ATI Fundamentals Proctored Exam 2026 | Complete
Exam Review & Answer Guide
ATI Fundamentals Proctored Exam 2026
Complete 150-Question Bank with Answers & Rationales
SECTION 1: SAFETY & INFECTION CONTROL
Q1. A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter for a
female client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to
maintain surgical aseptic technique?
A. Open the catheter packaging and drop it onto the sterile field from a
height of 6 inches
B. Place the sterile field on a wet surface to prevent slipping
C. Set up the sterile field immediately before the procedure
D. Wear a mask only if the client has a respiratory infection
Answer: C
Rationale: A sterile field should be set up as close to the time of use as
possible to minimize contamination risk. While items can be dropped
from 6 inches, packaging should be opened away from the field.
Moisture contaminates sterile fields. Masks are required for ALL sterile
procedures to prevent droplet contamination.
Q2. A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of
Clostridioides difficile. Which infection control precautions should the
nurse implement?
A. Airborne precautions
B. Droplet precautions
,C. Contact precautions
D. Protective environment
Answer: C
Rationale: C. diff spreads via spores on contaminated surfaces and
hands, requiring Contact Precautions (gloves, gown, dedicated
equipment, hand hygiene with soap and water—alcohol is ineffective
against spores).
Q3. A nurse is caring for a client who has tuberculosis (TB). Which
precautions should the nurse implement? (Select all that apply)
A. Place client in a negative-pressure room
B. Wear an N95 respirator when entering the room
C. Keep the client's door open at all times
D. Have the client wear a surgical mask when transported
E. Wear a gown and gloves upon entry
Answer: A, B, D
Rationale: Airborne precautions for TB require: private negative-
pressure room, N95 respirator, and client masking during transport.
Door must remain CLOSED to maintain negative pressure.
Gowns/gloves are Contact precautions, not indicated for TB alone.
Q4. A nurse discovers a small fire in a client's room. After removing the
client to safety, which action should the nurse take next?
A. Extinguish the fire
B. Close the windows in the client's room
C. Close the client's door
D. Activate the fire alarm
Answer: D
,Rationale: RACE protocol: Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish. After
rescuing the client, activate the alarm immediately.
Q5. What is the correct order of steps for donning personal protective
equipment (PPE)?
A. Gloves → Gown → Mask → Goggles
B. Gown → Mask → Goggles → Gloves
C. Mask → Gown → Gloves → Goggles
D. Goggles → Mask → Gown → Gloves
Answer: B
Rationale: Don in this order: Gown first, then Mask, then Goggles/face
shield, then Gloves last. This sequence prevents contamination of skin
and clothing.
Q6. A nurse is preparing to apply a condom catheter for a client who is
uncircumcised. Which action should the nurse plan to take?
A. Apply a skin barrier to the penis and allow it to dry
B. Leave 2 inches of space between the penis tip and drainage tube
C. Place adhesive tape directly on the penis
D. Use sterile technique for application
Answer: A
Rationale: Apply skin barrier to protect skin from moisture/adhesive
irritation. Leave 1-2 inches (not exactly 2 inches) at the tip. NEVER use
adhesive tape directly on the penis—use the adhesive strip provided.
Clean technique (medical asepsis) is sufficient.
Q7. A nurse is caring for a client who requires wrist restraints after an
episode of violent behavior. Which action should the nurse take?
A. Tie the restraint to the side rail
B. Remove the restraint every 4 hours
, C. Secure the restraint using a quick-release knot
D. Apply the restraint tightly to prevent movement
Answer: C
Rationale: Quick-release knots allow for rapid removal in emergencies.
Restraints should be tied to the bed frame (NOT side rails). Remove
restraints every 2 hours for range of motion and assessment. Apply
snugly—two fingers should fit between restraint and client.
Q8. A nurse is teaching a client about home oxygen safety. Which
instructions should the nurse include? (Select all that apply)
A. "Check the electrical cord regularly for damage"
B. "Keep the oxygen unit 4 feet away from a gas stove"
C. "Consider buying a generator for backup power"
D. "Post 'No Smoking' signs in the house"
E. "Store oxygen in a closet when not in use"
Answer: A, C, D
Rationale: Oxygen safety includes checking cords for damage, having
backup power for electric concentrators, and posting No Smoking signs.
Oxygen should be kept 10 feet from gas stoves/open flames (not 4
feet). Store oxygen upright in well-ventilated area—never in a closet.
Q9. A nurse is preparing to don sterile gloves. Which action should the
nurse take FIRST?
