1
NCCQ UK THEORY PAST PAPER PRACTICE
Actual Exam 2026/2027 100 Questions with
Complete Solutions Verified Answers Pass
Guaranteed - A+ Graded
Section 1: NCCQ Theory Practice
Q1: A nursing cadet is preparing to take a patient's oral temperature. Which action demonstrates
correct technique?
A. Placing the thermometer under the tongue for 1 minute
B. Ensuring the patient has not consumed hot or cold liquids in the past 15 minutes and placing
under tongue for appropriate time [CORRECT]
C. Placing the thermometer in the cheek pouch for quick measurement
D. Taking the temperature immediately after the patient drinks tea
Rationale: Oral temperature measurement requires avoiding hot or cold substances for 15
minutes prior to prevent false readings. The thermometer must be placed correctly under the
tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket for the manufacturer's recommended time to ensure
accuracy.
Q2: A patient has been prescribed 500mg of amoxicillin to be given orally. The available tablets
are 250mg each. How many tablets should the cadet administer?
A. 1 tablet
B. 2 tablets [CORRECT]
C. 3 tablets
D. 4 tablets
Rationale: The required dose is 500mg and each tablet contains 250mg. Simple division (500 ÷
250 = 2) determines that 2 tablets are needed to achieve the prescribed dose.
Q3: When performing hand hygiene using the WHO 5 Moments, which moment occurs after
touching a patient's intact skin?
A. Before touching a patient
B. After touching a patient [CORRECT]
,2
C. After touching patient surroundings
D. Before clean/aseptic procedure
Rationale: The WHO 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene specifies that hand hygiene must be
performed after touching a patient, as intact skin can still harbour microorganisms that may
transfer to the healthcare worker or environment.
Q4: A nursing cadet observes a patient who appears pale, is sweating, and reports feeling dizzy.
The radial pulse is weak and rapid. These signs most likely indicate:
A. Hypertension
B. Shock or impending collapse [CORRECT]
C. Hyperglycaemia
D. Deep vein thrombosis
Rationale: Pale, clammy skin, dizziness, and a weak rapid pulse are classic signs of shock or
circulatory collapse, indicating inadequate tissue perfusion. This requires immediate nursing
intervention and escalation to registered staff.
Q5: According to the NMC Code (2018), which of the following is a professional duty of nursing
staff?
A. To ensure all tasks are completed as quickly as possible
B. To prioritise people, practise effectively, preserve safety, and promote professionalism and
trust [CORRECT]
C. To follow medical orders without question
D. To maintain professional boundaries by avoiding all patient contact
Rationale: The NMC Code establishes four pillars of practice: prioritise people, practise
effectively, preserve safety, and promote professionalism and trust. These guide professional
behaviour and decision-making for all registered nurses and midwives.
Q6: A patient requires assistance with personal hygiene. The cadet should ensure:
A. The door remains open for observation
B. Privacy and dignity are maintained throughout, with curtains closed and explanations given
[CORRECT]
C. Family members are present to assist
D. The procedure is completed as rapidly as possible
,3
Rationale: Maintaining privacy and dignity is fundamental to person-centred care. This includes
closing curtains or doors, explaining procedures, seeking consent, and exposing only the body
area being washed.
Q7: The normal range for adult respiratory rate at rest is:
A. 8-12 breaths per minute
B. 12-20 breaths per minute [CORRECT]
C. 20-30 breaths per minute
D. 30-40 breaths per minute
Rationale: The normal respiratory rate for a healthy adult at rest is 12-20 breaths per minute.
Rates below 12 (bradypnoea) or above 20 (tachypnoea) may indicate underlying pathology
requiring further assessment.
Q8: A nursing cadet is assisting with feeding a patient who has dysphagia. Which position is
most appropriate?
A. Supine with head flat
B. Upright at 90 degrees with chin slightly tucked [CORRECT]
C. Lying on the side with head elevated 15 degrees
D. Trendelenburg position
Rationale: The upright position at 90 degrees with chin tuck facilitates the swallowing reflex,
uses gravity to assist food passage, and reduces aspiration risk. This is the recommended position
for patients with swallowing difficulties.
