ATI FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING PRACTICE EXAMINATION
2026–2027 — COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE | LATEST
UPDATE 2026/2027 | ACTUAL EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS | EXAM REVIEW | 100% CORRECT ANSWERS |
VERIFIED SOLUTIONS
This advanced practice examination is designed for nursing students preparing for
the ATI Fundamentals of Nursing assessment, the HESI Fundamentals exam, and
the NCLEX-RN® licensure examination. The 100-question test evaluates
foundational nursing knowledge essential for safe, effective, and patient-centered
care across all clinical settings. Content areas include vital signs, mobility, hygiene,
nutrition, elimination, oxygenation, infection control, safety, medication
administration, wound care, perioperative nursing, legal and ethical principles,
cultural competence, and documentation. Each item is written at the application
or analysis level to mirror the cognitive complexity of high-stakes nursing
examinations, requiring the test taker to prioritize, delegate, evaluate, and apply
clinical judgment. Detailed rationales clarify correct answers and explain why
distractors are incorrect. Use this comprehensive review to assess your readiness,
identify knowledge gaps, and build confidence for your fundamental’s examination
and clinical practice. This 2026–2027 edition reflects the latest evidence-based
practice and safety standards.
Table of Contents
I. Health Care Delivery and Nursing Process
II. Infection Control and Safety
III. Vital Signs and Physical Assessment
IV. Mobility, Immobility, and Skin Integrity
V. Nutrition and Fluid Balance
VI. Elimination and Bowel/Bladder Management
VII. Oxygenation and Respiratory Care
VIII. Medication Administration and Pharmacology
IX. Perioperative Nursing and Wound Care
,X. Legal, Ethical, and Cultural Considerations
XI. Client Education and Health Promotion
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is at risk for falls. Which nursing
intervention is the priority to reduce the risk of falls in an acute care
setting?
A) Keep all four side rails raised at all times
B) Place the client in a room farthest from the nurses’ station
C) Use a bed alarm and assist the client to the bathroom frequently
D) Administer a sedative to keep the client calm in bed
Correct Answer: C
Bed alarms alert staff to rising, and frequent toileting addresses a common cause
of falls. Raising all side rails (A) is considered a restraint and can increase injury. A
room far from the station (B) delays response. Sedation (D) increases fall risk and
may cause confusion.
2. A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to an adult
client in the ventrogluteal site. Which landmark is correct?
A) The upper outer quadrant of the buttock
B) The triangle between the greater trochanter, anterior superior iliac spine,
and iliac crest
C) The midpoint of the lateral thigh
D) The deltoid muscle of the upper arm
Correct Answer: B
The ventrogluteal site is identified by placing the palm on the greater trochanter
and forming a V between the index and middle fingers; the injection is given
between the anterior superior iliac spine and the iliac crest. Option A describes the
dorsogluteal site, which is not recommended. The thigh (C) is vastus lateralis. The
deltoid (D) is another site but not ventrogluteal.
, 3. A client has an oral temperature of 101.4°F (38.6°C), pulse 92, respirations
20, and blood pressure 118/70 mm Hg. Which vital sign finding requires
immediate reassessment?
A) Temperature
B) Pulse
C) Respirations
D) Blood pressure
Correct Answer: A
An elevated temperature indicates a possible infection and requires further
evaluation. Pulse and blood pressure are within normal ranges, and respirations
are at the upper limit but not immediately concerning compared with the fever.
4. A nurse is performing hand hygiene before caring for a client. Which action
demonstrates correct handwashing technique?
A) Using an alcohol-based hand rub on visibly soiled hands
B) Washing hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds, covering all
surfaces
C) Rinsing hands with water only and applying lotion
D) Washing only the palms and fingertips
Correct Answer: B
Soap and water for at least 15–20 seconds, covering all surfaces, is required when
hands are visibly soiled or after contact with body fluids. Alcohol-based rubs (A)
are not used on visibly soiled hands. Rinsing without soap (C) and incomplete
washing (D) are inadequate.
5. A nurse is assessing a client with a nasogastric tube to low intermittent
suction. Which electrolyte imbalance is the client most at risk for
developing?
A) Hyperkalemia
B) Hypokalemia
C) Hypercalcemia
D) Hyponatremia
, Correct Answer: B
Nasogastric suction removes hydrochloric acid, leading to loss of hydrogen,
chloride, and potassium, causing hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis.
Hyperkalemia (A) is not typical. Calcium (C) is not affected. Hyponatremia (D) can
occur with fluid shifts but hypokalemia is the classic risk.
6. A client is postoperative day 1 after abdominal surgery and has not voided
for 8 hours. The bladder scanner shows 600 mL of urine. Which action
should the nurse take first?
A) Insert an indwelling urinary catheter
B) Encourage oral fluids
C) Assist the client to a normal voiding position and offer privacy
D) Obtain an order for a diuretic
Correct Answer: C
Promoting normal voiding (privacy, sitting or standing position, warm water over
perineum) is the first noninvasive intervention before catheterization. A diuretic
(D) is not indicated for urinary retention. The client may still be able to void with
assistance.
7. A nurse is teaching a client about a clear liquid diet. Which item should the
nurse instruct the client to avoid?
A) Gelatin
B) Apple juice
C) Coffee with cream
D) Broth
Correct Answer: C
A clear liquid diet includes transparent liquids at room temperature; coffee is
allowed if black, but cream makes it opaque and adds fat. Gelatin, apple juice, and
broth are clear liquids.
8. A client is on droplet precautions for bacterial meningitis. Which personal
protective equipment is required when entering the client’s room?
