LPN Basic Nursing Care Final Exam Version 3 2026 |Rationales
1. When measuring a patient’s blood pressure, the nurse notes that the cuff is
too small for the patient’s arm. What effect will this have on the reading?
A. The reading will be falsely low.
B. The reading will be falsely high.
C. The reading will be accurate if the patient is sitting.
D. The reading will be unaffected.
Answer: B
Rationale: Using a blood pressure cuff that is too small for the patient’s arm circumference
will result in a falsely high blood pressure reading.
2. A nurse is preparing to perform hand hygiene. Which action is the single most
important to prevent the spread of infection?
A. Using hot water to kill bacteria.
B. Applying a large amount of soap.
C. Drying hands with a cloth towel.
D. Friction during washing.
Answer: D
Rationale: Friction is the most important component of handwashing because it physically
removes microorganisms from the skin.
,3. Which position should a patient be placed in to receive an enema?
A. High-Fowler’s position
B. Supine position
C. Prone position
D. Left Sims’ position
Answer: D
Rationale: The left Sims’ position allows the enema solution to flow by gravity into the
sigmoid colon and rectum.
4. When transferring a patient with right-sided weakness from the bed to a
wheelchair, where should the wheelchair be placed?
A. On the patient’s right side.
B. At the foot of the bed.
C. Directly in front of the patient.
D. On the patient’s left side.
Answer: D
Rationale: The wheelchair should be placed on the patient’s stronger (unaffected) side to
provide better stability and support during the transfer.
5. A nurse is caring for an unconscious patient. How often should oral care be
performed?
A. Every 2 hours.
B. Once per shift.
C. Only when the mouth looks dry.
D. Once a day.
Answer: A
Rationale: Unconscious patients often breathe through their mouths and do not have oral
intake, necessitating frequent oral care (every 2 hours) to keep mucosa moist and prevent
infection.
, 6. Which of the following is considered subjective data?
A. Blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg.
B. Oxygen saturation of 95%.
C. A skin rash on the abdomen.
D. A patient’s report of sharp chest pain.
Answer: D
Rationale: Subjective data are things the patient tells the nurse, such as feelings or
symptoms (pain). Objective data are observable and measurable facts.
7. The nurse is assisting a patient with a high risk of aspiration to eat. Which
intervention is most appropriate?
A. Encourage the patient to use a straw.
B. Place the patient in a semi-Fowler’s position.
C. Feed the patient quickly to avoid fatigue.
D. Instruct the patient to tuck their chin when swallowing.
Answer: D
Rationale: Tucking the chin while swallowing helps close the airway and prevent food
from entering the trachea in patients with dysphagia.
8. A patient is on a clear liquid diet. Which of the following items can the nurse
serve?
A. Orange juice with pulp.
B. Vanilla pudding.
C. Apple juice.
D. Cream of mushroom soup.
Answer: C
Rationale: Clear liquids are those you can see through. Apple juice is a clear liquid; orange
juice with pulp, pudding, and cream soups are not.
1. When measuring a patient’s blood pressure, the nurse notes that the cuff is
too small for the patient’s arm. What effect will this have on the reading?
A. The reading will be falsely low.
B. The reading will be falsely high.
C. The reading will be accurate if the patient is sitting.
D. The reading will be unaffected.
Answer: B
Rationale: Using a blood pressure cuff that is too small for the patient’s arm circumference
will result in a falsely high blood pressure reading.
2. A nurse is preparing to perform hand hygiene. Which action is the single most
important to prevent the spread of infection?
A. Using hot water to kill bacteria.
B. Applying a large amount of soap.
C. Drying hands with a cloth towel.
D. Friction during washing.
Answer: D
Rationale: Friction is the most important component of handwashing because it physically
removes microorganisms from the skin.
,3. Which position should a patient be placed in to receive an enema?
A. High-Fowler’s position
B. Supine position
C. Prone position
D. Left Sims’ position
Answer: D
Rationale: The left Sims’ position allows the enema solution to flow by gravity into the
sigmoid colon and rectum.
4. When transferring a patient with right-sided weakness from the bed to a
wheelchair, where should the wheelchair be placed?
A. On the patient’s right side.
B. At the foot of the bed.
C. Directly in front of the patient.
D. On the patient’s left side.
Answer: D
Rationale: The wheelchair should be placed on the patient’s stronger (unaffected) side to
provide better stability and support during the transfer.
5. A nurse is caring for an unconscious patient. How often should oral care be
performed?
A. Every 2 hours.
B. Once per shift.
C. Only when the mouth looks dry.
D. Once a day.
Answer: A
Rationale: Unconscious patients often breathe through their mouths and do not have oral
intake, necessitating frequent oral care (every 2 hours) to keep mucosa moist and prevent
infection.
, 6. Which of the following is considered subjective data?
A. Blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg.
B. Oxygen saturation of 95%.
C. A skin rash on the abdomen.
D. A patient’s report of sharp chest pain.
Answer: D
Rationale: Subjective data are things the patient tells the nurse, such as feelings or
symptoms (pain). Objective data are observable and measurable facts.
7. The nurse is assisting a patient with a high risk of aspiration to eat. Which
intervention is most appropriate?
A. Encourage the patient to use a straw.
B. Place the patient in a semi-Fowler’s position.
C. Feed the patient quickly to avoid fatigue.
D. Instruct the patient to tuck their chin when swallowing.
Answer: D
Rationale: Tucking the chin while swallowing helps close the airway and prevent food
from entering the trachea in patients with dysphagia.
8. A patient is on a clear liquid diet. Which of the following items can the nurse
serve?
A. Orange juice with pulp.
B. Vanilla pudding.
C. Apple juice.
D. Cream of mushroom soup.
Answer: C
Rationale: Clear liquids are those you can see through. Apple juice is a clear liquid; orange
juice with pulp, pudding, and cream soups are not.
