NSG 3100 Exam 1 Fundamentals of Patient Care and the
Nursing Process: Questions & Answers /Latest Updated
2026
Unit 1: Basic Nursing Care and Safety
➢ When washing hands, in which direction should the nurse point their
fingers?
o A. Up toward the elbows
o B. Horizontal to the sink
o C. Pointed down
o D. It does not matter
o Answer: C.
o Rationale: To wash hands properly, the nurse should wet the wrists
and hands with fingers pointed down.
➢ How long should a nurse pat their hands dry after washing?
o A. 5 seconds
o B. 10 seconds
o C. 20 seconds
o D. 1 minute
o Answer: C.
o Rationale: The source specifies to pat hands dry for 20 seconds.
,➢ Which type of jewelry is permitted to remain on during handwashing?
o A. Diamond engagement ring
o B. Watch with a leather band
o C. Plain wedding band
o D. No jewelry is allowed
o Answer: C.
o Rationale: A plain wedding band can remain on, but rings with
settings should be removed because bacteria can become lodged in
them.
➢ What is the primary purpose of using friction during handwashing?
o A. To warm the water
o B. To break up bacteria
o C. To remove dead skin cells
o D. To stimulate circulation
o Answer: B.
o Rationale: Friction is necessary during handwashing to break up
bacteria.
➢ What should the nurse prioritize BEFORE beginning a patient's bath?
o A. Collecting all supplies
o B. Assessing abilities and functional level
, o C. Documenting the procedure
o D. Cleaning the perineum
o Answer: B.
o Rationale: Nurses must assess the patient’s abilities and functional
level first before bathing.
➢ Which of the following is NOT a purpose of bathing?
o A. Stimulating circulation
o B. Removing accumulated oils
o C. Producing a sense of well-being
o D. Treating underlying infections
o Answer: D.
o Rationale: Bathing removes dead skin and oils, stimulates circulation,
and produces well-being, but it is described as the body's first line of
defense rather than a primary treatment for infection.
➢ In what order should a head-to-toe bath be performed regarding the
perineum?
o A. Perineum last
o B. Perineum first
o C. Perineum after the chest
o D. Perineum after the feet
Nursing Process: Questions & Answers /Latest Updated
2026
Unit 1: Basic Nursing Care and Safety
➢ When washing hands, in which direction should the nurse point their
fingers?
o A. Up toward the elbows
o B. Horizontal to the sink
o C. Pointed down
o D. It does not matter
o Answer: C.
o Rationale: To wash hands properly, the nurse should wet the wrists
and hands with fingers pointed down.
➢ How long should a nurse pat their hands dry after washing?
o A. 5 seconds
o B. 10 seconds
o C. 20 seconds
o D. 1 minute
o Answer: C.
o Rationale: The source specifies to pat hands dry for 20 seconds.
,➢ Which type of jewelry is permitted to remain on during handwashing?
o A. Diamond engagement ring
o B. Watch with a leather band
o C. Plain wedding band
o D. No jewelry is allowed
o Answer: C.
o Rationale: A plain wedding band can remain on, but rings with
settings should be removed because bacteria can become lodged in
them.
➢ What is the primary purpose of using friction during handwashing?
o A. To warm the water
o B. To break up bacteria
o C. To remove dead skin cells
o D. To stimulate circulation
o Answer: B.
o Rationale: Friction is necessary during handwashing to break up
bacteria.
➢ What should the nurse prioritize BEFORE beginning a patient's bath?
o A. Collecting all supplies
o B. Assessing abilities and functional level
, o C. Documenting the procedure
o D. Cleaning the perineum
o Answer: B.
o Rationale: Nurses must assess the patient’s abilities and functional
level first before bathing.
➢ Which of the following is NOT a purpose of bathing?
o A. Stimulating circulation
o B. Removing accumulated oils
o C. Producing a sense of well-being
o D. Treating underlying infections
o Answer: D.
o Rationale: Bathing removes dead skin and oils, stimulates circulation,
and produces well-being, but it is described as the body's first line of
defense rather than a primary treatment for infection.
➢ In what order should a head-to-toe bath be performed regarding the
perineum?
o A. Perineum last
o B. Perineum first
o C. Perineum after the chest
o D. Perineum after the feet