Q9: Under the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018, patient information may be shared:
A. With any healthcare professional who requests it
B. Only with those who have a legitimate need to know for care provision, with patient consent
or lawful basis [CORRECT]
C. With family members who telephone the ward
D. On social media if names are removed
Rationale: Confidential information may only be shared with those who have a legitimate need
for direct care, with appropriate consent or another lawful basis. This maintains patient
confidentiality while enabling necessary information flow.
Q10: A patient has a blood pressure reading of 142/88 mmHg. According to NICE guidelines,
this would be classified as:
, 4
A. Normal
B. Stage 1 hypertension [CORRECT]
C. Stage 2 hypertension
D. Hypertensive crisis
Rationale: NICE guidelines classify clinic blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher as
hypertension. Stage 1 is 140/90 to 159/99 mmHg. Stage 2 is 160/100 mmHg or higher. This
reading of 142/88 meets Stage 1 criteria (note: diastolic 88 is borderline but systolic 142
confirms classification).
Q11: When applying a pulse oximeter, the cadet should place the probe:
A. On the earlobe only
B. On a warm, well-perfused finger or toe, avoiding nail varnish [CORRECT]
C. On the patient's forehead regardless of perfusion
D. On a cold, cyanosed digit for best reading
Rationale: Pulse oximetry requires adequate peripheral perfusion. The probe should be placed on
a warm, well-perfused digit, and nail varnish should be removed as it may interfere with light
transmission and accuracy.
Q12: A patient is prescribed fluid restriction of 1500ml per 24 hours. The cadet should:
A. Provide fluids ad libitum and document intake
B. Monitor and record all fluid intake accurately, spacing fluids throughout the day [CORRECT]
C. Restrict all fluids completely
D. Allow the patient to determine their own limit
Rationale: Fluid restriction requires accurate measurement and recording of all oral intake, with
fluids spaced throughout the day to prevent thirst and maintain hydration within prescribed
limits. This requires coordination with registered nurses.
Q13: The correct compression depth for adult chest compressions during CPR is:
A. 2-3 cm
B. 4-5 cm
C. 5-6 cm [CORRECT]
D. 7-8 cm
NCCQ UK THEORY PAST PAPER PRACTICE
Actual Exam 2026/2027 100 Questions with
Complete Solutions Verified Answers Pass
Guaranteed - A+ Graded
Section 1: NCCQ Theory Practice
Q1: A nursing cadet is preparing to take a patient's oral temperature. Which action demonstrates
correct technique?
A. Placing the thermometer under the tongue for 1 minute
B. Ensuring the patient has not consumed hot or cold liquids in the past 15 minutes and placing
under tongue for appropriate time [CORRECT]
C. Placing the thermometer in the cheek pouch for quick measurement
D. Taking the temperature immediately after the patient drinks tea
Rationale: Oral temperature measurement requires avoiding hot or cold substances for 15
minutes prior to prevent false readings. The thermometer must be placed correctly under the
tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket for the manufacturer's recommended time to ensure
accuracy.
Q2: A patient has been prescribed 500mg of amoxicillin to be given orally. The available tablets
are 250mg each. How many tablets should the cadet administer?
A. 1 tablet
B. 2 tablets [CORRECT]
C. 3 tablets
D. 4 tablets
Rationale: The required dose is 500mg and each tablet contains 250mg. Simple division (500 ÷
250 = 2) determines that 2 tablets are needed to achieve the prescribed dose.
Q3: When performing hand hygiene using the WHO 5 Moments, which moment occurs after
touching a patient's intact skin?
A. Before touching a patient
B. After touching a patient [CORRECT]
,2
C. After touching patient surroundings
D. Before clean/aseptic procedure
Rationale: The WHO 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene specifies that hand hygiene must be
performed after touching a patient, as intact skin can still harbour microorganisms that may
transfer to the healthcare worker or environment.
Q4: A nursing cadet observes a patient who appears pale, is sweating, and reports feeling dizzy.
The radial pulse is weak and rapid. These signs most likely indicate:
A. Hypertension
B. Shock or impending collapse [CORRECT]
C. Hyperglycaemia
D. Deep vein thrombosis
Rationale: Pale, clammy skin, dizziness, and a weak rapid pulse are classic signs of shock or
circulatory collapse, indicating inadequate tissue perfusion. This requires immediate nursing
intervention and escalation to registered staff.
