Fundamentals of Nursing Comprehensive
Practice Exam 2-120 Realistic Nursing Questions with
Detailed Rationales & Exam Preparation Guide
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a patient who has just been admitted to the hospital. Which action should
the nurse perform first?
A. Begin patient education
B. Complete an initial assessment
C. Administer prescribed medications
D. Assist the patient with personal hygiene
Answer: B. Complete an initial assessment
Rationale:
The initial assessment allows the nurse to collect important information about the patient's
condition and identify immediate needs. Assessment is the first step of the nursing process and
guides further interventions.
Option A is incorrect because education should be based on assessment findings.
Option C is incorrect because medications require appropriate assessment before administration.
Option D is important but not the priority during admission.
Question 2
A nurse is caring for a patient who reports severe pain. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Document the pain score
B. Assess the patient's pain characteristics
C. Administer pain medication immediately
D. Ask the family about the patient's pain
,Answer: B. Assess the patient's pain characteristics
Rationale:
Pain assessment must occur before intervention. The nurse should assess location, intensity,
quality, duration, and factors affecting pain before selecting appropriate treatment.
Option A is incorrect because documentation occurs after assessment and intervention.
Option C is incorrect because medication should be based on assessment findings.
Option D is incorrect because pain is subjective and should be assessed from the patient
whenever possible.
Question 3
A nurse enters a patient's room before providing care. Which action demonstrates professional
nursing practice?
A. Begin care without introducing themselves
B. Introduce themselves and verify patient identity
C. Ask another patient about the person's condition
D. Discuss patient information in the hallway
Answer: B. Introduce themselves and verify patient identity
Rationale:
Introducing oneself and verifying patient identity promotes safety, establishes trust, and prevents
errors.
Option A is inappropriate because patients have the right to know who is providing care.
Option C violates confidentiality.
Option D breaches patient privacy.
Question 4
A nurse is caring for a patient who has a temperature of 102°F (38.9°C). Which intervention is
appropriate?
A. Encourage fluids if not restricted
B. Apply extra blankets
,C. Limit all oral intake
D. Avoid reassessing temperature
Answer: A. Encourage fluids if not restricted
Rationale:
Fever increases fluid loss through sweating and increased metabolism. Fluids help maintain
hydration unless contraindicated.
Option B may increase body temperature.
Option C may worsen dehydration.
Option D is incorrect because monitoring temperature helps evaluate response to care.
Question 5
A nurse is preparing to administer medication. Which action follows safe medication practice?
A. Check the medication label against the prescription
B. Administer medication from memory
C. Leave medications at the bedside unattended
D. Skip allergy assessment for routine medications
Answer: A. Check the medication label against the prescription
Rationale:
Medication verification helps prevent errors and ensures the correct medication is given to the
correct patient.
Option B is unsafe because memory is unreliable.
Option C increases the risk of incorrect administration.
Option D is unsafe because allergies can occur with any medication.
Question 6
A nurse is caring for a patient who is at risk for falls. Which intervention is best?
A. Keep frequently used items within reach
B. Raise the bed to its highest position
, C. Encourage independent walking without assessment
D. Keep the room dark at night
Answer: A. Keep frequently used items within reach
Rationale:
Keeping needed items nearby reduces unnecessary movement and decreases fall risk.
Option B increases injury risk.
Option C may be unsafe.
Option D reduces visibility and increases risk.
Question 7
A nurse is performing hand hygiene before patient care. Which statement is correct?
A. Hand hygiene is unnecessary when gloves are worn
B. Hand hygiene should occur before and after patient contact
C. Hand hygiene is only required after visible contamination
D. Gloves eliminate the need for infection prevention
Answer: B. Hand hygiene should occur before and after patient contact
Rationale:
Hand hygiene is the most effective method for preventing healthcare-associated infections.
Option A is incorrect because gloves do not replace hand hygiene.
Option C is incorrect because microorganisms may be present without visible contamination.
Option D is incorrect because multiple infection prevention measures are required.
Question 8
A nurse is caring for a patient who has difficulty breathing. Which assessment is the priority?
