NSG 3100 Fundamental Concepts and Skills in
Nursing Practice I Comprehensive Practice Exam
with 250 Questions Rationales and Study Guide for
Fall 2026 Nursing Students
NSG 3100 FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS AND SKILLS IN NURSING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Topic Questions
1 Infection Control and Asepsis Questions 1 to 20
2 Vital Signs Assessment Questions 21 to 40
3 Pain Management Questions 41 to 60
4 Mobility and Immobility Questions 61 to 80
5 Skin Integrity and Wound Care Questions 81 to 100
6 Nutrition and Hydration Questions 101 to 120
7 Elimination Bowel and Bladder Questions 121 to 140
8 Oxygenation and Respiratory Care Questions 141 to 160
9 Fluid and Electrolyte Balance Questions 161 to 180
10 Safety and Emergency Preparedness Questions 181 to 200
11 Perioperative Nursing Questions 201 to 220
12 Sensory Perception Questions 221 to 235
13 Sleep and Rest Questions 236 to 245
14 Stress and Coping Questions 246 to 250
Brief Study Tips by Topic
SECTION 1 INFECTION CONTROL AND ASEPSIS
Questions 1 to 20
Question 1
A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter for a patient with
urinary retention. The nurse opens the sterile kit and notices that the sterile
field has been contaminated by a splash of water. Which action should the
nurse take to maintain patient safety
A Continue the procedure since the water is sterile
B Use the contaminated kit but change the catheter
C Obtain a new sterile kit and restart the procedure
,D Proceed with the procedure but document the contamination
E Ask another nurse to hold the catheter while preparing a new field
Answer C Obtain a new sterile kit and restart the procedure
Rationale Maintaining surgical asepsis is critical for invasive procedures. Any
contamination of the sterile field requires that the procedure be restarted with
new sterile supplies. Continuing with a contaminated field introduces
microorganisms into a sterile body area and significantly increases infection
risk for the patient. Documentation of contamination does not mitigate the
infection risk.
Question 2
A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is caring for a patient diagnosed with
Clostridium difficile infection. The patient has frequent episodes of diarrhea
and requires contact precautions. The nurse is preparing to exit the room after
providing care. Which sequence demonstrates correct removal of personal
protective equipment to prevent self-contamination
A Remove gloves then gown then perform hand hygiene
B Remove gown then gloves then perform hand hygiene
C Remove gloves and gown together then perform hand hygiene
D Remove gloves then gown then perform hand hygiene then leave the room
E Remove gown then gloves then perform hand hygiene then leave the room
Answer D Remove gloves then gown then perform hand hygiene then leave
the room
Rationale The correct sequence for removing PPE is gloves first because they
are the most contaminated, then gown, then perform hand hygiene. Gloves
must be removed carefully to avoid touching the outer contaminated surface.
The gown is removed next, followed by immediate hand hygiene before
leaving the room. Removing both together risks contamination. Hand hygiene
is essential after removal.
Question 3
A nurse is preparing a sterile field for a wound dressing change. The nurse
has opened the sterile package and is ready to pour sterile normal saline into a
sterile basin. Which technique should the nurse use to pour the solution while
maintaining sterility
,A Hold the bottle directly over the basin and pour slowly
B Hold the bottle outside the sterile field and pour carefully
C Pour the solution from a height of 6 inches above the basin
D Open the bottle and pour with the label facing downward
E Pour the solution from the bottle held at the edge of the sterile field
Answer C Pour the solution from a height of 6 inches above the basin
Rationale The nurse should pour sterile solutions from a height of
approximately 6 inches above the basin to prevent splashing and
contamination of the field. The bottle should be held outside the sterile field,
and the solution should be poured without touching the basin. The label
should face upward to prevent solution from obscuring it. Holding the bottle
at the edge of the field risks contamination.
