OVERVIEW
This comprehensive document features a verified set of 150 questions and 100% accurate answers
from the ATI Fundamentals CMS Proctored Exam. Aligned with the most recent 2025/2026 ATI exam
updates, this resource is ideal for nursing students preparing for ATI success with NCLEX-style
questions and clinically relevant fundamentals content. Each question includes multiple-choice
options, correct answers, and detailed rationales to enhance understanding and retention.
Proctored Exam Questions and Answers
1. A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to an adult. Which site is most
appropriate?
1. Deltoid
2. Ventrogluteal
3. Dorsogluteal
4. Vastus lateralis
Correct Answer: 2. Ventrogluteal
Rationale: The ventrogluteal site is preferred for IM injections in adults due to its large muscle mass and
low risk of nerve injury. This site is located away from major blood vessels and nerves, making it the
safest choice. The dorsogluteal site is no longer recommended due to the proximity of the sciatic nerve.
2. A patient is on droplet precautions for influenza. Which protective equipment is required?
1. Surgical mask
2. N95 respirator
3. Gown and gloves
4. Face shield only
Correct Answer: 1. Surgical mask
Rationale: Droplet precautions require a surgical mask to prevent transmission of influenza via
respiratory droplets. Droplet precautions are implemented for pathogens transmitted through large
respiratory droplets generated during coughing, sneezing, or talking. The surgical mask should be worn
upon entering the patient's room.
3. A nurse is measuring a patient's blood pressure. Which action ensures accuracy?
1. Place the arm at heart level
2. Use a cuff that is too small
3. Measure over clothing
,4. Take the reading after exercise
Correct Answer: 1. Place the arm at heart level
Rationale: Positioning the arm at heart level aligns with the heart's hydrostatic pressure for accurate
readings. If the arm is above heart level, readings may be falsely low, and if below, readings may be
falsely high. A proper cuff size and resting patient are also essential.
4. A patient with a new colostomy asks about diet. Which food should the nurse advise avoiding?
1. Popcorn
2. Bananas
3. Rice
4. Yogurt
Correct Answer: 1. Popcorn
Rationale: Popcorn can cause blockages or irritation in a new colostomy due to its fibrous nature and
difficulty digesting. Patients with new ostomies should avoid high-fiber foods, nuts, seeds, and popcorn
until healing is complete. Bananas, rice, and yogurt are generally well-tolerated.
5. A nurse is assisting a patient with ambulation. Which action promotes safety?
1. Use a gait belt
2. Allow the patient to hold the nurse's arm
3. Encourage rapid walking
4. Leave obstacles in the path
Correct Answer: 1. Use a gait belt
Rationale: A gait belt provides secure support, reducing fall risk during ambulation. It allows the nurse to
maintain control and assist the patient safely if they begin to fall. The belt should be placed snugly
around the patient's waist over clothing.
6. A nurse is performing hand hygiene with soap and water. What is the minimum duration?
1. 10 seconds
2. 20 seconds
3. 30 seconds
4. 60 seconds
Correct Answer: 2. 20 seconds
Rationale: The CDC recommends at least 20 seconds of handwashing to remove pathogens effectively.
The process involves wetting hands, applying soap, lathering for 20 seconds, rinsing thoroughly, and
drying with a clean towel. Friction and thorough coverage are essential.
7. A patient is prescribed oxygen at 3 L/min via nasal cannula. Which action should the nurse take?
1. Monitor for nasal dryness
2. Set the flow rate to 5 L/min
3. Use a face mask instead
4. Remove during sleep
Correct Answer: 1. Monitor for nasal dryness
,Rationale: Nasal cannulas can cause dryness, which the nurse should monitor to ensure comfort. Oxygen
therapy dries mucous membranes, so humidification may be needed at higher flow rates. The nurse
should also assess skin integrity behind the ears and around the nares.
8. A nurse is inserting a urinary catheter. Which action maintains sterility?
1. Wear sterile gloves
2. Cleanse the meatus with alcohol
3. Use clean gloves only
4. Open the kit before hand hygiene
Correct Answer: 1. Wear sterile gloves
Rationale: Wearing sterile gloves is essential to maintain sterility during catheter insertion. The nurse
must maintain a sterile field, use sterile supplies, and perform peri-care with sterile antiseptic solution.
Clean gloves are insufficient for this sterile procedure.
9. A nurse is applying restraints to a confused patient. Which action is appropriate?
1. Tie restraints to the bed frame
2. Tie restraints to the side rails
3. Use a knot that tightens easily
4. Apply restraints for 4 hours without reassessment
Correct Answer: 1. Tie restraints to the bed frame
Rationale: Restraints must be tied to the bed frame, not side rails, to prevent injury if the side rail is
lowered. A quick-release knot should be used, and restraints must be removed or released every 2 hours
for assessment and range of motion.
