ATI FUNDAMENTALS CMS PROCTORED EXAM 2026/2027 - 400
VERIFIED QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS & DETAILED RATIONALES
| A+ GRADED | NGN
Course: ATI Fundamentals CMS Proctored | 400 Questions | Edition: 2026/2027 | Format: NGN +
Clinical Judgment | Institution: ATI Nursing
Coverage: Safety, Infection Control, Vital Signs, Hygiene, Mobility, Comfort, Documentation, Nursing Process ADPIE, Ethics,
Legal, Communication, Body Mechanics, Medication Administration, Nutrition, Elimination, Cultural Competence - All High-Yield
ATI Topics
Original study guide based on ATI Fundamentals CMS standards, Potter & Perry, Lewis, and NCSBN Clinical Judgment Model. All questions
author-created for 2026/2027 academic year. Not copied from ATI official exam - for study purposes only.
1. Infection Control: Standard Precautions - When to wear gloves?
When touching blood, body fluids, mucous membranes, non-intact skin, contaminated items
Only when client has HIV
Only for sterile procedures
Never
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Standard precautions apply to all clients. Gloves for blood, body fluids, mucous membranes, non-intact skin,
contaminated items. Hand hygiene before and after.
2. Hand Hygiene: WHO 5 Moments
Before touching patient, before aseptic procedure, after body fluid risk, after touching patient, after touching surroundings
Only after
Only before
Only if visibly soiled
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: WHO 5 moments: before touching patient, before aseptic procedure, after body fluid exposure risk, after touching
patient, after touching patient surroundings.
3. Surgical Asepsis: Which breaks sterility?
Turning back to sterile field, reaching over field, 1 inch border contaminated, hands below waist
Keeping hands above waist
Facing field
Pouring from 6 inches
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Sterile field: 1-inch border non-sterile, don't turn back, don't reach over, keep hands above waist, face field, pour 4-6
inches height.
4. Vital Signs: Normal adult BP?
<120/80 mmHg normal, 120-129/<80 elevated, 130-139/80-89 stage 1 HTN
200/100 normal
90/60 always low
150/95 normal
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: AHA normal <120/80. Elevated 120-129/<80. Stage 1 130-139/80-89. Stage 2 >=140/90. Hypotension <90/60 with
symptoms.
5. Fall Prevention: High fall risk interventions
Bed low, bed alarm, hourly rounding, call light within reach, non-skid socks, clear clutter
Raise bed high
Restrain immediately
Dark room
Correct Answer: A
,Rationale: Fall prevention: bed lowest position, alarm on, hourly rounding, call light reachable, non-skid socks, night light,
clutter-free, assist with ambulation.
6. Restraints: Requirements
Provider order, least restrictive first, renewal q24h, assess q15min-2h, documentation of need
No order needed
For staff convenience
Indefinitely
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Restraints need provider order (except emergency), least restrictive first, assess circulation, skin, needs q15min-2h,
renew order per policy (4h adult, 2h 9-17y, 1h <9y).
7. Informed Consent: Nurse's role
Witness signature, ensure client understands, competent, voluntary, provider explained
Explain procedure
Obtain consent
Coerce
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Provider explains risks/benefits/alternatives. Nurse witnesses that client is competent, understands, voluntary. Client
can withdraw anytime.
8. Pain Assessment: Non-verbal
Use FLACC, CPOT, observe grimacing, guarding, vital signs, restlessness
Ask 0-10 only
Assume no pain
No assessment
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Non-verbal pain: FLACC (Face Legs Activity Cry Consolability), CPOT (Critical Care Pain Observation Tool),
behaviors, tachycardia, HTN.
9. Documentation: Correct charting
Objective, factual, timely, accurate, complete, no blank spaces, no white-out
Use white-out
Chart before doing
Opinions only
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Documentation: objective, factual, timely, accurate, complete, no blank spaces, line through error with initials, no
white-out, black ink, no opinions.
10. Nursing Process ADPIE: Assessment includes
Subjective (what client says) and objective (vitals, labs, observation) data
Setting goals
Implementation
Evaluation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Assessment: collect subjective (symptoms, client statements) and objective (measurable: vitals, labs, inspection) data
via interview, observation, exam.
11. Safety: Fire RACE/PASS
RACE: Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish/Evacuate | PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep
Run
Hide
No action
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Fire: RACE Rescue clients, Alarm pull, Contain close doors, Extinguish small fire or Evacuate. PASS for extinguisher
use.
