ATI RN FUNDAMENTALS PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND
RATIONALES 2026
1. A nurse is applying a condom catheter to an incontinent male client. Which
action is correct?
A. Leave 1‑2 inches of space between the tip of the penis and the end of the catheter
B. Apply adhesive tape directly to the skin of the penis
C. Roll the condom catheter tightly against the glans
D. Change the condom catheter every 72 hours
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Leaving space prevents pressure necrosis and allows urine flow. Tape on
skin causes injury; tight rolling blocks flow; catheters should be changed daily.
2. A client has a prescription for 1,000 mL of 0.9% NaCl over 8 hours. The drop
factor is 15 gtt/mL. Calculate the gtt/min.
A. 21 gtt/min
B. 25 gtt/min
C. 31 gtt/min
D. 42 gtt/min
Correct answer: C
Rationale: (1000 mL / 480 min) × 15 = 31.25 → 31 gtt/min.
, 3. (NGN Case) An older adult is found on the floor. Which cue is most urgent?
A. Skin tear on the forearm
B. New onset of confusion
C. Bruise on the hip
D. Complaint of pain
Correct answer: B
Rationale: New confusion after a fall may indicate intracranial bleeding. Skin tears,
bruises, and pain are important but not immediately life‑threatening.
4. A nurse is performing a home safety assessment for an older adult. Which
finding requires immediate action?
A. Grab bars installed in the shower
B. Nightlight in the hallway
C. Throw rug in the kitchen that is not secured
D. Handrails on both sides of stairs
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Unsecured scatter rugs are a major fall hazard. Grab bars, nightlights, and
handrails are safety features.
5. A client has a nasogastric (NG) tube to low intermittent suction. The nurse
notes the tube is not draining. What is the first action?
A. Irrigate the tube with 30 mL of sterile water
B. Reposition the client onto the left side
C. Verify tube placement by aspirating gastric contents
D. Notify the provider
Correct answer: C
Rationale: First verify placement; repositioning and irrigation may follow but not first
without an order.
RATIONALES 2026
1. A nurse is applying a condom catheter to an incontinent male client. Which
action is correct?
A. Leave 1‑2 inches of space between the tip of the penis and the end of the catheter
B. Apply adhesive tape directly to the skin of the penis
C. Roll the condom catheter tightly against the glans
D. Change the condom catheter every 72 hours
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Leaving space prevents pressure necrosis and allows urine flow. Tape on
skin causes injury; tight rolling blocks flow; catheters should be changed daily.
2. A client has a prescription for 1,000 mL of 0.9% NaCl over 8 hours. The drop
factor is 15 gtt/mL. Calculate the gtt/min.
A. 21 gtt/min
B. 25 gtt/min
C. 31 gtt/min
D. 42 gtt/min
Correct answer: C
Rationale: (1000 mL / 480 min) × 15 = 31.25 → 31 gtt/min.
, 3. (NGN Case) An older adult is found on the floor. Which cue is most urgent?
A. Skin tear on the forearm
B. New onset of confusion
C. Bruise on the hip
D. Complaint of pain
Correct answer: B
Rationale: New confusion after a fall may indicate intracranial bleeding. Skin tears,
bruises, and pain are important but not immediately life‑threatening.
4. A nurse is performing a home safety assessment for an older adult. Which
finding requires immediate action?
A. Grab bars installed in the shower
B. Nightlight in the hallway
C. Throw rug in the kitchen that is not secured
D. Handrails on both sides of stairs
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Unsecured scatter rugs are a major fall hazard. Grab bars, nightlights, and
handrails are safety features.
5. A client has a nasogastric (NG) tube to low intermittent suction. The nurse
notes the tube is not draining. What is the first action?
A. Irrigate the tube with 30 mL of sterile water
B. Reposition the client onto the left side
C. Verify tube placement by aspirating gastric contents
D. Notify the provider
Correct answer: C
Rationale: First verify placement; repositioning and irrigation may follow but not first
without an order.
