ATI RN FUNDAMENTALS PROCTORED EXAM (PDF) | 2026
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS + RATIONALES | STUDY
GUIDE | 100% CORRECT
1. A nurse is preparing to administer a medication to a client. Which of the following should the
nurse identify as the most reliable method to confirm the client's identity?
A) Ask the client to state their full name and date of birth
B) Check the client's identification bracelet only
C) Ask the client's family member to verify the client's name
D) Verify the client's room number with the medication administration record
Correct Answer: A) Ask the client to state their full name and date of birth
Rationale: The most reliable method of client identification is using at least two unique
identifiers, such as the client's full name and date of birth, and comparing this information with
the medication administration record (MAR) and identification bracelet . Asking a family
member or relying solely on a room number is not considered safe practice.
2. A client is prescribed a clear liquid diet. Which of the following items should the nurse allow the
client to have?
A) Cream of chicken soup
B) Orange juice with pulp
C) Lemon-lime soda
D) Vanilla pudding
Correct Answer: C) Lemon-lime soda
Rationale: A clear liquid diet consists of liquids that are transparent and leave minimal residue,
such as water, clear broth, apple or cranberry juice, and clear carbonated beverages like lemon-
lime soda . Cream soups, juices with pulp, and pudding are not allowed because they are not
clear liquids.
3. A nurse is applying a cold compress to a client's injured knee. Which of the following findings
indicates the client is having an adverse reaction to the therapy?
A) Shivering and pallor
B) Complaints of a tingling sensation
C) Skin redness at the site
D) Client reports the compress feels cold
Correct Answer: A) Shivering and pallor
Rationale: Shivering and pallor can indicate an adverse reaction to cold therapy, such as systemic
hypothermia or a chilling response . While redness and tingling can be normal sensations with
cold application, shivering and pallor suggest the therapy is causing a systemic reaction and
should be stopped.
,4. A nurse is preparing to remove an indwelling urinary catheter from a client. Which of the
following actions should the nurse take?
A) Deflate the balloon completely before removing the catheter
B) Remove the catheter while the client is on strict bed rest
C) Pull the catheter out with a quick, steady motion
D) Cut the catheter to release the balloon
Correct Answer: A) Deflate the balloon completely before removing the catheter
Rationale: The balloon of an indwelling urinary catheter must be completely deflated before
removal to prevent trauma to the urethra. The nurse should use a sterile syringe to withdraw all
fluid from the balloon, then gently and slowly remove the catheter . The other actions are unsafe
and could cause injury.
5. A nurse is reinforcing teaching about home safety with an older adult client. Which of the
following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A) "I will place scatter rugs on my hardwood floors to prevent slipping."
B) "I will keep my home at 65 degrees to save money on heating."
C) "I will install grab bars in my bathroom near the toilet and shower."
D) "I will store my cleaning supplies in a lower cabinet for easy access."
Correct Answer: C) "I will install grab bars in my bathroom near the toilet and shower."
Rationale: Install grab bars in the bathroom as a primary fall prevention strategy for older adults .
Scatter rugs are a fall hazard, low temperatures can cause hypothermia, and cleaning supplies
should be stored safely out of reach or in a locked cabinet, especially if there is a risk of children
in the home.
6. A charge nurse is observing a newly licensed nurse prepare a sterile field for a procedure. Which
of the following actions by the newly licensed nurse requires intervention?
A) The nurse places the sterile drape on the bedside table with the shiny side down
B) The nurse sets up the sterile field on a clean, dry bedside table
C) The nurse opens the first flap of a sterile package away from their body
D) The nurse holds sterile objects at least 6 inches above the sterile field
Correct Answer: A) The nurse places the sterile drape on the bedside table with the shiny side
down
Rationale: A sterile drape is placed with the shiny side (fluid-resistant side) facing up to ensure
the sterile field remains dry . Placing it with the shiny side down can cause moisture to wick up
from the table and contaminate the field, requiring intervention by the charge nurse.
7. A nurse is caring for a client who has a history of falls. Which of the following actions should
the nurse take to promote safety?
