ATI FUNDAMENTALS MIDTERM
PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS WITH DETAILED
EXPLANATIONS 2026/2027
1. A nurse is caring for a client who requires airborne precautions. Which of the following
personal protective equipment (PPE) should the nurse don before entering the client’s room?
A. Gown and gloves
B. N95 respirator mask
C. Surgical mask and goggles
D. Face shield and shoe covers
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Airborne precautions require the use of an N95 respirator mask
to filter out small droplets that remain suspended in the air. Gowns and gloves are standard
or contact precautions, and surgical masks are for droplet precautions.
2. When performing a physical assessment, in which order should the nurse assess the client’s
abdomen?
A. Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation
B. Auscultation, inspection, palpation, percussion
,C. Palpation, percussion, auscultation, inspection
D. Inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The correct order for abdominal assessment is inspection,
auscultation, percussion, and then palpation. Auscultation is done before percussion and
palpation to avoid altering bowel sounds.
3. A nurse is providing care for a client who is at risk for falls. Which of the following actions
should the nurse take?
A. Keep all four side rails in the upright position.
B. Encourage the client to walk to the bathroom independently.
C. Place the client’s bed in the lowest position.
D. Apply physical restraints to prevent the client from getting out of bed.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Placing the bed in the lowest position reduces the distance of a
potential fall. Four side rails are considered a restraint, and independent walking increases
risk for an at-risk client.
4. A nurse is teaching a client about the use of a cane. Which of the following instructions
should the nurse include?
A. Hold the cane on the weaker side of the body.
, B. Hold the cane on the stronger side of the body.
C. Move the stronger leg forward first, followed by the cane.
D. Keep the elbow straight when holding the cane.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The cane should be held on the stronger side to provide
maximum support and stability for the weaker leg. The elbow should be slightly flexed at
about 15 to 30 degrees.
5. A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection using the Z-track technique.
What is the primary purpose of this method?
A. To ensure the medication is absorbed quickly.
B. To prevent the medication from leaking into the subcutaneous tissue.
C. To reduce the risk of hitting a bone.
D. To decrease the amount of pain during the injection.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The Z-track technique creates a zig-zag path that seals the
medication within the muscle and prevents it from leaking back into the subcutaneous
tissue, which can cause irritation.
PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS WITH DETAILED
EXPLANATIONS 2026/2027
1. A nurse is caring for a client who requires airborne precautions. Which of the following
personal protective equipment (PPE) should the nurse don before entering the client’s room?
A. Gown and gloves
B. N95 respirator mask
C. Surgical mask and goggles
D. Face shield and shoe covers
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Airborne precautions require the use of an N95 respirator mask
to filter out small droplets that remain suspended in the air. Gowns and gloves are standard
or contact precautions, and surgical masks are for droplet precautions.
2. When performing a physical assessment, in which order should the nurse assess the client’s
abdomen?
A. Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation
B. Auscultation, inspection, palpation, percussion
,C. Palpation, percussion, auscultation, inspection
D. Inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The correct order for abdominal assessment is inspection,
auscultation, percussion, and then palpation. Auscultation is done before percussion and
palpation to avoid altering bowel sounds.
3. A nurse is providing care for a client who is at risk for falls. Which of the following actions
should the nurse take?
A. Keep all four side rails in the upright position.
B. Encourage the client to walk to the bathroom independently.
C. Place the client’s bed in the lowest position.
D. Apply physical restraints to prevent the client from getting out of bed.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Placing the bed in the lowest position reduces the distance of a
potential fall. Four side rails are considered a restraint, and independent walking increases
risk for an at-risk client.
4. A nurse is teaching a client about the use of a cane. Which of the following instructions
should the nurse include?
A. Hold the cane on the weaker side of the body.
, B. Hold the cane on the stronger side of the body.
C. Move the stronger leg forward first, followed by the cane.
D. Keep the elbow straight when holding the cane.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The cane should be held on the stronger side to provide
maximum support and stability for the weaker leg. The elbow should be slightly flexed at
about 15 to 30 degrees.
5. A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection using the Z-track technique.
What is the primary purpose of this method?
A. To ensure the medication is absorbed quickly.
B. To prevent the medication from leaking into the subcutaneous tissue.
C. To reduce the risk of hitting a bone.
D. To decrease the amount of pain during the injection.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The Z-track technique creates a zig-zag path that seals the
medication within the muscle and prevents it from leaking back into the subcutaneous
tissue, which can cause irritation.
