ATI RN Fundamentals of Nursing Examination | 2026/2027
RN ATI Fundamentals of Nursing
Examination
| 2026/2027
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
75 Questions with Correct Answers and Rationales
ATI RN Proctored Assessment
Exam Domains Covered:
1. Nursing Process & Clinical Judgment Frameworks
2. Basic Care & Comfort Measures (ADLs, Mobility, Hygiene)
3. Infection Control & Standard/Transmission-Based Precautions
4. Medication Administration & the Six Rights
5. Vital Signs Assessment & Interpretation
6. Communication & Therapeutic Relationship Building
7. Legal/Ethical Principles & Scope of Practice for RNs
8. Documentation Standards & SBAR Handoff Reporting
9. Patient Safety Protocols (Falls, Restraints, Error Prevention)
10. Cultural Competence & Health Equity Fundamentals
11. Health Promotion & Patient Education Strategies
12. NCLEX-RN Prioritization & Test-Taking Strategies
1
, ATI RN Fundamentals of Nursing Examination | 2026/2027
Table of Contents
Section 1: Introduction
Section 2: Nursing Process & Clinical Judgment Frameworks (Q1–Q8)
Section 3: Basic Care & Comfort Measures (Q9–Q16)
Section 4: Infection Control & Standard/Transmission-Based Precautions (Q17–Q24)
Section 5: Medication Administration & the Six Rights (Q25–Q32)
Section 6: Vital Signs Assessment & Interpretation (Q33–Q40)
Section 7: Communication & Therapeutic Relationship Building (Q41–Q47)
Section 8: Legal/Ethical Principles & Scope of Practice for RNs (Q48–Q53)
Section 9: Documentation Standards & SBAR Handoff Reporting (Q54–Q58)
Section 10: Patient Safety Protocols (Q59–Q64)
Section 11: Cultural Competence & Health Equity Fundamentals (Q65–Q68)
Section 12: Health Promotion & Patient Education Strategies (Q69–Q72)
Section 13: NCLEX-RN Prioritization & Test-Taking Strategies (Q73–Q75)
Section 14: Comprehensive Answer Key & Rationales
(Right-click here and select “Update Field” to generate the Table of Contents)
2
, ATI RN Fundamentals of Nursing Examination | 2026/2027
Section 1: Introduction
The RN ATI Fundamentals of Nursing Examination is a comprehensive proctored assessment
designed to evaluate the nursing student's mastery of essential foundational concepts in nursing
practice. Aligned with the ATI RN Content Mastery Series® standards, this examination covers the
core competencies required for safe, effective, and evidence-based patient care across the lifespan.
The exam integrates the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (CJMM) framework,
ensuring that questions assess critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and decision-making skills essential
for entry-level nursing practice.
This examination is mapped to the NCLEX-RN test plan and reflects the current standards established
by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Questions are scenario-based and
assess knowledge across twelve key content domains, including the nursing process, patient safety,
medication administration, infection control, and therapeutic communication. Each question is
accompanied by a detailed rationale that explains the clinical reasoning behind the correct answer,
supporting both exam preparation and ongoing professional development. The examination consists
of 75 multiple-choice questions distributed across the twelve domains as outlined in the ATI RN
Fundamentals content blueprint.
3
, ATI RN Fundamentals of Nursing Examination | 2026/2027
Section 2: Nursing Process & Clinical Judgment
Frameworks
Questions 1–8
Q1. A nurse is caring for a client who was admitted with dehydration. The nurse assesses the client
and finds dry mucous membranes, decreased skin turgor, and a heart rate of 110 bpm. Which step of
the nursing process is the nurse performing?
A) Planning
B) Assessment
C) Implementation
D) Evaluation
Correct Answer: B) Assessment
Rationale: The nurse is performing the assessment phase by collecting objective and subjective data about the
client's hydration status. Assessment is the first step of the nursing process and involves gathering information
to identify the client's needs and form nursing diagnoses.
Q2. A nurse is developing a care plan for a client with a nursing diagnosis of Impaired Gas Exchange
related to pneumonia. Which of the following is an appropriately written goal/outcome for this
diagnosis?
A) The client will receive oxygen therapy as prescribed.
B) The client will maintain SpO2 ≥ 92% within 24 hours.
C) The nurse will monitor respiratory rate every 2 hours.
D) The client will understand the importance of deep breathing exercises.
Correct Answer: B) The client will maintain SpO2 ≥ 92% within 24 hours.
Rationale: A client-centered outcome must be measurable, specific, and achievable within a defined timeframe.
Option B meets these criteria by specifying a measurable parameter (SpO2 ≥ 92%) and a realistic timeframe.
Options A and C describe nursing interventions, not client outcomes.
Q3. A nurse is using the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (CJMM) to care for a client
who reports sudden onset of severe chest pain radiating to the left arm. Which cognitive skill should
the nurse apply FIRST according to the CJMM?
