Nursing Fundamentals First Exam Study Questions and Answers with Rationales 2026.doc

Nursing Fundamentals
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First Exam Study
Questions and Answers
with Rationales 2026

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,A patient has been on bed rest for over 4 days. On assessment, the nurse identifies the following as a sign
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associated with immobility:* k k




A. Decreased peristalsis
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B. Decreased heart rate
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C. Increased blood pressure
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D. Increased urinary output - correct answer*Answer: A*
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Rationale: Immobility disrupts normal metabolic functioning: decreasing the metabolic rate; altering the
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metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins; causing fluid, electrolyte, and calcium imbalances; and k k k k k k k k k k k k k




causing gastrointestinal disturbances such as decreased appetite and slowing of peristalsis.
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*A nurse is caring for an older adult who has had a fractured hip repaired. In the first few postoperative days,
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which of the following nursing measures will best facilitate the resumption of activities of daily living for this
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patient?*

A. Encouraging use of an overhead trapeze for positioning and transfer.
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B. Frequent family visits
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C. Assisting the patient to a wheelchair once per day
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D. Ensuring that there is an order for physical therapy - correct answer*Answer: A*
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Rationale: The trapeze bar allows the patient to pull with the upper extremities to raise the trunk off the bed,
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aid in transfer from bed to wheelchair, or perform upper-arm exercises. It increases independence and
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maintains upper body strength to help in performing activities of daily living.
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*An older-adult patient has been bedridden for 2 weeks. Which of the following complaints by the patient
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indicates to the nurse that he or she is developing a complication of immobility?*
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A. Loss of appetite
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B. Gum soreness
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C. Difficulty swallowing
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D. Left-ankle joint stiffness - correct answer*Answer: D*
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Rationale: Patients whose mobility is restricted require range-of-motion (ROM) exercises daily to reduce the
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hazards of immobility. Temporary immobilization results in some muscle atrophy, loss of muscle tone, and
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joint stiffness. Two weeks of joint immobilization without ROM can quickly result in contractures.
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*The nurse is caring for a patient whose calcium intake must increase because of high risk factors for
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osteoporosis. Which of the following menus should the nurse recommend?* k k k k k k k k k

, A. Cream of broccoli soup with whole wheat crackers, cheese, and tapioca for dessert
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B. Hot dog on whole wheat bun with a side salad and an apple for dessert
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C. Low-fat turkey chili with sour cream with a side salad and fresh pears for dessert
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D. Turkey salad on toast with tomato and lettuce and honey bun for dessert - correct answer*Answer: A*
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Rationale: Teach patient and/or caregiver the current recommended dietary allowances for calcium and
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review foods high in calcium (e.g., milk fortified with vitamin D, leafy green vegetables, yogurt, and cheese).
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*A patient on prolonged bed rest is at an increased risk to develop this common complication of immobility if
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preventive measures are not taken:* k k k k




A. Myoclonus
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B. Pathological fractures
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C. Pressure ulcers
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D. Pruritus - correct answer*Answer: C*
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Rationale: Immobility is a major risk factor for pressure ulcers. Any break in the integrity of the skin is difficult
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to heal. Preventing a pressure ulcer is much less expensive than treating one; therefore preventive nursing
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interventions are imperative. k k




*To prevent complications of immobility, what would be the most effective activity on the first postoperative
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day for a patient who has had abdominal surgery?*
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A. Turn, cough, and deep breathe every 30 minutes while awake
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B. Ambulate patient to chair in the hall
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C. Passive range of motion 4 times a day
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D. Immobility is not a concern the first postoperative day - correct answer*Answer: B*
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Rationale: Prevention of complications of immobility begins when the patient becomes immobilized. Every
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30 minutes is not necessary and disruptive to the healing process. Active patient participation in exercises is
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more beneficial to preventing venous stasis.
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*Which of the following nursing interventions should be implemented to maintain a patent airway in a patient
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on bed rest?*
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A. Isometric exercises
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B. Administration of low-dose heparin
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C. Suctioning every 4 hours
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