ATI FUNDAMENTALS PROCTORED
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
WITH RATIONALES LATEST
UPDATED 2026
1. A nurse is planning to collect a stool specimen for ova and parasites from a client who has
diarrhea. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when collecting the specimen?
A. Instruct the client to defecate into the toilet bowl
-incorrect: The nurse should have the client defecate into a bedpan or a container for stool
collection. The toilet water can dilute and contaminate the liquid specimen.
B. Transfer the specimen to a sterile container
-incorrect: The nurse should place the stool specimen in a clean container using a tongue
depressor.
C. Refrigerate the collected specimen
-incorrect: The nurse should send the collected stool specimen immediately to the laboratory
after labeling the specimen properly to prevent contamination with microorganisms and keep the
specimen from getting cold.
D. Place the stool specimen collection container in a biohazard bag
-The nurse should place the specimen collection container in a biohazard bag with the client
label on the container and the bag for easy identification. This will also prevent contamination
with microorganisms.
2. A nurse is caring for a client who has a tracheostomy and requires suctioning. Which of the
following actions should the nurse take?
A. Hyper oxygenate the client before suctioning
-The nurse should use a manual resuscitation bag to hyper oxygenate the client for several
minutes prior to suctioning.
B. Insert the catheter during exhalation
-incorrect: The nurse should insert the catheter during inhalation
C. Apply suction during insertion of the catheter
-incorrect: Applying suction while inserting the catheter increases the risk of damage to the
tracheal mucosa and removes oxygen from the airways.
D. Apply suction for no more than 15 secs
-incorrect: The nurse should apply suction for no more than 10 seconds
3. A nurse is providing teaching to a client regarding protein intake. Which of the following
foods should the nurse include as an example of an incomplete protein?
A. Eggs
-incorrect: this is a complete protein, contains all of the essential amino acids necessary for the
synthesis of protein in the body.
B. Soybeans
-incorrect: this is a complete protein, contains all of the essential amino acids necessary for the
synthesis of protein in the body.
1
,C. Lentils
-Incomplete proteins are missing 1 or more of the essential amino acids necessary for the
synthesis of protein in the body. Examples of incomplete proteins include lentils, vegetables,
grains, nuts, and seeds.
D. Yogurt
-incorrect: this is a complete protein, contains all of the essential amino acids necessary for the
synthesis of protein in the body.
4. A nurse is caring for a client who was admitted to a long-term care facility for rehabilitation
after a total hip arthroplasty. At which of the following times should the nurse begin discharge
planning?
A. One week prior to the client‟s discharge
-incorrect: Beginning to plan for the client‟s discharge a week prior to the event might not allow
sufficient time for planning. The nurse should begin discharge planning at the time of admission.
B. Upon the client‟s admission to the care facility
-The nurse should begin discharge planning at the time that the client is admitted to the facility.
C. Once the discharge date is identified
-incorrect: Beginning to plan for the client‟s discharge once the discharge date is identified might
not allow sufficient time for planning. The nurse should begin discharge planning at the time of
admission.
D. When the client addresses the topic with the nurse
-incorrect: Beginning to plan for the client‟s discharge once the discharge date is identified might
not allow sufficient time for planning. The nurse should begin discharge planning at the time of
admission.
9. A charge nurse is observing a newly licensed nurse perform tracheostomy care for a client.
Which of the following actions by the newly licensed nurse requires interventions?
A. Obtaining hydrogen peroxide for tracheostomy care
-incorrect: A half-strength peroxide solution is used to clean the inner cannula.
B. Obtaining cotton balls for tracheostomy care
-Cotton ball particles can be aspirated into the tracheostomy opening, possibly causing a tracheal
abscess. The charge nurse should intervene for this action.
C. Obtaining sterile gloves for tracheostomy care
-incorrect: Tracheostomy care is a sterile procedure requiring the use of sterile gloves.
D. Obtaining a sterile brush for tracheostomy care
-incorrect: Pipe cleaners or a small sterile brush can be used to remove thick or crusty secretions
from the inner cannula.
10. A nurse is providing nutritional teaching to a group of clients. Which of the following
definitions for the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) should the nurse include in the
teaching?
A. The RDA is a comprehensive term that includes various standards and scales.
-incorrect: Dietary reference intakes (DRIs) include 4 nutrition-based standards that are used to
plan dietary intake and evaluate a client‟s nutritional status. These dietary standards include
RDAs, estimated average requirements (EARs), adequate intake (AI), and tolerable upper intake
levels (ULs).
B. The RDA defines the level of nutrient intake that meets the needs of healthy people in
various groups.
-The RDA represents daily requirements considered adequate for healthy people. RDAs are
based on estimated amounts for each nutrient, including additional amounts for individuals such
as women or infants.
C. The RDA defines the levels of nutrients that should not be exceeded to prevent adverse health
effects.
2
,-incorrect: Tolerable upper intake levels (ULs), not RDAs, are the levels of nutrients that should
not be exceeded to prevent adverse effects.
