ATI CMS FUNDAMENTALS EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF.
Core Domains
• Foundations of Nursing Practice
• Safety and Infection Control
• Basic Care and Comfort
• Nutrition and Hydration
• Elimination and Bowel/Bladder Management
• Mobility, Immobility, and Skin Integrity
• Vital Signs and Health Assessment
• Medication Administration and Dosage Calculation
• Legal, Ethical, and Professional Responsibilities
• Patient Education and Health Promotion
Introduction
This comprehensive assessment evaluates the practical nursing student’s
mastery of foundational nursing concepts essential for safe, effective, entry-
level practice. The examination integrates core principles of patient safety,
infection control, basic care and comfort, nutrition, elimination, mobility, vital
signs, medication administration, and professional standards. Questions are
presented as multiple-choice and scenario-based items that mirror real-world
clinical situations across the care continuum. Emphasis is placed on
,prioritization, delegation within scope, client teaching, and application of
evidence-based fundamentals. Success demonstrates readiness for clinical
practice and the ATI CMS Fundamentals assessment, ensuring a strong
foundation for safe, compassionate, and competent nursing care.
Section One: Questions 1–100
1. A nurse is preparing to administer an oral medication to a client who
has dysphagia. Which action is most appropriate?
A. Crush all medications and mix them together in pudding
B. Consult the pharmacist to determine which medications can be crushed
and mix with applesauce
C. Administer medications with a large glass of water
D. Withhold all medications until the dysphagia resolves
B. Consult the pharmacist to determine which medications can be
crushed and mix with applesauce
RATIONALE: Not all medications should be crushed (e.g., extended-
release, enteric-coated). The nurse must first verify with the pharmacist
which are safe to crush. They can then be mixed with a small amount of soft
food like applesauce to ease swallowing. Water may increase aspiration risk;
withholding medications is unsafe.
2. A nurse is calculating a client’s intake. The client consumed 4 ounces of
apple juice, 1 cup of coffee, ½ cup of gelatin, and 240 mL of water. What
is the total intake in milliliters?
A. 480 mL
B. 720 mL
C. 840 mL
D. 960 mL
B. 720 mL
, RATIONALE: Convert each: 4 oz juice = 120 mL, 1 cup coffee = 240 mL, ½
cup gelatin = 120 mL, water = 240 mL. Total = 120 + 240 + 120 + 240 = 720 mL.
Accurate intake measurement is essential for fluid balance.
3. A client with a new colostomy is being taught about dietary
management. Which statement by the client indicates a need for
further teaching?
A. "I should avoid foods that cause gas, like broccoli and beans."
B. "I should drink plenty of fluids to keep my stool soft."
C. "I should eat a low-fiber diet to prevent blockage."
D. "I should introduce new foods one at a time."
C. "I should eat a low-fiber diet to prevent blockage."
RATIONALE: Clients with a colostomy should generally eat a regular diet
with adequate fiber to promote stool formation, unless otherwise instructed
by the provider. A low-fiber diet may lead to constipation. Avoiding gas-
producing foods, staying hydrated, and introducing foods gradually are
appropriate.
4. A nurse is caring for a client who is at risk for falls. Which action should
the nurse take first?
A. Apply a bed alarm
B. Place the client in a room near the nurses' station
C. Instruct the client to call for assistance before getting out of bed
D. Ensure the bed is in the lowest position
C. Instruct the client to call for assistance before getting out of bed
RATIONALE: Client education is a primary nursing intervention for fall
prevention. While environmental safety measures (bed alarm, low bed, room
location) are important, teaching the client to call for assistance empowers
them to participate in their own safety and is the first-line intervention.
, 5. A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to an
adult client. Which site is the preferred location for this injection?
A. Deltoid muscle
B. Ventrogluteal muscle
C. Dorsogluteal muscle
D. Vastus lateralis muscle
B. Ventrogluteal muscle
RATIONALE: The ventrogluteal site is the preferred site for IM injections
in adults because it is free of major blood vessels and nerves, and it has a well-
developed muscle mass. The dorsogluteal site is no longer recommended due
to the risk of sciatic nerve injury.
6. A nurse is teaching a client who is at 10 weeks of gestation about
common discomforts of pregnancy. Which statement by the client
indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. "I should expect to feel fetal movement soon."
B. "I will likely experience heartburn and should avoid spicy foods."
C. "My blood pressure will normally increase during this time."
D. "I need to double my caloric intake immediately."
B. "I will likely experience heartburn and should avoid spicy foods."
RATIONALE: Heartburn (pyrosis) is a common discomfort in early
pregnancy due to the relaxing effect of progesterone on the lower esophageal
sphincter. Advising the client to avoid spicy foods is an appropriate
intervention. Fetal movement is not typically felt until 16-20 weeks.
7. A nurse is caring for a pediatric client who is postoperative following a
tonsillectomy. Which finding should the nurse report to the provider
immediately?
A. A report of mild throat pain
B. Frequent swallowing and clearing of the throat
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF.
