ATI Fundamentals CMS Proctored Exam |
Latest 2025/2026 Edition | 210 Verified
Questions and Correct Answers | 100%
Accurate and A+ Graded
Section 1: Introduction
This document includes 210 verified and 100% correct questions and answers from the ATI
Fundamentals CMS (Content Mastery Series) Proctored Exam, fully updated for the
2025/2026 academic cycle. It comprehensively covers foundational nursing topics such as
safety, infection control, vital signs, hygiene, communication, mobility, nutrition, and patient-
centered care. Structured to align with ATI testing standards, this A+ graded guide ensures
thorough review and strong performance on the proctored assessment.
Section 2: Exam Questions and Answers
1. A nurse is preparing to administer a medication to a client. Which action ensures
client safety?
A) Administer without checking the label
B) Verify the client’s identity using two identifiers
C) Give the medication 1 hour late
D) Skip the client’s allergy history
Correct Answer: B) Verify the client’s identity using two identifiers
Rationale: Using two identifiers (e.g., name, date of birth) confirms the correct client,
preventing medication errors. Skipping checks (A, D) or delaying (C) compromises
safety.
2. A nurse is assessing a client’s vital signs. Which pulse site is most appropriate for
an adult with a weak radial pulse?
A) Brachial
B) Femoral
C) Pedal
D) Carotid
Correct Answer: D) Carotid
Rationale: The carotid pulse is central and reliable when peripheral pulses are weak.
Brachial (A), femoral (B), and pedal (C) are less effective in this scenario.
3. A nurse is teaching a client about hand hygiene. Which step is most effective in
preventing infection?
A) Rinse hands with cold water
, B) Scrub hands for at least 20 seconds
C) Dry hands with a cloth towel
D) Use hand sanitizer sparingly
Correct Answer: B) Scrub hands for at least 20 seconds
Rationale: Scrubbing for 20 seconds removes microbes effectively. Cold water (A) is
less effective, cloth towels (C) may harbor germs, and sparing sanitizer (D) is
insufficient.
4. A nurse is assisting a client with a transfer from bed to chair. Which action is
priority?
A) Move the client quickly
B) Use a transfer belt
C) Allow the client to stand unassisted
D) Place the chair on the client’s weaker side
Correct Answer: B) Use a transfer belt
Rationale: A transfer belt ensures stability, reducing fall risk. Rushing (A), unassisted
standing (C), or incorrect chair placement (D) increases danger.
5. A nurse is documenting a client’s wound care. Which entry is most accurate?
A) “Wound looks good.”
B) “2 cm laceration, clean, no drainage noted at 0900.”
C) “Wound healing well.”
D) “No issues with wound.”
Correct Answer: B) 2 cm laceration, clean, no drainage noted at 0900.”
Rationale: Specific size, condition, and time ensure accuracy. Vague entries (A, C,
D) lack necessary detail for legal documentation.
6. A nurse is teaching a client about a low-sodium diet. Which food should the
client avoid?
A) Fresh apples
B) Canned soup
C) Grilled chicken
D) Brown rice
Correct Answer: B) Canned soup
Rationale: Canned soup is high in sodium, exacerbating conditions like hypertension.
Apples (A), chicken (C), and rice (D) are low-sodium options.
7. A nurse is preparing to apply a warm compress to a client’s injury. Which action
ensures safety?
A) Use a compress at 130°F
B) Apply for 30 minutes continuously
C) Check skin every 5–10 minutes
, D) Place directly on bare skin
Correct Answer: C) Check skin every 5–10 minutes
Rationale: Regular skin checks prevent burns. High temperature (A) risks injury,
prolonged application (B) is unsafe, and direct contact (D) may cause burns.
8. A nurse is assessing a client’s respiratory status. Which finding requires
immediate action?
A) Respiratory rate 18/min
B) Oxygen saturation 88%
C) Clear lung sounds
D) Symmetrical chest movement
Correct Answer: B) Oxygen saturation 88%
Rationale: Saturation below 90% indicates hypoxemia, requiring intervention.
Normal rate (A), clear sounds (C), and symmetry (D) are expected findings.
9. A nurse is assisting a client with a bedpan. Which action promotes comfort?
A) Elevate head of bed 60°
B) Place bedpan against the perineum
C) Provide privacy during use
D) Remove bedpan immediately after voiding
Correct Answer: C) Provide privacy during use
Rationale: Privacy reduces anxiety and enhances comfort. High elevation (A) is
uncomfortable, incorrect placement (B) causes pain, and immediate removal (D) may
spill.
