FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE UCONN NURSING
FUNDAMENTALS WITH QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS GRADED A+ 2026
1. A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter for a female patient.
Which action demonstrates the highest priority for infection prevention?
A. Applying sterile gloves before opening the catheter kit
B. Using a new sterile catheter if the first one touches the bed linens
C. Cleaning each labial fold with a single antiseptic swab from front to back
D. Maintaining strict aseptic technique once the sterile field is established
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Strict aseptic technique is the highest priority because the urinary tract
is normally sterile. Option A is incorrect because sterile gloves are applied after
opening the kit. Option B is correct practice but not the highest priority. Option C is
wrong because each swab should be used only once and discarded.
2. A patient post-operative day one reports pain at 7/10. The nurse administers
morphine 2 mg IV. Thirty minutes later, the patient rates pain as 5/10 and is
drowsy but arousable. Respiratory rate is 10 breaths/min. What is the nurse’s
priority action?
A. Administer naloxone immediately
B. Stimulate the patient to breathe deeply
C. Reassess pain in another 30 minutes
D. Document the findings and continue to monitor
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A respiratory rate of 10 is below normal but not an emergency unless
hypoventilation progresses. Stimulating deep breathing helps maintain ventilation.
Naloxone is for severe respiratory depression (RR <8). Waiting 30 minutes delays
intervention. Documentation is important but not the priority.
,3. A nurse is teaching a patient with heart failure about daily weights. Which
statement indicates correct understanding?
A. “I should weigh myself immediately after breakfast each day.”
B. “I need to wear the same type of clothing each time I weigh.”
C. “A gain of 1 pound in a week means I should double my diuretic.”
D. “I can weigh myself at any time as long as it is once daily.”
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Consistent clothing ensures accurate comparison. Weighing should be
done before meals, after voiding, at same time daily. A 2–3 lb gain in 24 hours or 5
lb in a week should be reported, not treated by doubling diuretics. Timing must be
consistent.
4. Which nursing action reflects correct hand hygiene according to CDC guidelines?
A. Using alcohol-based hand rub when hands are visibly soiled
B. Washing hands with soap and water for 10 seconds after removing gloves
C. Performing hand hygiene before inserting a peripheral IV
D. Using alcohol-based hand rub for C. difficile contact precautions
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Hand hygiene is required before any invasive procedure. Alcohol rub is
ineffective for visible soil; soap and water required. CDC recommends 20 seconds
washing. Alcohol rub is not effective against C. diff spores — soap and water
required.
5. A patient has an order for enoxaparin 40 mg subcutaneously daily. The nurse has
80 mg/0.8 mL vial. How many mL should the nurse administer?
A. 0.2 mL
B. 0.4 mL
C. 0.6 mL
D. 0.8 mL
Correct Answer: B
*Explanation: (Desired dose / available dose) × volume = (40 mg / 80 mg) × 0.8
mL = 0.5 × 0.8 = 0.4 mL. Option A would be 20 mg, option C would be 60 mg,
option D is full vial 80 mg.*
,6. A nurse is assessing a patient’s peripheral IV site. Which finding requires
immediate discontinuation of the IV?
A. Mild erythema at insertion site
B. Palpable cord along the vein
C. Slight edema without pain
D. Dried blood under the transparent dressing
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A palpable cord indicates phlebitis or thrombosis requiring immediate
removal. Mild erythema is monitored but not immediate discontinuation. Slight
edema without pain may be early infiltration. Dried blood can be cleaned and
redressed.
7. A patient with a nasogastric tube for gastric decompression has an output of 250
mL over 2 hours. The nurse notes the patient is restless, has dry mucous
membranes, and heart rate 110 bpm. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hypomagnesemia
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: NG suction loses gastric fluids rich in potassium and hydrogen ions,
leading to hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis. Hypernatremia occurs with water
loss without sodium loss. Hypercalcemia is unrelated. Hypomagnesemia possible
but less common and not first concern.
8. A nurse is providing oral care for an unconscious patient. Which action is most
important?
