1
ATI FUNDAMENTALS CMS PROCTORED EXAM 2026/2027
| 70 Questions Latest Validation | Pass Guaranteed - A+
Graded
Section 1: Basic Nursing Concepts & Nursing Process (Q1-12)
Q1. A nurse is caring for a client who reports chest pain and shortness of breath.
The nurse obtains vital signs, auscultates lung sounds, and notifies the provider.
Which nursing process step is the nurse demonstrating?
A. Planning
B. Implementation
C. Assessment
D. Evaluation
Rationale: The nurse is collecting data through vital signs and physical assessment,
which is the Assessment phase of the nursing process. Implementation involves
carrying out interventions; planning involves setting goals; evaluation determines
effectiveness of care.
Correct Answer: C
Q2. A nurse is prioritizing care for four clients. Using Maslow's hierarchy of needs,
which client should the nurse see FIRST?
A. A client requesting assistance with discharge planning
B. A client who is anxious about an upcoming surgery
C. A client with a respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min and cyanotic lips
D. A client asking for pain medication for a headache rated 3/10
Rationale: Maslow's hierarchy prioritizes physiological needs (oxygen, airway) over
safety, love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. A respiratory rate of 8 with
,2
cyanosis indicates imminent airway compromise. Pain, anxiety, and discharge
planning are lower priorities.
Correct Answer: C
Q3. A nurse is developing a care plan for a client with type 2 diabetes. Which
statement represents a correctly written NANDA-I nursing diagnosis?
A. "Client will demonstrate proper blood glucose monitoring technique by
discharge."
B. "Ineffective health management related to insufficient knowledge of diabetes self-
care as evidenced by missed insulin doses and HbA1c of 9.2%."
C. "Administer insulin as prescribed and monitor blood glucose levels."
D. "The client has diabetes and needs education about diet and exercise."
Rationale: A NANDA-I nursing diagnosis follows the format: Problem + related to
(etiology) + as evidenced by (defining characteristics). Option B is the only one that
follows this structure. Option A is an outcome, C is an intervention, and D is a
medical diagnosis.
Correct Answer: B
Q4. A nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of interventions for a client with heart
failure. Which action represents the Evaluation step of the nursing process?
A. Documenting the client's 2-pound weight gain over 24 hours
B. Comparing the client's current weight to the expected outcome of no more than
1-pound gain per day
C. Teaching the client about sodium restriction
D. Setting a goal for the client to maintain stable weight
Rationale: Evaluation involves comparing actual outcomes to expected outcomes to
determine if goals were met. Comparing weight gain to the expected standard is
evaluation. Option A is assessment, C is implementation, and D is planning.
,3
Correct Answer: B
Q5. A nurse is caring for a client who is NPO and has an IV of D5W infusing at 125
mL/hr. The client asks why they are receiving dextrose if they cannot eat. Which
response by the nurse demonstrates therapeutic communication?
A. "Don't worry about it. The doctor ordered it, so it must be right."
B. "The dextrose provides about 170 calories per liter to prevent ketosis and meet
minimal glucose needs while you're NPO. Do you have other concerns?"
C. "You should be glad you're getting something. Some people get nothing at all."
D. "Why are you questioning the doctor's orders?"
Rationale: Therapeutic communication provides accurate information, validates
concerns, and invites further dialogue. Option B explains the physiological rationale
and offers to address additional concerns. Options A and D are dismissive and non-
therapeutic; C minimizes the client's concern.
Correct Answer: B
Q6. A nurse is reviewing a client's plan of care. Which intervention is an example
of an independent nursing action?
A. Administering prescribed morphine sulfate 2 mg IV
B. Inserting a Foley catheter per provider order
C. Repositioning a client every 2 hours to prevent pressure injuries
D. Obtaining a chest X-ray per provider order
Rationale: Independent nursing actions do not require a provider's order and fall
within the nurse's scope of practice. Repositioning is a standard independent nursing
intervention. Administering medications, inserting catheters, and ordering diagnostic
tests require provider orders (dependent or collaborative actions).
Correct Answer: C
, 4
Q7. A nurse is caring for a client who states, "I don't think I'll ever walk again after
this stroke." Which response demonstrates the therapeutic communication
technique of restating?
A. "You feel hopeless about your recovery."
B. "You don't think you'll ever walk again after your stroke."
C. "Many stroke survivors do regain mobility with rehabilitation."
D. "Why do you feel that way?"
Rationale: Restating involves repeating the client's main message in similar words to
encourage elaboration. Option B restates the client's exact concern. Option A is
reflecting (focusing on feelings), C is giving advice, and D is a closed-ended,
potentially defensive question.
Correct Answer: B
Q8. A nurse is using the nursing process to care for a client with pneumonia. After
collecting assessment data, what is the nurse's NEXT step?
A. Implement interventions
B. Evaluate outcomes
C. Formulate nursing diagnoses
D. Establish priorities
Rationale: The nursing process follows ADPIE: Assessment → Diagnosis → Planning
→ Implementation → Evaluation. After assessment, the nurse analyzes data to
formulate nursing diagnoses. Planning (establishing priorities) follows diagnosis.
Correct Answer: C
Q9. A nurse is caring for a client with a new colostomy. The client states, "I can't
stand the smell. I don't want anyone to visit me." Which nursing diagnosis is the
PRIORITY?
