Fundamentals of Nursing Exam Questions
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
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1. Which action is most important when a nurse begins a physical assessment
of a newly admitted patient?
A. Obtain the patient's dietary preferences
B. Review the patient's discharge plan
C. Perform hand hygiene
D. Ask the patient about family history
Answer: C. Perform hand hygiene
Rationale: Hand hygiene is the most important measure for preventing transmission
of microorganisms between the nurse, patient, and environment. It should be
performed before patient contact and according to the clinical situation throughout
care.
2. Which position is generally most appropriate for a patient experiencing
difficulty breathing?
A. Supine
B. Prone
C. High-Fowler's
D. Trendelenburg
Answer: C. High-Fowler's
Rationale: High-Fowler's position elevates the upper body and promotes maximal
lung expansion. It can decrease the work of breathing and improve ventilation in
patients with respiratory difficulty.
, 3. Which finding should the nurse recognize as an expected adult resting
respiratory rate?
A. 6 breaths/min
B. 12–20 breaths/min
C. 28–36 breaths/min
D. 40–50 breaths/min
Answer: B. 12–20 breaths/min
Rationale: A normal resting respiratory rate for most adults is approximately 12–20
breaths per minute. Rates substantially above or below this range may require
further assessment, especially when accompanied by symptoms.
4. A nurse is measuring a patient's blood pressure. Which action helps ensure
an accurate reading?
A. Place the cuff over thick clothing
B. Use a cuff that is too small
C. Keep the patient's arm supported at heart level
D. Have the patient talk during measurement
Answer: C. Keep the patient's arm supported at heart level
Rationale: The arm should be supported at approximately heart level when blood
pressure is measured. Incorrect cuff size, unsupported positioning, movement, and
talking can produce inaccurate readings.
5. Which pulse site is commonly used when assessing a patient's pulse during
routine vital-sign measurement?
A. Radial
B. Popliteal
C. Dorsalis pedis
D. Temporal
Answer: A. Radial
,Rationale: The radial pulse is readily accessible at the wrist and is commonly used
for routine assessment of pulse rate, rhythm, and strength in adults.
6. Which nursing action demonstrates appropriate use of standard
precautions?
A. Wearing gloves for every patient interaction
B. Treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious
C. Using antibiotics before every patient procedure
D. Isolating every patient with a fever
Answer: B. Treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious
Rationale: Standard precautions are based on the principle that blood and certain
body fluids may contain infectious microorganisms. Appropriate protective
measures are selected according to anticipated exposure.
7. A nurse is preparing to administer medication to a patient. Which action is
essential before administration?
A. Ask another patient to identify the medication
B. Verify the patient's identity using approved identifiers
C. Leave the medication at the bedside
D. Ask the patient's roommate to confirm the medication
Answer: B. Verify the patient's identity using approved identifiers
Rationale: Correct patient identification is a fundamental medication-safety
practice. The nurse should use approved identifiers and compare them with the
medication administration record before administering medication.
8. Which assessment finding requires the nurse's immediate attention?
A. Respiratory rate of 16/min
B. Pulse of 76/min
C. Oxygen saturation of 97%
D. Sudden inability to speak in a patient with airway obstruction
Answer: D. Sudden inability to speak in a patient with airway obstruction
, Rationale: An inability to speak may indicate severe airway obstruction and
inadequate airflow. Airway problems are addressed immediately because impaired
oxygenation can rapidly become life-threatening.
9. Which nursing intervention best helps prevent pressure injuries in an
immobile patient?
A. Massage reddened areas vigorously
B. Reposition the patient regularly
C. Restrict fluid intake
D. Keep the patient in one position during sleep
Answer: B. Reposition the patient regularly
Rationale: Regular repositioning reduces prolonged pressure over bony
prominences and helps maintain tissue perfusion. The patient's mobility, skin
condition, nutritional status, and risk factors should guide the prevention plan.
10.Which finding is most characteristic of a stage 1 pressure injury?
A. Full-thickness skin loss
B. Exposed bone
C. Nonblanchable erythema of intact skin
D. Visible adipose tissue
Answer: C. Nonblanchable erythema of intact skin
Rationale: A stage 1 pressure injury involves intact skin with localized
nonblanchable erythema. Deeper tissue damage, exposed adipose, muscle, tendon,
or bone indicates more advanced injury categories.
11.Which intervention is appropriate when assisting a patient from bed to a
chair?
A. Keep the patient's feet together
B. Lock the bed and chair wheels when applicable
C. Pull the patient by the arms
D. Ask the patient to stand before assessing stability
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. Which action is most important when a nurse begins a physical assessment
of a newly admitted patient?
