1 M A X E • S L AT N E M A D N U F
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Nursing Fundamentals Assessment
N Comprehensive Examination — Exam 1
EST. 2026
E XC E L L E N C E I N N U RS I N G E D U C AT I O N
Fundamentals of Nursing — Exam 1
H Y G I E N E , S A F E T Y, I N F E C T I O N CO N T R O L , N U R S I N G P R O C E S S & W O U N D C A R E
INSTITUTION Nursing Fundamentals Assessment COURSE CODE Fundamentals of Nursing — Exam 1
PROGRAM Practical Nursing (PN) / Associate Degree ACADEMIC YEAR
in Nursing (ADN)
EXAM TITLE Fundamentals of Nursing Exam 1 TOTAL QUESTIONS 50 Questions
COURSE TITLE Fundamentals of Nursing FORMAT Multiple Choice — Select the Single Best
Answer
EXAMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
▸ Select the single best answer for each question unless otherwise instructed.
▸ Select all that apply questions are indicated — choose every correct option.
▸ Questions cover hygiene, safety, infection control, nursing process, and wound care.
▸ Correct answers and clinical rationales appear below each question for review purposes.
▸ All content reflects current evidence-based nursing practice and ANA standards.
SECTION I — FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING COMPREHENSIVE Questions 1 –
EXAMINATION 50
1. The nurse is assessing a patient's oral cavity and notes painful inflammation of the oral mucous membranes. Which
term describes this finding?
A. Xerostomia.
B. Mucositis.
C. Gingivitis.
D. Cheilitis.
CORRECT ANSWER B — Mucositis.
RATIONALE Mucositis is defined as painful inflammation of the oral mucous membranes, commonly seen in patients
receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy to the head and neck. Xerostomia is dry mouth. Gingivitis is
inflammation of the gums. Cheilitis is cracked lips. Each term describes a distinct oral condition that requires
specific nursing assessment and intervention.
,2. Which of the following factors influence personal hygiene? (Select all that apply.)
A. Health status.
B. Social and cultural practices.
C. Socioeconomic status.
D. Personal preferences and body image.
E. Developmental stage and physical condition.
CORRECT ANSWER A, B, C, D, E — All of the above.
RATIONALE Personal hygiene is influenced by multiple interconnected factors: health status (acute illness or chronic
conditions may limit self-care ability), social and cultural practices (cultural norms around bathing, hair care),
socioeconomic status (access to hygiene products, running water), personal preferences and body image
(individual routines, appearance values), developmental stage (children vs. older adults have different
needs), and physical condition (mobility, cognition, sensory deficits). The nurse must assess all these
domains to provide individualized hygiene care.
3. What safety principle should the nurse follow when performing hygiene care?
A. Work from the dirtiest area to the cleanest area.
B. Perform hygiene measures from cleanest to less clean areas.
C. Complete hygiene as quickly as possible regardless of order.
D. Defer all hygiene to the nursing assistant.
CORRECT ANSWER B — Perform hygiene measures from cleanest to less clean areas.
RATIONALE The "clean to dirty" principle prevents the spread of microorganisms from contaminated areas to cleaner
areas. For example, when providing perineal care, the nurse cleans from the pubic area toward the rectum
(front to back) to avoid introducing fecal bacteria into the urethra. The nurse should also change water and
gloves between cleaning different body areas. This principle is a fundamental infection prevention strategy.
4. Before providing oral hygiene or shaving a patient, which laboratory value should the nurse review?
A. Blood glucose.
B. Serum potassium.
C. Coagulation studies.
D. Liver function tests.
CORRECT ANSWER C — Coagulation studies.
RATIONALE Before performing oral care with flossing or shaving with a razor, the nurse must check coagulation studies
(PT/INR, aPTT, platelet count). Patients with thrombocytopenia or on anticoagulant therapy are at high risk for
bleeding from minor trauma. A soft toothbrush or sponge toothette should be used instead of flossing, and an
electric razor should be used instead of a blade if bleeding risk is present. Safety assessment precedes
intervention.
, 5. The nurse is teaching a patient with diabetes about foot care. Which instruction is correct?
A. "Apply lotion liberally between your toes to prevent cracking."
B. "Cut your toenails in a curved shape to prevent ingrown nails."
C. "Inspect your feet daily and cut toenails straight across."
D. "Self-treat corns and calluses with over-the-counter remedies."
CORRECT ANSWER C — "Inspect your feet daily and cut toenails straight across."
