ATI CMS Fundamentals Actual Exam 2026/2027 |
Verified Questions
Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) | Verified Q&A | Professional Nursing Students
This comprehensive actual exam set contains exactly 70 original questions designed to reinforce official
ATI Fundamentals CMS objectives. The questions cover Basic Care and Comfort, Safety and Infection
Control, Health Promotion and Maintenance, and Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies. Content is
original and constructed to promote clinical proficiency and accurate application of foundational nursing
principles for Professional Nursing Students preparing for the actual examination in the 2026/2027 cycle.
Rationales draw upon ATI Fundamentals materials, evidence-based clinical guidelines, and current
nursing standards of care.
Domain: Basic Care and Comfort
1. A nurse is assisting a client who has limited mobility with personal hygiene. Which
action should the nurse take to promote the client’s comfort and dignity?
A. Complete all hygiene tasks as quickly as possible without client input
B. Encourage the client to perform as much self-care as possible and provide assistance only as
needed
C. Perform all care while the client is fully exposed to save time
D. Limit conversation during care to reduce the length of the interaction
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Promoting independence within the client’s ability supports dignity, self-esteem, and
functional maintenance, which are core principles of basic care and comfort.
2. When providing oral care to an unconscious client, the nurse should place the client in
which position?
A. Supine with the head elevated 90 degrees
B. Side-lying (lateral) with the head turned toward the side
C. Prone
D. Trendelenburg
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A side-lying position with the head turned allows drainage of fluids and reduces the risk of
aspiration during oral care of an unconscious client.
3. A client reports difficulty sleeping in the hospital. Which nursing intervention is most
appropriate to promote rest?
A. Encourage daytime napping for several hours
B. Cluster nursing activities and reduce environmental noise and light at night
C. Provide a large meal immediately before bedtime
D. Keep the television on throughout the night for background noise
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Clustering care and minimizing environmental stimuli support the client’s natural sleep cycle
and promote restorative rest.
ATI CMS Fundamentals Actual Exam 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
,4. The nurse is preparing to assist a client with a bed bath. Which principle should guide
the nurse’s actions?
A. Wash from the dirtiest areas to the cleanest areas
B. Wash from clean to dirty areas and change water when it becomes soiled or cool
C. Use the same water for the entire bath regardless of appearance
D. Avoid drying the skin to prevent irritation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cleaning from clean to dirty areas and maintaining appropriate water temperature and
cleanliness reduces the spread of microorganisms and promotes comfort.
5. A client with impaired mobility is at risk for pressure injuries. Which intervention is the
priority for prevention?
A. Massage reddened areas vigorously
B. Reposition the client at least every 2 hours and keep the skin clean and dry
C. Limit fluid intake to reduce incontinence
D. Keep the head of the bed elevated at 90 degrees at all times
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Regular repositioning and skin care are foundational pressure-injury prevention strategies
supported by evidence-based guidelines.
6. When applying antiembolism stockings, the nurse should ensure that:
A. The stockings have wrinkles to allow air circulation
B. The stockings are smooth, fit properly, and are applied before the client gets out of bed when
possible
C. The stockings are applied only at night
D. The top of the stocking is rolled down for comfort
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Proper fit without wrinkles and application when the legs are least dependent promote
venous return and prevent complications.
7. A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing acute pain. Which nonpharmacologic
intervention is appropriate to include in the plan of care?
A. Ignoring the client’s report of pain
B. Guided imagery, relaxation techniques, or positioning for comfort
C. Withholding all analgesics permanently
D. Restricting visitors at all times
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Nonpharmacologic measures such as relaxation and positioning complement pharmacologic
therapy and support overall comfort.
8. The nurse is assisting a client with ambulation who has a weak right side. The nurse
should stand:
A. On the client’s left (strong) side
B. On the client’s right (weak) side and slightly behind
C. Directly in front of the client
D. Several feet away to allow independence
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Standing on the weak side allows the nurse to support the client if balance is lost and
provides a secure base for assistance.
