Skills for Nursing I (2026) Actual Q&A PDF
1. The nurse is reviewing a patient’s complete blood count (CBC). Which result
should be reported immediately?
A) Hemoglobin 16 g/dL for a male
B) Hematocrit 22% for a female
C) White blood cell count 9,000/mm³
D) Platelets 300,000/mm³
Correct Answer: Hematocrit 22% for a female
Rationale: A hematocrit of 22% is critically low and indicates severe anemia,
which can lead to tissue hypoxia and death. The other values are within normal
limits.
2. Which component of the CBC is primarily responsible for blood clotting?
A) White blood cells
B) Platelets
C) Hemoglobin
D) Hematocrit
Correct Answer: Platelets
Rationale: Platelets (thrombocytes) aggregate at injury sites and initiate the
clotting cascade. A platelet count below 10,000/mm³ places the patient at high
risk for spontaneous bleeding.
,3. The nurse notes a patient’s platelet count is 9,000/mm³. Which intervention
is most important?
A) Encourage ambulation
B) Administer aspirin for pain
C) Place the patient on bleeding precautions
D) Increase dietary iron
Correct Answer: Place the patient on bleeding precautions
Rationale: Severe thrombocytopenia greatly increases bleeding risk. The nurse
should implement safety measures such as soft toothbrush, electric razor, and
avoiding invasive procedures. Aspirin further impairs platelet function.
4. A basic metabolic panel (BMP) includes all of the following except:
A) Sodium
B) Potassium
C) Creatinine
D) Hemoglobin
Correct Answer: Hemoglobin
Rationale: Hemoglobin is part of the complete blood count, not the BMP. The
BMP measures electrolytes, BUN, creatinine, and glucose.
, 5. The nurse is reviewing a patient’s BUN level. A result of 28 mg/dL most likely
indicates:
A) Dehydration
B) Liver failure
C) Hypokalemia
D) Anemia
Correct Answer: Dehydration
Rationale: Elevated BUN (normal 10–20 mg/dL) can result from dehydration,
high protein intake, or renal impairment. Signs of dehydration include skin
tenting, dry mucous membranes, and low urine output.
6. Which laboratory test is the most sensitive indicator of renal function?
A) BUN
B) Serum creatinine
C) Hemoglobin
D) Platelet count
Correct Answer: Serum creatinine
Rationale: Creatinine is a waste product of muscle metabolism excreted by the
kidneys. Unlike BUN, it is less affected by hydration status and diet, making it a
more reliable marker of kidney function.