1
ATI Fundamentals CMS Proctored Exam
2025 Actual – 150 Real Questions and
100% Correct Answers
Question 1
A nurse is preparing to administer a medication via intramuscular injection. Which site is most
appropriate for an adult patient?
A. Vastus lateralis
B. Deltoid
C. Ventrogluteal
D. Dorsogluteal
Correct Answer: C. Ventrogluteal
Rationale: The ventrogluteal site is preferred for IM injections in adults due to its large muscle
mass and minimal risk of nerve or vascular injury. The dorsogluteal site is avoided due to sciatic
nerve proximity. The vastus lateralis is suitable but less preferred , and the deltoid is used for
smaller volumes.
Question 2
A nurse is teaching a client about hand hygiene. Which statement indicates understanding?
A. "I should wash my hands only after using the bathroom."
B. "I need to wash my hands for at least 15 seconds."
C. "I should wash my hands before and after eating."
D. "Hand sanitizer is less effective than soap and water."
Correct Answer: C. I should wash my hands before and after eating.
Rationale: Hand hygiene is critical before and after eating to prevent infection. Washing for at
least 20 seconds (not 15) is recommended, and hand sanitizer is effective when soap is
unavailable. Handwashing is needed in many situations, not just after bathroom use.
Question 3
Which action demonstrates proper body mechanics when lifting a heavy object?
A. Bending at the waist
B. Keeping the object close to the body
C. Lifting with the arms extended
D. Twisting the torso while lifting
Correct Answer: B. Keeping the object close to the body
, 2
Rationale: Keeping objects close reduces strain on the back. Bending at the knees, not the waist,
using leg muscles, and avoiding twisting are key principles of proper body mechanics.
Question 4
A nurse is assessing a client’s pain level. Which tool is most appropriate for a verbal adult?
A. FACES Pain Scale
B. Numeric Pain Scale
C. FLACC Scale
D. COMFORT Scale
Correct Answer: B. Numeric Pain Scale
Rationale: The Numeric Pain Scale (0–10) is best for verbal adults to quantify pain. The FACES
scale is for children, FLACC is for non-verbal patients, and COMFORT is for critically ill
patients.
Question 5
A nurse is applying restraints to a confused client. Which action is essential?
A. Tie the restraint to the side rail
B. Check the restraint every 4 hours
C. Use a quick-release knot
D. Secure the restraint tightly
Correct Answer: C. Use a quick-release knot
Rationale: A quick-release knot ensures easy removal in emergencies. Restraints should not be
tied to side rails, must be checked every 1–2 hours, and secured loosely to avoid injury.
Question 6
A client with a new colostomy asks about diet. The nurse should recommend:
A. High-fiber foods immediately
B. A low-residue diet initially
C. Avoiding all dairy products
D. Increasing spicy foods
Correct Answer: B. A low-residue diet initially
Rationale: A low-residue diet reduces stool output initially after colostomy surgery to promote
healing. High-fiber foods are introduced later, dairy is not universally avoided, and spicy foods
may irritate.
Question 7
A nurse is teaching about fire safety in the home. Which is the priority instruction?
A. Keep a fire extinguisher in the garage
B. Install smoke alarms on every level
C. Store flammable liquids in the basement
, 3
D. Use candles for emergency lighting
Correct Answer: B. Install smoke alarms on every level
Rationale: Smoke alarms provide early detection, the priority for fire safety. Extinguishers are
important but secondary, flammable liquids should be stored safely, and candles are unsafe.
Question 8
When delegating tasks to a nursing assistant, which task is appropriate?
A. Administering oral medications
B. Assisting with ambulation
C. Performing a sterile dressing change
D. Evaluating a client’s pain level
Correct Answer: B. Assisting with ambulation
Rationale: Assisting with ambulation is within a nursing assistant’s scope. Administering
medications, sterile procedures, and evaluations are reserved for licensed nurses.
Question 9
A nurse is caring for a client with a urinary catheter. To prevent infection, the nurse should:
A. Clean the catheter from tip to base
B. Secure the catheter to the leg
C. Empty the drainage bag weekly
D. Use sterile gloves for daily care
Correct Answer: B. Secure the catheter to the leg
Rationale: Securing the catheter prevents traction and infection. Cleaning is base to tip, the bag
is emptied regularly (not weekly), and clean gloves are used for routine care.
