CJE BENCHMARK EXAM
PATIENT CARE FUNDAMENTALS — 200-QUESTION
PRACTICE EXAM
1. A confused older adult repeatedly tries to get out of bed. Which intervention is most appropriateinitially?
✓ A. Keep the call light within reach and increase observation while using least-restrictive safety measures.B. Leave the patient alone to
encourage independence.
C. Apply restraints immediately.
D. Give a sedative without an order.
Correct Answer: A ✓
Rationale: Fall prevention should begin with environmental safety, observation, assistance, and the least restrictive appropriate measures.
2. Which environmental change best reduces fall risk in a patient who uses a walker?
A. Move the walker out of reach.
B. Place supplies on the floor beside the bed.
✓ C. Keep the pathway clear and ensure adequate lighting.D. Keep the room dark at night.
Correct Answer: C ✓
Rationale: Clear pathways and adequate lighting reduce tripping hazards and support safe mobility.
3. Before helping a weak patient stand, which action is essential?
A. Remove nonskid footwear.
B. Ask the patient to stand without support.
✓ C. Assess the patient's ability to bear weight and provide appropriate assistance.D. Lock the patient's knees forcefully.
Correct Answer: C ✓
Rationale: Assessing mobility and providing appropriate assistance helps prevent falls and injury.
4. Which item should be kept within reach for a patient at high risk for falls?
✓ A. The call light.
B. An unlocked bedside table
C. A heating pad
D. A medication cart
Correct Answer: A ✓
Rationale: The call light allows the patient to request help rather than attempting an unsafe transfer.
5. A patient becomes dizzy while walking. What should the nurse do?
A. Tell the patient to walk faster.
B. Leave to obtain paperwork.
✓ C. Assist the patient to a safe seated or lying position.
D. Ask the patient to close their eyes and continue walking.
Correct Answer: C ✓
Rationale: Stopping the activity and safely positioning the patient prevents a fall and allows further assessment.
6. Which footwear is safest for a hospitalized patient who is ambulating?
A. Bare feet on a smooth floor
B. Oversized socks only
✓ C. Well-fitting nonskid footwear.
D. Loose slippers without traction
CJE Benchmark Exam 2 • Patient Care Fundamentals • Page 1
, Correct Answer: C ✓
Rationale: Nonskid, well-fitting footwear improves traction and stability.
7. Which action is appropriate before transferring a patient from bed to wheelchair?
✓ A. Lock the wheelchair brakes and position it safely.B. Raise the footrests across the patient's path.
C. Place the wheelchair several feet away.
D. Leave the brakes unlocked.
Correct Answer: A ✓
Rationale: Securing and positioning the wheelchair prevents unexpected movement during transfer.
8. What is the safest response when a patient says, 'I can get to the bathroom by myself' but has adocumented fall risk?
✓ A. Explain the need for assistance and help the patient safely.B. Agree and leave immediately.
C. Remove the call light.
D. Tell the patient to crawl.
Correct Answer: A ✓
Rationale: Respectful education and assistance protect the patient while maintaining dignity.
9. Which finding suggests an increased risk for falls?
A. Steady gait with normal balance
B. Independent transfer without dizziness
C. Good vision and stable footwear✓ D. Unsteady gait.
Correct Answer: D ✓
Rationale: An unsteady gait directly increases the likelihood of losing balance.
10. Which nursing action helps prevent falls at night?
A. Place the call light outside the room.
✓ B. Provide adequate lighting and keep needed items within reach.C. Keep the floor cluttered.
D. Turn off all lights.
Correct Answer: B ✓
Rationale: Good lighting and accessible equipment reduce nighttime hazards.
11. When should hand hygiene be performed before patient care?
A. Only when gloves are unavailable
✓ B. Before touching the patient or performing an aseptic task.
C. Only at the end of the shift
D. Only after leaving the hospital
Correct Answer: B ✓
Rationale: Hand hygiene before patient contact and aseptic tasks helps prevent transmission of microorganisms.
12. What should the nurse do after removing disposable gloves?
A. Store the gloves for later
B. Touch the face before washing✓ C. Perform hand hygiene.
D. Reuse the gloves
Correct Answer: C ✓
Rationale: Gloves do not replace hand hygiene; hands may become contaminated during glove removal.
13. Which practice helps prevent transmission of infection?
A. Share personal equipment without cleaning
✓ B. Use standard precautions for every patient.
