol consumption to prevent
dangerous metabolic complications
.
Q3: A nurse is assessing a client receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) via a central venous catheter.
The client suddenly reports shortness of breath and shoulder pain. Which complication should the nurse
suspect?
A. Hyperglycemia
B. Air embolism
C. Catheter-related bloodstream infection
D. Fluid overload
Correct Answer: B. Air embolism. [CORRECT]
Rationale: Sudden dyspnea, shoulder pain, and tachycardia in a client with a central line receiving TPN
are hallmark signs of air embolism. The nurse should immediately place the client in left lateral
Trendelenburg position to trap air in the right ventricle and prevent pulmonary circulation entry
.
Q4: A client with heart failure is prescribed a 2-g sodium diet. Which meal selection by the client
demonstrates adequate understanding of the restriction?
A. Canned chicken noodle soup, saltine crackers, and iced tea
B. Grilled chicken breast, steamed green beans, and a fresh apple
C. Deli ham sandwich with cheese, pickles, and tomato juice
D. Frozen lasagna, garlic bread, and canned peaches
Correct Answer: B. Grilled chicken breast, steamed green beans, and a fresh apple. [CORRECT]
Rationale: Fresh, unprocessed foods are naturally low in sodium. Processed, canned, and cured items
contain high sodium content as preservatives, which would exceed the 2-g daily restriction and
exacerbate fluid retention in heart failure.
, Q5: A nurse is teaching a pregnant client about iron supplementation. Which instruction should the
nurse include to enhance absorption?
A. Take the supplement with a glass of milk
B. Take the supplement with orange juice
C. Take the supplement immediately before bed
D. Take the supplement with an antacid
Correct Answer: B. Take the supplement with orange juice. [CORRECT]
Rationale: Vitamin C significantly enhances non-heme iron absorption by converting ferric iron to the
more soluble ferrous form. Calcium, antacids, and taking iron without food all decrease absorption and
should be avoided.
Q6: A client with Crohn's disease is receiving enteral nutrition via nasogastric tube at 60 mL/hr
continuous infusion. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Gastric residual volume of 250 mL
B. Bowel sounds present in all four quadrants
C. Abdominal distension and absent bowel sounds
D. Client reports mild nausea
Correct Answer: C. Abdominal distension and absent bowel sounds. [CORRECT]
Rationale: Abdominal distension with absent bowel sounds indicates ileus or bowel obstruction, which
is a contraindication to continuing enteral feeding. The nurse must stop the infusion immediately to
prevent aspiration and further gastrointestinal compromise.
Q7: A nurse is reviewing laboratory values for a client receiving parenteral nutrition. Which finding
indicates adequate nutritional status?
A. Albumin 2.8 g/dL
B. Prealbumin 18 mg/dL
C. Transferrin 150 mg/dL
D. Total protein 5.0 g/dL
Correct Answer: B. Prealbumin 18 mg/dL. [CORRECT]
Rationale: Prealbumin has a short half-life of 2–3 days and is a sensitive indicator of recent nutritional
status and protein synthesis. A level of 18–35 mg/dL indicates adequate nutritional repletion, whereas
albumin reflects longer-term status and is affected by inflammation.