10. A nurse is teaching a client about proper body mechanics for lifting. Which
instruction is correct?
A) Twist the torso to reach objects
B) Keep the back straight
C) Lift with arm muscles
D) Stand with feet close together
Correct Answer: B) Keep the back straight
Rationale: A straight back prevents strain. Twisting (A) or arm lifting (C) risks
injury, and close feet (D) reduce stability.
11. A nurse is preparing a client for a surgical procedure. Which action ensures
informed consent?
A) Have the client sign the form without explanation
B) Verify the client understands the procedure
C) Allow a family member to sign for the client
D) Skip consent for emergencies
Correct Answer: B) Verify the client understands the procedure
, Rationale: Understanding ensures informed consent. Signing without explanation
(A), family signing (C), or skipping (D) violates ethics.
12. A nurse is providing oral care for an unconscious client. Which action prevents
aspiration?
A) Use a large amount of fluid
B) Position client supine
C) Suction as needed
D) Use a hard toothbrush
Correct Answer: C) Suction as needed
Rationale: Suctioning prevents aspiration. Large fluid (A) and supine position (B)
increase risk, and hard brushes (D) damage gums.
13. A nurse is assessing a client’s peripheral pulses. Which finding indicates a
problem?
A) 2+ dorsalis pedis pulse
B) Weak femoral pulse
C) Symmetrical pulses
D) Regular rhythm
Correct Answer: B) Weak femoral pulse
Rationale: Weak pulses suggest vascular obstruction. 2+ (A), symmetrical (C), and
regular (D) pulses are normal.
14. A nurse is teaching a client about a high-fiber diet. Which food is appropriate?
A) White bread
B) Lentils
C) Ice cream
D) Fried chicken
Correct Answer: B) Lentils
Rationale: Lentils are high in fiber. Bread (A), ice cream (C), and chicken (D) are
low-fiber foods.
15. A nurse is applying restraints to a client. Which action ensures safety?
A) Tie restraints to the bed rail
B) Check circulation every 15 minutes
C) Use a double knot for security
D) Apply restraints tightly
Correct Answer: B) Check circulation every 15 minutes
Rationale: Frequent checks prevent injury. Bed rails (A) are unsafe, double knots (C)
hinder release, and tight restraints (D) impair circulation.
Latest 2025/2026 Edition | 210 Verified
Questions and Correct Answers | 100%
Accurate and A+ Graded
Section 1: Introduction
This document includes 210 verified and 100% correct questions and answers from the ATI
Fundamentals CMS (Content Mastery Series) Proctored Exam, fully updated for the
2025/2026 academic cycle. It comprehensively covers foundational nursing topics such as
safety, infection control, vital signs, hygiene, communication, mobility, nutrition, and patient-
centered care. Structured to align with ATI testing standards, this A+ graded guide ensures
thorough review and strong performance on the proctored assessment.
Section 2: Exam Questions and Answers
1. A nurse is preparing to administer a medication to a client. Which action ensures
client safety?
A) Administer without checking the label
B) Verify the client’s identity using two identifiers
C) Give the medication 1 hour late
D) Skip the client’s allergy history
Correct Answer: B) Verify the client’s identity using two identifiers
Rationale: Using two identifiers (e.g., name, date of birth) confirms the correct client,
preventing medication errors. Skipping checks (A, D) or delaying (C) compromises
safety.
2. A nurse is assessing a client’s vital signs. Which pulse site is most appropriate for
an adult with a weak radial pulse?
A) Brachial
B) Femoral
C) Pedal
D) Carotid
Correct Answer: D) Carotid
Rationale: The carotid pulse is central and reliable when peripheral pulses are weak.
Brachial (A), femoral (B), and pedal (C) are less effective in this scenario.
3. A nurse is teaching a client about hand hygiene. Which step is most effective in
preventing infection?
A) Rinse hands with cold water
, B) Scrub hands for at least 20 seconds
C) Dry hands with a cloth towel
D) Use hand sanitizer sparingly
Correct Answer: B) Scrub hands for at least 20 seconds
Rationale: Scrubbing for 20 seconds removes microbes effectively. Cold water (A) is
less effective, cloth towels (C) may harbor germs, and sparing sanitizer (D) is
insufficient.
4. A nurse is assisting a client with a transfer from bed to chair. Which action is
priority?
A) Move the client quickly
B) Use a transfer belt
C) Allow the client to stand unassisted
D) Place the chair on the client’s weaker side
Correct Answer: B) Use a transfer belt
Rationale: A transfer belt ensures stability, reducing fall risk. Rushing (A), unassisted
standing (C), or incorrect chair placement (D) increases danger.