C. Use precautions only for visibly ill patients
D. Skip hand hygiene when wearing gloves
CJE Benchmark Exam 2 • Patient Care Fundamentals • Page 2
, Correct Answer: B ✓
Rationale: Standard precautions apply to all patients because infection status may not be known.
14. Which action is appropriate when a sterile field becomes wet?
✓ A. Consider the contaminated area nonsterile and replace or correct it according to procedure.
B. Dry it with a bare hand
C. Continue because moisture is harmless
D. Cover it with a towel and ignore it
Correct Answer: A ✓
Rationale: Moisture can allow microorganisms to pass through a barrier, compromising sterility.
15. A nurse coughs while preparing a sterile procedure. What should the nurse do?
A. Touch the field to check it
B. Blow across the field to remove droplets
✓ C. Reassess whether the sterile field has been contaminated and take corrective action.
D. Continue without concern
Correct Answer: C ✓
Rationale: Respiratory droplets can contaminate a sterile field, so contamination risk must be addressed.
16. Which action is correct when cleaning reusable patient-care equipment?
A. Share it between patients without processing
B. Use it immediately without cleaning
C. Clean it only once a month
✓ D. Clean and disinfect it according to facility policy before use with another patient.
Correct Answer: D ✓
Rationale: Proper cleaning and disinfection reduce cross-transmission.
17. Which patient-care action requires aseptic technique?
A. Making an occupied bed
B. Brushing the patient's hair
C. Delivering a meal
✓ D. Performing a procedure that enters a sterile body site.
Correct Answer: D ✓
Rationale: Aseptic technique is used when contamination could introduce microorganisms into a sterile site.
18. What is the best way to reduce contamination when opening a sterile package?
✓ A. Open the package without reaching over the sterile contents.
B. Place the sterile contents on the floor
C. Touch the inside with bare hands
D. Reach across the field
Correct Answer: A ✓
Rationale: Avoiding contact with the sterile contents and field preserves sterility.
19. Which statement about alcohol-based hand rub is correct?
A. It is never useful in clinical care
B. It should be used on visibly dirty hands instead of washing
✓ C. It is appropriate when hands are not visibly soiled and the product is used correctly.
D. It replaces all handwashing in every situation
Correct Answer: C ✓
Rationale: Alcohol-based hand rub is effective in many routine situations when hands are not visibly soiled.
20. Why should the nurse avoid touching the face while wearing gloves?
CJE Benchmark Exam 2 • Patient Care Fundamentals • Page 3
, ✓ A. It can transfer microorganisms from the gloves to the face.
B. It improves glove fit
C. It prevents all contamination
D. It makes gloves sterile
Correct Answer: A ✓
Rationale: Gloves can carry microorganisms and should not be used to touch the face or other clean areas unnecessarily.
21. An adult patient's respiratory rate is 28/min. What should the nurse do?
A. Encourage the patient to hold their breath
✓ B. Assess the patient's respiratory status and clinical condition.
C. Ignore it if the patient is awake
D. Document it as normal
Correct Answer: B ✓
Rationale: A respiratory rate of 28/min is elevated for a typical resting adult and warrants assessment.
22. Which pulse finding should be reported for further assessment?
A. A regular pulse of 80/min
✓ B. A new irregular pulse accompanied by symptoms.
C. A regular pulse of 78/min
D. A regular pulse of 72/min
Correct Answer: B ✓
Rationale: A new irregular rhythm, especially with symptoms, may indicate a clinically significant change.
23. Which factor can temporarily increase body temperature?
A. Drinking cool water
✓ B. Recent physical activity.
C. Resting quietly
D. A cool environment
Correct Answer: B ✓
Rationale: Physical activity can increase metabolic heat production and body temperature.
24. When taking a blood pressure, which action improves accuracy?
A. Use any cuff size
✓ B. Use an appropriately sized cuff and position the arm at heart level.
C. Measure over bulky clothing
D. Place the arm far below the heart
Correct Answer: B ✓
Rationale: Correct cuff size and positioning are important for an accurate blood pressure measurement.
25. A patient reports feeling faint after standing. Which vital sign assessment may help evaluate thecause?
A. Measure temperature only
✓ B. Compare blood pressure and pulse in appropriate positions for orthostatic changes.
C. Measure oxygen flow rate
D. Measure weight only
Correct Answer: B ✓
Rationale: Orthostatic measurements can help identify changes associated with position.
