NR226/NR 226 Final Exam V3 | Fundamentals of
Patient Care Q&A with Rationale | Chamberlain
University
1. A nurse is preparing to perform hand hygiene. According to the CDC, when is it most
appropriate to use soap and water instead of an alcohol-based hand rub?
A. After taking a patient’s blood pressure.
B. Before putting on sterile gloves.
C. When the hands are visibly soiled with blood or body fluids.
D. After removing clean examination gloves.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Alcohol-based hand rubs are effective for many clinical situations, but they
do not remove physical dirt or organic material. Soap and water must be used when hands
are visibly soiled or contaminated with proteinaceous material. This practice ensures the
physical removal of pathogens that alcohol cannot penetrate.
2. Which of the following nursing actions best demonstrates the principle of autonomy?
A. Administering a PRN pain medication as requested by the patient.
B. Providing the same level of care to all patients regardless of their socioeconomic status.
C. Ensuring the patient has all the information needed to make an informed decision about
surgery.
,D. Keeping a promise to return to the patient’s room in ten minutes.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Autonomy refers to the patient’s right to self-determination and making their
own healthcare choices. Providing complete information for informed consent supports
this right by empowering the patient. The nurse’s role is to advocate for the patient’s
understanding before they agree to any procedure.
3. A patient is being discharged after a total hip arthroplasty. Which statement by the patient
indicates a need for further teaching regarding safety?
A. I will use a raised toilet seat at home.
B. I can cross my legs as long as I am sitting in a firm chair.
C. I will remove all throw rugs from my hallways.
D. I will use a long-handled shoehorn to put on my shoes.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: After a total hip arthroplasty, patients must avoid adduction of the affected
leg to prevent dislocation. Crossing the legs is a direct violation of hip precautions and
indicates a lack of understanding. The nurse must reinforce that the legs should be kept
abducted or in a neutral position.
4. The nurse is assessing a patient’s radial pulse and notes that it is irregular. What is the next
priority action for the nurse?
A. Document the finding and notify the physician immediately.
, B. Assess the apical pulse for one full minute.
C. Re-assess the radial pulse after the patient rests.
D. Compare the radial pulse in the opposite arm.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: When a peripheral pulse is irregular, the apical pulse provides the most
accurate assessment of the heart’s rhythm and rate. Counting for a full minute allows the
nurse to identify the specific nature of the irregularity. This is a standard assessment
protocol before initiating medical notification or interventions.
5. A nurse is caring for a patient on contact precautions for MRSA. Which of the following is
the correct sequence for donning PPE?
A. Gloves, Gown, Mask, Eyewear
B. Mask, Eyewear, Gown, Gloves
C. Gown, Mask, Eyewear, Gloves
D. Gown, Gloves, Mask, Eyewear
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The proper sequence for donning PPE is designed to prevent contamination
of the nurse’s clothing and skin. The gown is applied first, followed by the mask and eye
protection, and gloves are applied last to cover the cuffs of the gown. Following this specific
order ensures maximum coverage and safety for the healthcare provider.
Patient Care Q&A with Rationale | Chamberlain
University
1. A nurse is preparing to perform hand hygiene. According to the CDC, when is it most
appropriate to use soap and water instead of an alcohol-based hand rub?
A. After taking a patient’s blood pressure.
B. Before putting on sterile gloves.
C. When the hands are visibly soiled with blood or body fluids.
D. After removing clean examination gloves.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Alcohol-based hand rubs are effective for many clinical situations, but they
do not remove physical dirt or organic material. Soap and water must be used when hands
are visibly soiled or contaminated with proteinaceous material. This practice ensures the
physical removal of pathogens that alcohol cannot penetrate.
2. Which of the following nursing actions best demonstrates the principle of autonomy?
A. Administering a PRN pain medication as requested by the patient.
B. Providing the same level of care to all patients regardless of their socioeconomic status.
C. Ensuring the patient has all the information needed to make an informed decision about
surgery.
,D. Keeping a promise to return to the patient’s room in ten minutes.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Autonomy refers to the patient’s right to self-determination and making their
own healthcare choices. Providing complete information for informed consent supports
this right by empowering the patient. The nurse’s role is to advocate for the patient’s
understanding before they agree to any procedure.
3. A patient is being discharged after a total hip arthroplasty. Which statement by the patient
indicates a need for further teaching regarding safety?
A. I will use a raised toilet seat at home.
B. I can cross my legs as long as I am sitting in a firm chair.
C. I will remove all throw rugs from my hallways.
D. I will use a long-handled shoehorn to put on my shoes.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: After a total hip arthroplasty, patients must avoid adduction of the affected
leg to prevent dislocation. Crossing the legs is a direct violation of hip precautions and
indicates a lack of understanding. The nurse must reinforce that the legs should be kept
abducted or in a neutral position.
4. The nurse is assessing a patient’s radial pulse and notes that it is irregular. What is the next
priority action for the nurse?
A. Document the finding and notify the physician immediately.
, B. Assess the apical pulse for one full minute.
C. Re-assess the radial pulse after the patient rests.
D. Compare the radial pulse in the opposite arm.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: When a peripheral pulse is irregular, the apical pulse provides the most
accurate assessment of the heart’s rhythm and rate. Counting for a full minute allows the
nurse to identify the specific nature of the irregularity. This is a standard assessment
protocol before initiating medical notification or interventions.
5. A nurse is caring for a patient on contact precautions for MRSA. Which of the following is
the correct sequence for donning PPE?
A. Gloves, Gown, Mask, Eyewear
B. Mask, Eyewear, Gown, Gloves
C. Gown, Mask, Eyewear, Gloves
D. Gown, Gloves, Mask, Eyewear
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The proper sequence for donning PPE is designed to prevent contamination
of the nurse’s clothing and skin. The gown is applied first, followed by the mask and eye
protection, and gloves are applied last to cover the cuffs of the gown. Following this specific
order ensures maximum coverage and safety for the healthcare provider.