5. A nurse is documenting a client’s wound care. Which entry is most accurate?
A) “Wound looks good.”
B) “2 cm laceration, clean, no drainage noted at 0900.”
C) “Wound healing well.”
D) “No issues with wound.”
Correct Answer: B) 2 cm laceration, clean, no drainage noted at 0900.”
Rationale: Specific size, condition, and time ensure accuracy. Vague entries (A, C,
D) lack necessary detail for legal documentation.
6. A nurse is teaching a client about a low-sodium diet. Which food should the
client avoid?
A) Fresh apples
B) Canned soup
C) Grilled chicken
D) Brown rice
Correct Answer: B) Canned soup
Rationale: Canned soup is high in sodium, exacerbating conditions like hypertension.
Apples (A), chicken (C), and rice (D) are low-sodium options.
7. A nurse is preparing to apply a warm compress to a client’s injury. Which action
ensures safety?
A) Use a compress at 130°F
B) Apply for 30 minutes continuously
C) Check skin every 5–10 minutes
, D) Place directly on bare skin
Correct Answer: C) Check skin every 5–10 minutes
Rationale: Regular skin checks prevent burns. High temperature (A) risks injury,
prolonged application (B) is unsafe, and direct contact (D) may cause burns.
8. A nurse is assessing a client’s respiratory status. Which finding requires
immediate action?
A) Respiratory rate 18/min
B) Oxygen saturation 88%
C) Clear lung sounds
D) Symmetrical chest movement
Correct Answer: B) Oxygen saturation 88%
Rationale: Saturation below 90% indicates hypoxemia, requiring intervention.
Normal rate (A), clear sounds (C), and symmetry (D) are expected findings.
9. A nurse is assisting a client with a bedpan. Which action promotes comfort?
A) Elevate head of bed 60°
B) Place bedpan against the perineum
C) Provide privacy during use
D) Remove bedpan immediately after voiding
Correct Answer: C) Provide privacy during use
Rationale: Privacy reduces anxiety and enhances comfort. High elevation (A) is
uncomfortable, incorrect placement (B) causes pain, and immediate removal (D) may
spill.
10. A nurse is teaching a client about proper body mechanics for lifting. Which
instruction is correct?
A) Twist the torso to reach objects
B) Keep the back straight
C) Lift with arm muscles
D) Stand with feet close together
Correct Answer: B) Keep the back straight
Rationale: A straight back prevents strain. Twisting (A) or arm lifting (C) risks
injury, and close feet (D) reduce stability.
11. A nurse is preparing a client for a surgical procedure. Which action ensures
informed consent?
A) Have the client sign the form without explanation
B) Verify the client understands the procedure
C) Allow a family member to sign for the client
D) Skip consent for emergencies
Correct Answer: B) Verify the client understands the procedure
, Rationale: Understanding ensures informed consent. Signing without explanation
(A), family signing (C), or skipping (D) violates ethics.
12. A nurse is providing oral care for an unconscious client. Which action prevents
aspiration?
A) Use a large amount of fluid
B) Position client supine
C) Suction as needed
D) Use a hard toothbrush
Correct Answer: C) Suction as needed
Rationale: Suctioning prevents aspiration. Large fluid (A) and supine position (B)
increase risk, and hard brushes (D) damage gums.
13. A nurse is assessing a client’s peripheral pulses. Which finding indicates a
problem?
A) 2+ dorsalis pedis pulse
B) Weak femoral pulse
C) Symmetrical pulses
D) Regular rhythm
Correct Answer: B) Weak femoral pulse
Rationale: Weak pulses suggest vascular obstruction. 2+ (A), symmetrical (C), and
regular (D) pulses are normal.
14. A nurse is teaching a client about a high-fiber diet. Which food is appropriate?
A) White bread
B) Lentils
C) Ice cream
D) Fried chicken
Correct Answer: B) Lentils
Rationale: Lentils are high in fiber. Bread (A), ice cream (C), and chicken (D) are
low-fiber foods.
15. A nurse is applying restraints to a client. Which action ensures safety?
A) Tie restraints to the bed rail
B) Check circulation every 15 minutes
C) Use a double knot for security
D) Apply restraints tightly
Correct Answer: B) Check circulation every 15 minutes
Rationale: Frequent checks prevent injury. Bed rails (A) are unsafe, double knots (C)
hinder release, and tight restraints (D) impair circulation.