A. Respiratory rate and oxygen saturation
B. Food preferences
C. Sleep schedule
D. Family history
Practice Exam 2-120 Realistic Nursing Questions with
Detailed Rationales & Exam Preparation Guide
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a patient who has just been admitted to the hospital. Which action should
the nurse perform first?
A. Begin patient education
B. Complete an initial assessment
C. Administer prescribed medications
D. Assist the patient with personal hygiene
Answer: B. Complete an initial assessment
Rationale:
The initial assessment allows the nurse to collect important information about the patient's
condition and identify immediate needs. Assessment is the first step of the nursing process and
guides further interventions.
Option A is incorrect because education should be based on assessment findings.
Option C is incorrect because medications require appropriate assessment before administration.
Option D is important but not the priority during admission.
Question 2
A nurse is caring for a patient who reports severe pain. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Document the pain score
B. Assess the patient's pain characteristics
C. Administer pain medication immediately
D. Ask the family about the patient's pain
,Answer: B. Assess the patient's pain characteristics
Rationale:
Pain assessment must occur before intervention. The nurse should assess location, intensity,
quality, duration, and factors affecting pain before selecting appropriate treatment.
Option A is incorrect because documentation occurs after assessment and intervention.
Option C is incorrect because medication should be based on assessment findings.
Option D is incorrect because pain is subjective and should be assessed from the patient
whenever possible.
Question 3
A nurse enters a patient's room before providing care. Which action demonstrates professional
nursing practice?
A. Begin care without introducing themselves
B. Introduce themselves and verify patient identity
C. Ask another patient about the person's condition
D. Discuss patient information in the hallway
Answer: B. Introduce themselves and verify patient identity
Rationale:
Introducing oneself and verifying patient identity promotes safety, establishes trust, and prevents
errors.
Option A is inappropriate because patients have the right to know who is providing care.
Option C violates confidentiality.
Option D breaches patient privacy.
Question 4
A nurse is caring for a patient who has a temperature of 102°F (38.9°C). Which intervention is
appropriate?
A. Encourage fluids if not restricted
B. Apply extra blankets
,C. Limit all oral intake
D. Avoid reassessing temperature
Answer: A. Encourage fluids if not restricted
Rationale:
Fever increases fluid loss through sweating and increased metabolism. Fluids help maintain
hydration unless contraindicated.
Option B may increase body temperature.
Option C may worsen dehydration.
Option D is incorrect because monitoring temperature helps evaluate response to care.
Question 5
A nurse is preparing to administer medication. Which action follows safe medication practice?
A. Check the medication label against the prescription
B. Administer medication from memory
C. Leave medications at the bedside unattended
D. Skip allergy assessment for routine medications
Answer: A. Check the medication label against the prescription
Rationale:
Medication verification helps prevent errors and ensures the correct medication is given to the
correct patient.
Option B is unsafe because memory is unreliable.
Option C increases the risk of incorrect administration.
Option D is unsafe because allergies can occur with any medication.
Question 6
A nurse is caring for a patient who is at risk for falls. Which intervention is best?
A. Keep frequently used items within reach
B. Raise the bed to its highest position
, C. Encourage independent walking without assessment
D. Keep the room dark at night
Answer: A. Keep frequently used items within reach
Rationale:
Keeping needed items nearby reduces unnecessary movement and decreases fall risk.
Option B increases injury risk.
Option C may be unsafe.
Option D reduces visibility and increases risk.
Question 7
A nurse is performing hand hygiene before patient care. Which statement is correct?
A. Hand hygiene is unnecessary when gloves are worn
B. Hand hygiene should occur before and after patient contact
C. Hand hygiene is only required after visible contamination
D. Gloves eliminate the need for infection prevention
Answer: B. Hand hygiene should occur before and after patient contact
Rationale:
Hand hygiene is the most effective method for preventing healthcare-associated infections.
Option A is incorrect because gloves do not replace hand hygiene.
Option C is incorrect because microorganisms may be present without visible contamination.
Option D is incorrect because multiple infection prevention measures are required.
Question 8
A nurse is caring for a patient who has difficulty breathing. Which assessment is the priority?
A. Respiratory rate and oxygen saturation
B. Food preferences
C. Sleep schedule
D. Family history