Question 4
A nurse is educating a patient with a newly diagnosed methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus MRSA wound infection about transmission prevention
at home. Which statement by the patient indicates the need for further
teaching about infection control measures
A I will keep my wound covered with a clean dry dressing at all times
B I will wash my hands with soap and water after touching my wound
C I can share towels with my family as long as I wash them in hot water
D I will place used dressings in a sealed plastic bag before throwing them
away
E I will avoid sharing personal items like razors and toothbrushes
Answer C I can share towels with my family as long as I wash them in hot
water
Rationale MRSA is highly contagious and can be transmitted through
contaminated items like towels and linens. The patient should not share
towels, washcloths, or other personal items with family members. While
washing items in hot water is helpful, the patient must understand that sharing
is prohibited. The other statements demonstrate correct understanding of
infection prevention measures including covering wounds hand hygiene and
proper disposal.
Question 5
, A nurse is caring for a patient with suspected tuberculosis who is being placed
on airborne precautions. The nursing student asks why a negative pressure
room is necessary for this patient. Which response by the nurse is most
accurate regarding the purpose of negative pressure ventilation
A Negative pressure prevents air from escaping the room and contaminating
other areas
B Negative pressure pulls contaminated air into the room and filters it before
release
C Negative pressure creates a barrier that prevents microorganisms from
entering the room
D Negative pressure increases the oxygen concentration in the room for better
breathing
E Negative pressure allows the patient to receive higher concentrations of
oxygen
Answer A Negative pressure prevents air from escaping the room and
contaminating other areas
Rationale Negative pressure ventilation ensures that air flows into the room
rather than out, preventing airborne pathogens from escaping into adjacent
areas. The air is filtered through HEPA filters before being exhausted outside
the building. This system does not create a barrier for entry or increase
oxygen concentration. The goal is to contain airborne microorganisms.
Question 6
A nurse is preparing to perform a sterile wound irrigation for a patient with a
deep surgical wound. The nurse has gathered all supplies and is ready to
begin. Which action by the nurse indicates a breach in sterile technique
requiring correction
A Opening sterile packages away from the sterile field
B Placing sterile items at least one inch inside the sterile field border
C Standing with arms above waist level while working over the sterile field
D Using sterile gloves that have been opened but not touched by unsterile
objects
E Reaching over the sterile field to retrieve a dropped item from the counter
Answer E Reaching over the sterile field to retrieve a dropped item from the
counter
Nursing Practice I Comprehensive Practice Exam
with 250 Questions Rationales and Study Guide for
Fall 2026 Nursing Students
NSG 3100 FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS AND SKILLS IN NURSING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Topic Questions
1 Infection Control and Asepsis Questions 1 to 20
2 Vital Signs Assessment Questions 21 to 40
3 Pain Management Questions 41 to 60
4 Mobility and Immobility Questions 61 to 80
5 Skin Integrity and Wound Care Questions 81 to 100
6 Nutrition and Hydration Questions 101 to 120
7 Elimination Bowel and Bladder Questions 121 to 140
8 Oxygenation and Respiratory Care Questions 141 to 160
9 Fluid and Electrolyte Balance Questions 161 to 180
10 Safety and Emergency Preparedness Questions 181 to 200
11 Perioperative Nursing Questions 201 to 220
12 Sensory Perception Questions 221 to 235
13 Sleep and Rest Questions 236 to 245
14 Stress and Coping Questions 246 to 250
Brief Study Tips by Topic
SECTION 1 INFECTION CONTROL AND ASEPSIS
Questions 1 to 20
Question 1
A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter for a patient with
urinary retention. The nurse opens the sterile kit and notices that the sterile
field has been contaminated by a splash of water. Which action should the
nurse take to maintain patient safety
A Continue the procedure since the water is sterile
B Use the contaminated kit but change the catheter
C Obtain a new sterile kit and restart the procedure
,D Proceed with the procedure but document the contamination
E Ask another nurse to hold the catheter while preparing a new field
Answer C Obtain a new sterile kit and restart the procedure
Rationale Maintaining surgical asepsis is critical for invasive procedures. Any
contamination of the sterile field requires that the procedure be restarted with
new sterile supplies. Continuing with a contaminated field introduces
microorganisms into a sterile body area and significantly increases infection
risk for the patient. Documentation of contamination does not mitigate the
infection risk.
