ATI Fundamentals Proctored Exam 2019 & 2025: Practice Questions, Study Guide, and Detailed Rationales

1. Assessment of Abdominal Pain
Q: A nurse in an emergency department is assessing a client who reports right lower
quadrant pain, nausea, and vomiting for the past 48 hours. Which of the following
actions should the nurse take first?
a. Offer pain medication
b. Palpate the abdomen
c. Auscultate bowel sounds
d. Administer an antiemetic
Rationale: Auscultating bowel sounds is part of the initial physical assessment and
should be done before palpation or administering any medication, to avoid altering
the physical findings. Palpation can stimulate or alter bowel activity.
2. Maladaptive Coping – Terminal Illness
Q: A nurse is caring for a client who recently received a diagnosis of terminal cancer.
Which of the following statements by the client’s partner indicates maladaptive coping?
a. “I don’t know if I will be able to meet his physical needs.”
b. “I will take things one day at a time.”
c. “I’m doing my best to stay strong for him.”
d. “I’ve been reading about what to expect as the disease progresses.”
Rationale: The partner’s expression of doubt in their ability to cope or meet the
client’s needs reflects maladaptive coping. It indicates feelings of being overwhelmed
or unprepared.
3. Pressure Ulcer Dressing Selection
Q: A nurse is planning care for a client who has a stage 1 pressure ulcer on the right
heel. Which of the following dressings should the nurse anticipate?
a. Dry gauze
b. Transparent dressing
c. Calcium alginate
d. Hydrogel
Rationale: Transparent dressings are appropriate for stage 1 pressure ulcers as they
protect the area while allowing visualization and oxygen exchange, promoting healing.