ATI CMS FUNDAMENTALS
PROCTORED EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS LATEST
UPDATED 2026/2027 (GRADED A+)
1. A nurse is preparing to administer a medication that was
ordered “PRN for pain.” Which action is most appropriate?
A. Give the medication only at scheduled times
B. Withhold the medication if the client requests it
C. Assess the client’s pain level before administering
D. Ask the client’s family if the client is in pain
Correct Answer: C. Assess the client’s pain level before
administering
Rationale: Before administering a PRN medication, the nurse must first
assess the client to determine the need for the medication and evaluate
symptoms like pain. This ensures safe and appropriate care.
2. A client diagnosed with diabetes mellitus is admitted for
an infection. Which CMS core measure is most important for
this client?
A. Early mobilization
B. Blood glucose control
C. Influenza vaccination
D. Fall risk assessment
Correct Answer: B. Blood glucose control
Rationale: CMS core measures often include monitoring and managing
blood glucose levels in hospitalized clients with diabetes, as poor control can
worsen infection and increase complications.
,3. A nurse enters a client’s room and finds the client
unresponsive. What is the nurse’s first action?
A. Check for a pulse
B. Call the healthcare provider
C. Begin chest compressions
D. Open the airway
Correct Answer: A. Check for a pulse
Rationale: The first step in an unresponsive client is to assess circulation by
checking for a pulse. This guides whether CPR should be initiated. Airway
and breathing assessment follow.
4. According to CMS guidelines, which intervention is most
important to prevent hospital-acquired pressure injuries?
A. Frequent repositioning
B. Only using specialty mattresses
C. Keeping skin dry once a day
D. Administering pain medication
Correct Answer: A. Frequent repositioning
Rationale: Regular repositioning helps to redistribute pressure and prevent
skin breakdown, a key CMS measure to reduce pressure injuries and related
complications.
5. A nurse is caring for a client who states, “I don’t want to
be bothered with anymore treatments.” What is the best
response?
A. “You must continue treatment to get better.”
B. “Tell me what you mean by not wanting treatment.”
C. “That’s okay; I will inform the doctor you refuse.”
D. “You will feel better if you keep going with treatments.”
Correct Answer: B. “Tell me what you mean by not wanting
treatment.”
,Rationale: This open-ended question helps the nurse clarify the client’s
concerns and values, essential for promoting informed decision-making and
respecting autonomy.
6. Which nutrient is most directly related to wound healing?
A. Carbohydrates
B. Vitamin C
C. Sodium
D. Iron
Correct Answer: B. Vitamin C
Rationale: Vitamin C is crucial for collagen synthesis and supports immune
function and tissue repair, making it important for wound healing.
7. A nurse instructs a client about safe use of a walker.
Which statement indicates the client needs further
teaching?
A. “I will move the walker forward, then step.”
B. “I will wear nonskid shoes.”
C. “I can use the walker on stairs.”
D. “I will position the handgrips at hip level.”
Correct Answer: C. “I can use the walker on stairs.”
Rationale: Walkers should not be used on stairs as this increases fall risk.
Proper instruction includes flat surfaces, brake use, and correct grip height.
8. A client complains of shortness of breath and low oxygen
saturation. Which intervention should the nurse perform
first?
A. Encourage coughing
B. Administer oxygen per order
C. Check the client’s vital signs
D. Reposition the client to high-Fowler’s
, Correct Answer: B. Administer oxygen per order
Rationale: Improving oxygenation takes priority when saturation is low,
followed by assessment and adjunctive measures like repositioning and
coughing.
9. Which is the best method to prevent the spread of
infection?
A. Wearing sterile gloves at all times
B. Frequent hand hygiene
C. Administering antibiotics
D. Using private rooms for all clients
Correct Answer: B. Frequent hand hygiene
Rationale: Hand hygiene is the single most effective way to reduce
transmission of pathogens in healthcare settings.
10. A client is to have a blood transfusion. What must the
nurse check before initiating?
A. Client’s ability to ambulate
B. Type and crossmatch results
C. Height and weight
D. Last meal consumed
Correct Answer: B. Type and crossmatch results
Rationale: Ensuring compatibility through type and crossmatch prevents
hemolytic transfusion reactions and is vital before administering blood
products.
11. A nurse is caring for a client with a Foley catheter. Which
intervention is most important to prevent a catheter-
associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI)?
