NCLEX-RN Basic Care & Comfort Exam 5
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A Instant Download Pdf
1. A nurse is caring for a client recovering from abdominal surgery. Which
intervention best promotes comfort while coughing?
A. Lie flat in bed
B. Avoid coughing for 24 hours
C. Splint the incision with a pillow
D. Hold the breath while coughing
Answer: C. Splint the incision with a pillow
Rationale: Splinting the incision supports the surgical site, reduces pain, and
promotes effective coughing to prevent postoperative pulmonary complications.
2. A client on bed rest is at greatest risk for which complication?
A. Improved circulation
B. Pressure injury formation
C. Increased bone density
D. Enhanced lung expansion
Answer: B. Pressure injury formation
,Rationale: Prolonged immobility decreases tissue perfusion, increasing the risk
for pressure injuries, especially over bony prominences.
3. Which position is most appropriate for a client receiving an enema?
A. Supine
B. Prone
C. Left Sims' position
D. High Fowler's
Answer: C. Left Sims' position
Rationale: The left Sims' position allows the solution to flow naturally into the
sigmoid colon by gravity.
4. Which finding indicates adequate hydration in an adult client?
A. Dark amber urine
B. Dry oral mucosa
C. Urine output of 35 mL/hour
D. Heart rate of 120 beats/min
Answer: C. Urine output of 35 mL/hour
Rationale: Normal urine output is at least 30 mL/hour, indicating adequate renal
perfusion and hydration.
5. Which intervention best prevents constipation in hospitalized clients?
A. Restrict fluids
B. Limit activity
C. Delay toileting
D. Encourage fiber intake and ambulation
Answer: D. Encourage fiber intake and ambulation
,Rationale: Dietary fiber, adequate hydration, and physical activity stimulate
normal bowel function and reduce constipation.
6. A nurse is repositioning an immobile client. How often should the client
generally be turned?
A. Every 6 hours
B. Every 8 hours
C. Every 2 hours
D. Every 12 hours
Answer: C. Every 2 hours
Rationale: Repositioning every 2 hours helps maintain skin integrity and reduces
pressure injury risk.
7. Which client should receive a mechanical soft diet?
A. Client with lactose intolerance
B. Client with difficulty chewing
C. Client requiring sodium restriction
D. Client with diabetes mellitus
Answer: B. Client with difficulty chewing
Rationale: Mechanical soft diets reduce chewing effort while providing adequate
nutrition.
8. Which intervention promotes restful sleep for hospitalized clients?
A. Schedule procedures throughout the night
B. Increase room lighting
C. Cluster nursing care
D. Encourage caffeine intake before bedtime
, Answer: C. Cluster nursing care
Rationale: Clustering care minimizes sleep interruptions and promotes
restorative rest.
9. A nurse is caring for a client with dysphagia. Which action is most
appropriate?
A. Offer liquids through a straw
B. Position flat after meals
C. Keep the client sitting upright during meals
D. Encourage rapid eating
Answer: C. Keep the client sitting upright during meals
Rationale: Upright positioning reduces aspiration risk during swallowing.
10.Which intervention best reduces urinary tract infection risk in clients with
indwelling urinary catheters?
A. Disconnect tubing daily
B. Raise collection bag above bladder
C. Maintain a closed drainage system
D. Irrigate routinely
Answer: C. Maintain a closed drainage system
Rationale: Maintaining a closed sterile drainage system minimizes bacterial
contamination.
11.A nurse should encourage which fluid intake unless contraindicated?
A. 500 mL/day
B. 800 mL/day
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A Instant Download Pdf
1. A nurse is caring for a client recovering from abdominal surgery. Which
intervention best promotes comfort while coughing?
A. Lie flat in bed
B. Avoid coughing for 24 hours
C. Splint the incision with a pillow
D. Hold the breath while coughing
Answer: C. Splint the incision with a pillow
Rationale: Splinting the incision supports the surgical site, reduces pain, and
promotes effective coughing to prevent postoperative pulmonary complications.
2. A client on bed rest is at greatest risk for which complication?
A. Improved circulation
B. Pressure injury formation
C. Increased bone density
D. Enhanced lung expansion
Answer: B. Pressure injury formation
,Rationale: Prolonged immobility decreases tissue perfusion, increasing the risk
for pressure injuries, especially over bony prominences.
3. Which position is most appropriate for a client receiving an enema?
A. Supine
B. Prone
C. Left Sims' position
D. High Fowler's
Answer: C. Left Sims' position
Rationale: The left Sims' position allows the solution to flow naturally into the
sigmoid colon by gravity.
4. Which finding indicates adequate hydration in an adult client?
A. Dark amber urine
B. Dry oral mucosa
C. Urine output of 35 mL/hour
D. Heart rate of 120 beats/min
Answer: C. Urine output of 35 mL/hour
Rationale: Normal urine output is at least 30 mL/hour, indicating adequate renal
perfusion and hydration.
5. Which intervention best prevents constipation in hospitalized clients?
A. Restrict fluids
B. Limit activity
C. Delay toileting
D. Encourage fiber intake and ambulation
Answer: D. Encourage fiber intake and ambulation
,Rationale: Dietary fiber, adequate hydration, and physical activity stimulate
normal bowel function and reduce constipation.
6. A nurse is repositioning an immobile client. How often should the client
generally be turned?
A. Every 6 hours
B. Every 8 hours
C. Every 2 hours
D. Every 12 hours
Answer: C. Every 2 hours
Rationale: Repositioning every 2 hours helps maintain skin integrity and reduces
pressure injury risk.
7. Which client should receive a mechanical soft diet?
A. Client with lactose intolerance
B. Client with difficulty chewing
C. Client requiring sodium restriction
D. Client with diabetes mellitus
Answer: B. Client with difficulty chewing
Rationale: Mechanical soft diets reduce chewing effort while providing adequate
nutrition.
8. Which intervention promotes restful sleep for hospitalized clients?
A. Schedule procedures throughout the night
B. Increase room lighting
C. Cluster nursing care
D. Encourage caffeine intake before bedtime
, Answer: C. Cluster nursing care
Rationale: Clustering care minimizes sleep interruptions and promotes
restorative rest.
9. A nurse is caring for a client with dysphagia. Which action is most
appropriate?
A. Offer liquids through a straw
B. Position flat after meals
C. Keep the client sitting upright during meals
D. Encourage rapid eating
Answer: C. Keep the client sitting upright during meals
Rationale: Upright positioning reduces aspiration risk during swallowing.
10.Which intervention best reduces urinary tract infection risk in clients with
indwelling urinary catheters?
A. Disconnect tubing daily
B. Raise collection bag above bladder
C. Maintain a closed drainage system
D. Irrigate routinely
Answer: C. Maintain a closed drainage system
Rationale: Maintaining a closed sterile drainage system minimizes bacterial
contamination.
11.A nurse should encourage which fluid intake unless contraindicated?
A. 500 mL/day
B. 800 mL/day