Question 10
A client refuses a prescribed medication. The nurse’s first action is to:
A. Document the refusal
B. Force the medication
C. Notify the provider immediately
D. Discard the medication
Correct Answer: A. Document the refusal
Rationale: Documenting the refusal respects the client’s autonomy and maintains a legal record.
Forcing medication is unethical, notifying the provider is secondary, and discarding is
inappropriate.
Question 11
A nurse is performing hand hygiene. How long should the nurse wash their hands?
A. 10 seconds
B. 20 seconds
, 4
C. 30 seconds
D. 60 seconds
Correct Answer: B. 20 seconds
Rationale: The CDC recommends washing hands for at least 20 seconds to remove pathogens
effectively. Shorter or longer durations are less effective or unnecessary.
Question 12
Which precaution is used for a client with tuberculosis?
A. Contact
B. Droplet
C. Airborne
D. Standard
Correct Answer: C. Airborne
Rationale: Tuberculosis requires airborne precautions due to its transmission via respiratory
droplets. Contact is for skin infections, droplet for influenza, and standard is universal.
Question 13
A nurse is assisting a client with a meal. To prevent aspiration, the nurse should:
A. Place the client in a supine position
B. Elevate the head of the bed 45–90 degrees
C. Feed the client quickly
D. Provide thin liquids first
Correct Answer: B. Elevate the head of the bed 45–90 degrees
Rationale: Elevating the head reduces aspiration risk by aligning the airway. Supine positioning
increases risk, rapid feeding is unsafe, and thickened liquids are safer.
Question 14
A nurse is assessing a client’s respiratory status. Which finding requires immediate action?
A. Respiratory rate of 16 breaths/min
B. Oxygen saturation of 88%
C. Clear breath sounds
D. Symmetrical chest expansion
Correct Answer: B. Oxygen saturation of 88%
Rationale: An oxygen saturation of 88% indicates hypoxemia, requiring immediate intervention.
Other findings are normal.
Question 15
A nurse is preparing to insert a nasogastric tube. Which position is best for the client?
A. Supine
B. Prone
ATI Fundamentals CMS Proctored Exam
2025 Actual – 150 Real Questions and
100% Correct Answers
Question 1
A nurse is preparing to administer a medication via intramuscular injection. Which site is most
appropriate for an adult patient?
A. Vastus lateralis
B. Deltoid
C. Ventrogluteal
D. Dorsogluteal
Correct Answer: C. Ventrogluteal
Rationale: The ventrogluteal site is preferred for IM injections in adults due to its large muscle
mass and minimal risk of nerve or vascular injury. The dorsogluteal site is avoided due to sciatic
nerve proximity. The vastus lateralis is suitable but less preferred , and the deltoid is used for
smaller volumes.
Question 2
A nurse is teaching a client about hand hygiene. Which statement indicates understanding?
A. "I should wash my hands only after using the bathroom."
B. "I need to wash my hands for at least 15 seconds."
C. "I should wash my hands before and after eating."
D. "Hand sanitizer is less effective than soap and water."
Correct Answer: C. I should wash my hands before and after eating.
Rationale: Hand hygiene is critical before and after eating to prevent infection. Washing for at
least 20 seconds (not 15) is recommended, and hand sanitizer is effective when soap is
unavailable. Handwashing is needed in many situations, not just after bathroom use.
Question 3
Which action demonstrates proper body mechanics when lifting a heavy object?
A. Bending at the waist
B. Keeping the object close to the body
C. Lifting with the arms extended
D. Twisting the torso while lifting
Correct Answer: B. Keeping the object close to the body
, 2
Rationale: Keeping objects close reduces strain on the back. Bending at the knees, not the waist,
using leg muscles, and avoiding twisting are key principles of proper body mechanics.
Question 4
A nurse is assessing a client’s pain level. Which tool is most appropriate for a verbal adult?
A. FACES Pain Scale
B. Numeric Pain Scale
C. FLACC Scale
D. COMFORT Scale
Correct Answer: B. Numeric Pain Scale
Rationale: The Numeric Pain Scale (0–10) is best for verbal adults to quantify pain. The FACES
scale is for children, FLACC is for non-verbal patients, and COMFORT is for critically ill
patients.
