NCLEX-RN + NEW YORK RN LICENSURE
FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING PRACTICE EXAM | 100
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS & RATIONALES (2026 EDITION)
1. A nurse is preparing to administer an oral medication. Which action should
be performed first?
A. Verify the patient's allergies
B. Administer the medication
C. Document administration
D. Assess the patient's response
Answer: A. Verify the patient's allergies
Rationale: Checking allergies before medication administration helps prevent
potentially life-threatening allergic reactions.
2. Which principle is most important when performing hand hygiene?
A. Wash only when hands appear dirty
B. Perform hand hygiene before and after patient contact
C. Wear gloves instead of washing hands
D. Use water only
Answer: B. Perform hand hygiene before and after patient contact
Rationale: Proper hand hygiene before and after patient contact is the most
effective way to prevent healthcare-associated infections.
3. A patient has a physician's order for bed rest. Which nursing intervention
best prevents pressure injuries?
A. Restrict fluid intake
B. Reposition every 2 hours
C. Massage reddened skin
D. Limit range-of-motion exercises
Answer: B. Reposition every 2 hours
,Rationale: Frequent repositioning relieves pressure over bony prominences and
reduces tissue ischemia.
4. Which pulse site is commonly used during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in
adults?
A. Radial
B. Brachial
C. Carotid
D. Femoral
Answer: C. Carotid
Rationale: The carotid artery is the recommended pulse site to assess circulation
during adult CPR.
5. Which action demonstrates proper patient identification before a
procedure?
A. Ask the roommate to identify the patient
B. Use the patient's room number
C. Compare two identifiers with the medical record
D. Identify the patient by diagnosis
Answer: C. Compare two identifiers with the medical record
Rationale: Using at least two approved identifiers ensures correct patient
identification.
6. A nurse is caring for a patient with a fall risk. Which intervention is
appropriate?
A. Raise all four side rails
B. Keep the bed in the lowest position
C. Leave the patient unattended
D. Apply restraints routinely
Answer: B. Keep the bed in the lowest position
Rationale: Keeping the bed low reduces injury if the patient attempts to get out of
bed.
, 7. Which personal protective equipment should be worn when contact with
blood is anticipated?
A. Gloves
B. Shoe covers only
C. Hair cover only
D. Face shield only
Answer: A. Gloves
Rationale: Gloves protect healthcare workers from exposure to blood and body
fluids.
8. Which nursing action is included in the assessment phase of the nursing
process?
A. Administering medications
B. Collecting vital signs
C. Writing nursing diagnoses
D. Evaluating patient outcomes
Answer: B. Collecting vital signs
Rationale: Assessment includes gathering subjective and objective patient data.
9. Which finding requires immediate reporting?
A. Temperature of 98.6°F (37°C)
B. Blood pressure of 82/48 mmHg
C. Pulse of 76/min
D. Respiratory rate of 16/min
Answer: B. Blood pressure of 82/48 mmHg
Rationale: Hypotension may indicate shock or inadequate perfusion requiring
prompt intervention.
10.Which position is best for a patient experiencing shortness of breath?
A. Supine
B. Trendelenburg
FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING PRACTICE EXAM | 100
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS & RATIONALES (2026 EDITION)
1. A nurse is preparing to administer an oral medication. Which action should
be performed first?
A. Verify the patient's allergies
B. Administer the medication
C. Document administration
D. Assess the patient's response
Answer: A. Verify the patient's allergies
Rationale: Checking allergies before medication administration helps prevent
potentially life-threatening allergic reactions.
2. Which principle is most important when performing hand hygiene?
A. Wash only when hands appear dirty
B. Perform hand hygiene before and after patient contact
C. Wear gloves instead of washing hands
D. Use water only
Answer: B. Perform hand hygiene before and after patient contact
Rationale: Proper hand hygiene before and after patient contact is the most
effective way to prevent healthcare-associated infections.
3. A patient has a physician's order for bed rest. Which nursing intervention
best prevents pressure injuries?
A. Restrict fluid intake
B. Reposition every 2 hours
C. Massage reddened skin
D. Limit range-of-motion exercises
Answer: B. Reposition every 2 hours
,Rationale: Frequent repositioning relieves pressure over bony prominences and
reduces tissue ischemia.
4. Which pulse site is commonly used during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in
adults?
A. Radial
B. Brachial
C. Carotid
D. Femoral
Answer: C. Carotid
Rationale: The carotid artery is the recommended pulse site to assess circulation
during adult CPR.
5. Which action demonstrates proper patient identification before a
procedure?
A. Ask the roommate to identify the patient
B. Use the patient's room number
C. Compare two identifiers with the medical record
D. Identify the patient by diagnosis
Answer: C. Compare two identifiers with the medical record
Rationale: Using at least two approved identifiers ensures correct patient
identification.
6. A nurse is caring for a patient with a fall risk. Which intervention is
appropriate?
A. Raise all four side rails
B. Keep the bed in the lowest position
C. Leave the patient unattended
D. Apply restraints routinely
Answer: B. Keep the bed in the lowest position
Rationale: Keeping the bed low reduces injury if the patient attempts to get out of
bed.
, 7. Which personal protective equipment should be worn when contact with
blood is anticipated?
A. Gloves
B. Shoe covers only
C. Hair cover only
D. Face shield only
Answer: A. Gloves
Rationale: Gloves protect healthcare workers from exposure to blood and body
fluids.
8. Which nursing action is included in the assessment phase of the nursing
process?
A. Administering medications
B. Collecting vital signs
C. Writing nursing diagnoses
D. Evaluating patient outcomes
Answer: B. Collecting vital signs
Rationale: Assessment includes gathering subjective and objective patient data.
9. Which finding requires immediate reporting?
A. Temperature of 98.6°F (37°C)
B. Blood pressure of 82/48 mmHg
C. Pulse of 76/min
D. Respiratory rate of 16/min
Answer: B. Blood pressure of 82/48 mmHg
Rationale: Hypotension may indicate shock or inadequate perfusion requiring
prompt intervention.
10.Which position is best for a patient experiencing shortness of breath?
A. Supine
B. Trendelenburg