ATI CMS Fundamentals Actual Exam 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
, 9. When performing perineal care for a female client, the nurse should cleanse:
A. From the rectal area toward the pubis
B. From the front (pubis) toward the rectum using a clean portion of the cloth for each stroke
C. In a circular motion starting at the rectum
D. Only the outer thighs
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cleansing from front to back reduces the risk of introducing rectal organisms into the
urethra or vagina.
10. A client is receiving enteral nutrition via a nasogastric tube. To promote comfort and
reduce the risk of aspiration, the nurse should:
A. Keep the client flat during and after feedings
B. Elevate the head of the bed at least 30–45 degrees during and for a period after feedings
C. Check residual volume only once per day
D. Flush the tube with carbonated beverages routinely
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed during and after enteral feedings decreases aspiration risk and
is a standard safety and comfort measure.
11. The nurse is preparing a client’s environment to promote rest. Which action is most
appropriate?
A. Maintain bright lighting and frequent interruptions
B. Control noise, adjust lighting, and organize care to allow uninterrupted rest periods
C. Encourage loud conversations at the bedside
D. Leave the door open to the hallway at all times
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Environmental control of noise and light, along with clustered care, supports the client’s
ability to rest and recover.
12. When assisting a client with range-of-motion exercises, the nurse should:
A. Force joints beyond the point of resistance or pain
B. Support the joint and move it slowly and smoothly within the client’s tolerance
C. Perform exercises only once per week
D. Avoid any movement of affected joints
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Gentle, supported ROM within the client’s comfort range maintains joint mobility and
prevents contractures without causing injury.
13. A client has an indwelling urinary catheter. Which action promotes comfort and
reduces infection risk?
A. Allowing the drainage bag to rest on the floor
B. Keeping the drainage bag below the level of the bladder and securing the catheter to prevent
tension
C. Irrigating the catheter with antiseptic daily without an order
D. Disconnecting the catheter frequently for convenience
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Maintaining a closed system and dependent drainage, while preventing traction on the
catheter, supports both comfort and infection prevention.
ATI CMS Fundamentals Actual Exam 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
Verified Questions
Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) | Verified Q&A | Professional Nursing Students
This comprehensive actual exam set contains exactly 70 original questions designed to reinforce official
ATI Fundamentals CMS objectives. The questions cover Basic Care and Comfort, Safety and Infection
Control, Health Promotion and Maintenance, and Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies. Content is
original and constructed to promote clinical proficiency and accurate application of foundational nursing
principles for Professional Nursing Students preparing for the actual examination in the 2026/2027 cycle.
Rationales draw upon ATI Fundamentals materials, evidence-based clinical guidelines, and current
nursing standards of care.
Domain: Basic Care and Comfort
1. A nurse is assisting a client who has limited mobility with personal hygiene. Which
action should the nurse take to promote the client’s comfort and dignity?
A. Complete all hygiene tasks as quickly as possible without client input
B. Encourage the client to perform as much self-care as possible and provide assistance only as
needed
C. Perform all care while the client is fully exposed to save time
D. Limit conversation during care to reduce the length of the interaction
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Promoting independence within the client’s ability supports dignity, self-esteem, and
functional maintenance, which are core principles of basic care and comfort.
2. When providing oral care to an unconscious client, the nurse should place the client in
which position?
A. Supine with the head elevated 90 degrees
B. Side-lying (lateral) with the head turned toward the side
C. Prone
D. Trendelenburg
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A side-lying position with the head turned allows drainage of fluids and reduces the risk of
aspiration during oral care of an unconscious client.
3. A client reports difficulty sleeping in the hospital. Which nursing intervention is most
appropriate to promote rest?
A. Encourage daytime napping for several hours
B. Cluster nursing activities and reduce environmental noise and light at night
C. Provide a large meal immediately before bedtime
D. Keep the television on throughout the night for background noise
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Clustering care and minimizing environmental stimuli support the client’s natural sleep cycle
and promote restorative rest.
ATI CMS Fundamentals Actual Exam 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
,4. The nurse is preparing to assist a client with a bed bath. Which principle should guide
the nurse’s actions?
