HOSPITAL CORPSMAN SKILLS BASIC (HMSB)
COMPETENCY ASSESSMENT EXAM QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWRS) Q&A
2027 |INSTANT DOWNOAD PDF
1. What is the primary purpose of performing hand hygiene
before patient contact?
A. To improve patient comfort
B. To reduce transmission of microorganisms
C. To prevent equipment damage
D. To increase documentation accuracy
Rationale: Hand hygiene is the most effective method for
preventing the spread of healthcare-associated infections.
Correct Answer: B. To reduce transmission of microorganisms
2. Which organization establishes standards for infection
prevention practices in healthcare settings?
A. CDC
B. FDA
C. OSHA
D. EPA
Rationale: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) provides evidence-based infection control
recommendations.
,Correct Answer: A. CDC
3. A Hospital Corpsman should use Standard Precautions for
which patients?
A. Only patients with known infections
B. Only surgical patients
C. All patients regardless of diagnosis
D. Only emergency patients
Rationale: Standard Precautions apply to all patients because
blood and body fluids may contain infectious organisms.
Correct Answer: C. All patients regardless of diagnosis
4. Which vital sign measures the pressure of blood against
arterial walls?
A. Temperature
B. Pulse
C. Blood pressure
D. Respirations
Rationale: Blood pressure measures systolic and diastolic
pressure within the arteries.
Correct Answer: C. Blood pressure
5. What is the normal adult resting respiratory rate range?
,A. 2–6 breaths/min
B. 12–20 breaths/min
C. 25–35 breaths/min
D. 40–50 breaths/min
Rationale: Normal adult respirations are generally 12–20
breaths per minute.
Correct Answer: B. 12–20 breaths/min
6. Which device is commonly used to measure oxygen
saturation?
A. Stethoscope
B. Sphygmomanometer
C. Pulse oximeter
D. Thermometer
Rationale: A pulse oximeter measures peripheral oxygen
saturation (SpO₂).
Correct Answer: C. Pulse oximeter
7. Before administering medication, the Corpsman should
verify the patient using which safety practice?
A. One identifier only
B. Two patient identifiers
C. Room number only
D. Diagnosis only
, Rationale: Using two identifiers helps prevent medication
errors.
Correct Answer: B. Two patient identifiers
8. Which route of medication administration delivers
medication directly into a vein?
A. Intramuscular
B. Subcutaneous
C. Intravenous
D. Oral
Rationale: Intravenous (IV) administration delivers medication
directly into the bloodstream through a vein.
Correct Answer: C. Intravenous
9. What is the purpose of personal protective equipment
(PPE)?
A. Replace hand hygiene
B. Protect healthcare workers and patients from exposure
C. Improve patient appearance
D. Reduce documentation requirements
Rationale: PPE provides a barrier against exposure to infectious
materials.
COMPETENCY ASSESSMENT EXAM QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWRS) Q&A
2027 |INSTANT DOWNOAD PDF
1. What is the primary purpose of performing hand hygiene
before patient contact?
A. To improve patient comfort
B. To reduce transmission of microorganisms
C. To prevent equipment damage
D. To increase documentation accuracy
Rationale: Hand hygiene is the most effective method for
preventing the spread of healthcare-associated infections.
Correct Answer: B. To reduce transmission of microorganisms
2. Which organization establishes standards for infection
prevention practices in healthcare settings?
A. CDC
B. FDA
C. OSHA
D. EPA
Rationale: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) provides evidence-based infection control
recommendations.
,Correct Answer: A. CDC
3. A Hospital Corpsman should use Standard Precautions for
which patients?
A. Only patients with known infections
B. Only surgical patients
C. All patients regardless of diagnosis
D. Only emergency patients
Rationale: Standard Precautions apply to all patients because
blood and body fluids may contain infectious organisms.
Correct Answer: C. All patients regardless of diagnosis
4. Which vital sign measures the pressure of blood against
arterial walls?
A. Temperature
B. Pulse
C. Blood pressure
D. Respirations
Rationale: Blood pressure measures systolic and diastolic
pressure within the arteries.
Correct Answer: C. Blood pressure
5. What is the normal adult resting respiratory rate range?
,A. 2–6 breaths/min
B. 12–20 breaths/min
C. 25–35 breaths/min
D. 40–50 breaths/min
Rationale: Normal adult respirations are generally 12–20
breaths per minute.
Correct Answer: B. 12–20 breaths/min
6. Which device is commonly used to measure oxygen
saturation?
A. Stethoscope
B. Sphygmomanometer
C. Pulse oximeter
D. Thermometer
Rationale: A pulse oximeter measures peripheral oxygen
saturation (SpO₂).
Correct Answer: C. Pulse oximeter
7. Before administering medication, the Corpsman should
verify the patient using which safety practice?
A. One identifier only
B. Two patient identifiers
C. Room number only
D. Diagnosis only
, Rationale: Using two identifiers helps prevent medication
errors.
Correct Answer: B. Two patient identifiers
8. Which route of medication administration delivers
medication directly into a vein?
A. Intramuscular
B. Subcutaneous
C. Intravenous
D. Oral
Rationale: Intravenous (IV) administration delivers medication
directly into the bloodstream through a vein.
Correct Answer: C. Intravenous
9. What is the purpose of personal protective equipment
(PPE)?
A. Replace hand hygiene
B. Protect healthcare workers and patients from exposure
C. Improve patient appearance
D. Reduce documentation requirements
Rationale: PPE provides a barrier against exposure to infectious
materials.
