, WGU D442 Basic Nursing Skills – Timed Mock OA Exam (70 Questions & Answers) | Real Exam
Simulation + Full Answer Key | 2026 Updated
WGU D442 Basic Nursing Skills – 180-Question Mock Exam
Answers & Rationales (Questions 51–180)
Domain 4: Vital Signs & Physical Assessment (continued – Questions 51-70)
Q51. A nurse measures a patient's temperature rectally. The normal range for an adult rectal
temperature is:
•A) 96.0–97.5°F (35.5–36.4°C)
• B) 97.5–99.0°F (36.4–37.2°C)
• C) 98.6–100.0°F (37.0–37.8°C)
• D) 99.0–100.5°F (37.2–38.1°C)
☑ ☑ Correct Answer: ☑ ☑ B
Rationale: Rectal temperatures are typically 0.5–1.0°F higher than oral. Normal adult rectal
range is 97.5–99.0°F. Oral normal is 97.0–98.6°F.
, Q52. A patient's oxygen saturation is 88% on room air. The nurse should first:
• A) Administer oxygen at 2 L/min
• B) Reposition the pulse oximeter probe
• C) Notify the provider immediately
• D) Assess the patient's respiratory status
☑ ☑ Correct Answer: ☑ ☑ D
Rationale: The nurse must first assess the patient (work of breathing, mental status, lung
sounds) before acting. Low SpO2 may be artifact or true hypoxemia.
Q53. Which pulse site is used to assess circulation to the foot?
• A) Popliteal
• B) Dorsalis pedis
• C) Radial
• D) Brachial
☑ ☑ Correct Answer: ☑ ☑ B
Rationale: Dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses assess perfusion to the foot. Popliteal (A)
assesses behind the knee.
Q54. A nurse assesses a patient's capillary refill time. Which finding is considered normal?
• A) Less than 2 seconds
, • B) 2–3 seconds
• C) 3–5 seconds
• D) Greater than 5 seconds
☑ ☑ Correct Answer: ☑ ☑ A
Rationale: Normal capillary refill is less than 2 seconds. Prolonged refill (>3 seconds)
suggests poor perfusion.
Q55. A patient has a blood pressure of 102/60 mm Hg in the right arm and 90/50 mm Hg in
the left arm. This finding suggests:
• A) Normal variation
• B) Possible arterial obstruction
• C) Patient anxiety
• D) Incorrect cuff size
☑ ☑ Correct Answer: ☑ ☑ B
Rationale: A difference greater than 10–15 mm Hg between arms suggests subclavian
stenosis or arterial obstruction. The provider should be notified.
Q56. A nurse is assessing a patient's level of consciousness. The patient opens eyes only to
painful stimuli, makes incomprehensible sounds, and localizes to pain. This is best described
as:
• A) Alert
• B) Lethargic
Simulation + Full Answer Key | 2026 Updated
WGU D442 Basic Nursing Skills – 180-Question Mock Exam
Answers & Rationales (Questions 51–180)
Domain 4: Vital Signs & Physical Assessment (continued – Questions 51-70)
Q51. A nurse measures a patient's temperature rectally. The normal range for an adult rectal
temperature is:
•A) 96.0–97.5°F (35.5–36.4°C)
• B) 97.5–99.0°F (36.4–37.2°C)
• C) 98.6–100.0°F (37.0–37.8°C)
• D) 99.0–100.5°F (37.2–38.1°C)
☑ ☑ Correct Answer: ☑ ☑ B
Rationale: Rectal temperatures are typically 0.5–1.0°F higher than oral. Normal adult rectal
range is 97.5–99.0°F. Oral normal is 97.0–98.6°F.
, Q52. A patient's oxygen saturation is 88% on room air. The nurse should first:
• A) Administer oxygen at 2 L/min
• B) Reposition the pulse oximeter probe
• C) Notify the provider immediately
• D) Assess the patient's respiratory status
☑ ☑ Correct Answer: ☑ ☑ D
Rationale: The nurse must first assess the patient (work of breathing, mental status, lung
sounds) before acting. Low SpO2 may be artifact or true hypoxemia.
Q53. Which pulse site is used to assess circulation to the foot?
• A) Popliteal
• B) Dorsalis pedis
• C) Radial
• D) Brachial
☑ ☑ Correct Answer: ☑ ☑ B
Rationale: Dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses assess perfusion to the foot. Popliteal (A)
assesses behind the knee.
Q54. A nurse assesses a patient's capillary refill time. Which finding is considered normal?
• A) Less than 2 seconds
, • B) 2–3 seconds
• C) 3–5 seconds
• D) Greater than 5 seconds
☑ ☑ Correct Answer: ☑ ☑ A
Rationale: Normal capillary refill is less than 2 seconds. Prolonged refill (>3 seconds)
suggests poor perfusion.
Q55. A patient has a blood pressure of 102/60 mm Hg in the right arm and 90/50 mm Hg in
the left arm. This finding suggests:
• A) Normal variation
• B) Possible arterial obstruction
• C) Patient anxiety
• D) Incorrect cuff size
☑ ☑ Correct Answer: ☑ ☑ B
Rationale: A difference greater than 10–15 mm Hg between arms suggests subclavian
stenosis or arterial obstruction. The provider should be notified.
Q56. A nurse is assessing a patient's level of consciousness. The patient opens eyes only to
painful stimuli, makes incomprehensible sounds, and localizes to pain. This is best described
as:
• A) Alert
• B) Lethargic