RATIONALE Proper diabetic foot care includes: inspect feet daily (using a mirror if needed to see the soles), cut toenails
straight across (not curved — prevents ingrown nails), do NOT apply lotion between toes (moisture promotes
fungal growth), and avoid self-treating corns/calluses (seek professional podiatry care — self-treatment can
cause wounds that heal poorly in diabetics). Daily foot inspection is critical because peripheral neuropathy
may prevent the patient from feeling injuries.
6. What special consideration should the nurse take when providing hygiene care for older adults?
A. Bathe them daily with hot water to ensure thorough cleansing.
B. Their skin is thinner and drier and cannot tolerate frequent bathing.
C. Dentures do not need special care because they are artificial.
D. Older adults have a lower incidence of oral disease.
CORRECT ANSWER B — Their skin is thinner and drier and cannot tolerate frequent bathing.
RATIONALE Older adults have thinner, drier skin with decreased sebaceous gland activity. Frequent bathing with hot
water strips natural oils and worsens dryness, leading to pruritus and skin breakdown. Bathing 2–3 times per
week with tepid water and mild soap is generally sufficient. Dentures require meticulous daily cleaning and
must fit properly to prevent oral ulceration and infection. Older adults have a higher (not lower) incidence of
oral disease and infection.
7. What is the nurse's priority when a patient is placed in restraints?
A. Ensure restraints are tight enough to prevent any movement.
B. Reassess the patient at least every 2 hours.
C. Leave the patient alone to reduce stimulation.
D. Remove restraints only at the end of the shift.
CORRECT ANSWER B — Reassess the patient at least every 2 hours.
RATIONALE Restraints are a last-resort safety intervention requiring strict monitoring. Federal guidelines mandate
reassessment at least every 2 hours (more frequently for violent/self-destructive patients). The nurse must
check circulation, skin integrity, ROM, offer food/fluids, provide toileting, assess vital signs, and evaluate the
continued need for restraints. Restraints must never interfere with treatment, must fit properly, and must be
easy to remove. A provider order is required every 24 hours. Informed consent from the patient or guardian is
necessary.
★ ★
Nursing Fundamentals Assessment
N Comprehensive Examination — Exam 1
EST. 2026
E XC E L L E N C E I N N U RS I N G E D U C AT I O N
Fundamentals of Nursing — Exam 1
H Y G I E N E , S A F E T Y, I N F E C T I O N CO N T R O L , N U R S I N G P R O C E S S & W O U N D C A R E
INSTITUTION Nursing Fundamentals Assessment COURSE CODE Fundamentals of Nursing — Exam 1
PROGRAM Practical Nursing (PN) / Associate Degree ACADEMIC YEAR
in Nursing (ADN)
EXAM TITLE Fundamentals of Nursing Exam 1 TOTAL QUESTIONS 50 Questions
COURSE TITLE Fundamentals of Nursing FORMAT Multiple Choice — Select the Single Best
Answer
EXAMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
▸ Select the single best answer for each question unless otherwise instructed.
▸ Select all that apply questions are indicated — choose every correct option.
▸ Questions cover hygiene, safety, infection control, nursing process, and wound care.
▸ Correct answers and clinical rationales appear below each question for review purposes.
▸ All content reflects current evidence-based nursing practice and ANA standards.
SECTION I — FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING COMPREHENSIVE Questions 1 –
EXAMINATION 50
1. The nurse is assessing a patient's oral cavity and notes painful inflammation of the oral mucous membranes. Which
term describes this finding?
A. Xerostomia.
B. Mucositis.
C. Gingivitis.
D. Cheilitis.
CORRECT ANSWER B — Mucositis.
RATIONALE Mucositis is defined as painful inflammation of the oral mucous membranes, commonly seen in patients
receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy to the head and neck. Xerostomia is dry mouth. Gingivitis is
inflammation of the gums. Cheilitis is cracked lips. Each term describes a distinct oral condition that requires
specific nursing assessment and intervention.
,2. Which of the following factors influence personal hygiene? (Select all that apply.)
A. Health status.
B. Social and cultural practices.
C. Socioeconomic status.
D. Personal preferences and body image.
E. Developmental stage and physical condition.
CORRECT ANSWER A, B, C, D, E — All of the above.