A) N95 respirator
2026–2027 — COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE | LATEST
UPDATE 2026/2027 | ACTUAL EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS | EXAM REVIEW | 100% CORRECT ANSWERS |
VERIFIED SOLUTIONS
This advanced practice examination is designed for nursing students preparing for
the ATI Fundamentals of Nursing assessment, the HESI Fundamentals exam, and
the NCLEX-RN® licensure examination. The 100-question test evaluates
foundational nursing knowledge essential for safe, effective, and patient-centered
care across all clinical settings. Content areas include vital signs, mobility, hygiene,
nutrition, elimination, oxygenation, infection control, safety, medication
administration, wound care, perioperative nursing, legal and ethical principles,
cultural competence, and documentation. Each item is written at the application
or analysis level to mirror the cognitive complexity of high-stakes nursing
examinations, requiring the test taker to prioritize, delegate, evaluate, and apply
clinical judgment. Detailed rationales clarify correct answers and explain why
distractors are incorrect. Use this comprehensive review to assess your readiness,
identify knowledge gaps, and build confidence for your fundamental’s examination
and clinical practice. This 2026–2027 edition reflects the latest evidence-based
practice and safety standards.
Table of Contents
I. Health Care Delivery and Nursing Process
II. Infection Control and Safety
III. Vital Signs and Physical Assessment
IV. Mobility, Immobility, and Skin Integrity
V. Nutrition and Fluid Balance
VI. Elimination and Bowel/Bladder Management
VII. Oxygenation and Respiratory Care
VIII. Medication Administration and Pharmacology
IX. Perioperative Nursing and Wound Care
,X. Legal, Ethical, and Cultural Considerations
XI. Client Education and Health Promotion
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is at risk for falls. Which nursing
intervention is the priority to reduce the risk of falls in an acute care
setting?
A) Keep all four side rails raised at all times
B) Place the client in a room farthest from the nurses’ station
C) Use a bed alarm and assist the client to the bathroom frequently
D) Administer a sedative to keep the client calm in bed
Correct Answer: C
Bed alarms alert staff to rising, and frequent toileting addresses a common cause
of falls. Raising all side rails (A) is considered a restraint and can increase injury. A
room far from the station (B) delays response. Sedation (D) increases fall risk and
may cause confusion.
2. A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to an adult
client in the ventrogluteal site. Which landmark is correct?
A) The upper outer quadrant of the buttock
B) The triangle between the greater trochanter, anterior superior iliac spine,
and iliac crest
C) The midpoint of the lateral thigh
D) The deltoid muscle of the upper arm
Correct Answer: B
The ventrogluteal site is identified by placing the palm on the greater trochanter
and forming a V between the index and middle fingers; the injection is given
between the anterior superior iliac spine and the iliac crest. Option A describes the
dorsogluteal site, which is not recommended. The thigh (C) is vastus lateralis. The
deltoid (D) is another site but not ventrogluteal.
, 3. A client has an oral temperature of 101.4°F (38.6°C), pulse 92, respirations
20, and blood pressure 118/70 mm Hg. Which vital sign finding requires
immediate reassessment?
A) Temperature
B) Pulse
C) Respirations
D) Blood pressure
Correct Answer: A
An elevated temperature indicates a possible infection and requires further
evaluation. Pulse and blood pressure are within normal ranges, and respirations
are at the upper limit but not immediately concerning compared with the fever.
4. A nurse is performing hand hygiene before caring for a client. Which action
demonstrates correct handwashing technique?
A) Using an alcohol-based hand rub on visibly soiled hands
B) Washing hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds, covering all
surfaces
C) Rinsing hands with water only and applying lotion
D) Washing only the palms and fingertips
Correct Answer: B
Soap and water for at least 15–20 seconds, covering all surfaces, is required when
hands are visibly soiled or after contact with body fluids. Alcohol-based rubs (A)
are not used on visibly soiled hands. Rinsing without soap (C) and incomplete
washing (D) are inadequate.
5. A nurse is assessing a client with a nasogastric tube to low intermittent
suction. Which electrolyte imbalance is the client most at risk for
developing?
A) Hyperkalemia
B) Hypokalemia
C) Hypercalcemia
D) Hyponatremia
, Correct Answer: B
Nasogastric suction removes hydrochloric acid, leading to loss of hydrogen,
chloride, and potassium, causing hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis.
Hyperkalemia (A) is not typical. Calcium (C) is not affected. Hyponatremia (D) can
occur with fluid shifts but hypokalemia is the classic risk.
6. A client is postoperative day 1 after abdominal surgery and has not voided
for 8 hours. The bladder scanner shows 600 mL of urine. Which action
should the nurse take first?
A) Insert an indwelling urinary catheter
B) Encourage oral fluids
C) Assist the client to a normal voiding position and offer privacy
D) Obtain an order for a diuretic
Correct Answer: C
Promoting normal voiding (privacy, sitting or standing position, warm water over
perineum) is the first noninvasive intervention before catheterization. A diuretic
(D) is not indicated for urinary retention. The client may still be able to void with
assistance.
7. A nurse is teaching a client about a clear liquid diet. Which item should the
nurse instruct the client to avoid?
A) Gelatin
B) Apple juice
C) Coffee with cream
D) Broth
Correct Answer: C
A clear liquid diet includes transparent liquids at room temperature; coffee is
allowed if black, but cream makes it opaque and adds fat. Gelatin, apple juice, and
broth are clear liquids.
8. A client is on droplet precautions for bacterial meningitis. Which personal
protective equipment is required when entering the client’s room?
A) N95 respirator