10. A patient is on contact precautions for MRSA. What is the nurse's priority action?
1. Place patient in a private room
2. Wear a surgical mask
3. Keep door closed at all times
4. Use negative pressure ventilation
Correct Answer: 1. Place patient in a private room
Rationale: Contact precautions require a private room or cohorting with patients who have the same
infection. Gloves and gowns must be worn upon entering the room, and dedicated equipment should be
used. Hand hygiene is critical before and after contact.
11. What is the correct sequence for donning PPE?
1. Gown, mask, goggles, gloves
2. Mask, gown, goggles, gloves
3. Gloves, gown, mask, goggles
4. Goggles, mask, gown, gloves
Correct Answer: 1. Gown, mask, goggles, gloves
, Rationale: The correct sequence for donning PPE is gown first, then mask, followed by goggles or face
shield, and gloves last. This sequence ensures proper coverage and minimizes contamination risk.
Doffing follows a reverse order with careful technique.
12. A nurse is preparing to transfer a patient from bed to chair. Which action is most important?
1. Assess the patient's strength and mobility
2. Position the chair at a 90-degree angle
3. Use a draw sheet to slide the patient
4. Have the patient cross their arms
Correct Answer: 1. Assess the patient's strength and mobility
Rationale: Assessing the patient's strength and mobility is crucial before any transfer to determine the
level of assistance needed. This assessment helps prevent falls and injury to both patient and nurse. The
chair should be positioned close to the bed at a slight angle.
13. A nurse is caring for a patient with a prescription for wrist restraints. How often should the restraints
be removed?
1. Every 2 hours
2. Every 4 hours
3. Every 6 hours
4. Every 8 hours
Correct Answer: 1. Every 2 hours
Rationale: Restraints should be removed or released every 2 hours for assessment, skin care, range of
motion exercises, and toileting. This prevents complications such as skin breakdown, contractures, and
circulatory impairment. Documentation must include these assessments.
14. A patient is suspected of having tuberculosis. Which type of precautions should the nurse
implement?
1. Airborne precautions
2. Droplet precautions
3. Contact precautions
4. Standard precautions only
Correct Answer: 1. Airborne precautions
Rationale: Tuberculosis requires airborne precautions, including a negative pressure room, N95
respirator, and proper PPE. Airborne precautions are used for pathogens transmitted via small particles
that remain suspended in the air. The patient should wear a surgical mask when leaving the room.
15. A nurse is preparing a sterile field. Which action breaks sterility?
1. Reaching over the sterile field
2. Opening sterile package away from the body
3. Keeping the field at waist level
4. Adding sterile items to the field
Correct Answer: 1. Reaching over the sterile field
This comprehensive document features a verified set of 150 questions and 100% accurate answers
from the ATI Fundamentals CMS Proctored Exam. Aligned with the most recent 2025/2026 ATI exam
updates, this resource is ideal for nursing students preparing for ATI success with NCLEX-style
questions and clinically relevant fundamentals content. Each question includes multiple-choice
options, correct answers, and detailed rationales to enhance understanding and retention.
Proctored Exam Questions and Answers
1. A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to an adult. Which site is most
appropriate?
1. Deltoid
2. Ventrogluteal
3. Dorsogluteal
4. Vastus lateralis
Correct Answer: 2. Ventrogluteal
Rationale: The ventrogluteal site is preferred for IM injections in adults due to its large muscle mass and
low risk of nerve injury. This site is located away from major blood vessels and nerves, making it the
safest choice. The dorsogluteal site is no longer recommended due to the proximity of the sciatic nerve.
2. A patient is on droplet precautions for influenza. Which protective equipment is required?
1. Surgical mask
2. N95 respirator
3. Gown and gloves
4. Face shield only
Correct Answer: 1. Surgical mask
Rationale: Droplet precautions require a surgical mask to prevent transmission of influenza via
respiratory droplets. Droplet precautions are implemented for pathogens transmitted through large
respiratory droplets generated during coughing, sneezing, or talking. The surgical mask should be worn
upon entering the patient's room.
3. A nurse is measuring a patient's blood pressure. Which action ensures accuracy?
1. Place the arm at heart level
2. Use a cuff that is too small
3. Measure over clothing
,4. Take the reading after exercise
Correct Answer: 1. Place the arm at heart level
Rationale: Positioning the arm at heart level aligns with the heart's hydrostatic pressure for accurate
readings. If the arm is above heart level, readings may be falsely low, and if below, readings may be
falsely high. A proper cuff size and resting patient are also essential.
4. A patient with a new colostomy asks about diet. Which food should the nurse advise avoiding?
1. Popcorn
2. Bananas
3. Rice
4. Yogurt
Correct Answer: 1. Popcorn
Rationale: Popcorn can cause blockages or irritation in a new colostomy due to its fibrous nature and
difficulty digesting. Patients with new ostomies should avoid high-fiber foods, nuts, seeds, and popcorn
until healing is complete. Bananas, rice, and yogurt are generally well-tolerated.
