ATI Fundamentals Proctored Exam
2026: Comprehensive Topic Test:
QUESTIONS AND
RATIONALES/Graded A+ UPDATE
100% CORRECT
SECTION 1: SAFETY AND INFECTION CONTROL
(Questions 1-15)
Question 1
A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter for a female client. Which
of the following techniques should the nurse use to maintain sterile technique?
A) Open the outer catheter package and place it on the client's bedside table
B) Don sterile gloves before opening the inner catheter package
C) Set up the sterile field, then don sterile gloves
D) Clean the perineal area with antiseptic solution using a circular motion from the
anal region toward the urethra
Rationale: The correct sequence is to set up the sterile field first, then don sterile
gloves to maintain sterility. Option A is incorrect because placing the package on a
non-sterile surface contaminates it. Option B is incorrect because sterile gloves
should be donned AFTER opening the inner package. Option D uses incorrect
cleaning technique (should clean from urethra outward, not anal region toward
urethra).
,Question 2
A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with Clostridium difficile. Which of the
following infection control precautions should the nurse implement?
A) Airborne precautions
B) Droplet precautions
C) Contact precautions
D) Protective environment
Rationale: C. difficile requires contact precautions because it is transmitted via direct
contact with contaminated surfaces or fecal-oral route. Airborne precautions are for
diseases like TB, droplet for influenza/meningitis, and protective environment for
immunocompromised clients.
Question 3
A nurse is applying restraints to a confused client who is pulling at their IV line.
Which of the following actions is appropriate?
A) Secure restraints to the side rail of the bed
B) Remove restraints every 2 hours to assess skin and provide range of motion
C) Tie restraints using a quick-release knot
D) Apply restraints for 4 hours before reassessment
Rationale: Restraints must be removed every 2 hours for assessment, skin integrity
check, and range of motion exercises. Option A is incorrect (restraints secure to bed
frame, not side rails). Option C is correct but incomplete without the 2-hour
assessment. Option D is incorrect (reassessment required every 1-2 hours, not 4
hours).
,Question 4
A nurse is preparing to perform hand hygiene. Which of the following indicates
proper technique?
A) Use hot water to open skin pores for better cleaning
B) Rub hands together with soap for at least 20 seconds
C) Keep hands lower than elbows during rinsing
D) Dry hands using a cloth towel that is shared among staff
Rationale: Proper handwashing requires rubbing hands together with soap for at
least 20 seconds. Option A is incorrect (hot water damages skin). Option C is
incorrect (hands should be lower than elbows). Option D is incorrect (use disposable
paper towels only).
Question 5
A client on droplet precautions requires transport to radiology. Which action should
the nurse take?
A) Cancel the transport until precautions are discontinued
B) Place a surgical mask on the client during transport
C) Have the transport personnel wear an N95 respirator
D) No special precautions needed for transport
Rationale: Clients on droplet precautions should wear a surgical mask during
transport to reduce transmission. N95 respirators are for airborne precautions.
Transport should not be cancelled unless emergent.
Question 6
A nurse is educating a client about fall prevention at home. Which statement
indicates understanding?
, A) "I will use scatter rugs to prevent slipping on hardwood floors"
B) "I will install grab bars in my bathroom near the toilet and shower"
C) "I will keep my walking path dimly lit to avoid glare"
D) "I will store items I use often on high shelves to keep them out of the way"
Rationale: Grab bars are an evidence-based fall prevention strategy. Scatter rugs
increase fall risk, adequate lighting is needed, and frequently used items should be
stored within easy reach, not on high shelves.
Question 7
A nurse is caring for a client with a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) infection. Which personal protective equipment (PPE) should the nurse wear
when entering the room?
A) Surgical mask and gloves only
B) Gloves and gown
C) N95 respirator, gown, and gloves
D) Gloves only
Rationale: MRSA requires contact precautions, which includes gloves and gown.
Mask/respirator not needed as MRSA is not airborne. Gown prevents contamination
of clothing from contact with client/environment.
Question 8
A nurse discovers a small fire in a client's trash can. What is the priority action?
