NSG 3100 Nursing Fundamentals Exam
Questions with Correct Answers
(VerifiedAnswers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A
Instant Download PDF
Question 1
A nurse is preparing to administer an oral medication to a
client. Which action is most important for preventing
medication errors?
A. Ask the client whether the medication looks familiar.
B. Document the medication before administering it.
C. Compare the medication label with the medication
administration record at the required verification points.
D. Ask another client whether the medication is commonly
used.
Rationale: Medication safety requires systematic verification of
the medication, dose, route, time, client, and other applicable
medication rights. Comparing the medication label with the
medication administration record helps identify discrepancies
before the medication reaches the client. Client familiarity with
a medication is not a reliable safety check, and documentation
should occur after administration according to agency policy.
,Question 2
A nurse is assessing a client who reports shortness of breath.
Which assessment should the nurse perform first?
A. Ask about the client's usual sleep pattern.
B. Determine the client's dietary preferences.
C. Review the client's family medical history.
D. Assess airway, breathing, respiratory effort, and
oxygenation.
Rationale: Airway and breathing are immediate physiologic
priorities. The nurse should rapidly determine whether the
airway is patent and whether ventilation and oxygenation are
adequate. This reflects the ABC approach and prioritization of
potentially life-threatening problems before less urgent
assessments.
Question 3
Which position is generally most appropriate for a client
experiencing difficulty breathing?
A. Supine
B. Trendelenburg
C. High-Fowler's
D. Prone
,Rationale: High-Fowler's position elevates the upper body and
promotes maximum lung expansion by allowing the diaphragm
to move more effectively. It can decrease the work of breathing
and improve ventilation. Supine and Trendelenburg positions
can impair respiratory expansion in many clients.
Question 4
A nurse is caring for a client who has limited mobility. Which
intervention is most appropriate for reducing the risk of
pressure injury?
A. Massage reddened areas vigorously.
B. Keep the client in one position for several hours.
C. Apply powder to all areas of the skin.
D. Reposition the client regularly and assess the skin for early
signs of pressure injury.
Rationale: Regular repositioning reduces prolonged pressure
over bony prominences. Frequent skin assessment allows the
nurse to recognize nonblanchable erythema or other early
changes and intervene promptly. Vigorous massage over
reddened areas can damage tissue, and moisture and friction
must be managed rather than simply masking the skin with
powder.
, Question 5
A nurse is teaching a client how to use a cane. Which
instruction is correct?
A. Hold the cane on the weaker side.
B. Move the strong leg first and leave the cane stationary.
C. Hold the cane on the stronger side and advance it with the
weaker leg as appropriate.
D. Keep the cane approximately 30 cm away from the body at
all times.
Rationale: A cane is generally held on the stronger side to
provide a wider and more stable base of support and to assist
the weaker extremity. Proper sequencing depends on the client's
condition and prescribed gait pattern, but the cane should
provide support opposite the affected side rather than being
held on the weaker side.
Question 6
Which finding should the nurse recognize as a potential sign of
infection?
A. Warm, dry skin without lesions
B. Regular respiratory rate
C. Purulent drainage from a wound
D. Clear urine without discomfort
Questions with Correct Answers
(VerifiedAnswers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A
Instant Download PDF
Question 1
A nurse is preparing to administer an oral medication to a
client. Which action is most important for preventing
medication errors?
A. Ask the client whether the medication looks familiar.
B. Document the medication before administering it.
C. Compare the medication label with the medication
administration record at the required verification points.
D. Ask another client whether the medication is commonly
used.
Rationale: Medication safety requires systematic verification of
the medication, dose, route, time, client, and other applicable
medication rights. Comparing the medication label with the
medication administration record helps identify discrepancies
before the medication reaches the client. Client familiarity with
a medication is not a reliable safety check, and documentation
should occur after administration according to agency policy.
,Question 2
A nurse is assessing a client who reports shortness of breath.
Which assessment should the nurse perform first?
A. Ask about the client's usual sleep pattern.
B. Determine the client's dietary preferences.
C. Review the client's family medical history.
D. Assess airway, breathing, respiratory effort, and
oxygenation.
Rationale: Airway and breathing are immediate physiologic
priorities. The nurse should rapidly determine whether the
airway is patent and whether ventilation and oxygenation are
adequate. This reflects the ABC approach and prioritization of
potentially life-threatening problems before less urgent
assessments.
Question 3
Which position is generally most appropriate for a client
experiencing difficulty breathing?
A. Supine
B. Trendelenburg
C. High-Fowler's
D. Prone
,Rationale: High-Fowler's position elevates the upper body and
promotes maximum lung expansion by allowing the diaphragm
to move more effectively. It can decrease the work of breathing
and improve ventilation. Supine and Trendelenburg positions
can impair respiratory expansion in many clients.
Question 4
A nurse is caring for a client who has limited mobility. Which
intervention is most appropriate for reducing the risk of
pressure injury?
A. Massage reddened areas vigorously.
B. Keep the client in one position for several hours.
C. Apply powder to all areas of the skin.
D. Reposition the client regularly and assess the skin for early
signs of pressure injury.
Rationale: Regular repositioning reduces prolonged pressure
over bony prominences. Frequent skin assessment allows the
nurse to recognize nonblanchable erythema or other early
changes and intervene promptly. Vigorous massage over
reddened areas can damage tissue, and moisture and friction
must be managed rather than simply masking the skin with
powder.
, Question 5
A nurse is teaching a client how to use a cane. Which
instruction is correct?
A. Hold the cane on the weaker side.
B. Move the strong leg first and leave the cane stationary.
C. Hold the cane on the stronger side and advance it with the
weaker leg as appropriate.
D. Keep the cane approximately 30 cm away from the body at
all times.
Rationale: A cane is generally held on the stronger side to
provide a wider and more stable base of support and to assist
the weaker extremity. Proper sequencing depends on the client's
condition and prescribed gait pattern, but the cane should
provide support opposite the affected side rather than being
held on the weaker side.
Question 6
Which finding should the nurse recognize as a potential sign of
infection?
A. Warm, dry skin without lesions
B. Regular respiratory rate
C. Purulent drainage from a wound
D. Clear urine without discomfort