5. A nurse is assisting a patient with ambulation. Which action promotes safety?
1. Use a gait belt
2. Allow the patient to hold the nurse's arm
3. Encourage rapid walking
4. Leave obstacles in the path
Correct Answer: 1. Use a gait belt
Rationale: A gait belt provides secure support, reducing fall risk during ambulation. It allows the nurse to
maintain control and assist the patient safely if they begin to fall. The belt should be placed snugly
around the patient's waist over clothing.
6. A nurse is performing hand hygiene with soap and water. What is the minimum duration?
1. 10 seconds
2. 20 seconds
3. 30 seconds
4. 60 seconds
Correct Answer: 2. 20 seconds
Rationale: The CDC recommends at least 20 seconds of handwashing to remove pathogens effectively.
The process involves wetting hands, applying soap, lathering for 20 seconds, rinsing thoroughly, and
drying with a clean towel. Friction and thorough coverage are essential.
7. A patient is prescribed oxygen at 3 L/min via nasal cannula. Which action should the nurse take?
1. Monitor for nasal dryness
2. Set the flow rate to 5 L/min
3. Use a face mask instead
4. Remove during sleep
Correct Answer: 1. Monitor for nasal dryness
,Rationale: Nasal cannulas can cause dryness, which the nurse should monitor to ensure comfort. Oxygen
therapy dries mucous membranes, so humidification may be needed at higher flow rates. The nurse
should also assess skin integrity behind the ears and around the nares.
8. A nurse is inserting a urinary catheter. Which action maintains sterility?
1. Wear sterile gloves
2. Cleanse the meatus with alcohol
3. Use clean gloves only
4. Open the kit before hand hygiene
Correct Answer: 1. Wear sterile gloves
Rationale: Wearing sterile gloves is essential to maintain sterility during catheter insertion. The nurse
must maintain a sterile field, use sterile supplies, and perform peri-care with sterile antiseptic solution.
Clean gloves are insufficient for this sterile procedure.
9. A nurse is applying restraints to a confused patient. Which action is appropriate?
1. Tie restraints to the bed frame
2. Tie restraints to the side rails
3. Use a knot that tightens easily
4. Apply restraints for 4 hours without reassessment
Correct Answer: 1. Tie restraints to the bed frame
Rationale: Restraints must be tied to the bed frame, not side rails, to prevent injury if the side rail is
lowered. A quick-release knot should be used, and restraints must be removed or released every 2 hours
for assessment and range of motion.
10. A patient is on contact precautions for MRSA. What is the nurse's priority action?
1. Place patient in a private room
2. Wear a surgical mask
3. Keep door closed at all times
4. Use negative pressure ventilation
Correct Answer: 1. Place patient in a private room
Rationale: Contact precautions require a private room or cohorting with patients who have the same
infection. Gloves and gowns must be worn upon entering the room, and dedicated equipment should be
used. Hand hygiene is critical before and after contact.
11. What is the correct sequence for donning PPE?
1. Gown, mask, goggles, gloves
2. Mask, gown, goggles, gloves
3. Gloves, gown, mask, goggles
4. Goggles, mask, gown, gloves
Correct Answer: 1. Gown, mask, goggles, gloves
, Rationale: The correct sequence for donning PPE is gown first, then mask, followed by goggles or face
shield, and gloves last. This sequence ensures proper coverage and minimizes contamination risk.
Doffing follows a reverse order with careful technique.
12. A nurse is preparing to transfer a patient from bed to chair. Which action is most important?
1. Assess the patient's strength and mobility
2. Position the chair at a 90-degree angle
3. Use a draw sheet to slide the patient
4. Have the patient cross their arms
Correct Answer: 1. Assess the patient's strength and mobility
Rationale: Assessing the patient's strength and mobility is crucial before any transfer to determine the
level of assistance needed. This assessment helps prevent falls and injury to both patient and nurse. The
chair should be positioned close to the bed at a slight angle.
13. A nurse is caring for a patient with a prescription for wrist restraints. How often should the restraints
be removed?
1. Every 2 hours
2. Every 4 hours
3. Every 6 hours
4. Every 8 hours
Correct Answer: 1. Every 2 hours
Rationale: Restraints should be removed or released every 2 hours for assessment, skin care, range of
motion exercises, and toileting. This prevents complications such as skin breakdown, contractures, and
circulatory impairment. Documentation must include these assessments.
14. A patient is suspected of having tuberculosis. Which type of precautions should the nurse
implement?
1. Airborne precautions
2. Droplet precautions
3. Contact precautions
4. Standard precautions only
Correct Answer: 1. Airborne precautions
Rationale: Tuberculosis requires airborne precautions, including a negative pressure room, N95
respirator, and proper PPE. Airborne precautions are used for pathogens transmitted via small particles
that remain suspended in the air. The patient should wear a surgical mask when leaving the room.
15. A nurse is preparing a sterile field. Which action breaks sterility?
1. Reaching over the sterile field
2. Opening sterile package away from the body
3. Keeping the field at waist level
4. Adding sterile items to the field
Correct Answer: 1. Reaching over the sterile field