RATIONALE Personal hygiene is influenced by multiple interconnected factors: health status (acute illness or chronic
conditions may limit self-care ability), social and cultural practices (cultural norms around bathing, hair care),
socioeconomic status (access to hygiene products, running water), personal preferences and body image
(individual routines, appearance values), developmental stage (children vs. older adults have different
needs), and physical condition (mobility, cognition, sensory deficits). The nurse must assess all these
domains to provide individualized hygiene care.
3. What safety principle should the nurse follow when performing hygiene care?
A. Work from the dirtiest area to the cleanest area.
B. Perform hygiene measures from cleanest to less clean areas.
C. Complete hygiene as quickly as possible regardless of order.
D. Defer all hygiene to the nursing assistant.
CORRECT ANSWER B — Perform hygiene measures from cleanest to less clean areas.
RATIONALE The "clean to dirty" principle prevents the spread of microorganisms from contaminated areas to cleaner
areas. For example, when providing perineal care, the nurse cleans from the pubic area toward the rectum
(front to back) to avoid introducing fecal bacteria into the urethra. The nurse should also change water and
gloves between cleaning different body areas. This principle is a fundamental infection prevention strategy.
4. Before providing oral hygiene or shaving a patient, which laboratory value should the nurse review?
A. Blood glucose.
B. Serum potassium.
C. Coagulation studies.
D. Liver function tests.
CORRECT ANSWER C — Coagulation studies.
RATIONALE Before performing oral care with flossing or shaving with a razor, the nurse must check coagulation studies
(PT/INR, aPTT, platelet count). Patients with thrombocytopenia or on anticoagulant therapy are at high risk for
bleeding from minor trauma. A soft toothbrush or sponge toothette should be used instead of flossing, and an
electric razor should be used instead of a blade if bleeding risk is present. Safety assessment precedes
intervention.
, 5. The nurse is teaching a patient with diabetes about foot care. Which instruction is correct?
A. "Apply lotion liberally between your toes to prevent cracking."
B. "Cut your toenails in a curved shape to prevent ingrown nails."
C. "Inspect your feet daily and cut toenails straight across."
D. "Self-treat corns and calluses with over-the-counter remedies."
CORRECT ANSWER C — "Inspect your feet daily and cut toenails straight across."
RATIONALE Proper diabetic foot care includes: inspect feet daily (using a mirror if needed to see the soles), cut toenails
straight across (not curved — prevents ingrown nails), do NOT apply lotion between toes (moisture promotes
fungal growth), and avoid self-treating corns/calluses (seek professional podiatry care — self-treatment can
cause wounds that heal poorly in diabetics). Daily foot inspection is critical because peripheral neuropathy
may prevent the patient from feeling injuries.
6. What special consideration should the nurse take when providing hygiene care for older adults?
A. Bathe them daily with hot water to ensure thorough cleansing.
B. Their skin is thinner and drier and cannot tolerate frequent bathing.
C. Dentures do not need special care because they are artificial.
D. Older adults have a lower incidence of oral disease.
CORRECT ANSWER B — Their skin is thinner and drier and cannot tolerate frequent bathing.
RATIONALE Older adults have thinner, drier skin with decreased sebaceous gland activity. Frequent bathing with hot
water strips natural oils and worsens dryness, leading to pruritus and skin breakdown. Bathing 2–3 times per
week with tepid water and mild soap is generally sufficient. Dentures require meticulous daily cleaning and
must fit properly to prevent oral ulceration and infection. Older adults have a higher (not lower) incidence of
oral disease and infection.
7. What is the nurse's priority when a patient is placed in restraints?
A. Ensure restraints are tight enough to prevent any movement.
B. Reassess the patient at least every 2 hours.
C. Leave the patient alone to reduce stimulation.
D. Remove restraints only at the end of the shift.
CORRECT ANSWER B — Reassess the patient at least every 2 hours.
RATIONALE Restraints are a last-resort safety intervention requiring strict monitoring. Federal guidelines mandate
reassessment at least every 2 hours (more frequently for violent/self-destructive patients). The nurse must
check circulation, skin integrity, ROM, offer food/fluids, provide toileting, assess vital signs, and evaluate the
continued need for restraints. Restraints must never interfere with treatment, must fit properly, and must be
easy to remove. A provider order is required every 24 hours. Informed consent from the patient or guardian is
necessary.