12. Body Mechanics: Transferring client
, Keep load close, bend knees not waist, wide base, avoid twisting, get help
Bend waist
Feet together
Twist trunk
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Body mechanics: wide base, bend knees, keep load close to body, avoid twisting, use assistive devices, get help for
heavy clients.
13. Isolation: TB requires
Airborne: N95, negative pressure, door closed
Droplet only
Contact only
No precautions
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: TB airborne: N95 respirator, negative pressure room, door closed. Measles, varicella also airborne. Droplet: flu,
pertussis, pneumonia. Contact: MRSA, VRE, C.diff, wound infections.
14. Hygiene: Perineal care for female with catheter
Clean front to back, perineal hygiene, keep bag below bladder, no dependent loops
Back to front
No hygiene
Keep bag above bladder
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Female perineal care front to back to prevent UTI. Catheter care: keep bag below bladder, no dependent loops,
closed system, daily necessity check.
15. Mobility: Prevent complications of immobility
Turn q2h, ROM exercises, deep breathing q2h, increase fluids/fiber, anti-embolic stockings
Stay in bed
No movement
No fluids
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Immobility complications: atelectasis, pneumonia, DVT, PE, constipation, skin breakdown, contractures. Prevent: turn
q2h, ROM, deep breathing, hydration, fiber, TEDs/SCDs.
16. Nutrition: Aspiration precautions
High-Fowler's 90 degrees during meals and 30-60 min after, small bites, thickened liquids if ordered
Supine
Thin liquids always
Large bites
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Aspiration precautions: HOB 90 deg during and 30-60 min after meals, small bites, chew thoroughly, thickened liquids
if dysphagia, swallow screen first.
17. Medication: 5 Rights + 3 checks
Right patient, drug, dose, route, time, documentation + 3 checks: when removing, when preparing, at bedside
Only right drug
Only right patient
No checks
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: 5 rights + right to refuse, right assessment, right education. 3 checks: when removing from drawer, when preparing, at
bedside before administration.
18. Vital Signs: Apical pulse where and how long?
5th intercostal space left midclavicular line, 60 seconds
2nd intercostal
Wrist
, 10 seconds
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Apical pulse at 5th ICS left MCL (PMI), count 60 sec especially if irregular. Radial may be 30 sec x2 if regular.
19. Cultural Competence: Best approach
Ask open-ended about beliefs, respect, avoid assumptions, use interpreter if needed
Assume all same
Ignore culture
Stereotype
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Cultural competence: ask about beliefs/practices, respect, avoid stereotyping, use qualified interpreter (not family for
sensitive topics), accommodate when safe.
20. Ethics: Autonomy vs Beneficence conflict
Autonomy = client's right to decide, Beneficence = do good, must balance with informed decision
Ignore autonomy
Force treatment
No ethics
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Ethics: Autonomy self-determination, Beneficence do good, Nonmaleficence do no harm, Justice fairness, Fidelity
keep promises, Veracity truthfulness.
21. Infection Control: Standard Precautions - When to wear gloves? (Variant 21 - 2026/2027)
When touching blood, body fluids, mucous membranes, non-intact skin, contaminated items
Only when client has HIV
Only for sterile procedures
Never
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Standard precautions apply to all clients. Gloves for blood, body fluids, mucous membranes, non-intact skin,
contaminated items. Hand hygiene before and after.
22. Hand Hygiene: WHO 5 Moments (Variant 22 - 2026/2027)
Before touching patient, before aseptic procedure, after body fluid risk, after touching patient, after touching surroundings
Only after
Only before
Only if visibly soiled
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: WHO 5 moments: before touching patient, before aseptic procedure, after body fluid exposure risk, after touching
patient, after touching patient surroundings.
23. Surgical Asepsis: Which breaks sterility? (Variant 23 - 2026/2027)
Turning back to sterile field, reaching over field, 1 inch border contaminated, hands below waist
Keeping hands above waist
Facing field
Pouring from 6 inches
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Sterile field: 1-inch border non-sterile, don't turn back, don't reach over, keep hands above waist, face field, pour 4-6
inches height.
24. Vital Signs: Normal adult BP? (Variant 24 - 2026/2027)
<120/80 mmHg normal, 120-129/<80 elevated, 130-139/80-89 stage 1 HTN
200/100 normal
90/60 always low
150/95 normal
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: AHA normal <120/80. Elevated 120-129/<80. Stage 1 130-139/80-89. Stage 2 >=140/90. Hypotension <90/60 with
symptoms.