Q5: According to the NMC Code (2018), which of the following is a professional duty of nursing
staff?
A. To ensure all tasks are completed as quickly as possible
B. To prioritise people, practise effectively, preserve safety, and promote professionalism and
trust [CORRECT]
C. To follow medical orders without question
D. To maintain professional boundaries by avoiding all patient contact
Rationale: The NMC Code establishes four pillars of practice: prioritise people, practise
effectively, preserve safety, and promote professionalism and trust. These guide professional
behaviour and decision-making for all registered nurses and midwives.
Q6: A patient requires assistance with personal hygiene. The cadet should ensure:
A. The door remains open for observation
B. Privacy and dignity are maintained throughout, with curtains closed and explanations given
[CORRECT]
C. Family members are present to assist
D. The procedure is completed as rapidly as possible
,3
Rationale: Maintaining privacy and dignity is fundamental to person-centred care. This includes
closing curtains or doors, explaining procedures, seeking consent, and exposing only the body
area being washed.
Q7: The normal range for adult respiratory rate at rest is:
A. 8-12 breaths per minute
B. 12-20 breaths per minute [CORRECT]
C. 20-30 breaths per minute
D. 30-40 breaths per minute
Rationale: The normal respiratory rate for a healthy adult at rest is 12-20 breaths per minute.
Rates below 12 (bradypnoea) or above 20 (tachypnoea) may indicate underlying pathology
requiring further assessment.
Q8: A nursing cadet is assisting with feeding a patient who has dysphagia. Which position is
most appropriate?
A. Supine with head flat
B. Upright at 90 degrees with chin slightly tucked [CORRECT]
C. Lying on the side with head elevated 15 degrees
D. Trendelenburg position
Rationale: The upright position at 90 degrees with chin tuck facilitates the swallowing reflex,
uses gravity to assist food passage, and reduces aspiration risk. This is the recommended position
for patients with swallowing difficulties.
Q9: Under the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018, patient information may be shared:
A. With any healthcare professional who requests it
B. Only with those who have a legitimate need to know for care provision, with patient consent
or lawful basis [CORRECT]
C. With family members who telephone the ward
D. On social media if names are removed
Rationale: Confidential information may only be shared with those who have a legitimate need
for direct care, with appropriate consent or another lawful basis. This maintains patient
confidentiality while enabling necessary information flow.
Q10: A patient has a blood pressure reading of 142/88 mmHg. According to NICE guidelines,
this would be classified as:
, 4
A. Normal
B. Stage 1 hypertension [CORRECT]
C. Stage 2 hypertension
D. Hypertensive crisis
Rationale: NICE guidelines classify clinic blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher as
hypertension. Stage 1 is 140/90 to 159/99 mmHg. Stage 2 is 160/100 mmHg or higher. This
reading of 142/88 meets Stage 1 criteria (note: diastolic 88 is borderline but systolic 142
confirms classification).
Q11: When applying a pulse oximeter, the cadet should place the probe:
A. On the earlobe only
B. On a warm, well-perfused finger or toe, avoiding nail varnish [CORRECT]
C. On the patient's forehead regardless of perfusion
D. On a cold, cyanosed digit for best reading
Rationale: Pulse oximetry requires adequate peripheral perfusion. The probe should be placed on
a warm, well-perfused digit, and nail varnish should be removed as it may interfere with light
transmission and accuracy.
Q12: A patient is prescribed fluid restriction of 1500ml per 24 hours. The cadet should:
A. Provide fluids ad libitum and document intake
B. Monitor and record all fluid intake accurately, spacing fluids throughout the day [CORRECT]
C. Restrict all fluids completely
D. Allow the patient to determine their own limit
Rationale: Fluid restriction requires accurate measurement and recording of all oral intake, with
fluids spaced throughout the day to prevent thirst and maintain hydration within prescribed
limits. This requires coordination with registered nurses.
Q13: The correct compression depth for adult chest compressions during CPR is:
A. 2-3 cm
B. 4-5 cm
C. 5-6 cm [CORRECT]
D. 7-8 cm
