ATI Fundamentals Exam V1 | 2026 Q&A
with Rationale (ATI Fundamentals Exam
2026)
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for a surgical procedure. The client states, “I
am not sure if I want to have this surgery anymore.” Which of the following actions should
the nurse take?
A. Encourage the client to discuss their concerns with the surgeon.
B. Inform the client that the surgery is necessary for their health.
C. Ask the client’s family to help convince the client to proceed.
D. Document that the client has officially refused the procedure.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse’s role is to act as a client advocate and facilitate communication
between the client and the healthcare provider. If a client expresses doubt about a
procedure, the nurse should encourage the client to talk to the surgeon to ensure informed
consent. The nurse should not pressure the client or involve family members without the
client’s permission.
2. A nurse is teaching a client about the use of a cane. Which of the following instructions
should the nurse include?
A. Move the stronger leg forward first when walking.
,B. Hold the cane on the stronger side of the body.
C. Place the cane 30 cm (12 in) in front of the feet.
D. Keep the elbow flexed at a 45-degree angle.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The client should hold the cane on the unaffected or stronger side to provide
maximum support and balance. When walking, the cane and the affected leg move forward
together, followed by the stronger leg. The elbow should be flexed at approximately 15 to
30 degrees for proper ergonomics and support.
3. A nurse is assessing a client’s risk for falls. Which of the following factors should the nurse
identify as an increased risk? (Select all that apply.)
A. The client is 72 years old.
B. The client takes a diuretic medication.
C. The client uses a walker to ambulate.
D. The client has a history of a fall within the past year.
E. The client’s room is near the nurses’ station.
F. The client is oriented to person, place, and time.
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D
Rationale: Age over 65, use of assistive devices, and history of previous falls are primary
risk factors for future falls. Diuretics increase the risk of urgency and potential orthostatic
, hypotension, further contributing to fall risk. Orientation and proximity to the nurses’
station are generally considered protective or neutral factors rather than risk factors.
4. A nurse is performing a primary survey on a client who was involved in a motor-vehicle
crash. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Check the client’s level of consciousness.
B. Evaluate the client’s circulatory status.
C. Assess the client for airway patency.
D. Remove the client’s clothing to inspect for injuries.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The primary survey follows the ABCDE sequence: Airway, Breathing,
Circulation, Disability, and Exposure. Airway patency is the first and most critical priority
to ensure the client can receive oxygen. Assessing consciousness and circulation follow
after the airway is secured.
5. A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to a client who has a BMI of
18. Which of the following needles should the nurse select?
A. 25-gauge, 5/8-inch needle
B. 22-gauge, 1.5-inch needle
C. 18-gauge, 1-inch needle
D. 27-gauge, 1/2-inch needle
with Rationale (ATI Fundamentals Exam
2026)
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for a surgical procedure. The client states, “I
am not sure if I want to have this surgery anymore.” Which of the following actions should
the nurse take?
A. Encourage the client to discuss their concerns with the surgeon.
B. Inform the client that the surgery is necessary for their health.
C. Ask the client’s family to help convince the client to proceed.
D. Document that the client has officially refused the procedure.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse’s role is to act as a client advocate and facilitate communication
between the client and the healthcare provider. If a client expresses doubt about a
procedure, the nurse should encourage the client to talk to the surgeon to ensure informed
consent. The nurse should not pressure the client or involve family members without the
client’s permission.
2. A nurse is teaching a client about the use of a cane. Which of the following instructions
should the nurse include?
A. Move the stronger leg forward first when walking.
,B. Hold the cane on the stronger side of the body.
C. Place the cane 30 cm (12 in) in front of the feet.
D. Keep the elbow flexed at a 45-degree angle.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The client should hold the cane on the unaffected or stronger side to provide
maximum support and balance. When walking, the cane and the affected leg move forward
together, followed by the stronger leg. The elbow should be flexed at approximately 15 to
30 degrees for proper ergonomics and support.
3. A nurse is assessing a client’s risk for falls. Which of the following factors should the nurse
identify as an increased risk? (Select all that apply.)
A. The client is 72 years old.
B. The client takes a diuretic medication.
C. The client uses a walker to ambulate.
D. The client has a history of a fall within the past year.
E. The client’s room is near the nurses’ station.
F. The client is oriented to person, place, and time.
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D
Rationale: Age over 65, use of assistive devices, and history of previous falls are primary
risk factors for future falls. Diuretics increase the risk of urgency and potential orthostatic
, hypotension, further contributing to fall risk. Orientation and proximity to the nurses’
station are generally considered protective or neutral factors rather than risk factors.
4. A nurse is performing a primary survey on a client who was involved in a motor-vehicle
crash. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Check the client’s level of consciousness.
B. Evaluate the client’s circulatory status.
C. Assess the client for airway patency.
D. Remove the client’s clothing to inspect for injuries.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The primary survey follows the ABCDE sequence: Airway, Breathing,
Circulation, Disability, and Exposure. Airway patency is the first and most critical priority
to ensure the client can receive oxygen. Assessing consciousness and circulation follow
after the airway is secured.
5. A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to a client who has a BMI of
18. Which of the following needles should the nurse select?
A. 25-gauge, 5/8-inch needle
B. 22-gauge, 1.5-inch needle
C. 18-gauge, 1-inch needle
D. 27-gauge, 1/2-inch needle