CJE Benchmark Exam 2 • Patient Care Fundamentals • Page 4
PATIENT CARE FUNDAMENTALS — 200-QUESTION
PRACTICE EXAM
1. A confused older adult repeatedly tries to get out of bed. Which intervention is most appropriateinitially?
✓ A. Keep the call light within reach and increase observation while using least-restrictive safety measures.B. Leave the patient alone to
encourage independence.
C. Apply restraints immediately.
D. Give a sedative without an order.
Correct Answer: A ✓
Rationale: Fall prevention should begin with environmental safety, observation, assistance, and the least restrictive appropriate measures.
2. Which environmental change best reduces fall risk in a patient who uses a walker?
A. Move the walker out of reach.
B. Place supplies on the floor beside the bed.
✓ C. Keep the pathway clear and ensure adequate lighting.D. Keep the room dark at night.
Correct Answer: C ✓
Rationale: Clear pathways and adequate lighting reduce tripping hazards and support safe mobility.
3. Before helping a weak patient stand, which action is essential?
A. Remove nonskid footwear.
B. Ask the patient to stand without support.
✓ C. Assess the patient's ability to bear weight and provide appropriate assistance.D. Lock the patient's knees forcefully.
Correct Answer: C ✓
Rationale: Assessing mobility and providing appropriate assistance helps prevent falls and injury.
4. Which item should be kept within reach for a patient at high risk for falls?
✓ A. The call light.
B. An unlocked bedside table
C. A heating pad
D. A medication cart
Correct Answer: A ✓
Rationale: The call light allows the patient to request help rather than attempting an unsafe transfer.
5. A patient becomes dizzy while walking. What should the nurse do?
A. Tell the patient to walk faster.
B. Leave to obtain paperwork.
✓ C. Assist the patient to a safe seated or lying position.
D. Ask the patient to close their eyes and continue walking.
Correct Answer: C ✓
Rationale: Stopping the activity and safely positioning the patient prevents a fall and allows further assessment.
6. Which footwear is safest for a hospitalized patient who is ambulating?
A. Bare feet on a smooth floor
B. Oversized socks only
✓ C. Well-fitting nonskid footwear.
D. Loose slippers without traction
CJE Benchmark Exam 2 • Patient Care Fundamentals • Page 1
, Correct Answer: C ✓
Rationale: Nonskid, well-fitting footwear improves traction and stability.
7. Which action is appropriate before transferring a patient from bed to wheelchair?
✓ A. Lock the wheelchair brakes and position it safely.B. Raise the footrests across the patient's path.
C. Place the wheelchair several feet away.
D. Leave the brakes unlocked.
Correct Answer: A ✓
Rationale: Securing and positioning the wheelchair prevents unexpected movement during transfer.
8. What is the safest response when a patient says, 'I can get to the bathroom by myself' but has adocumented fall risk?
✓ A. Explain the need for assistance and help the patient safely.B. Agree and leave immediately.
C. Remove the call light.
D. Tell the patient to crawl.
Correct Answer: A ✓
Rationale: Respectful education and assistance protect the patient while maintaining dignity.
9. Which finding suggests an increased risk for falls?
A. Steady gait with normal balance
B. Independent transfer without dizziness
C. Good vision and stable footwear✓ D. Unsteady gait.
Correct Answer: D ✓
Rationale: An unsteady gait directly increases the likelihood of losing balance.
10. Which nursing action helps prevent falls at night?
A. Place the call light outside the room.
✓ B. Provide adequate lighting and keep needed items within reach.C. Keep the floor cluttered.
D. Turn off all lights.
Correct Answer: B ✓
Rationale: Good lighting and accessible equipment reduce nighttime hazards.
11. When should hand hygiene be performed before patient care?
A. Only when gloves are unavailable
✓ B. Before touching the patient or performing an aseptic task.
C. Only at the end of the shift
D. Only after leaving the hospital
Correct Answer: B ✓
Rationale: Hand hygiene before patient contact and aseptic tasks helps prevent transmission of microorganisms.
12. What should the nurse do after removing disposable gloves?
A. Store the gloves for later
B. Touch the face before washing✓ C. Perform hand hygiene.
D. Reuse the gloves
Correct Answer: C ✓
Rationale: Gloves do not replace hand hygiene; hands may become contaminated during glove removal.
13. Which practice helps prevent transmission of infection?
A. Share personal equipment without cleaning
✓ B. Use standard precautions for every patient.