A) Keep the bed in the highest position with all side rails up
B) Place the client's personal items on a high shelf for easy visibility
, C) Use a bed alarm to alert staff when the client attempts to get up
D) Restrain the client to prevent them from leaving the bed
Correct Answer: C) Use a bed alarm to alert staff when the client attempts to get up
Rationale: A bed alarm is a less restrictive intervention that can alert staff when a client is
attempting to get up, allowing for timely assistance and fall prevention . Keeping the bed in the
highest position increases fall risk, placing items on a high shelf encourages reaching, and
restraints should only be used as a last resort for safety.
8. A nurse is applying a restraint to a client. Which of the following actions is appropriate?
A) Tie the restraint to the side rail for easy adjustment
B) Ensure the restraint is snug with no room for movement
C) Remove the restraint every 2 hours to check the skin
D) Apply a vest restraint to a client who is at risk for falling
Correct Answer: C) Remove the restraint every 2 hours to check the skin
Rationale: Restraints must be removed at least every 2 hours to assess skin integrity, provide
range-of-motion exercises, and meet elimination and hydration needs . Restraints should not be
tied to side rails, should allow two fingers to fit between the restraint and skin, and are not a first-
line fall prevention measure.
9. A nurse is providing oral care for a client who is unconscious. Which of the following is the
priority action?
A) Turn the client's head to the side
B) Use a toothbrush with a firm bristle
C) Apply a small amount of toothpaste
D) Rinse the client's mouth with a large amount of water
Correct Answer: A) Turn the client's head to the side
Rationale: For an unconscious client, the priority action is to turn the head to the side to prevent
aspiration of fluids. This is a safety measure that protects the airway before any other step in the
oral care procedure .
10. A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who is to start using a cane. Which of the following
instructions should the nurse give the client?
A) "Hold the cane on the weak side of your body."
B) "Hold the cane on the strong side of your body."
C) "Move the cane forward at the same time as the weak leg."
D) "Keep the cane at a distance of 15 inches from the body."
Correct Answer: B) "Hold the cane on the strong side of your body."
Rationale: A client should hold a cane on the stronger side of the body to provide the most
support and stability, allowing the weight to be distributed through the stronger side . The cane
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS + RATIONALES | STUDY
GUIDE | 100% CORRECT
1. A nurse is preparing to administer a medication to a client. Which of the following should the
nurse identify as the most reliable method to confirm the client's identity?
A) Ask the client to state their full name and date of birth
B) Check the client's identification bracelet only
C) Ask the client's family member to verify the client's name
D) Verify the client's room number with the medication administration record
Correct Answer: A) Ask the client to state their full name and date of birth
Rationale: The most reliable method of client identification is using at least two unique
identifiers, such as the client's full name and date of birth, and comparing this information with
the medication administration record (MAR) and identification bracelet . Asking a family
member or relying solely on a room number is not considered safe practice.
2. A client is prescribed a clear liquid diet. Which of the following items should the nurse allow the
client to have?
A) Cream of chicken soup
B) Orange juice with pulp
C) Lemon-lime soda
D) Vanilla pudding
Correct Answer: C) Lemon-lime soda
Rationale: A clear liquid diet consists of liquids that are transparent and leave minimal residue,
such as water, clear broth, apple or cranberry juice, and clear carbonated beverages like lemon-
lime soda . Cream soups, juices with pulp, and pudding are not allowed because they are not
clear liquids.
3. A nurse is applying a cold compress to a client's injured knee. Which of the following findings
indicates the client is having an adverse reaction to the therapy?
A) Shivering and pallor
B) Complaints of a tingling sensation
C) Skin redness at the site
D) Client reports the compress feels cold
Correct Answer: A) Shivering and pallor
Rationale: Shivering and pallor can indicate an adverse reaction to cold therapy, such as systemic
hypothermia or a chilling response . While redness and tingling can be normal sensations with
cold application, shivering and pallor suggest the therapy is causing a systemic reaction and
should be stopped.
,4. A nurse is preparing to remove an indwelling urinary catheter from a client. Which of the
following actions should the nurse take?