Question 5
A nurse is applying restraints to a confused client. Which action is essential?
A. Tie the restraint to the side rail
B. Check the restraint every 4 hours
C. Use a quick-release knot
D. Secure the restraint tightly
Correct Answer: C. Use a quick-release knot
Rationale: A quick-release knot ensures easy removal in emergencies. Restraints should not be
tied to side rails, must be checked every 1–2 hours, and secured loosely to avoid injury.
Question 6
A client with a new colostomy asks about diet. The nurse should recommend:
A. High-fiber foods immediately
B. A low-residue diet initially
C. Avoiding all dairy products
D. Increasing spicy foods
Correct Answer: B. A low-residue diet initially
Rationale: A low-residue diet reduces stool output initially after colostomy surgery to promote
healing. High-fiber foods are introduced later, dairy is not universally avoided, and spicy foods
may irritate.
Question 7
A nurse is teaching about fire safety in the home. Which is the priority instruction?
A. Keep a fire extinguisher in the garage
B. Install smoke alarms on every level
C. Store flammable liquids in the basement
, 3
D. Use candles for emergency lighting
Correct Answer: B. Install smoke alarms on every level
Rationale: Smoke alarms provide early detection, the priority for fire safety. Extinguishers are
important but secondary, flammable liquids should be stored safely, and candles are unsafe.
Question 8
When delegating tasks to a nursing assistant, which task is appropriate?
A. Administering oral medications
B. Assisting with ambulation
C. Performing a sterile dressing change
D. Evaluating a client’s pain level
Correct Answer: B. Assisting with ambulation
Rationale: Assisting with ambulation is within a nursing assistant’s scope. Administering
medications, sterile procedures, and evaluations are reserved for licensed nurses.
Question 9
A nurse is caring for a client with a urinary catheter. To prevent infection, the nurse should:
A. Clean the catheter from tip to base
B. Secure the catheter to the leg
C. Empty the drainage bag weekly
D. Use sterile gloves for daily care
Correct Answer: B. Secure the catheter to the leg
Rationale: Securing the catheter prevents traction and infection. Cleaning is base to tip, the bag
is emptied regularly (not weekly), and clean gloves are used for routine care.
Question 10
A client refuses a prescribed medication. The nurse’s first action is to:
A. Document the refusal
B. Force the medication
C. Notify the provider immediately
D. Discard the medication
Correct Answer: A. Document the refusal
Rationale: Documenting the refusal respects the client’s autonomy and maintains a legal record.
Forcing medication is unethical, notifying the provider is secondary, and discarding is
inappropriate.
Question 11
A nurse is performing hand hygiene. How long should the nurse wash their hands?
A. 10 seconds
B. 20 seconds
, 4
C. 30 seconds
D. 60 seconds
Correct Answer: B. 20 seconds
Rationale: The CDC recommends washing hands for at least 20 seconds to remove pathogens
effectively. Shorter or longer durations are less effective or unnecessary.
Question 12
Which precaution is used for a client with tuberculosis?
A. Contact
B. Droplet
C. Airborne
D. Standard
Correct Answer: C. Airborne
Rationale: Tuberculosis requires airborne precautions due to its transmission via respiratory
droplets. Contact is for skin infections, droplet for influenza, and standard is universal.
Question 13
A nurse is assisting a client with a meal. To prevent aspiration, the nurse should:
A. Place the client in a supine position
B. Elevate the head of the bed 45–90 degrees
C. Feed the client quickly
D. Provide thin liquids first
Correct Answer: B. Elevate the head of the bed 45–90 degrees
Rationale: Elevating the head reduces aspiration risk by aligning the airway. Supine positioning
increases risk, rapid feeding is unsafe, and thickened liquids are safer.
Question 14
A nurse is assessing a client’s respiratory status. Which finding requires immediate action?
A. Respiratory rate of 16 breaths/min
B. Oxygen saturation of 88%
C. Clear breath sounds
D. Symmetrical chest expansion
Correct Answer: B. Oxygen saturation of 88%
Rationale: An oxygen saturation of 88% indicates hypoxemia, requiring immediate intervention.
Other findings are normal.
Question 15
A nurse is preparing to insert a nasogastric tube. Which position is best for the client?
A. Supine
B. Prone
