This document is a comprehensive study guide for the ATI RN Fundamentals Proctored Exam, featuring 70 practice questions and rationales. It covers essential nursing concepts such as safety, infection control, medication administration, and communication. Ideal for nursing students preparing for their NCLEX-RN, this guide provides a structured approach to mastering foundational nursing knowledge.
RN Fundamentals 2016
70-Question Proctored Exam • Study Guide & Practice Questions
Exam Overview
The ATI RN Fundamentals Proctored Exam (2016 version) is a standardized 70-question assessment
used in U.S. nursing programs to evaluate student readiness in foundational nursing concepts. It tests
critical thinking, clinical judgment, and safe patient care—not memorization. This exam forms the basis for
all subsequent clinical and specialty courses and is a stepping stone toward the NCLEX-RN.
Exam Structure
Feature Detail
Total Questions 70 multiple-choice questions
Format Multiple-choice, select-all-that-apply, ordered response
Time Limit Approximately 90 minutes
Difficulty Level Level 1–2 (Comprehension & Application)
Scoring Individual score + national percentile; Level 1, 2, or 3 proficiency
Proctored Yes — administered under supervised testing conditions
Core Topics & Content Breakdown
Topic Area Key Concepts Weight
Safety & Infection
Control
Standard/transmission-based precautions, hand hygiene,
PPE, sterile technique, fall prevention, patient identification,
restraints
High
Basic Nursing Care Hygiene, mobility, positioning, skin integrity, nutrition,
hydration, elimination, vital signs
High
Delegation &
Prioritization
5 Rights of Delegation, scope of practice (RN vs. LPN vs. AP),
ABCs, Maslow’s hierarchy, unstable before stable
High
Medication
Administration
6 Rights of Medication Administration, allergy verification, safe
dosage calculation, error reporting, documentation
Medium
Communication Therapeutic communication, SBAR, open-ended questions,
active listening, avoiding false reassurance, documentation
Medium
Legal & Ethical Practice Informed consent, advance directives, confidentiality (HIPAA),
scope of practice, incident reporting, patient rights
Medium
Health Assessment Physical assessment techniques, vital signs, pain
assessment, neurological checks, documentation standards
Medium
Nursing Process Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation
(ADPIE)
Low–Med
Essential Prioritization Frameworks
• ABCs — Airway → Breathing → Circulation (always first priority)
• Maslow’s Hierarchy — Physiological → Safety → Love/Belonging → Esteem → Self-Actualization
• Safety First — Prevent harm before providing comfort
• Unstable Before Stable — Assess/intervene for unstable patients first
• Acute Before Chronic — New or worsening conditions take priority
• Assess Before Intervene — Gather data before acting (unless immediate danger)
Infection Control Quick Reference
Precaution Type Used For Key PPE / Actions
Standard ALL patients, all situations Hand hygiene, gloves, gown if splash risk
Contact C. diff, MRSA, VRE, scabies, RSV Gown + gloves; private room; dedicated
equipment
Droplet Influenza, pertussis, meningitis,
mumps
Surgical mask within 3 ft; private room
Airborne TB, measles, varicella (chickenpox) N95 respirator; negative-pressure room; door
closed
Delegation Quick Reference
Task Can Delegate To Notes
Vital signs (stable client) AP / UAP RN must interpret abnormal findings
Bathing, feeding, ambulation AP / UAP Unless client is at high risk (e.g.,
aspiration)
Condom catheter application AP / UAP Non-invasive, routine procedure
Tracheostomy care LPN (stable); RN
(unstable)
RN for new/complex trach
PCA pump management RN only Cannot delegate to LPN or AP
Patient teaching RN only LPN may reinforce, not initiate
Sterile dressing change RN or LPN Not AP
Assessment / care planning RN only Cannot be delegated
End of Document
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