VERIFIED QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS & DETAILED RATIONALES
| A+ GRADED | NGN
Course: ATI Fundamentals CMS Proctored | 400 Questions | Edition: 2026/2027 | Format: NGN +
Clinical Judgment | Institution: ATI Nursing
Coverage: Safety, Infection Control, Vital Signs, Hygiene, Mobility, Comfort, Documentation, Nursing Process ADPIE, Ethics,
Legal, Communication, Body Mechanics, Medication Administration, Nutrition, Elimination, Cultural Competence - All High-Yield
ATI Topics
Original study guide based on ATI Fundamentals CMS standards, Potter & Perry, Lewis, and NCSBN Clinical Judgment Model. All questions
author-created for 2026/2027 academic year. Not copied from ATI official exam - for study purposes only.
1. Infection Control: Standard Precautions - When to wear gloves?
When touching blood, body fluids, mucous membranes, non-intact skin, contaminated items
Only when client has HIV
Only for sterile procedures
Never
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Standard precautions apply to all clients. Gloves for blood, body fluids, mucous membranes, non-intact skin,
contaminated items. Hand hygiene before and after.
2. Hand Hygiene: WHO 5 Moments
Before touching patient, before aseptic procedure, after body fluid risk, after touching patient, after touching surroundings
Only after
Only before
Only if visibly soiled
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: WHO 5 moments: before touching patient, before aseptic procedure, after body fluid exposure risk, after touching
patient, after touching patient surroundings.
3. Surgical Asepsis: Which breaks sterility?
Turning back to sterile field, reaching over field, 1 inch border contaminated, hands below waist
Keeping hands above waist
Facing field
Pouring from 6 inches
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Sterile field: 1-inch border non-sterile, don't turn back, don't reach over, keep hands above waist, face field, pour 4-6
inches height.
4. Vital Signs: Normal adult BP?
<120/80 mmHg normal, 120-129/<80 elevated, 130-139/80-89 stage 1 HTN
200/100 normal
90/60 always low
150/95 normal
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: AHA normal <120/80. Elevated 120-129/<80. Stage 1 130-139/80-89. Stage 2 >=140/90. Hypotension <90/60 with
symptoms.
5. Fall Prevention: High fall risk interventions
Bed low, bed alarm, hourly rounding, call light within reach, non-skid socks, clear clutter
Raise bed high
Restrain immediately
Dark room
Correct Answer: A
,Rationale: Fall prevention: bed lowest position, alarm on, hourly rounding, call light reachable, non-skid socks, night light,
clutter-free, assist with ambulation.
6. Restraints: Requirements
Provider order, least restrictive first, renewal q24h, assess q15min-2h, documentation of need
No order needed
For staff convenience
Indefinitely
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Restraints need provider order (except emergency), least restrictive first, assess circulation, skin, needs q15min-2h,
renew order per policy (4h adult, 2h 9-17y, 1h <9y).
7. Informed Consent: Nurse's role
Witness signature, ensure client understands, competent, voluntary, provider explained
Explain procedure
Obtain consent
Coerce
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Provider explains risks/benefits/alternatives. Nurse witnesses that client is competent, understands, voluntary. Client
can withdraw anytime.
8. Pain Assessment: Non-verbal
Use FLACC, CPOT, observe grimacing, guarding, vital signs, restlessness
Ask 0-10 only
Assume no pain
No assessment
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Non-verbal pain: FLACC (Face Legs Activity Cry Consolability), CPOT (Critical Care Pain Observation Tool),
behaviors, tachycardia, HTN.
9. Documentation: Correct charting
Objective, factual, timely, accurate, complete, no blank spaces, no white-out
Use white-out
Chart before doing
Opinions only
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Documentation: objective, factual, timely, accurate, complete, no blank spaces, line through error with initials, no
white-out, black ink, no opinions.
10. Nursing Process ADPIE: Assessment includes
Subjective (what client says) and objective (vitals, labs, observation) data
Setting goals
Implementation
Evaluation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Assessment: collect subjective (symptoms, client statements) and objective (measurable: vitals, labs, inspection) data
via interview, observation, exam.
11. Safety: Fire RACE/PASS
RACE: Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish/Evacuate | PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep
Run
Hide
No action
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Fire: RACE Rescue clients, Alarm pull, Contain close doors, Extinguish small fire or Evacuate. PASS for extinguisher
use.