A) Deflate the balloon completely before removing the catheter
B) Remove the catheter while the client is on strict bed rest
C) Pull the catheter out with a quick, steady motion
D) Cut the catheter to release the balloon
Correct Answer: A) Deflate the balloon completely before removing the catheter
Rationale: The balloon of an indwelling urinary catheter must be completely deflated before
removal to prevent trauma to the urethra. The nurse should use a sterile syringe to withdraw all
fluid from the balloon, then gently and slowly remove the catheter . The other actions are unsafe
and could cause injury.
5. A nurse is reinforcing teaching about home safety with an older adult client. Which of the
following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A) "I will place scatter rugs on my hardwood floors to prevent slipping."
B) "I will keep my home at 65 degrees to save money on heating."
C) "I will install grab bars in my bathroom near the toilet and shower."
D) "I will store my cleaning supplies in a lower cabinet for easy access."
Correct Answer: C) "I will install grab bars in my bathroom near the toilet and shower."
Rationale: Install grab bars in the bathroom as a primary fall prevention strategy for older adults .
Scatter rugs are a fall hazard, low temperatures can cause hypothermia, and cleaning supplies
should be stored safely out of reach or in a locked cabinet, especially if there is a risk of children
in the home.
6. A charge nurse is observing a newly licensed nurse prepare a sterile field for a procedure. Which
of the following actions by the newly licensed nurse requires intervention?
A) The nurse places the sterile drape on the bedside table with the shiny side down
B) The nurse sets up the sterile field on a clean, dry bedside table
C) The nurse opens the first flap of a sterile package away from their body
D) The nurse holds sterile objects at least 6 inches above the sterile field
Correct Answer: A) The nurse places the sterile drape on the bedside table with the shiny side
down
Rationale: A sterile drape is placed with the shiny side (fluid-resistant side) facing up to ensure
the sterile field remains dry . Placing it with the shiny side down can cause moisture to wick up
from the table and contaminate the field, requiring intervention by the charge nurse.
7. A nurse is caring for a client who has a history of falls. Which of the following actions should
the nurse take to promote safety?
A) Keep the bed in the highest position with all side rails up
B) Place the client's personal items on a high shelf for easy visibility
, C) Use a bed alarm to alert staff when the client attempts to get up
D) Restrain the client to prevent them from leaving the bed
Correct Answer: C) Use a bed alarm to alert staff when the client attempts to get up
Rationale: A bed alarm is a less restrictive intervention that can alert staff when a client is
attempting to get up, allowing for timely assistance and fall prevention . Keeping the bed in the
highest position increases fall risk, placing items on a high shelf encourages reaching, and
restraints should only be used as a last resort for safety.
8. A nurse is applying a restraint to a client. Which of the following actions is appropriate?
A) Tie the restraint to the side rail for easy adjustment
B) Ensure the restraint is snug with no room for movement
C) Remove the restraint every 2 hours to check the skin
D) Apply a vest restraint to a client who is at risk for falling
Correct Answer: C) Remove the restraint every 2 hours to check the skin
Rationale: Restraints must be removed at least every 2 hours to assess skin integrity, provide
range-of-motion exercises, and meet elimination and hydration needs . Restraints should not be
tied to side rails, should allow two fingers to fit between the restraint and skin, and are not a first-
line fall prevention measure.
9. A nurse is providing oral care for a client who is unconscious. Which of the following is the
priority action?
A) Turn the client's head to the side
B) Use a toothbrush with a firm bristle
C) Apply a small amount of toothpaste
D) Rinse the client's mouth with a large amount of water
Correct Answer: A) Turn the client's head to the side
Rationale: For an unconscious client, the priority action is to turn the head to the side to prevent
aspiration of fluids. This is a safety measure that protects the airway before any other step in the
oral care procedure .
10. A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who is to start using a cane. Which of the following
instructions should the nurse give the client?
A) "Hold the cane on the weak side of your body."
B) "Hold the cane on the strong side of your body."
C) "Move the cane forward at the same time as the weak leg."
D) "Keep the cane at a distance of 15 inches from the body."
Correct Answer: B) "Hold the cane on the strong side of your body."
Rationale: A client should hold a cane on the stronger side of the body to provide the most
support and stability, allowing the weight to be distributed through the stronger side . The cane