C. Use precautions only for visibly ill patients
D. Skip hand hygiene when wearing gloves
CJE Benchmark Exam 2 • Patient Care Fundamentals • Page 2
, Correct Answer: B ✓
Rationale: Standard precautions apply to all patients because infection status may not be known.
14. Which action is appropriate when a sterile field becomes wet?
✓ A. Consider the contaminated area nonsterile and replace or correct it according to procedure.
B. Dry it with a bare hand
C. Continue because moisture is harmless
D. Cover it with a towel and ignore it
Correct Answer: A ✓
Rationale: Moisture can allow microorganisms to pass through a barrier, compromising sterility.
15. A nurse coughs while preparing a sterile procedure. What should the nurse do?
A. Touch the field to check it
B. Blow across the field to remove droplets
✓ C. Reassess whether the sterile field has been contaminated and take corrective action.
D. Continue without concern
Correct Answer: C ✓
Rationale: Respiratory droplets can contaminate a sterile field, so contamination risk must be addressed.
16. Which action is correct when cleaning reusable patient-care equipment?
A. Share it between patients without processing
B. Use it immediately without cleaning
C. Clean it only once a month
✓ D. Clean and disinfect it according to facility policy before use with another patient.
Correct Answer: D ✓
Rationale: Proper cleaning and disinfection reduce cross-transmission.
17. Which patient-care action requires aseptic technique?
A. Making an occupied bed
B. Brushing the patient's hair
C. Delivering a meal
✓ D. Performing a procedure that enters a sterile body site.
Correct Answer: D ✓
Rationale: Aseptic technique is used when contamination could introduce microorganisms into a sterile site.
18. What is the best way to reduce contamination when opening a sterile package?
✓ A. Open the package without reaching over the sterile contents.
B. Place the sterile contents on the floor
C. Touch the inside with bare hands
D. Reach across the field
Correct Answer: A ✓
Rationale: Avoiding contact with the sterile contents and field preserves sterility.
19. Which statement about alcohol-based hand rub is correct?
A. It is never useful in clinical care
B. It should be used on visibly dirty hands instead of washing
✓ C. It is appropriate when hands are not visibly soiled and the product is used correctly.
D. It replaces all handwashing in every situation
Correct Answer: C ✓
Rationale: Alcohol-based hand rub is effective in many routine situations when hands are not visibly soiled.
20. Why should the nurse avoid touching the face while wearing gloves?
CJE Benchmark Exam 2 • Patient Care Fundamentals • Page 3
, ✓ A. It can transfer microorganisms from the gloves to the face.
B. It improves glove fit
C. It prevents all contamination
D. It makes gloves sterile
Correct Answer: A ✓
Rationale: Gloves can carry microorganisms and should not be used to touch the face or other clean areas unnecessarily.
21. An adult patient's respiratory rate is 28/min. What should the nurse do?
A. Encourage the patient to hold their breath
✓ B. Assess the patient's respiratory status and clinical condition.
C. Ignore it if the patient is awake
D. Document it as normal
Correct Answer: B ✓
Rationale: A respiratory rate of 28/min is elevated for a typical resting adult and warrants assessment.
22. Which pulse finding should be reported for further assessment?
A. A regular pulse of 80/min
✓ B. A new irregular pulse accompanied by symptoms.
C. A regular pulse of 78/min
D. A regular pulse of 72/min
Correct Answer: B ✓
Rationale: A new irregular rhythm, especially with symptoms, may indicate a clinically significant change.
23. Which factor can temporarily increase body temperature?
A. Drinking cool water
✓ B. Recent physical activity.
C. Resting quietly
D. A cool environment
Correct Answer: B ✓
Rationale: Physical activity can increase metabolic heat production and body temperature.
24. When taking a blood pressure, which action improves accuracy?
A. Use any cuff size
✓ B. Use an appropriately sized cuff and position the arm at heart level.
C. Measure over bulky clothing
D. Place the arm far below the heart
Correct Answer: B ✓
Rationale: Correct cuff size and positioning are important for an accurate blood pressure measurement.
25. A patient reports feeling faint after standing. Which vital sign assessment may help evaluate thecause?
A. Measure temperature only
✓ B. Compare blood pressure and pulse in appropriate positions for orthostatic changes.
C. Measure oxygen flow rate
D. Measure weight only
Correct Answer: B ✓
Rationale: Orthostatic measurements can help identify changes associated with position.
CJE Benchmark Exam 2 • Patient Care Fundamentals • Page 4
