==============================
EXAM TITLE: ATI CMS Fundamentals Proctored Exam Questions | 100%
Correct Answers with Detailed Rationales (2026/2027 Edition)
==============================
SECTION 1: Safety and Infection Control
Question 1
A nurse is preparing to perform a sterile dressing change on a client with a surgical
wound. Before donning sterile gloves, which action is most appropriate to maintain
hand hygiene?
A. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds, then dry completely with a
paper towel.
B. Apply alcohol-based hand rub for 10 seconds and immediately don sterile gloves
while hands are still wet.
C. Rinse hands under warm water for 5 seconds and wipe dry on the scrub pants.
D. Apply alcohol-based hand rub and allow hands to air dry completely before donning
sterile gloves.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Alcohol-based hand rub is appropriate before donning sterile gloves for
aseptic procedures, provided hands are not visibly soiled. The rub must be applied to all
surfaces of the hands and allowed to air dry completely before touching sterile
equipment. Washing with soap and water is also acceptable but must be followed by
,thorough drying. Wet hands or incomplete drying compromise the integrity of sterile
gloves and aseptic technique.
Question 2
A client is admitted with confirmed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
in a wound drainage. Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is required for the
nurse when changing the client's dressing?
A. Gloves only
B. Gloves and gown
C. Gloves, gown, and N95 respirator
D. Gloves, gown, and face shield
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Contact precautions require gloves and a gown for direct contact with the
client or contaminated surfaces and equipment. MRSA is transmitted by direct contact
with skin or contaminated surfaces. An N95 respirator is required for airborne
precautions (e.g., tuberculosis). A face shield is used for splash protection during
procedures that may generate splashes or sprays, but is not routinely required for
wound dressing changes unless significant splash risk exists.
Question 3
,A client is admitted with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis. The nurse is preparing to
place the client in the appropriate precaution category. Which room assignment and
PPE are required?
A. Private room with negative-pressure airflow; nurse wears gown and gloves.
B. Private room with negative-pressure airflow; nurse wears N95 respirator or powered
air-purifying respirator (PAPR).
C. Private room with standard ventilation; nurse wears surgical mask.
D. Shared room with another client who has tuberculosis; nurse wears N95 respirator.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pulmonary tuberculosis requires airborne precautions, which include
placement in a private room with negative-pressure airflow (airborne infection isolation
room) and use of an N95 respirator or PAPR by healthcare personnel entering the room.
Standard surgical masks do not filter airborne particles adequately. Clients with
tuberculosis should not share a room with other clients due to the risk of transmission.
Question 4
A nurse is caring for a 78-year-old client who is postoperative day 1 after hip
replacement. The client is using a walker, has an IV infusion, and is taking opioid
analgesics. Which intervention is most important to prevent falls?
A. Keep the bed in the lowest position with wheels locked and call light within reach at
all times.
B. Raise all four side rails while the client is in bed to prevent rolling out.
C. Allow the client to ambulate independently to the bathroom to maintain autonomy.
, D. Remove the IV line so the client does not trip over tubing during ambulation.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Fall prevention for postoperative clients includes keeping the bed in the
lowest position with brakes locked, ensuring the call light and personal items are within
reach, and assisting with ambulation. Raising all four side rails is considered a restraint
and requires a provider order and frequent monitoring. Independent ambulation while on
opioids and with an IV is unsafe. Removing the IV without a provider order is outside the
nurse's scope and could compromise hydration and medication delivery.
Question 5
A nurse is applying wrist restraints to a client who is pulling at the endotracheal tube
and IV lines. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and The
Joint Commission standards, which nursing action is required?
A. Secure the restraints tightly to prevent any wrist movement and check the client every
8 hours.
B. Secure the restraints to allow two fingers to fit between the restraint and the wrist,
and assess circulation and neurovascular status at least every 2 hours.