Core Domains
• Foundations of Nursing Practice
• Safety and Infection Control
• Basic Care and Comfort
• Nutrition and Hydration
• Elimination and Bowel/Bladder Management
• Mobility, Immobility, and Skin Integrity
• Vital Signs and Health Assessment
• Medication Administration and Dosage Calculation
• Legal, Ethical, and Professional Responsibilities
• Patient Education and Health Promotion
Introduction
This comprehensive assessment evaluates the practical nursing student’s
mastery of foundational nursing concepts essential for safe, effective, entry-
level practice. The examination integrates core principles of patient safety,
infection control, basic care and comfort, nutrition, elimination, mobility, vital
signs, medication administration, and professional standards. Questions are
presented as multiple-choice and scenario-based items that mirror real-world
clinical situations across the care continuum. Emphasis is placed on
,prioritization, delegation within scope, client teaching, and application of
evidence-based fundamentals. Success demonstrates readiness for clinical
practice and the ATI CMS Fundamentals assessment, ensuring a strong
foundation for safe, compassionate, and competent nursing care.
Section One: Questions 1–100
1. A nurse is preparing to administer an oral medication to a client who
has dysphagia. Which action is most appropriate?
A. Crush all medications and mix them together in pudding
B. Consult the pharmacist to determine which medications can be crushed
and mix with applesauce
C. Administer medications with a large glass of water
D. Withhold all medications until the dysphagia resolves
B. Consult the pharmacist to determine which medications can be
crushed and mix with applesauce
RATIONALE: Not all medications should be crushed (e.g., extended-
release, enteric-coated). The nurse must first verify with the pharmacist
which are safe to crush. They can then be mixed with a small amount of soft
food like applesauce to ease swallowing. Water may increase aspiration risk;
withholding medications is unsafe.
2. A nurse is calculating a client’s intake. The client consumed 4 ounces of
apple juice, 1 cup of coffee, ½ cup of gelatin, and 240 mL of water. What
is the total intake in milliliters?
A. 480 mL
B. 720 mL
C. 840 mL
D. 960 mL
B. 720 mL
, RATIONALE: Convert each: 4 oz juice = 120 mL, 1 cup coffee = 240 mL, ½
cup gelatin = 120 mL, water = 240 mL. Total = 120 + 240 + 120 + 240 = 720 mL.
Accurate intake measurement is essential for fluid balance.
3. A client with a new colostomy is being taught about dietary
management. Which statement by the client indicates a need for
further teaching?
A. "I should avoid foods that cause gas, like broccoli and beans."
B. "I should drink plenty of fluids to keep my stool soft."
C. "I should eat a low-fiber diet to prevent blockage."
D. "I should introduce new foods one at a time."
C. "I should eat a low-fiber diet to prevent blockage."
RATIONALE: Clients with a colostomy should generally eat a regular diet
with adequate fiber to promote stool formation, unless otherwise instructed
by the provider. A low-fiber diet may lead to constipation. Avoiding gas-
producing foods, staying hydrated, and introducing foods gradually are
appropriate.
4. A nurse is caring for a client who is at risk for falls. Which action should
the nurse take first?
A. Apply a bed alarm
B. Place the client in a room near the nurses' station
C. Instruct the client to call for assistance before getting out of bed
D. Ensure the bed is in the lowest position
C. Instruct the client to call for assistance before getting out of bed
RATIONALE: Client education is a primary nursing intervention for fall
prevention. While environmental safety measures (bed alarm, low bed, room
location) are important, teaching the client to call for assistance empowers
them to participate in their own safety and is the first-line intervention.
, 5. A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to an
adult client. Which site is the preferred location for this injection?
A. Deltoid muscle
B. Ventrogluteal muscle
C. Dorsogluteal muscle
D. Vastus lateralis muscle
B. Ventrogluteal muscle
RATIONALE: The ventrogluteal site is the preferred site for IM injections
in adults because it is free of major blood vessels and nerves, and it has a well-
developed muscle mass. The dorsogluteal site is no longer recommended due
to the risk of sciatic nerve injury.
6. A nurse is teaching a client who is at 10 weeks of gestation about
common discomforts of pregnancy. Which statement by the client
indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. "I should expect to feel fetal movement soon."
B. "I will likely experience heartburn and should avoid spicy foods."
C. "My blood pressure will normally increase during this time."
D. "I need to double my caloric intake immediately."
B. "I will likely experience heartburn and should avoid spicy foods."
RATIONALE: Heartburn (pyrosis) is a common discomfort in early
pregnancy due to the relaxing effect of progesterone on the lower esophageal
sphincter. Advising the client to avoid spicy foods is an appropriate
intervention. Fetal movement is not typically felt until 16-20 weeks.
7. A nurse is caring for a pediatric client who is postoperative following a
tonsillectomy. Which finding should the nurse report to the provider
immediately?
A. A report of mild throat pain
B. Frequent swallowing and clearing of the throat
