,NR224/NR 224 Exam 1 | Fundamentals of Nursing |
Chamberlain University | Q & A | 2026/2027 Edition
(PDF)
1. Which of the following best describes the purpose of the nursing process in clinical practice?
A) To provide a framework for documenting patient care
B) To serve as a systematic method for critical thinking and clinical decision-making
C) To establish legal guidelines for nursing practice
D) To replace the need for clinical judgment
Correct Answer: To serve as a systematic method for critical thinking and clinical decision-making
Rationale: The nursing process is a systematic, patient-centered framework that guides nurses in critical
thinking and clinical decision-making. It provides an organized approach to delivering care through the
five steps of ADPIE: Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation. It is not merely a
documentation tool nor does it replace clinical judgment.
2. What is the primary function of hand hygiene in healthcare settings?
A) To reduce the number of microorganisms on the hands
B) To eliminate all bacteria from the skin
C) To prevent skin irritation from glove use
D) To comply with hospital policy
Correct Answer: To reduce the number of microorganisms on the hands
Rationale: Hand hygiene is the single most effective measure for preventing healthcare-associated
infections by reducing the number of microorganisms on the hands. It does not eliminate all bacteria but
significantly reduces pathogen transmission. The primary purpose is infection prevention, not skin
protection or policy compliance, though these are secondary benefits.
,3. According to the chain of infection model, which intervention directly breaks the chain at the portal of
entry?
A) Using sterile technique during invasive procedures
B) Wearing gloves when handling body fluids
C) Covering the mouth when coughing
D) Placing a patient in a private room
Correct Answer: Using sterile technique during invasive procedures
Rationale: Sterile technique creates a barrier that prevents pathogens from entering the host through
portals such as surgical incisions or catheter insertion sites. This directly interrupts the chain at the
portal of entry. Wearing gloves interrupts transmission, covering coughs interrupts the portal of exit,
and private rooms isolate the reservoir.
4. A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter. Which action demonstrates proper
sterile technique?
A) Opening the sterile package and placing supplies on the bedside table
B) Maintaining a 1-inch border around the sterile field as contaminated
C) Pouring sterile solution directly from the bottle onto the sterile field
D) Donning sterile gloves before opening the sterile package
Correct Answer: Maintaining a 1-inch border around the sterile field as contaminated
Rationale: The 1-inch border around a sterile field is considered contaminated and should not be
touched by sterile items. Sterile supplies should be opened without contaminating the inner surface,
and sterile solution should be poured into a sterile container, not directly onto the field. Gloves are
donned after the field is prepared.
5. Which vital sign finding should the nurse report immediately to the healthcare provider?
A) Oral temperature of 99.2°F (37.3°C)
B) Heart rate of 88 beats per minute
C) Respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute in an adult
, D) Blood pressure of 118/76 mm Hg
Correct Answer: Respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute in an adult
Rationale: A respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute is bradypnea and indicates significant respiratory
depression requiring immediate intervention. Normal adult respiratory rate is 12–20 breaths per
minute. The other values are within normal ranges for adults and do not require immediate reporting.
6. What is the most accurate method for measuring body temperature?
A) Axillary
B) Tympanic
C) Rectal
D) Temporal artery
Correct Answer: Rectal
Rationale: Rectal temperature measurement is considered the most accurate reflection of core body
temperature, typically reading 0.5–1.0°F higher than oral temperature. It is, however, contraindicated in
patients with neutropenia, cardiac conditions, or diarrhea. Axillary is the least accurate, and tympanic
and temporal are less invasive alternatives.
7. Which of the following correctly describes the order for donning personal protective equipment
(PPE)?
A) Gloves → Gown → Mask → Eyewear
B) Gown → Mask → Eyewear → Gloves
C) Mask → Eyewear → Gown → Gloves
D) Eyewear → Gloves → Gown → Mask
Correct Answer: Gown → Mask → Eyewear → Gloves
Chamberlain University | Q & A | 2026/2027 Edition
(PDF)
1. Which of the following best describes the purpose of the nursing process in clinical practice?
A) To provide a framework for documenting patient care
B) To serve as a systematic method for critical thinking and clinical decision-making
C) To establish legal guidelines for nursing practice
D) To replace the need for clinical judgment
Correct Answer: To serve as a systematic method for critical thinking and clinical decision-making
Rationale: The nursing process is a systematic, patient-centered framework that guides nurses in critical
thinking and clinical decision-making. It provides an organized approach to delivering care through the
five steps of ADPIE: Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation. It is not merely a
documentation tool nor does it replace clinical judgment.
2. What is the primary function of hand hygiene in healthcare settings?
A) To reduce the number of microorganisms on the hands
B) To eliminate all bacteria from the skin
C) To prevent skin irritation from glove use
D) To comply with hospital policy
Correct Answer: To reduce the number of microorganisms on the hands
Rationale: Hand hygiene is the single most effective measure for preventing healthcare-associated
infections by reducing the number of microorganisms on the hands. It does not eliminate all bacteria but
significantly reduces pathogen transmission. The primary purpose is infection prevention, not skin
protection or policy compliance, though these are secondary benefits.
,3. According to the chain of infection model, which intervention directly breaks the chain at the portal of
entry?
A) Using sterile technique during invasive procedures
B) Wearing gloves when handling body fluids
C) Covering the mouth when coughing
D) Placing a patient in a private room
Correct Answer: Using sterile technique during invasive procedures
Rationale: Sterile technique creates a barrier that prevents pathogens from entering the host through
portals such as surgical incisions or catheter insertion sites. This directly interrupts the chain at the
portal of entry. Wearing gloves interrupts transmission, covering coughs interrupts the portal of exit,
and private rooms isolate the reservoir.
4. A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter. Which action demonstrates proper
sterile technique?
A) Opening the sterile package and placing supplies on the bedside table
B) Maintaining a 1-inch border around the sterile field as contaminated
C) Pouring sterile solution directly from the bottle onto the sterile field
D) Donning sterile gloves before opening the sterile package
Correct Answer: Maintaining a 1-inch border around the sterile field as contaminated
Rationale: The 1-inch border around a sterile field is considered contaminated and should not be
touched by sterile items. Sterile supplies should be opened without contaminating the inner surface,
and sterile solution should be poured into a sterile container, not directly onto the field. Gloves are
donned after the field is prepared.
5. Which vital sign finding should the nurse report immediately to the healthcare provider?
A) Oral temperature of 99.2°F (37.3°C)
B) Heart rate of 88 beats per minute
C) Respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute in an adult
, D) Blood pressure of 118/76 mm Hg
Correct Answer: Respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute in an adult
Rationale: A respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute is bradypnea and indicates significant respiratory
depression requiring immediate intervention. Normal adult respiratory rate is 12–20 breaths per
minute. The other values are within normal ranges for adults and do not require immediate reporting.
6. What is the most accurate method for measuring body temperature?
A) Axillary
B) Tympanic
C) Rectal
D) Temporal artery
Correct Answer: Rectal
Rationale: Rectal temperature measurement is considered the most accurate reflection of core body
temperature, typically reading 0.5–1.0°F higher than oral temperature. It is, however, contraindicated in
patients with neutropenia, cardiac conditions, or diarrhea. Axillary is the least accurate, and tympanic
and temporal are less invasive alternatives.
7. Which of the following correctly describes the order for donning personal protective equipment
(PPE)?
A) Gloves → Gown → Mask → Eyewear
B) Gown → Mask → Eyewear → Gloves
C) Mask → Eyewear → Gown → Gloves
D) Eyewear → Gloves → Gown → Mask
Correct Answer: Gown → Mask → Eyewear → Gloves