D. The RDA is the daily percentage of energy intake values for fat, carbohydrate, and protein.
3
, -Acceptable macronutrient distribution ranges (AMDRs) are the daily percentage of energy
intake values for fat, carbohydrate, and protein.
11. A nurse is reviewing a client‟s 24 hr dietary recall. The client reports eating a slice of toasted
white bread with butter, a banana, a glass of milk, and a cup of coffee for breakfast; grilled
chicken, a baked potato, and a glass of milk for lunch; an apple and cheddar cheese for a snack;
and 2 servings of chicken, 2 cups of steamed broccoli, and a glass of milk for dinner. This
client‟s diet is deficient in which of the following food groups?
A. Dairy
-incorrect: The client consumed 3 servings of dairy throughout the day, which is the
recommended daily amount according to USDA dietary guidelines.
B. Vegetables
-incorrect: The client consumed 2.5 cups or more of vegetables, which is the recommended daily
amount according to USDA dietary guidelines.
C. Fruits
-incorrect: The client consumed 2 servings of fruit, which is the recommended daily amount
according to USDA dietary guidelines.
D. Grains
-This client only consumed 1 serving of grains on the day of the 24-hour dietary recall.
USDA dietary guidelines recommend 3 or more ounce-equivalents of whole-grain products per
day. Additionally, the choice of white bread is low in fiber, which can lead to constipation and an
increased risk of developing hyperlipidemia. The USDA guidelines recommend that at least half
of the grains consumed should be whole grain.
12. A nurse is assessing a client‟s pulses of the lower extremities. The nurse should identify
which of the following as the location of the most distal pulse?
A. Popliteal
-incorrect: The nurse should identify that the popliteal pulse is located behind the knee. It is best
felt with the client‟s knee slightly flexed and the foot resting on an examination table.
B. Posterior Tibial
-incorrect: The nurse should identify that the posterior tibial pulse is located on the inner side of
the ankle. It is best felt with the client‟s foot relaxed and extended slightly.
C. Dorsalis Pedis
-The nurse should identify that the dorsalis pedis pulse is located on the top of the foot, following
the groove between the tendons of the great toe. It is best felt by moving the fingertip between
the first and second toe and slowly moving up the dorsum of the foot. However, this pulse is
congenitally absent in some clients.
D. Femoral
-incorrect: The nurse should identify that the femoral pulse is located in the inguinal area. It is
best felt with the client lying down and the inguinal area exposed.
13. A nurse is screening a client who has an S-shaped spinal column with unequal shoulder
heights. The nurse should identify these findings as manifestations of which of the following
abnormalities?
A. Scoliosis
4
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
WITH RATIONALES LATEST
UPDATED 2026
1. A nurse is planning to collect a stool specimen for ova and parasites from a client who has
diarrhea. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when collecting the specimen?
A. Instruct the client to defecate into the toilet bowl
-incorrect: The nurse should have the client defecate into a bedpan or a container for stool
collection. The toilet water can dilute and contaminate the liquid specimen.
B. Transfer the specimen to a sterile container
-incorrect: The nurse should place the stool specimen in a clean container using a tongue
depressor.
C. Refrigerate the collected specimen
-incorrect: The nurse should send the collected stool specimen immediately to the laboratory
after labeling the specimen properly to prevent contamination with microorganisms and keep the
specimen from getting cold.
D. Place the stool specimen collection container in a biohazard bag
-The nurse should place the specimen collection container in a biohazard bag with the client
label on the container and the bag for easy identification. This will also prevent contamination
with microorganisms.
2. A nurse is caring for a client who has a tracheostomy and requires suctioning. Which of the
following actions should the nurse take?
A. Hyper oxygenate the client before suctioning
-The nurse should use a manual resuscitation bag to hyper oxygenate the client for several
minutes prior to suctioning.
B. Insert the catheter during exhalation
-incorrect: The nurse should insert the catheter during inhalation
C. Apply suction during insertion of the catheter
-incorrect: Applying suction while inserting the catheter increases the risk of damage to the
tracheal mucosa and removes oxygen from the airways.
D. Apply suction for no more than 15 secs
-incorrect: The nurse should apply suction for no more than 10 seconds
3. A nurse is providing teaching to a client regarding protein intake. Which of the following
foods should the nurse include as an example of an incomplete protein?
A. Eggs
-incorrect: this is a complete protein, contains all of the essential amino acids necessary for the
synthesis of protein in the body.
B. Soybeans
-incorrect: this is a complete protein, contains all of the essential amino acids necessary for the
synthesis of protein in the body.
1
,C. Lentils
-Incomplete proteins are missing 1 or more of the essential amino acids necessary for the
synthesis of protein in the body. Examples of incomplete proteins include lentils, vegetables,
grains, nuts, and seeds.
D. Yogurt
-incorrect: this is a complete protein, contains all of the essential amino acids necessary for the
synthesis of protein in the body.
4. A nurse is caring for a client who was admitted to a long-term care facility for rehabilitation
after a total hip arthroplasty. At which of the following times should the nurse begin discharge
planning?