A. Open the inner glove wrapper
B. Inspect the glove package for tears
C. Wash hands with soap and water
D. Remove jewelry from hands and wrists
Answer: D
Exam Review & Answer Guide
ATI Fundamentals Proctored Exam 2026
Complete 150-Question Bank with Answers & Rationales
SECTION 1: SAFETY & INFECTION CONTROL
Q1. A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter for a
female client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to
maintain surgical aseptic technique?
A. Open the catheter packaging and drop it onto the sterile field from a
height of 6 inches
B. Place the sterile field on a wet surface to prevent slipping
C. Set up the sterile field immediately before the procedure
D. Wear a mask only if the client has a respiratory infection
Answer: C
Rationale: A sterile field should be set up as close to the time of use as
possible to minimize contamination risk. While items can be dropped
from 6 inches, packaging should be opened away from the field.
Moisture contaminates sterile fields. Masks are required for ALL sterile
procedures to prevent droplet contamination.
Q2. A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of
Clostridioides difficile. Which infection control precautions should the
nurse implement?
A. Airborne precautions
B. Droplet precautions
,C. Contact precautions
D. Protective environment
Answer: C
Rationale: C. diff spreads via spores on contaminated surfaces and
hands, requiring Contact Precautions (gloves, gown, dedicated
equipment, hand hygiene with soap and water—alcohol is ineffective
against spores).
Q3. A nurse is caring for a client who has tuberculosis (TB). Which
precautions should the nurse implement? (Select all that apply)
A. Place client in a negative-pressure room
B. Wear an N95 respirator when entering the room
C. Keep the client's door open at all times
D. Have the client wear a surgical mask when transported
E. Wear a gown and gloves upon entry
Answer: A, B, D
Rationale: Airborne precautions for TB require: private negative-
pressure room, N95 respirator, and client masking during transport.
Door must remain CLOSED to maintain negative pressure.
Gowns/gloves are Contact precautions, not indicated for TB alone.
Q4. A nurse discovers a small fire in a client's room. After removing the
client to safety, which action should the nurse take next?
A. Extinguish the fire
B. Close the windows in the client's room
C. Close the client's door
D. Activate the fire alarm
Answer: D
,Rationale: RACE protocol: Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish. After
rescuing the client, activate the alarm immediately.
Q5. What is the correct order of steps for donning personal protective
equipment (PPE)?
A. Gloves → Gown → Mask → Goggles
B. Gown → Mask → Goggles → Gloves
C. Mask → Gown → Gloves → Goggles
D. Goggles → Mask → Gown → Gloves
Answer: B
Rationale: Don in this order: Gown first, then Mask, then Goggles/face
shield, then Gloves last. This sequence prevents contamination of skin
and clothing.
Q6. A nurse is preparing to apply a condom catheter for a client who is
uncircumcised. Which action should the nurse plan to take?
A. Apply a skin barrier to the penis and allow it to dry
B. Leave 2 inches of space between the penis tip and drainage tube
C. Place adhesive tape directly on the penis
D. Use sterile technique for application
Answer: A
Rationale: Apply skin barrier to protect skin from moisture/adhesive
irritation. Leave 1-2 inches (not exactly 2 inches) at the tip. NEVER use
adhesive tape directly on the penis—use the adhesive strip provided.
Clean technique (medical asepsis) is sufficient.
Q7. A nurse is caring for a client who requires wrist restraints after an
episode of violent behavior. Which action should the nurse take?
A. Tie the restraint to the side rail
B. Remove the restraint every 4 hours
, C. Secure the restraint using a quick-release knot
D. Apply the restraint tightly to prevent movement
Answer: C
Rationale: Quick-release knots allow for rapid removal in emergencies.
Restraints should be tied to the bed frame (NOT side rails). Remove
restraints every 2 hours for range of motion and assessment. Apply
snugly—two fingers should fit between restraint and client.
Q8. A nurse is teaching a client about home oxygen safety. Which
instructions should the nurse include? (Select all that apply)
A. "Check the electrical cord regularly for damage"
B. "Keep the oxygen unit 4 feet away from a gas stove"
C. "Consider buying a generator for backup power"
D. "Post 'No Smoking' signs in the house"
E. "Store oxygen in a closet when not in use"
Answer: A, C, D
Rationale: Oxygen safety includes checking cords for damage, having
backup power for electric concentrators, and posting No Smoking signs.
Oxygen should be kept 10 feet from gas stoves/open flames (not 4
feet). Store oxygen upright in well-ventilated area—never in a closet.
Q9. A nurse is preparing to don sterile gloves. Which action should the
nurse take FIRST?
A. Open the inner glove wrapper
B. Inspect the glove package for tears
C. Wash hands with soap and water
D. Remove jewelry from hands and wrists
Answer: D