C. Apply the restraints and document the application once per shift.
D. Leave the restraints in place continuously for 24 hours to ensure client safety.
Correct Answer: B
EXAM TITLE: ATI CMS Fundamentals Proctored Exam Questions | 100%
Correct Answers with Detailed Rationales (2026/2027 Edition)
==============================
SECTION 1: Safety and Infection Control
Question 1
A nurse is preparing to perform a sterile dressing change on a client with a surgical
wound. Before donning sterile gloves, which action is most appropriate to maintain
hand hygiene?
A. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds, then dry completely with a
paper towel.
B. Apply alcohol-based hand rub for 10 seconds and immediately don sterile gloves
while hands are still wet.
C. Rinse hands under warm water for 5 seconds and wipe dry on the scrub pants.
D. Apply alcohol-based hand rub and allow hands to air dry completely before donning
sterile gloves.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Alcohol-based hand rub is appropriate before donning sterile gloves for
aseptic procedures, provided hands are not visibly soiled. The rub must be applied to all
surfaces of the hands and allowed to air dry completely before touching sterile
equipment. Washing with soap and water is also acceptable but must be followed by
,thorough drying. Wet hands or incomplete drying compromise the integrity of sterile
gloves and aseptic technique.
Question 2
A client is admitted with confirmed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
in a wound drainage. Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is required for the
nurse when changing the client's dressing?
A. Gloves only
B. Gloves and gown
C. Gloves, gown, and N95 respirator
D. Gloves, gown, and face shield
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Contact precautions require gloves and a gown for direct contact with the
client or contaminated surfaces and equipment. MRSA is transmitted by direct contact
with skin or contaminated surfaces. An N95 respirator is required for airborne
precautions (e.g., tuberculosis). A face shield is used for splash protection during
procedures that may generate splashes or sprays, but is not routinely required for
wound dressing changes unless significant splash risk exists.
Question 3
,A client is admitted with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis. The nurse is preparing to
place the client in the appropriate precaution category. Which room assignment and
PPE are required?
A. Private room with negative-pressure airflow; nurse wears gown and gloves.
B. Private room with negative-pressure airflow; nurse wears N95 respirator or powered
air-purifying respirator (PAPR).
C. Private room with standard ventilation; nurse wears surgical mask.
D. Shared room with another client who has tuberculosis; nurse wears N95 respirator.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pulmonary tuberculosis requires airborne precautions, which include
placement in a private room with negative-pressure airflow (airborne infection isolation
room) and use of an N95 respirator or PAPR by healthcare personnel entering the room.
Standard surgical masks do not filter airborne particles adequately. Clients with
tuberculosis should not share a room with other clients due to the risk of transmission.
Question 4
A nurse is caring for a 78-year-old client who is postoperative day 1 after hip
replacement. The client is using a walker, has an IV infusion, and is taking opioid
analgesics. Which intervention is most important to prevent falls?
A. Keep the bed in the lowest position with wheels locked and call light within reach at
all times.
B. Raise all four side rails while the client is in bed to prevent rolling out.
C. Allow the client to ambulate independently to the bathroom to maintain autonomy.
, D. Remove the IV line so the client does not trip over tubing during ambulation.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Fall prevention for postoperative clients includes keeping the bed in the
lowest position with brakes locked, ensuring the call light and personal items are within
reach, and assisting with ambulation. Raising all four side rails is considered a restraint
and requires a provider order and frequent monitoring. Independent ambulation while on
opioids and with an IV is unsafe. Removing the IV without a provider order is outside the
nurse's scope and could compromise hydration and medication delivery.
Question 5
A nurse is applying wrist restraints to a client who is pulling at the endotracheal tube
and IV lines. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and The
Joint Commission standards, which nursing action is required?
A. Secure the restraints tightly to prevent any wrist movement and check the client every
8 hours.
B. Secure the restraints to allow two fingers to fit between the restraint and the wrist,
and assess circulation and neurovascular status at least every 2 hours.
C. Apply the restraints and document the application once per shift.
D. Leave the restraints in place continuously for 24 hours to ensure client safety.
Correct Answer: B