A) Generate solutions
B) Take action
C) Recognize cues
4
RN ATI Fundamentals of Nursing
Examination
| 2026/2027
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
75 Questions with Correct Answers and Rationales
ATI RN Proctored Assessment
Exam Domains Covered:
1. Nursing Process & Clinical Judgment Frameworks
2. Basic Care & Comfort Measures (ADLs, Mobility, Hygiene)
3. Infection Control & Standard/Transmission-Based Precautions
4. Medication Administration & the Six Rights
5. Vital Signs Assessment & Interpretation
6. Communication & Therapeutic Relationship Building
7. Legal/Ethical Principles & Scope of Practice for RNs
8. Documentation Standards & SBAR Handoff Reporting
9. Patient Safety Protocols (Falls, Restraints, Error Prevention)
10. Cultural Competence & Health Equity Fundamentals
11. Health Promotion & Patient Education Strategies
12. NCLEX-RN Prioritization & Test-Taking Strategies
1
, ATI RN Fundamentals of Nursing Examination | 2026/2027
Table of Contents
Section 1: Introduction
Section 2: Nursing Process & Clinical Judgment Frameworks (Q1–Q8)
Section 3: Basic Care & Comfort Measures (Q9–Q16)
Section 4: Infection Control & Standard/Transmission-Based Precautions (Q17–Q24)
Section 5: Medication Administration & the Six Rights (Q25–Q32)
Section 6: Vital Signs Assessment & Interpretation (Q33–Q40)
Section 7: Communication & Therapeutic Relationship Building (Q41–Q47)
Section 8: Legal/Ethical Principles & Scope of Practice for RNs (Q48–Q53)
Section 9: Documentation Standards & SBAR Handoff Reporting (Q54–Q58)
Section 10: Patient Safety Protocols (Q59–Q64)
Section 11: Cultural Competence & Health Equity Fundamentals (Q65–Q68)
Section 12: Health Promotion & Patient Education Strategies (Q69–Q72)
Section 13: NCLEX-RN Prioritization & Test-Taking Strategies (Q73–Q75)
Section 14: Comprehensive Answer Key & Rationales
(Right-click here and select “Update Field” to generate the Table of Contents)
2
, ATI RN Fundamentals of Nursing Examination | 2026/2027
Section 1: Introduction
The RN ATI Fundamentals of Nursing Examination is a comprehensive proctored assessment
designed to evaluate the nursing student's mastery of essential foundational concepts in nursing
practice. Aligned with the ATI RN Content Mastery Series® standards, this examination covers the
core competencies required for safe, effective, and evidence-based patient care across the lifespan.
The exam integrates the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (CJMM) framework,
ensuring that questions assess critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and decision-making skills essential
for entry-level nursing practice.
This examination is mapped to the NCLEX-RN test plan and reflects the current standards established
by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Questions are scenario-based and
assess knowledge across twelve key content domains, including the nursing process, patient safety,
medication administration, infection control, and therapeutic communication. Each question is
accompanied by a detailed rationale that explains the clinical reasoning behind the correct answer,
supporting both exam preparation and ongoing professional development. The examination consists
of 75 multiple-choice questions distributed across the twelve domains as outlined in the ATI RN
Fundamentals content blueprint.
3
, ATI RN Fundamentals of Nursing Examination | 2026/2027
Section 2: Nursing Process & Clinical Judgment
Frameworks
Questions 1–8
Q1. A nurse is caring for a client who was admitted with dehydration. The nurse assesses the client
and finds dry mucous membranes, decreased skin turgor, and a heart rate of 110 bpm. Which step of
the nursing process is the nurse performing?
A) Planning
B) Assessment
C) Implementation
D) Evaluation
Correct Answer: B) Assessment
Rationale: The nurse is performing the assessment phase by collecting objective and subjective data about the
client's hydration status. Assessment is the first step of the nursing process and involves gathering information
to identify the client's needs and form nursing diagnoses.
Q2. A nurse is developing a care plan for a client with a nursing diagnosis of Impaired Gas Exchange
related to pneumonia. Which of the following is an appropriately written goal/outcome for this
diagnosis?
A) The client will receive oxygen therapy as prescribed.
B) The client will maintain SpO2 ≥ 92% within 24 hours.
C) The nurse will monitor respiratory rate every 2 hours.
D) The client will understand the importance of deep breathing exercises.
Correct Answer: B) The client will maintain SpO2 ≥ 92% within 24 hours.
Rationale: A client-centered outcome must be measurable, specific, and achievable within a defined timeframe.
Option B meets these criteria by specifying a measurable parameter (SpO2 ≥ 92%) and a realistic timeframe.
Options A and C describe nursing interventions, not client outcomes.
Q3. A nurse is using the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (CJMM) to care for a client
who reports sudden onset of severe chest pain radiating to the left arm. Which cognitive skill should
the nurse apply FIRST according to the CJMM?
A) Generate solutions
B) Take action
C) Recognize cues
4