A. Wash from the dirtiest areas to the cleanest areas
B. Wash from clean to dirty areas and change water when it becomes soiled or cool
C. Use the same water for the entire bath regardless of appearance
D. Avoid drying the skin to prevent irritation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cleaning from clean to dirty areas and maintaining appropriate water temperature and
cleanliness reduces the spread of microorganisms and promotes comfort.
5. A client with impaired mobility is at risk for pressure injuries. Which intervention is the
priority for prevention?
A. Massage reddened areas vigorously
B. Reposition the client at least every 2 hours and keep the skin clean and dry
C. Limit fluid intake to reduce incontinence
D. Keep the head of the bed elevated at 90 degrees at all times
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Regular repositioning and skin care are foundational pressure-injury prevention strategies
supported by evidence-based guidelines.
6. When applying antiembolism stockings, the nurse should ensure that:
A. The stockings have wrinkles to allow air circulation
B. The stockings are smooth, fit properly, and are applied before the client gets out of bed when
possible
C. The stockings are applied only at night
D. The top of the stocking is rolled down for comfort
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Proper fit without wrinkles and application when the legs are least dependent promote
venous return and prevent complications.
7. A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing acute pain. Which nonpharmacologic
intervention is appropriate to include in the plan of care?
A. Ignoring the client’s report of pain
B. Guided imagery, relaxation techniques, or positioning for comfort
C. Withholding all analgesics permanently
D. Restricting visitors at all times
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Nonpharmacologic measures such as relaxation and positioning complement pharmacologic
therapy and support overall comfort.
8. The nurse is assisting a client with ambulation who has a weak right side. The nurse
should stand:
A. On the client’s left (strong) side
B. On the client’s right (weak) side and slightly behind
C. Directly in front of the client
D. Several feet away to allow independence
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Standing on the weak side allows the nurse to support the client if balance is lost and
provides a secure base for assistance.
ATI CMS Fundamentals Actual Exam 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
, 9. When performing perineal care for a female client, the nurse should cleanse:
A. From the rectal area toward the pubis
B. From the front (pubis) toward the rectum using a clean portion of the cloth for each stroke
C. In a circular motion starting at the rectum
D. Only the outer thighs
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cleansing from front to back reduces the risk of introducing rectal organisms into the
urethra or vagina.
10. A client is receiving enteral nutrition via a nasogastric tube. To promote comfort and
reduce the risk of aspiration, the nurse should:
A. Keep the client flat during and after feedings
B. Elevate the head of the bed at least 30–45 degrees during and for a period after feedings
C. Check residual volume only once per day
D. Flush the tube with carbonated beverages routinely
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed during and after enteral feedings decreases aspiration risk and
is a standard safety and comfort measure.
11. The nurse is preparing a client’s environment to promote rest. Which action is most
appropriate?
A. Maintain bright lighting and frequent interruptions
B. Control noise, adjust lighting, and organize care to allow uninterrupted rest periods
C. Encourage loud conversations at the bedside
D. Leave the door open to the hallway at all times
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Environmental control of noise and light, along with clustered care, supports the client’s
ability to rest and recover.
12. When assisting a client with range-of-motion exercises, the nurse should:
A. Force joints beyond the point of resistance or pain
B. Support the joint and move it slowly and smoothly within the client’s tolerance
C. Perform exercises only once per week
D. Avoid any movement of affected joints
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Gentle, supported ROM within the client’s comfort range maintains joint mobility and
prevents contractures without causing injury.
13. A client has an indwelling urinary catheter. Which action promotes comfort and
reduces infection risk?
A. Allowing the drainage bag to rest on the floor
B. Keeping the drainage bag below the level of the bladder and securing the catheter to prevent
tension
C. Irrigating the catheter with antiseptic daily without an order
D. Disconnecting the catheter frequently for convenience
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Maintaining a closed system and dependent drainage, while preventing traction on the
catheter, supports both comfort and infection prevention.
ATI CMS Fundamentals Actual Exam 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