A. Irrigate the catheter daily
B. Keep the drainage bag below bladder level
PROCTORED EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS LATEST
UPDATED 2026/2027 (GRADED A+)
1. A nurse is preparing to administer a medication that was
ordered “PRN for pain.” Which action is most appropriate?
A. Give the medication only at scheduled times
B. Withhold the medication if the client requests it
C. Assess the client’s pain level before administering
D. Ask the client’s family if the client is in pain
Correct Answer: C. Assess the client’s pain level before
administering
Rationale: Before administering a PRN medication, the nurse must first
assess the client to determine the need for the medication and evaluate
symptoms like pain. This ensures safe and appropriate care.
2. A client diagnosed with diabetes mellitus is admitted for
an infection. Which CMS core measure is most important for
this client?
A. Early mobilization
B. Blood glucose control
C. Influenza vaccination
D. Fall risk assessment
Correct Answer: B. Blood glucose control
Rationale: CMS core measures often include monitoring and managing
blood glucose levels in hospitalized clients with diabetes, as poor control can
worsen infection and increase complications.
,3. A nurse enters a client’s room and finds the client
unresponsive. What is the nurse’s first action?
A. Check for a pulse
B. Call the healthcare provider
C. Begin chest compressions
D. Open the airway
Correct Answer: A. Check for a pulse
Rationale: The first step in an unresponsive client is to assess circulation by
checking for a pulse. This guides whether CPR should be initiated. Airway
and breathing assessment follow.
4. According to CMS guidelines, which intervention is most
important to prevent hospital-acquired pressure injuries?
A. Frequent repositioning
B. Only using specialty mattresses
C. Keeping skin dry once a day
D. Administering pain medication
Correct Answer: A. Frequent repositioning
Rationale: Regular repositioning helps to redistribute pressure and prevent
skin breakdown, a key CMS measure to reduce pressure injuries and related
complications.
5. A nurse is caring for a client who states, “I don’t want to
be bothered with anymore treatments.” What is the best
response?
A. “You must continue treatment to get better.”
B. “Tell me what you mean by not wanting treatment.”
C. “That’s okay; I will inform the doctor you refuse.”
D. “You will feel better if you keep going with treatments.”
Correct Answer: B. “Tell me what you mean by not wanting
treatment.”
,Rationale: This open-ended question helps the nurse clarify the client’s
concerns and values, essential for promoting informed decision-making and
respecting autonomy.
6. Which nutrient is most directly related to wound healing?
A. Carbohydrates
B. Vitamin C
C. Sodium
D. Iron
Correct Answer: B. Vitamin C
Rationale: Vitamin C is crucial for collagen synthesis and supports immune
function and tissue repair, making it important for wound healing.
7. A nurse instructs a client about safe use of a walker.
Which statement indicates the client needs further
teaching?
A. “I will move the walker forward, then step.”
B. “I will wear nonskid shoes.”
C. “I can use the walker on stairs.”
D. “I will position the handgrips at hip level.”
Correct Answer: C. “I can use the walker on stairs.”
Rationale: Walkers should not be used on stairs as this increases fall risk.
Proper instruction includes flat surfaces, brake use, and correct grip height.
8. A client complains of shortness of breath and low oxygen
saturation. Which intervention should the nurse perform
first?
A. Encourage coughing
B. Administer oxygen per order
C. Check the client’s vital signs
D. Reposition the client to high-Fowler’s
, Correct Answer: B. Administer oxygen per order
Rationale: Improving oxygenation takes priority when saturation is low,
followed by assessment and adjunctive measures like repositioning and
coughing.
9. Which is the best method to prevent the spread of
infection?
A. Wearing sterile gloves at all times
B. Frequent hand hygiene
C. Administering antibiotics
D. Using private rooms for all clients
Correct Answer: B. Frequent hand hygiene
Rationale: Hand hygiene is the single most effective way to reduce
transmission of pathogens in healthcare settings.
10. A client is to have a blood transfusion. What must the
nurse check before initiating?
A. Client’s ability to ambulate
B. Type and crossmatch results
C. Height and weight
D. Last meal consumed
Correct Answer: B. Type and crossmatch results
Rationale: Ensuring compatibility through type and crossmatch prevents
hemolytic transfusion reactions and is vital before administering blood
products.
11. A nurse is caring for a client with a Foley catheter. Which
intervention is most important to prevent a catheter-
associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI)?
A. Irrigate the catheter daily
B. Keep the drainage bag below bladder level