Question 2
A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is caring for a patient diagnosed with
Clostridium difficile infection. The patient has frequent episodes of diarrhea
and requires contact precautions. The nurse is preparing to exit the room after
providing care. Which sequence demonstrates correct removal of personal
protective equipment to prevent self-contamination
A Remove gloves then gown then perform hand hygiene
B Remove gown then gloves then perform hand hygiene
C Remove gloves and gown together then perform hand hygiene
D Remove gloves then gown then perform hand hygiene then leave the room
E Remove gown then gloves then perform hand hygiene then leave the room
Answer D Remove gloves then gown then perform hand hygiene then leave
the room
Rationale The correct sequence for removing PPE is gloves first because they
are the most contaminated, then gown, then perform hand hygiene. Gloves
must be removed carefully to avoid touching the outer contaminated surface.
The gown is removed next, followed by immediate hand hygiene before
leaving the room. Removing both together risks contamination. Hand hygiene
is essential after removal.
Question 3
A nurse is preparing a sterile field for a wound dressing change. The nurse
has opened the sterile package and is ready to pour sterile normal saline into a
sterile basin. Which technique should the nurse use to pour the solution while
maintaining sterility
,A Hold the bottle directly over the basin and pour slowly
B Hold the bottle outside the sterile field and pour carefully
C Pour the solution from a height of 6 inches above the basin
D Open the bottle and pour with the label facing downward
E Pour the solution from the bottle held at the edge of the sterile field
Answer C Pour the solution from a height of 6 inches above the basin
Rationale The nurse should pour sterile solutions from a height of
approximately 6 inches above the basin to prevent splashing and
contamination of the field. The bottle should be held outside the sterile field,
and the solution should be poured without touching the basin. The label
should face upward to prevent solution from obscuring it. Holding the bottle
at the edge of the field risks contamination.
Question 4
A nurse is educating a patient with a newly diagnosed methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus MRSA wound infection about transmission prevention
at home. Which statement by the patient indicates the need for further
teaching about infection control measures
A I will keep my wound covered with a clean dry dressing at all times
B I will wash my hands with soap and water after touching my wound
C I can share towels with my family as long as I wash them in hot water
D I will place used dressings in a sealed plastic bag before throwing them
away
E I will avoid sharing personal items like razors and toothbrushes
Answer C I can share towels with my family as long as I wash them in hot
water
Rationale MRSA is highly contagious and can be transmitted through
contaminated items like towels and linens. The patient should not share
towels, washcloths, or other personal items with family members. While
washing items in hot water is helpful, the patient must understand that sharing
is prohibited. The other statements demonstrate correct understanding of
infection prevention measures including covering wounds hand hygiene and
proper disposal.
Question 5
, A nurse is caring for a patient with suspected tuberculosis who is being placed
on airborne precautions. The nursing student asks why a negative pressure
room is necessary for this patient. Which response by the nurse is most
accurate regarding the purpose of negative pressure ventilation
A Negative pressure prevents air from escaping the room and contaminating
other areas
B Negative pressure pulls contaminated air into the room and filters it before
release
C Negative pressure creates a barrier that prevents microorganisms from
entering the room
D Negative pressure increases the oxygen concentration in the room for better
breathing
E Negative pressure allows the patient to receive higher concentrations of
oxygen
Answer A Negative pressure prevents air from escaping the room and
contaminating other areas
Rationale Negative pressure ventilation ensures that air flows into the room
rather than out, preventing airborne pathogens from escaping into adjacent
areas. The air is filtered through HEPA filters before being exhausted outside
the building. This system does not create a barrier for entry or increase
oxygen concentration. The goal is to contain airborne microorganisms.
Question 6
A nurse is preparing to perform a sterile wound irrigation for a patient with a
deep surgical wound. The nurse has gathered all supplies and is ready to
begin. Which action by the nurse indicates a breach in sterile technique
requiring correction
A Opening sterile packages away from the sterile field
B Placing sterile items at least one inch inside the sterile field border
C Standing with arms above waist level while working over the sterile field
D Using sterile gloves that have been opened but not touched by unsterile
objects
E Reaching over the sterile field to retrieve a dropped item from the counter
Answer E Reaching over the sterile field to retrieve a dropped item from the
counter