ATI FUNDAMENTALS CMS PROCTORED EXAM 2026/2027
| 70 Questions Latest Validation | Pass Guaranteed - A+
Graded
Section 1: Basic Nursing Concepts & Nursing Process (Q1-12)
Q1. A nurse is caring for a client who reports chest pain and shortness of breath.
The nurse obtains vital signs, auscultates lung sounds, and notifies the provider.
Which nursing process step is the nurse demonstrating?
A. Planning
B. Implementation
C. Assessment
D. Evaluation
Rationale: The nurse is collecting data through vital signs and physical assessment,
which is the Assessment phase of the nursing process. Implementation involves
carrying out interventions; planning involves setting goals; evaluation determines
effectiveness of care.
Correct Answer: C
Q2. A nurse is prioritizing care for four clients. Using Maslow's hierarchy of needs,
which client should the nurse see FIRST?
A. A client requesting assistance with discharge planning
B. A client who is anxious about an upcoming surgery
C. A client with a respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min and cyanotic lips
D. A client asking for pain medication for a headache rated 3/10
Rationale: Maslow's hierarchy prioritizes physiological needs (oxygen, airway) over
safety, love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. A respiratory rate of 8 with
,2
cyanosis indicates imminent airway compromise. Pain, anxiety, and discharge
planning are lower priorities.
Correct Answer: C
Q3. A nurse is developing a care plan for a client with type 2 diabetes. Which
statement represents a correctly written NANDA-I nursing diagnosis?
A. "Client will demonstrate proper blood glucose monitoring technique by
discharge."
B. "Ineffective health management related to insufficient knowledge of diabetes self-
care as evidenced by missed insulin doses and HbA1c of 9.2%."
C. "Administer insulin as prescribed and monitor blood glucose levels."
D. "The client has diabetes and needs education about diet and exercise."
Rationale: A NANDA-I nursing diagnosis follows the format: Problem + related to
(etiology) + as evidenced by (defining characteristics). Option B is the only one that
follows this structure. Option A is an outcome, C is an intervention, and D is a
medical diagnosis.
Correct Answer: B
Q4. A nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of interventions for a client with heart
failure. Which action represents the Evaluation step of the nursing process?
A. Documenting the client's 2-pound weight gain over 24 hours
B. Comparing the client's current weight to the expected outcome of no more than
1-pound gain per day
C. Teaching the client about sodium restriction
D. Setting a goal for the client to maintain stable weight
Rationale: Evaluation involves comparing actual outcomes to expected outcomes to
determine if goals were met. Comparing weight gain to the expected standard is
evaluation. Option A is assessment, C is implementation, and D is planning.
,3
Correct Answer: B
Q5. A nurse is caring for a client who is NPO and has an IV of D5W infusing at 125
mL/hr. The client asks why they are receiving dextrose if they cannot eat. Which
response by the nurse demonstrates therapeutic communication?
A. "Don't worry about it. The doctor ordered it, so it must be right."
B. "The dextrose provides about 170 calories per liter to prevent ketosis and meet
minimal glucose needs while you're NPO. Do you have other concerns?"
C. "You should be glad you're getting something. Some people get nothing at all."
D. "Why are you questioning the doctor's orders?"
Rationale: Therapeutic communication provides accurate information, validates
concerns, and invites further dialogue. Option B explains the physiological rationale
and offers to address additional concerns. Options A and D are dismissive and non-
therapeutic; C minimizes the client's concern.
Correct Answer: B
Q6. A nurse is reviewing a client's plan of care. Which intervention is an example
of an independent nursing action?
A. Administering prescribed morphine sulfate 2 mg IV
B. Inserting a Foley catheter per provider order
C. Repositioning a client every 2 hours to prevent pressure injuries
D. Obtaining a chest X-ray per provider order
Rationale: Independent nursing actions do not require a provider's order and fall
within the nurse's scope of practice. Repositioning is a standard independent nursing
intervention. Administering medications, inserting catheters, and ordering diagnostic
tests require provider orders (dependent or collaborative actions).
Correct Answer: C
, 4
Q7. A nurse is caring for a client who states, "I don't think I'll ever walk again after
this stroke." Which response demonstrates the therapeutic communication
technique of restating?
A. "You feel hopeless about your recovery."
B. "You don't think you'll ever walk again after your stroke."
C. "Many stroke survivors do regain mobility with rehabilitation."
D. "Why do you feel that way?"
Rationale: Restating involves repeating the client's main message in similar words to
encourage elaboration. Option B restates the client's exact concern. Option A is
reflecting (focusing on feelings), C is giving advice, and D is a closed-ended,
potentially defensive question.
Correct Answer: B
Q8. A nurse is using the nursing process to care for a client with pneumonia. After
collecting assessment data, what is the nurse's NEXT step?
A. Implement interventions
B. Evaluate outcomes
C. Formulate nursing diagnoses
D. Establish priorities
Rationale: The nursing process follows ADPIE: Assessment → Diagnosis → Planning
→ Implementation → Evaluation. After assessment, the nurse analyzes data to
formulate nursing diagnoses. Planning (establishing priorities) follows diagnosis.
Correct Answer: C
Q9. A nurse is caring for a client with a new colostomy. The client states, "I can't
stand the smell. I don't want anyone to visit me." Which nursing diagnosis is the
PRIORITY?
