Page 1 of 112
Patient Safety RN 2026/2027 Questions
and Correct Answers with Rationale |
Newest Update | Galen College of
Nursing
Q1. A nurse is preparing a sterile field for a dressing change.
Which action would contaminate the sterile field? (Select all
that apply.)
A) A cotton ball dampened with sterile normal saline is placed on
the field
B) A contaminated instrument touches the outer edge of the
sterile field
C) A sterile instrument is dropped onto the near side of the sterile
field
D) The nurse turns to address the client's question concerning the
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procedure
E) The procedure is postponed for 30 minutes to accommodate
the client
F) A liquid is poured into a sterile container from a distance of
25 cm
Answer: A, D, E, F
Rationale: A wet cotton ball contaminates via capillary action
(strike-through). Turning away loses sight of the field,
compromising sterility. Postponing for 30 minutes compromises
sterility over time. Pouring from 25 cm causes splashing,
contaminating the field. Touching the outer 1-inch border of the
field (B) does NOT contaminate as it is the unsterile edge.
Dropping onto the near side (C) is acceptable if it lands within
the sterile boundary .
,Page 3 of 112
Q2. A nurse is caring for a client who is at risk for falls. Which
action should the nurse take?
A) Keep the bed in the lowest position
B) Keep all four side rails up at night
C) Leave the call light out of reach
D) Keep the room dark to promote sleep
Answer: A
Rationale: Keeping the bed in the lowest position reduces the risk
of injury if the client attempts to get out of bed. The call light
should be within reach. All four side rails up is considered a
restraint. Adequate lighting is important for safety .
Q3. A nurse is preparing to administer a medication to a
client. Which action should the nurse take first?
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A) Check the medication against the medication administration
record (MAR)
B) Identify the client using two identifiers
C) Assess the client's allergies
D) Open the medication packaging
Answer: B
Rationale: Patient safety begins with correct identification. The
nurse should use two identifiers (e.g., name, date of birth,
medical record number) before administering any medication to
ensure the right patient receives the right medication .
Q4. When turning an immobile bedridden client without
assistance, which action by the nurse best ensures client
safety?
A) Securely grasp the client's arm and leg
B) Put bed rails up on the side of bed opposite from the nurse
Patient Safety RN 2026/2027 Questions
and Correct Answers with Rationale |
Newest Update | Galen College of
Nursing
Q1. A nurse is preparing a sterile field for a dressing change.
Which action would contaminate the sterile field? (Select all
that apply.)
A) A cotton ball dampened with sterile normal saline is placed on
the field
B) A contaminated instrument touches the outer edge of the
sterile field
C) A sterile instrument is dropped onto the near side of the sterile
field
D) The nurse turns to address the client's question concerning the
,Page 2 of 112
procedure
E) The procedure is postponed for 30 minutes to accommodate
the client
F) A liquid is poured into a sterile container from a distance of
25 cm
Answer: A, D, E, F
Rationale: A wet cotton ball contaminates via capillary action
(strike-through). Turning away loses sight of the field,
compromising sterility. Postponing for 30 minutes compromises
sterility over time. Pouring from 25 cm causes splashing,
contaminating the field. Touching the outer 1-inch border of the
field (B) does NOT contaminate as it is the unsterile edge.
Dropping onto the near side (C) is acceptable if it lands within
the sterile boundary .
,Page 3 of 112
Q2. A nurse is caring for a client who is at risk for falls. Which
action should the nurse take?
A) Keep the bed in the lowest position
B) Keep all four side rails up at night
C) Leave the call light out of reach
D) Keep the room dark to promote sleep
Answer: A
Rationale: Keeping the bed in the lowest position reduces the risk
of injury if the client attempts to get out of bed. The call light
should be within reach. All four side rails up is considered a
restraint. Adequate lighting is important for safety .
Q3. A nurse is preparing to administer a medication to a
client. Which action should the nurse take first?
, Page 4 of 112
A) Check the medication against the medication administration
record (MAR)
B) Identify the client using two identifiers
C) Assess the client's allergies
D) Open the medication packaging
Answer: B
Rationale: Patient safety begins with correct identification. The
nurse should use two identifiers (e.g., name, date of birth,
medical record number) before administering any medication to
ensure the right patient receives the right medication .
Q4. When turning an immobile bedridden client without
assistance, which action by the nurse best ensures client
safety?
A) Securely grasp the client's arm and leg
B) Put bed rails up on the side of bed opposite from the nurse