A. Using lemon-glycerin swabs to moisten lips
B. Positioning the patient supine for easier access
C. Placing the patient in side-lying position with head lowered
D. Brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste and minimal water
Correct Answer: C
, Explanation: Side-lying with head lowered prevents aspiration of fluids. Lemon-
glycerin swabs can dry mucosa and are not recommended. Supine increases
aspiration risk. Fluoride toothpaste is fine but aspiration prevention is priority.
9. A patient receiving a blood transfusion develops chills, fever, and low back pain
30 minutes after start. Vital signs: BP 100/60, HR 110, RR 24. What is the nurse’s
priority action?
A. Slow the transfusion rate to 50 mL/hr
B. Stop the transfusion and keep the IV line open with saline
C. Administer acetaminophen as prescribed and continue transfusion
D. Flush the IV line with heparin to prevent clotting
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: These symptoms suggest acute hemolytic or febrile reaction. Stop
transfusion immediately, maintain IV access with saline, notify provider. Slowing
transfusion delays treatment. Acetaminophen is for mild febrile reactions only after
reaction ruled out. Heparin flush is not indicated.
10. A nurse is calculating intake for a patient. The patient drank 8 oz of water, 6 oz of
coffee, and 4 oz of ice chips. How many mL should the nurse document as total
intake?
A. 540 mL
B. 480 mL
C. 450 mL
D. 600 mL
Correct Answer: A
*Explanation: 8 oz = 240 mL, 6 oz = 180 mL, ice chips = 4 oz = half volume
(melted) = 2 oz = 60 mL. Total = 240+180+60 = 480? Wait — correction: 8+6
=14 oz = 420 mL + ice chips: 4 oz ice chips = 4 oz volume but when melted = 2
oz = 60 mL, total 480 mL? Let’s recalc carefully: standard conversion 1 oz = 30
mL. 8 oz water = 240 mL. 6 oz coffee = 180 mL. Ice chips: 4 oz = 120 mL volume
as chips, but intake counted as half when melted = 60 mL. Total = 240+180+60 =
480 mL. The correct answer is 480 mL not 540. (Answer A 540 is incorrect — my
error). Correct is B 480 mL. I will correct:**
Correct Answer: B
FUNDAMENTALS WITH QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS GRADED A+ 2026
1. A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter for a female patient.
Which action demonstrates the highest priority for infection prevention?
A. Applying sterile gloves before opening the catheter kit
B. Using a new sterile catheter if the first one touches the bed linens
C. Cleaning each labial fold with a single antiseptic swab from front to back
D. Maintaining strict aseptic technique once the sterile field is established
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Strict aseptic technique is the highest priority because the urinary tract
is normally sterile. Option A is incorrect because sterile gloves are applied after
opening the kit. Option B is correct practice but not the highest priority. Option C is
wrong because each swab should be used only once and discarded.
2. A patient post-operative day one reports pain at 7/10. The nurse administers
morphine 2 mg IV. Thirty minutes later, the patient rates pain as 5/10 and is
drowsy but arousable. Respiratory rate is 10 breaths/min. What is the nurse’s
priority action?
A. Administer naloxone immediately
B. Stimulate the patient to breathe deeply
C. Reassess pain in another 30 minutes
D. Document the findings and continue to monitor
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A respiratory rate of 10 is below normal but not an emergency unless
hypoventilation progresses. Stimulating deep breathing helps maintain ventilation.
Naloxone is for severe respiratory depression (RR <8). Waiting 30 minutes delays
intervention. Documentation is important but not the priority.
,3. A nurse is teaching a patient with heart failure about daily weights. Which
statement indicates correct understanding?
A. “I should weigh myself immediately after breakfast each day.”
B. “I need to wear the same type of clothing each time I weigh.”
C. “A gain of 1 pound in a week means I should double my diuretic.”
D. “I can weigh myself at any time as long as it is once daily.”
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Consistent clothing ensures accurate comparison. Weighing should be
done before meals, after voiding, at same time daily. A 2–3 lb gain in 24 hours or 5
lb in a week should be reported, not treated by doubling diuretics. Timing must be
consistent.