A. One week prior to the client‟s discharge
-incorrect: Beginning to plan for the client‟s discharge a week prior to the event might not allow
sufficient time for planning. The nurse should begin discharge planning at the time of admission.
B. Upon the client‟s admission to the care facility
-The nurse should begin discharge planning at the time that the client is admitted to the facility.
C. Once the discharge date is identified
-incorrect: Beginning to plan for the client‟s discharge once the discharge date is identified might
not allow sufficient time for planning. The nurse should begin discharge planning at the time of
admission.
D. When the client addresses the topic with the nurse
-incorrect: Beginning to plan for the client‟s discharge once the discharge date is identified might
not allow sufficient time for planning. The nurse should begin discharge planning at the time of
admission.
9. A charge nurse is observing a newly licensed nurse perform tracheostomy care for a client.
Which of the following actions by the newly licensed nurse requires interventions?
A. Obtaining hydrogen peroxide for tracheostomy care
-incorrect: A half-strength peroxide solution is used to clean the inner cannula.
B. Obtaining cotton balls for tracheostomy care
-Cotton ball particles can be aspirated into the tracheostomy opening, possibly causing a tracheal
abscess. The charge nurse should intervene for this action.
C. Obtaining sterile gloves for tracheostomy care
-incorrect: Tracheostomy care is a sterile procedure requiring the use of sterile gloves.
D. Obtaining a sterile brush for tracheostomy care
-incorrect: Pipe cleaners or a small sterile brush can be used to remove thick or crusty secretions
from the inner cannula.
10. A nurse is providing nutritional teaching to a group of clients. Which of the following
definitions for the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) should the nurse include in the
teaching?
A. The RDA is a comprehensive term that includes various standards and scales.
-incorrect: Dietary reference intakes (DRIs) include 4 nutrition-based standards that are used to
plan dietary intake and evaluate a client‟s nutritional status. These dietary standards include
RDAs, estimated average requirements (EARs), adequate intake (AI), and tolerable upper intake
levels (ULs).
B. The RDA defines the level of nutrient intake that meets the needs of healthy people in
various groups.
-The RDA represents daily requirements considered adequate for healthy people. RDAs are
based on estimated amounts for each nutrient, including additional amounts for individuals such
as women or infants.
C. The RDA defines the levels of nutrients that should not be exceeded to prevent adverse health
effects.
2
,-incorrect: Tolerable upper intake levels (ULs), not RDAs, are the levels of nutrients that should
not be exceeded to prevent adverse effects.
D. The RDA is the daily percentage of energy intake values for fat, carbohydrate, and protein.
3
, -Acceptable macronutrient distribution ranges (AMDRs) are the daily percentage of energy
intake values for fat, carbohydrate, and protein.
11. A nurse is reviewing a client‟s 24 hr dietary recall. The client reports eating a slice of toasted
white bread with butter, a banana, a glass of milk, and a cup of coffee for breakfast; grilled
chicken, a baked potato, and a glass of milk for lunch; an apple and cheddar cheese for a snack;
and 2 servings of chicken, 2 cups of steamed broccoli, and a glass of milk for dinner. This
client‟s diet is deficient in which of the following food groups?
A. Dairy
-incorrect: The client consumed 3 servings of dairy throughout the day, which is the
recommended daily amount according to USDA dietary guidelines.
B. Vegetables
-incorrect: The client consumed 2.5 cups or more of vegetables, which is the recommended daily
amount according to USDA dietary guidelines.
C. Fruits
-incorrect: The client consumed 2 servings of fruit, which is the recommended daily amount
according to USDA dietary guidelines.
D. Grains
-This client only consumed 1 serving of grains on the day of the 24-hour dietary recall.
USDA dietary guidelines recommend 3 or more ounce-equivalents of whole-grain products per
day. Additionally, the choice of white bread is low in fiber, which can lead to constipation and an
increased risk of developing hyperlipidemia. The USDA guidelines recommend that at least half
of the grains consumed should be whole grain.
12. A nurse is assessing a client‟s pulses of the lower extremities. The nurse should identify
which of the following as the location of the most distal pulse?
A. Popliteal
-incorrect: The nurse should identify that the popliteal pulse is located behind the knee. It is best
felt with the client‟s knee slightly flexed and the foot resting on an examination table.
B. Posterior Tibial
-incorrect: The nurse should identify that the posterior tibial pulse is located on the inner side of
the ankle. It is best felt with the client‟s foot relaxed and extended slightly.
C. Dorsalis Pedis
-The nurse should identify that the dorsalis pedis pulse is located on the top of the foot, following
the groove between the tendons of the great toe. It is best felt by moving the fingertip between
the first and second toe and slowly moving up the dorsum of the foot. However, this pulse is
congenitally absent in some clients.
D. Femoral
-incorrect: The nurse should identify that the femoral pulse is located in the inguinal area. It is
best felt with the client lying down and the inguinal area exposed.
13. A nurse is screening a client who has an S-shaped spinal column with unequal shoulder
heights. The nurse should identify these findings as manifestations of which of the following
abnormalities?
A. Scoliosis
4
