,NR 224 Exam 2 Fundamentals - Skills | Practice Questions & Answers
2026/2027 | Chamberlain
1.** A nurse is assisting a patient who has left-sided weakness to ambulate
using a cane. In which hand should the patient hold the cane?
A) Left hand
B) Right hand
C) Dominant hand
D) Either hand
**Correct Answer:** B) Right hand
**Rationale:** A patient with left-sided weakness should hold the cane in the
right (stronger) hand. The cane is advanced simultaneously with the weaker
leg to provide support and maintain balance. Holding the cane on the
stronger side allows weight distribution away from the weaker side.
---
**2.** A patient is learning to use crutches with a two-point gait. Which
statement accurately describes a two-point gait?
A) The patient moves the right crutch, then the left foot
B) The patient moves the right crutch and left foot simultaneously, then the
left crutch and right foot
C) The patient moves both crutches, then both feet
D) The patient moves the left crutch, right foot, right crutch, left foot
,**Correct Answer:** B) The patient moves the right crutch and left foot
simultaneously, then the left crutch and right foot
**Rationale:** A two-point gait involves moving a crutch and the opposite
foot simultaneously (right crutch with left foot, then left crutch with right
foot). This gait provides stability and is used when the patient can bear
weight on both legs.
---
**3.** The nurse is assessing a patient who has been on bed rest for 5 days.
Which complication of immobility should the nurse anticipate?
A) Increased muscle mass
B) Decreased risk of falls
C) Muscle atrophy and joint contractures
D) Improved bone density
**Correct Answer:** C) Muscle atrophy and joint contractures
**Rationale:** Immobility leads to muscle atrophy (decreased muscle mass)
and joint contractures (permanent shortening of muscles and tendons).
These complications result from disuse and can be prevented with regular
range-of-motion exercises.
---
**4.** A nurse is performing passive range-of-motion (ROM) exercises on a
patient who is unable to move independently. Which statement about
passive ROM is correct?
, A) The patient performs the exercises independently
B) The nurse moves the patient's joints through their full range of motion
C) The patient uses weights to strengthen muscles
D) The exercises are performed against resistance
**Correct Answer:** B) The nurse moves the patient's joints through their full
range of motion
**Rationale:** Passive ROM exercises are performed by the nurse (or another
caregiver) moving the patient's joints through their full available range of
motion. The patient does not actively participate. This maintains joint
flexibility and prevents contractures.
---
**5.** A patient is being transferred from the bed to a chair using a gait belt.
Which action by the nurse is correct?
A) Place the gait belt around the patient's chest
B) Position the gait belt around the patient's waist
C) Stand behind the patient during the transfer
D) Allow the patient to transfer without assistance
**Correct Answer:** B) Position the gait belt around the patient's waist
**Rationale:** A gait belt should be placed around the patient's waist (over
clothing) and secured snugly. The nurse stands in front of or to the side of
2026/2027 | Chamberlain
1.** A nurse is assisting a patient who has left-sided weakness to ambulate
using a cane. In which hand should the patient hold the cane?
A) Left hand
B) Right hand
C) Dominant hand
D) Either hand
**Correct Answer:** B) Right hand
**Rationale:** A patient with left-sided weakness should hold the cane in the
right (stronger) hand. The cane is advanced simultaneously with the weaker
leg to provide support and maintain balance. Holding the cane on the
stronger side allows weight distribution away from the weaker side.
---
**2.** A patient is learning to use crutches with a two-point gait. Which
statement accurately describes a two-point gait?
A) The patient moves the right crutch, then the left foot
B) The patient moves the right crutch and left foot simultaneously, then the
left crutch and right foot
C) The patient moves both crutches, then both feet
D) The patient moves the left crutch, right foot, right crutch, left foot
,**Correct Answer:** B) The patient moves the right crutch and left foot
simultaneously, then the left crutch and right foot
**Rationale:** A two-point gait involves moving a crutch and the opposite
foot simultaneously (right crutch with left foot, then left crutch with right
foot). This gait provides stability and is used when the patient can bear
weight on both legs.
---
**3.** The nurse is assessing a patient who has been on bed rest for 5 days.
Which complication of immobility should the nurse anticipate?
A) Increased muscle mass
B) Decreased risk of falls
C) Muscle atrophy and joint contractures
D) Improved bone density
**Correct Answer:** C) Muscle atrophy and joint contractures
**Rationale:** Immobility leads to muscle atrophy (decreased muscle mass)
and joint contractures (permanent shortening of muscles and tendons).
These complications result from disuse and can be prevented with regular
range-of-motion exercises.
---
**4.** A nurse is performing passive range-of-motion (ROM) exercises on a
patient who is unable to move independently. Which statement about
passive ROM is correct?
, A) The patient performs the exercises independently
B) The nurse moves the patient's joints through their full range of motion
C) The patient uses weights to strengthen muscles
D) The exercises are performed against resistance
**Correct Answer:** B) The nurse moves the patient's joints through their full
range of motion
**Rationale:** Passive ROM exercises are performed by the nurse (or another
caregiver) moving the patient's joints through their full available range of
motion. The patient does not actively participate. This maintains joint
flexibility and prevents contractures.
---
**5.** A patient is being transferred from the bed to a chair using a gait belt.
Which action by the nurse is correct?
A) Place the gait belt around the patient's chest
B) Position the gait belt around the patient's waist
C) Stand behind the patient during the transfer
D) Allow the patient to transfer without assistance
**Correct Answer:** B) Position the gait belt around the patient's waist
**Rationale:** A gait belt should be placed around the patient's waist (over
clothing) and secured snugly. The nurse stands in front of or to the side of