12. Body Mechanics: Transferring client
, Keep load close, bend knees not waist, wide base, avoid twisting, get help
Bend waist
Feet together
Twist trunk
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Body mechanics: wide base, bend knees, keep load close to body, avoid twisting, use assistive devices, get help for
heavy clients.
13. Isolation: TB requires
Airborne: N95, negative pressure, door closed
Droplet only
Contact only
No precautions
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: TB airborne: N95 respirator, negative pressure room, door closed. Measles, varicella also airborne. Droplet: flu,
pertussis, pneumonia. Contact: MRSA, VRE, C.diff, wound infections.
14. Hygiene: Perineal care for female with catheter
Clean front to back, perineal hygiene, keep bag below bladder, no dependent loops
Back to front
No hygiene
Keep bag above bladder
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Female perineal care front to back to prevent UTI. Catheter care: keep bag below bladder, no dependent loops,
closed system, daily necessity check.
15. Mobility: Prevent complications of immobility
Turn q2h, ROM exercises, deep breathing q2h, increase fluids/fiber, anti-embolic stockings
Stay in bed
No movement
No fluids
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Immobility complications: atelectasis, pneumonia, DVT, PE, constipation, skin breakdown, contractures. Prevent: turn
q2h, ROM, deep breathing, hydration, fiber, TEDs/SCDs.
16. Nutrition: Aspiration precautions
High-Fowler's 90 degrees during meals and 30-60 min after, small bites, thickened liquids if ordered
Supine
Thin liquids always
Large bites
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Aspiration precautions: HOB 90 deg during and 30-60 min after meals, small bites, chew thoroughly, thickened liquids
if dysphagia, swallow screen first.
17. Medication: 5 Rights + 3 checks
Right patient, drug, dose, route, time, documentation + 3 checks: when removing, when preparing, at bedside
Only right drug
Only right patient
No checks
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: 5 rights + right to refuse, right assessment, right education. 3 checks: when removing from drawer, when preparing, at
bedside before administration.
18. Vital Signs: Apical pulse where and how long?
5th intercostal space left midclavicular line, 60 seconds
2nd intercostal
Wrist
, 10 seconds
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Apical pulse at 5th ICS left MCL (PMI), count 60 sec especially if irregular. Radial may be 30 sec x2 if regular.
19. Cultural Competence: Best approach
Ask open-ended about beliefs, respect, avoid assumptions, use interpreter if needed
Assume all same
Ignore culture
Stereotype
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Cultural competence: ask about beliefs/practices, respect, avoid stereotyping, use qualified interpreter (not family for
sensitive topics), accommodate when safe.
20. Ethics: Autonomy vs Beneficence conflict
Autonomy = client's right to decide, Beneficence = do good, must balance with informed decision
Ignore autonomy
Force treatment
No ethics
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Ethics: Autonomy self-determination, Beneficence do good, Nonmaleficence do no harm, Justice fairness, Fidelity
keep promises, Veracity truthfulness.
21. Infection Control: Standard Precautions - When to wear gloves? (Variant 21 - 2026/2027)
When touching blood, body fluids, mucous membranes, non-intact skin, contaminated items
Only when client has HIV
Only for sterile procedures
Never
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Standard precautions apply to all clients. Gloves for blood, body fluids, mucous membranes, non-intact skin,
contaminated items. Hand hygiene before and after.
22. Hand Hygiene: WHO 5 Moments (Variant 22 - 2026/2027)
Before touching patient, before aseptic procedure, after body fluid risk, after touching patient, after touching surroundings
Only after
Only before
Only if visibly soiled
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: WHO 5 moments: before touching patient, before aseptic procedure, after body fluid exposure risk, after touching
patient, after touching patient surroundings.
23. Surgical Asepsis: Which breaks sterility? (Variant 23 - 2026/2027)
Turning back to sterile field, reaching over field, 1 inch border contaminated, hands below waist
Keeping hands above waist
Facing field
Pouring from 6 inches
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Sterile field: 1-inch border non-sterile, don't turn back, don't reach over, keep hands above waist, face field, pour 4-6
inches height.
24. Vital Signs: Normal adult BP? (Variant 24 - 2026/2027)
<120/80 mmHg normal, 120-129/<80 elevated, 130-139/80-89 stage 1 HTN
200/100 normal
90/60 always low
150/95 normal
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: AHA normal <120/80. Elevated 120-129/<80. Stage 1 130-139/80-89. Stage 2 >=140/90. Hypotension <90/60 with
symptoms.