A. Obtain the patient's dietary preferences
B. Review the patient's discharge plan
C. Perform hand hygiene
D. Ask the patient about family history
Answer: C. Perform hand hygiene
Rationale: Hand hygiene is the most important measure for preventing transmission
of microorganisms between the nurse, patient, and environment. It should be
performed before patient contact and according to the clinical situation throughout
care.
2. Which position is generally most appropriate for a patient experiencing
difficulty breathing?
A. Supine
B. Prone
C. High-Fowler's
D. Trendelenburg
Answer: C. High-Fowler's
Rationale: High-Fowler's position elevates the upper body and promotes maximal
lung expansion. It can decrease the work of breathing and improve ventilation in
patients with respiratory difficulty.
, 3. Which finding should the nurse recognize as an expected adult resting
respiratory rate?
A. 6 breaths/min
B. 12–20 breaths/min
C. 28–36 breaths/min
D. 40–50 breaths/min
Answer: B. 12–20 breaths/min
Rationale: A normal resting respiratory rate for most adults is approximately 12–20
breaths per minute. Rates substantially above or below this range may require
further assessment, especially when accompanied by symptoms.
4. A nurse is measuring a patient's blood pressure. Which action helps ensure
an accurate reading?
A. Place the cuff over thick clothing
B. Use a cuff that is too small
C. Keep the patient's arm supported at heart level
D. Have the patient talk during measurement
Answer: C. Keep the patient's arm supported at heart level
Rationale: The arm should be supported at approximately heart level when blood
pressure is measured. Incorrect cuff size, unsupported positioning, movement, and
talking can produce inaccurate readings.
5. Which pulse site is commonly used when assessing a patient's pulse during
routine vital-sign measurement?
A. Radial
B. Popliteal
C. Dorsalis pedis
D. Temporal
Answer: A. Radial
,Rationale: The radial pulse is readily accessible at the wrist and is commonly used
for routine assessment of pulse rate, rhythm, and strength in adults.
6. Which nursing action demonstrates appropriate use of standard
precautions?
A. Wearing gloves for every patient interaction
B. Treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious
C. Using antibiotics before every patient procedure
D. Isolating every patient with a fever
Answer: B. Treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious
Rationale: Standard precautions are based on the principle that blood and certain
body fluids may contain infectious microorganisms. Appropriate protective
measures are selected according to anticipated exposure.
7. A nurse is preparing to administer medication to a patient. Which action is
essential before administration?
A. Ask another patient to identify the medication
B. Verify the patient's identity using approved identifiers
C. Leave the medication at the bedside
D. Ask the patient's roommate to confirm the medication
Answer: B. Verify the patient's identity using approved identifiers
Rationale: Correct patient identification is a fundamental medication-safety
practice. The nurse should use approved identifiers and compare them with the
medication administration record before administering medication.
8. Which assessment finding requires the nurse's immediate attention?
A. Respiratory rate of 16/min
B. Pulse of 76/min
C. Oxygen saturation of 97%
D. Sudden inability to speak in a patient with airway obstruction
Answer: D. Sudden inability to speak in a patient with airway obstruction
, Rationale: An inability to speak may indicate severe airway obstruction and
inadequate airflow. Airway problems are addressed immediately because impaired
oxygenation can rapidly become life-threatening.
9. Which nursing intervention best helps prevent pressure injuries in an
immobile patient?
A. Massage reddened areas vigorously
B. Reposition the patient regularly
C. Restrict fluid intake
D. Keep the patient in one position during sleep
Answer: B. Reposition the patient regularly
Rationale: Regular repositioning reduces prolonged pressure over bony
prominences and helps maintain tissue perfusion. The patient's mobility, skin
condition, nutritional status, and risk factors should guide the prevention plan.
10.Which finding is most characteristic of a stage 1 pressure injury?
A. Full-thickness skin loss
B. Exposed bone
C. Nonblanchable erythema of intact skin
D. Visible adipose tissue
Answer: C. Nonblanchable erythema of intact skin
Rationale: A stage 1 pressure injury involves intact skin with localized
nonblanchable erythema. Deeper tissue damage, exposed adipose, muscle, tendon,
or bone indicates more advanced injury categories.
11.Which intervention is appropriate when assisting a patient from bed to a
chair?
A. Keep the patient's feet together
B. Lock the bed and chair wheels when applicable
C. Pull the patient by the arms
D. Ask the patient to stand before assessing stability
