NR 226 Exam 2 Prep: Fundamentals of Patient Care 2026
|Chamberlain
1. When measuring a patient’s blood pressure, the nurse notes that the cuff is
too small for the patient’s arm. What effect will this have on the reading?
A. The blood pressure reading will be falsely high.
B. The blood pressure reading will be falsely low.
C. The systolic pressure will be low and diastolic will be high.
D. The cuff size does not significantly affect the reading.
Answer: A
Rationale: Using a blood pressure cuff that is too small or narrow for the limb results in a
falsely high blood pressure reading.
2. A nurse is caring for a patient with Clostridium difficile (C. diff). Which hand
hygiene method is most appropriate?
A. Alcohol-based hand rub for 15 seconds.
B. Rinsing hands with warm water only.
C. Using a chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) wipe.
D. Washing hands with soap and water.
Answer: D
Rationale: C. difficile spores are resistant to alcohol-based rubs. Mechanical scrubbing
with soap and water is required to remove the spores from the hands.
,3. The nurse is preparing to provide oral care to an unconscious patient. Which
position is safest for this patient to prevent aspiration?
A. High-Fowler’s position.
B. Side-lying (lateral) position.
C. Supine position with the head flat.
D. Prone position.
Answer: B
Rationale: A side-lying or lateral position allows secretions to drain out of the mouth by
gravity, reducing the risk of aspiration in an unconscious patient.
4. Which part of the brain is responsible for regulating body temperature?
A. Hypothalamus.
B. Thalamus.
C. Medulla oblongata.
D. Cerebellum.
Answer: A
Rationale: The hypothalamus acts as the body’s thermostat, maintaining the set point for
body temperature.
5. A patient’s blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg. What is the calculated pulse
pressure?
A. 140 mmHg.
B. 90 mmHg.
C. 230 mmHg.
D. 50 mmHg.
Answer: D
Rationale: Pulse pressure is the difference between the systolic and diastolic blood
pressure (140 - 90 = 50).
, 6. The nurse is assessing a patient’s radial pulse and notes it is irregular. What is
the next priority action?
A. Document the finding and reassess in 4 hours.
B. Assess the apical pulse for one full minute.
C. Check the pedal pulses to compare.
D. Ask the patient if they are feeling anxious.
Answer: B
Rationale: If a radial pulse is irregular, the nurse should assess the apical pulse for 60
seconds to obtain a more accurate heart rate and rhythm.
7. Which of the following describes the proper sequence for removing Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE)?
A. Gown, Mask, Goggles, Gloves.
B. Gloves, Goggles, Gown, Mask.
C. Mask, Gown, Gloves, Goggles.
D. Goggles, Gloves, Mask, Gown.
Answer: B
Rationale: The recommended sequence for doffing PPE is typically gloves first (most
contaminated), followed by goggles/face shield, gown, and mask/respirator last.
8. A nurse is helping a patient with a diagnosis of orthostatic hypotension get
out of bed. What is the most important intervention?
A. Encourage the patient to stand up quickly to stimulate blood flow.
B. Keep the room lights off to prevent dizziness.
C. Instruct the patient to hold their breath while standing.
D. Have the patient dangle their legs at the bedside before standing.
Answer: D
Rationale: Dangling the legs at the bedside allows the cardiovascular system to adjust to
the change in position, preventing a sudden drop in blood pressure.
|Chamberlain
1. When measuring a patient’s blood pressure, the nurse notes that the cuff is
too small for the patient’s arm. What effect will this have on the reading?
A. The blood pressure reading will be falsely high.
B. The blood pressure reading will be falsely low.
C. The systolic pressure will be low and diastolic will be high.
D. The cuff size does not significantly affect the reading.
Answer: A
Rationale: Using a blood pressure cuff that is too small or narrow for the limb results in a
falsely high blood pressure reading.
2. A nurse is caring for a patient with Clostridium difficile (C. diff). Which hand
hygiene method is most appropriate?
A. Alcohol-based hand rub for 15 seconds.
B. Rinsing hands with warm water only.
C. Using a chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) wipe.
D. Washing hands with soap and water.
Answer: D
Rationale: C. difficile spores are resistant to alcohol-based rubs. Mechanical scrubbing
with soap and water is required to remove the spores from the hands.
,3. The nurse is preparing to provide oral care to an unconscious patient. Which
position is safest for this patient to prevent aspiration?
A. High-Fowler’s position.
B. Side-lying (lateral) position.
C. Supine position with the head flat.
D. Prone position.
Answer: B
Rationale: A side-lying or lateral position allows secretions to drain out of the mouth by
gravity, reducing the risk of aspiration in an unconscious patient.
4. Which part of the brain is responsible for regulating body temperature?
A. Hypothalamus.
B. Thalamus.
C. Medulla oblongata.
D. Cerebellum.
Answer: A
Rationale: The hypothalamus acts as the body’s thermostat, maintaining the set point for
body temperature.
5. A patient’s blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg. What is the calculated pulse
pressure?
A. 140 mmHg.
B. 90 mmHg.
C. 230 mmHg.
D. 50 mmHg.
Answer: D
Rationale: Pulse pressure is the difference between the systolic and diastolic blood
pressure (140 - 90 = 50).
, 6. The nurse is assessing a patient’s radial pulse and notes it is irregular. What is
the next priority action?
A. Document the finding and reassess in 4 hours.
B. Assess the apical pulse for one full minute.
C. Check the pedal pulses to compare.
D. Ask the patient if they are feeling anxious.
Answer: B
Rationale: If a radial pulse is irregular, the nurse should assess the apical pulse for 60
seconds to obtain a more accurate heart rate and rhythm.
7. Which of the following describes the proper sequence for removing Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE)?
A. Gown, Mask, Goggles, Gloves.
B. Gloves, Goggles, Gown, Mask.
C. Mask, Gown, Gloves, Goggles.
D. Goggles, Gloves, Mask, Gown.
Answer: B
Rationale: The recommended sequence for doffing PPE is typically gloves first (most
contaminated), followed by goggles/face shield, gown, and mask/respirator last.
8. A nurse is helping a patient with a diagnosis of orthostatic hypotension get
out of bed. What is the most important intervention?
A. Encourage the patient to stand up quickly to stimulate blood flow.
B. Keep the room lights off to prevent dizziness.
C. Instruct the patient to hold their breath while standing.
D. Have the patient dangle their legs at the bedside before standing.
Answer: D
Rationale: Dangling the legs at the bedside allows the cardiovascular system to adjust to
the change in position, preventing a sudden drop in blood pressure.
