ATI Fundamentals Proctored Exam 2026: Complete Exam Preparation Guide with Test Bank, Practice Quizzes, and Rationales

hen ambulating with a cane, which instruction promotes safe mobility? A. Keep only one point of contact with the floor B. Advance the stronger leg first C. Keep two points of support on the floor and move the weaker leg forward after advancing the cane D. Hold the cane on the weaker side Rationale: Maintaining two points of support improves balance and stability. Advancing the weaker leg after the cane reduces stress on the injured extremity. Using only one point of support or holding the cane on the weaker side increases fall risk. Which findings are effects of immobility on the cardiovascular system? A. Increased cardiac output and improved circulation B. Increased blood volume and decreased workload C. Orthostatic hypotension, venous stasis, increased thrombus risk, decreased cardiac output D. Increased autonomic response Rationale: Immobility leads to venous pooling, reduced circulating volume, and decreased cardiac efficiency. The other options describe effects opposite of immobility. What are effects of immobility on the respiratory system? A. Increased lung expansion B. Improved oxygen exchange C. Decreased respiratory movement, secretion stasis, atelectasis, hypostatic pneumonia D. Strengthened respiratory muscles Rationale: Immobility limits chest expansion and weakens respiratory muscles, promoting secretion buildup and impaired gas exchange. Which strategies should the nurse use during a physical examination? A. Ask only closed-ended questions B. Increase environmental stimulation C. Use open- and closed-ended questions and reduce environmental noise D. Perform invasive procedures first Rationale: Clear communication and a calm environment improve data accuracy and client comfort. What should be included in the general survey of a client? A. Reflexes and lung sounds B. Blood pressure and pulse C. Posture, skin lesions, and speech D. Abdominal contour Rationale: The general survey provides an overall impression of the client’s physical and behavioral status. After inspecting the abdomen, what is the next step in the assessment sequence? A. Palpation B. Percussion C. Auscultation D. Deep palpation Rationale: Auscultation is performed before palpation and percussion to avoid altering bowel sounds. Which interventions are appropriate when examining an older adult? A. Rush the examination B. Remove assistive devices C. Allow time for position changes, ensure sensory aids are in place, and allow bathroom use D. Limit explanations Rationale: Older adults require accommodations to promote comfort, safety, and accurate assessment. An 82-year-old client presents with fever, tachycardia, tachypnea, restlessness, and warm skin. What actions are appropriate? A. Start antibiotics immediately B. Restrict fluids C. Obtain cultures before antimicrobials, encourage rest, assist with oral hygiene, increase fluids D. Delay treatment Rationale: Cultures must be obtained prior to antibiotics to identify pathogens accurately. Supportive care helps prevent complications. A client receiving chemotherapy has a low platelet count. What is the priority consideration when measuring vital signs? A. Avoid oral temperature B. Use a tympanic thermometer C. Do not measure temperature rectally D. Measure temperature hourly Rationale: Rectal temperatures can cause mucosal trauma and bleeding in thrombocytopenic clients. Which guidelines should be followed when measuring respiratory rate? A. Count respirations for 15 seconds B. Ask the client to breathe deeply C. Place the client in semi-Fowler’s, rest an arm over the abdomen, observe a full cycle before counting D. Measure after activity Rationale: Proper positioning and observation ensure accurate respiratory assessment. A client with a fractured femur has a blood pressure of 140/94. What is the nurse’s priority action? A. Administer antihypertensive medication B. Notify the provider immediately C. Ask if the client is experiencing pain D. Restrict fluids Rationale: Pain commonly elevates blood pressure and should be assessed before initiating interventions. Which directions should the nurse give when testing cranial nerve V? A. Smile and frown B. Stick out your tongue C. Clench your teeth and report when you feel touch D. Follow my finger Rationale: Cranial nerve V controls facial sensation and the muscles of mastication. Which findings are expected when assessing the thyroid gland? A. Thyroid is not palpable B. Trachea deviates to one side C. Thyroid ascends with swallowing and trachea is midline D. Thyroid remains fixed Rationale: Normal thyroid movement and symmetry indicate normal anatomy. When examining an adult ear canal with an otoscope, which actions are appropriate? A. Insert upward and backward B. Touch the ear canal C. Insert the speculum slightly down and forward and visualize the tympanic membrane D. Apply pressure Rationale: Correct technique prevents injury and allows proper visualization of the tympanic membrane. What age-related findings are expected in the head and neck of an older adult? A. Increased hearing acuity B. Improved vision C. Tooth loss, glare intolerance, thickened eardrums D. Thinner tympanic membranes Rationale: Structural and sensory changes commonly occur with aging. Which breast findings are expected in an older adult client? A. Firm tissue and erect nipples B. Smaller nipples, pendulous breasts, nipple inversion C. Enlarged areola D. Increased glandular tissue Rationale: Aging causes decreased glandular tissue, loss of elasticity, and nipple changes. Which findings are expected when auscultating and percussing the thorax? A. Dullness B. Tympany C. Resonance, tactile fremitus, bronchovesicular sounds D. Absence of breath sounds Rationale: These findings indicate normal lung aeration and airflow. An abdominal assessment reveals distension, midline protrusion, taut skin, and no flank involvement. What is the cause of distension? A. Ascites B. Obesity C. Flatus D. Tumor Rationale: Gas causes symmetrical abdominal distension without flank involvement. Which heart sounds are heard at the left midclavicular line? A. Aortic valve closure B. Pulmonic valve closure C. Mitral and tricuspid valve closure D. Carotid bruit Rationale: The mitral valve is best heard at the left midclavicular line. What findings are expected when auscultating and percussing the abdomen? A. Dullness and silence B. Hyperresonance C. Tympany and borborygmi D. Friction rub Rationale: Tympany and audible bowel sounds indicate normal gastrointestinal function. Which skin findings are expected in a healthy client? A. Capillary refill greater than 4 seconds B. Thin soles of feet C. Capillary refill within 2 seconds and thick skin on soles D. Cyanosis Rationale: Normal circulation and protective skin thickening are expected findings. An older adult has tenting of the skin on the forearm. What explains this finding? A. Acute infection B. Loss of adipose tissue, dehydration, diminished skin elasticity C. Improved hydration D. Increased collagen Rationale: Aging and dehydration reduce skin turgor and elasticity. What should the nurse assess to evaluate peripheral vascular status in a postoperative knee surgery client? A. Reflexes B. Pulse oximetry C. Skin color, edema, and skin temperature D. Lung sounds Rationale: These findings assess circulation and detect complications such as impaired perfusion. Which conditions are characterized by vesicular skin lesions? A. Psoriasis B. Herpes simplex and varicella C. Acne D. Eczema Rationale: Vesicles are small fluid-filled lesions commonly seen in viral infections. Which skin finding requires immediate nursing intervention? A. Freckles B. Dry skin C. Cyanosis D. Skin tags Rationale: Cyanosis indicates inadequate oxygenation and requires urgent evaluation. Which findings are expected in a healthy young adult male’s musculoskeletal system? A. Kyphosis B. Lordosis C. Normal spinal curves and slightly larger muscles on the dominant side D. Muscle atrophy Rationale: Mild asymmetry due to dominance and normal spinal alignment are expected findings. To evaluate stereognosis, what should the nurse ask the client to do? A. Identify temperature differences B. Detect vibration C. Close eyes and identify a familiar object placed in the hand D. Follow a moving object Rationale: Stereognosis assesses cortical sensory function and the ability to recognize objects by touch alone.