ATI Fundamentals Exam V3 | 2026 Q&A
with Rationale (ATI Fundamentals Exam
2026)
1. A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to a client who is
underweight. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Use a 1.5-inch needle for the injection.
B. Pinch the skin together before inserting the needle.
C. Select the ventrogluteal site for the injection.
D. Aspirate for blood return for 10 seconds.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: For a client who is underweight or has little adipose tissue, pinching the muscle
helps ensure the medication is deposited into the muscle rather than hitting the bone. A
1.5-inch needle is typically too long for an underweight client, where a 5/8 to 1-inch needle
is more appropriate. The ventrogluteal site is generally preferred for all adults, but the
specific technique for thin clients requires tissue manipulation to avoid injury.
2. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for a clear liquid diet. Which of the
following food items should the nurse offer? (Select All That Apply)
A. Apple juice
B. Fat-free broth
,C. Vanilla pudding
D. Orange juice with pulp
E. Gelatin
F. Coffee with cream
Correct Answer: ABE
Rationale: Clear liquid diets consist of foods that are liquid at room temperature and
transparent to light. Apple juice, fat-free broth, and gelatin meet these criteria. Pudding and
cream contain dairy, which is part of a full liquid diet, and pulp makes orange juice
inappropriate for a clear liquid restriction.
3. A nurse is performing a physical assessment on a client and is about to inspect the
abdomen. Which of the following sequences should the nurse follow?
A. Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation
B. Auscultation, inspection, percussion, palpation
C. Palpation, percussion, auscultation, inspection
D. Inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct order for abdominal assessment is inspection, auscultation,
percussion, and then palpation. This sequence is necessary because palpating or percussing
the abdomen first can stimulate bowel sounds and alter the findings during auscultation.
,Following this standard prevents the nurse from gathering inaccurate clinical data
regarding the client’s gastrointestinal status.
4. A nurse is teaching a client about a low-sodium diet. Which of the following statements by
the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. I will use soy sauce to season my vegetables.
B. I can have canned soup as long as it is low-fat.
C. I will choose fresh fruits and vegetables instead of canned ones.
D. I will use sea salt instead of table salt.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Fresh fruits and vegetables are naturally low in sodium compared to canned
versions, which often use salt as a preservative. Soy sauce and sea salt are both high in
sodium and should be avoided or severely limited. Low-fat canned soups may still contain
high levels of sodium, so the client must be taught to read nutrition labels carefully.
5. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for wrist restraints. Which of the
following actions should the nurse take?
A. Ensure two fingers can be inserted under the restraint.
B. Secure the restraints with a square knot.
C. Tie the restraints to the side rails of the bed.
D. Remove the restraints every 4 hours for range of motion.
, Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse must be able to fit two fingers between the restraint and the client’s
wrist to ensure circulation is not impaired. Restraints should be tied to the bed frame, not
the side rails, to prevent injury when the rails are moved. Additionally, a quick-release knot
must be used, and the restraints should be removed at least every 2 hours for skin
assessment and range of motion.
6. A nurse is documenting in a client’s medical record. Which of the following entries should
the nurse identify as an example of objective data?
A. The client reports feeling dizzy when standing.
B. The client complains of sharp pain in the right hip.
C. The client states, ‘I am worried about my surgery.’
D. The client’s skin is warm and dry to the touch.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Objective data are observable and measurable findings obtained through
physical examination or diagnostic testing, such as skin temperature or moisture.
Subjective data are based on the client’s feelings, perceptions, or reported symptoms, such
as dizziness, worry, or pain. The nurse must distinguish between these two types of data to
provide an accurate and comprehensive medical record.
with Rationale (ATI Fundamentals Exam
2026)
1. A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to a client who is
underweight. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Use a 1.5-inch needle for the injection.
B. Pinch the skin together before inserting the needle.
C. Select the ventrogluteal site for the injection.
D. Aspirate for blood return for 10 seconds.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: For a client who is underweight or has little adipose tissue, pinching the muscle
helps ensure the medication is deposited into the muscle rather than hitting the bone. A
1.5-inch needle is typically too long for an underweight client, where a 5/8 to 1-inch needle
is more appropriate. The ventrogluteal site is generally preferred for all adults, but the
specific technique for thin clients requires tissue manipulation to avoid injury.
2. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for a clear liquid diet. Which of the
following food items should the nurse offer? (Select All That Apply)
A. Apple juice
B. Fat-free broth
,C. Vanilla pudding
D. Orange juice with pulp
E. Gelatin
F. Coffee with cream
Correct Answer: ABE
Rationale: Clear liquid diets consist of foods that are liquid at room temperature and
transparent to light. Apple juice, fat-free broth, and gelatin meet these criteria. Pudding and
cream contain dairy, which is part of a full liquid diet, and pulp makes orange juice
inappropriate for a clear liquid restriction.
3. A nurse is performing a physical assessment on a client and is about to inspect the
abdomen. Which of the following sequences should the nurse follow?
A. Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation
B. Auscultation, inspection, percussion, palpation
C. Palpation, percussion, auscultation, inspection
D. Inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct order for abdominal assessment is inspection, auscultation,
percussion, and then palpation. This sequence is necessary because palpating or percussing
the abdomen first can stimulate bowel sounds and alter the findings during auscultation.
,Following this standard prevents the nurse from gathering inaccurate clinical data
regarding the client’s gastrointestinal status.
4. A nurse is teaching a client about a low-sodium diet. Which of the following statements by
the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. I will use soy sauce to season my vegetables.
B. I can have canned soup as long as it is low-fat.
C. I will choose fresh fruits and vegetables instead of canned ones.
D. I will use sea salt instead of table salt.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Fresh fruits and vegetables are naturally low in sodium compared to canned
versions, which often use salt as a preservative. Soy sauce and sea salt are both high in
sodium and should be avoided or severely limited. Low-fat canned soups may still contain
high levels of sodium, so the client must be taught to read nutrition labels carefully.
5. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for wrist restraints. Which of the
following actions should the nurse take?
A. Ensure two fingers can be inserted under the restraint.
B. Secure the restraints with a square knot.
C. Tie the restraints to the side rails of the bed.
D. Remove the restraints every 4 hours for range of motion.
, Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse must be able to fit two fingers between the restraint and the client’s
wrist to ensure circulation is not impaired. Restraints should be tied to the bed frame, not
the side rails, to prevent injury when the rails are moved. Additionally, a quick-release knot
must be used, and the restraints should be removed at least every 2 hours for skin
assessment and range of motion.
6. A nurse is documenting in a client’s medical record. Which of the following entries should
the nurse identify as an example of objective data?
A. The client reports feeling dizzy when standing.
B. The client complains of sharp pain in the right hip.
C. The client states, ‘I am worried about my surgery.’
D. The client’s skin is warm and dry to the touch.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Objective data are observable and measurable findings obtained through
physical examination or diagnostic testing, such as skin temperature or moisture.
Subjective data are based on the client’s feelings, perceptions, or reported symptoms, such
as dizziness, worry, or pain. The nurse must distinguish between these two types of data to
provide an accurate and comprehensive medical record.
