ATI Fundamental

OB-nurse2013, BSN, RN · Jul 14, 2012

I did all the practice tests and made sure to read the rationales. I also did some of the practice questions at the end of the chapters in the book. I think the trick with ATI is just knowing how to answer the questions.

rexy · Jul 14, 2012

I agree that the best thing to do is to know how to answer the questions. I feel like ATI questions have specific characteristics as opposed to questions from other sources. Definitely do all the practice tests, take your time and do not rush through them. Trying to study specific diagnoses and stuff like that probably won't help too much. The questions are so random that honestly, trying to nail down specific facts will just waste time. Good luck!

LynM75 · Jul 15, 2012

Use Maslow's heirarchy of needs to help you answer questions that you don't know, always ABC's, food and water as basic and primary needs first. Then you go to safety and so on, I found it helped me out alot. I passed with a level 3.

Good Luck:)

RM27 · Jul 15, 2012

Thanks everyone I hope I do well because if we don't pass this ATI test we can not pass the class @ LynM75 do you think I will have need to focus a lot on immobility, medication administration, legal responsibilities, etc. I will love to make a Level 3 but if I make the minimum I'll be glad because its passing....

nynursey_ · Jul 16, 2012

1. MASLOW'S! If an option is breathing related, it's always breathing! Airway, Breathing, Circulation! Does your patient have a patent airway? Are they breathing? Is their respiratory rate/O2 saturation/breath sounds WNL? What's their heart rate like? Are they getting adequate blood flow to their extremities?

2. ADPIE! Where are you in the nursing process? If the assessment has already been performed, move onto your diagnosis. If your diagnosis is provided, what planning are you going to do? What interventions CAN YOU AS THE NURSE perform independently? Which do you need MD orders for? Evaluate! How often should you check on things and reassess?

3. Look at ALL of your options before you answer! Get rid of the ones it cannot possibly be. Look for finite terms like "ALWAYS" and "NEVER" and be alert for them. Look for the two alike, one different--as it's usually the ONE different. Look for the TWO opposites and get rid of those as well.

4. BRING A HIGHLIGHTER! Look at what the question is REALLY asking you. Highlight the question and all pertinent information to the question. Get rid of the information you don't need by crossing it out with your pen. Never underestimate the importance of cultural information, when provided. Look for responses that are patient-centered.

5. Do the questions you know FIRST, circle the ones you're unsure of, then go back to them! Do not get hung up! If it takes you more than 5-15 seconds, MOVE ON!

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Just some tips I've picked up from my first year of nursing school. :) I hope this helps!

RM27 · Jul 16, 2012

@sarahrnay thanksss so much for your response I truly appreciate it, I hope I do well on this test, pray for me pls:)

LynM75 · Jul 16, 2012

Hi Quinnie-

I remember a few questions on medications, but not a lot of them and some of them were math based. There were many safety and priority questions and basic need type things. I really can't remember too much, but it was general stuff. If you have an ATI book, READ IT... Cover to cover.

I can't give any better advice than that and to do as many practice exams on the computer as possible. I did them all (many times) and the rationales they gave really helped me understand what I couldn't from just reading.

There are two practice exams and one final under the tutorials tabs and then the RN learning section on the ATI website in addition to any practice tests your instructors may have put up for you.

You can do this! Good luck.

RM27 · Aug 2, 2012

Hey everyone thanks for all the study tips you gsve me....I took my ATI Exam 2 days ago and I pass with a Level 3 :yeah:now this fall I'm taking Medsurg along with Psych wish me luck and I hope everyone is having a good summer :)

LynM75 · Aug 4, 2012

Hey Quinnie- Great job and good luck with the other tests! :specs:

RM27 · Aug 6, 2012

Thanks and the awful thing is my class is the last class my school is accepting the boards are closing down our program but the students that are already in the program are ok....I just pray I make through till my graduation day 2014 :) thanks again @LynM75