4. Which nursing action reflects correct hand hygiene according to CDC guidelines?
A. Using alcohol-based hand rub when hands are visibly soiled
B. Washing hands with soap and water for 10 seconds after removing gloves
C. Performing hand hygiene before inserting a peripheral IV
D. Using alcohol-based hand rub for C. difficile contact precautions
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Hand hygiene is required before any invasive procedure. Alcohol rub is
ineffective for visible soil; soap and water required. CDC recommends 20 seconds
washing. Alcohol rub is not effective against C. diff spores — soap and water
required.
5. A patient has an order for enoxaparin 40 mg subcutaneously daily. The nurse has
80 mg/0.8 mL vial. How many mL should the nurse administer?
A. 0.2 mL
B. 0.4 mL
C. 0.6 mL
D. 0.8 mL
Correct Answer: B
*Explanation: (Desired dose / available dose) × volume = (40 mg / 80 mg) × 0.8
mL = 0.5 × 0.8 = 0.4 mL. Option A would be 20 mg, option C would be 60 mg,
option D is full vial 80 mg.*
,6. A nurse is assessing a patient’s peripheral IV site. Which finding requires
immediate discontinuation of the IV?
A. Mild erythema at insertion site
B. Palpable cord along the vein
C. Slight edema without pain
D. Dried blood under the transparent dressing
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A palpable cord indicates phlebitis or thrombosis requiring immediate
removal. Mild erythema is monitored but not immediate discontinuation. Slight
edema without pain may be early infiltration. Dried blood can be cleaned and
redressed.
7. A patient with a nasogastric tube for gastric decompression has an output of 250
mL over 2 hours. The nurse notes the patient is restless, has dry mucous
membranes, and heart rate 110 bpm. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hypomagnesemia
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: NG suction loses gastric fluids rich in potassium and hydrogen ions,
leading to hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis. Hypernatremia occurs with water
loss without sodium loss. Hypercalcemia is unrelated. Hypomagnesemia possible
but less common and not first concern.
8. A nurse is providing oral care for an unconscious patient. Which action is most
important?
A. Using lemon-glycerin swabs to moisten lips
B. Positioning the patient supine for easier access
C. Placing the patient in side-lying position with head lowered
D. Brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste and minimal water
Correct Answer: C
, Explanation: Side-lying with head lowered prevents aspiration of fluids. Lemon-
glycerin swabs can dry mucosa and are not recommended. Supine increases
aspiration risk. Fluoride toothpaste is fine but aspiration prevention is priority.
9. A patient receiving a blood transfusion develops chills, fever, and low back pain
30 minutes after start. Vital signs: BP 100/60, HR 110, RR 24. What is the nurse’s
priority action?
A. Slow the transfusion rate to 50 mL/hr
B. Stop the transfusion and keep the IV line open with saline
C. Administer acetaminophen as prescribed and continue transfusion
D. Flush the IV line with heparin to prevent clotting
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: These symptoms suggest acute hemolytic or febrile reaction. Stop
transfusion immediately, maintain IV access with saline, notify provider. Slowing
transfusion delays treatment. Acetaminophen is for mild febrile reactions only after
reaction ruled out. Heparin flush is not indicated.
10. A nurse is calculating intake for a patient. The patient drank 8 oz of water, 6 oz of
coffee, and 4 oz of ice chips. How many mL should the nurse document as total
intake?
A. 540 mL
B. 480 mL
C. 450 mL
D. 600 mL
Correct Answer: A
*Explanation: 8 oz = 240 mL, 6 oz = 180 mL, ice chips = 4 oz = half volume
(melted) = 2 oz = 60 mL. Total = 240+180+60 = 480? Wait — correction: 8+6
=14 oz = 420 mL + ice chips: 4 oz ice chips = 4 oz volume but when melted = 2
oz = 60 mL, total 480 mL? Let’s recalc carefully: standard conversion 1 oz = 30
mL. 8 oz water = 240 mL. 6 oz coffee = 180 mL. Ice chips: 4 oz = 120 mL volume
as chips, but intake counted as half when melted = 60 mL. Total = 240+180+60 =
480 mL. The correct answer is 480 mL not 540. (Answer A 540 is incorrect — my
error). Correct is B 480 mL. I will correct:**
Correct Answer: B