A) Pull the fire alarm
B) Remove the client from the room
C) Attempt to extinguish the fire
D) Close all doors and windows
2026: Comprehensive Topic Test:
QUESTIONS AND
RATIONALES/Graded A+ UPDATE
100% CORRECT
SECTION 1: SAFETY AND INFECTION CONTROL
(Questions 1-15)
Question 1
A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter for a female client. Which
of the following techniques should the nurse use to maintain sterile technique?
A) Open the outer catheter package and place it on the client's bedside table
B) Don sterile gloves before opening the inner catheter package
C) Set up the sterile field, then don sterile gloves
D) Clean the perineal area with antiseptic solution using a circular motion from the
anal region toward the urethra
Rationale: The correct sequence is to set up the sterile field first, then don sterile
gloves to maintain sterility. Option A is incorrect because placing the package on a
non-sterile surface contaminates it. Option B is incorrect because sterile gloves
should be donned AFTER opening the inner package. Option D uses incorrect
cleaning technique (should clean from urethra outward, not anal region toward
urethra).
,Question 2
A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with Clostridium difficile. Which of the
following infection control precautions should the nurse implement?
A) Airborne precautions
B) Droplet precautions
C) Contact precautions
D) Protective environment
Rationale: C. difficile requires contact precautions because it is transmitted via direct
contact with contaminated surfaces or fecal-oral route. Airborne precautions are for
diseases like TB, droplet for influenza/meningitis, and protective environment for
immunocompromised clients.
Question 3
A nurse is applying restraints to a confused client who is pulling at their IV line.
Which of the following actions is appropriate?
A) Secure restraints to the side rail of the bed
B) Remove restraints every 2 hours to assess skin and provide range of motion
C) Tie restraints using a quick-release knot
D) Apply restraints for 4 hours before reassessment
Rationale: Restraints must be removed every 2 hours for assessment, skin integrity
check, and range of motion exercises. Option A is incorrect (restraints secure to bed
frame, not side rails). Option C is correct but incomplete without the 2-hour
assessment. Option D is incorrect (reassessment required every 1-2 hours, not 4
hours).
,Question 4
A nurse is preparing to perform hand hygiene. Which of the following indicates
proper technique?
A) Use hot water to open skin pores for better cleaning
B) Rub hands together with soap for at least 20 seconds
C) Keep hands lower than elbows during rinsing
D) Dry hands using a cloth towel that is shared among staff
Rationale: Proper handwashing requires rubbing hands together with soap for at
least 20 seconds. Option A is incorrect (hot water damages skin). Option C is
incorrect (hands should be lower than elbows). Option D is incorrect (use disposable
paper towels only).
Question 5
A client on droplet precautions requires transport to radiology. Which action should
the nurse take?
A) Cancel the transport until precautions are discontinued
B) Place a surgical mask on the client during transport
C) Have the transport personnel wear an N95 respirator
D) No special precautions needed for transport
Rationale: Clients on droplet precautions should wear a surgical mask during
transport to reduce transmission. N95 respirators are for airborne precautions.
Transport should not be cancelled unless emergent.
Question 6
A nurse is educating a client about fall prevention at home. Which statement
indicates understanding?
, A) "I will use scatter rugs to prevent slipping on hardwood floors"
B) "I will install grab bars in my bathroom near the toilet and shower"
C) "I will keep my walking path dimly lit to avoid glare"
D) "I will store items I use often on high shelves to keep them out of the way"
Rationale: Grab bars are an evidence-based fall prevention strategy. Scatter rugs
increase fall risk, adequate lighting is needed, and frequently used items should be
stored within easy reach, not on high shelves.
Question 7
A nurse is caring for a client with a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) infection. Which personal protective equipment (PPE) should the nurse wear
when entering the room?
A) Surgical mask and gloves only
B) Gloves and gown
C) N95 respirator, gown, and gloves
D) Gloves only
Rationale: MRSA requires contact precautions, which includes gloves and gown.
Mask/respirator not needed as MRSA is not airborne. Gown prevents contamination
of clothing from contact with client/environment.
Question 8
A nurse discovers a small fire in a client's trash can. What is the priority action?
A) Pull the fire alarm
B) Remove the client from the room
C) Attempt to extinguish the fire
D) Close all doors and windows
