FUNDAMENTALS NURSING PRACTICE EXAM 2026
Comprehensive Review Questions with ANSWERs and
Rationales
Question 1
A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who has a prescription for IV therapy. The client tells the
nurse that he has numerous allergies. Which of the following allergies should the nurse bring to the
attention of the charge nurse prior to the initiation of the therapy?
A. Eggs
B. Latex
C. Seafood
D. Bee stings
ANSWER: B. Latex
Rationales:
A. Eggs - Egg allergies are important for vaccine administration and certain medications, but they do not
directly affect standard IV therapy equipment or solutions.
B. Latex - CORRECT. Latex allergy is critical to identify before IV therapy because many IV supplies
contain latex (tourniquets, injection ports, gloves, tubing). Exposure could cause an allergic reaction
ranging from contact dermatitis to anaphylaxis.
C. Seafood - Seafood allergies are important for dietary considerations and certain contrast dyes, but
they do not affect standard IV therapy.
D. Bee stings - While bee sting allergies indicate potential for severe allergic reactions, they do not
directly impact IV therapy equipment or solutions.
Question 2
A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for a high-protein diet to promote wound healing
following surgery. The client's religion prohibits eating meat on particular days. Which of the following
actions should the nurse take?
,A. Encourage the client to eat meat during this time to promote healing
B. Advise the client to eat everything on the tray except the meat
C. Suggest the client receive high-protein enteral feedings
D. Ask the dietitian to recommend alternative food choices for the client
ANSWER: D. Ask the dietitian to recommend alternative food choices for the client
Rationales:
A. Encourage the client to eat meat during this time to promote healing - This disregards the client's
religious beliefs and cultural values, which is disrespectful and violates patient autonomy and culturally
competent care principles.
B. Advise the client to eat everything on the tray except the meat - This does not address the high-
protein requirement for wound healing and fails to provide a solution to meet nutritional needs.
C. Suggest the client receive high-protein enteral feedings - This is premature and invasive. Enteral
feedings should only be considered when oral intake is insufficient or contraindicated, not as a first-line
solution.
D. Ask the dietitian to recommend alternative food choices for the client - CORRECT. The dietitian can
suggest alternative high-protein foods that align with the client's religious practices (such as dairy, eggs,
legumes, fish if permitted), respecting cultural values while meeting nutritional needs.
Question 3
A nurse is preparing to administer medications to a client. Which of the following actions should the
nurse take to ensure the right route of administration?
A. Check the medication label three times
B. Verify the client's identity using two identifiers
C. Review the provider's prescription for the route
D. Document the administration immediately after giving the medication
ANSWER: C. Review the provider's prescription for the route
Rationales:
A. Check the medication label three times - This ensures the right medication and dose but does not
specifically verify the route of administration.
B. Verify the client's identity using two identifiers - This ensures the right patient but does not confirm
the correct route.
C. Review the provider's prescription for the route - CORRECT. The provider's prescription specifies the
intended route of administration. The nurse must verify this against the medication administration
record and ensure the medication can be safely given by that route.
,D. Document the administration immediately after giving the medication - Documentation is important
but occurs after administration and does not ensure the right route was used.
Question 4
A nurse is assessing a client's pain. Which of the following statements by the client indicates the need
for further assessment?
A. "My pain is a 7 on a scale of 0 to 10"
B. "The pain started yesterday morning"
C. "I think I should just live with this pain"
D. "The pain gets worse when I walk"
ANSWER: C. "I think I should just live with this pain"
Rationales:
A. "My pain is a 7 on a scale of 0 to 10" - This provides important information about pain intensity using
a standardized scale and is appropriate reporting.
B. "The pain started yesterday morning" - This provides useful information about the onset and duration
of pain, which is helpful for assessment.
C. "I think I should just live with this pain" - CORRECT. This statement indicates the client may have
misconceptions about pain management, may be undertreating their pain, or may fear addiction. This
requires further assessment of the client's beliefs, understanding of pain management, and potential
barriers to adequate pain control.
D. "The pain gets worse when I walk" - This provides valuable information about aggravating factors and
helps identify the nature of the pain.
Question 5
A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following
findings should the nurse report to the provider immediately?
A. Temperature of 37.8°C (100°F)
B. Absence of bowel sounds
C. Serosanguinous drainage on the dressing
D. Urine output of 25 mL/hr
ANSWER: D. Urine output of 25 mL/hr
Rationales:
A. Temperature of 37.8°C (100°F) - A mild temperature elevation is common in the first 24-48 hours
postoperatively due to the inflammatory response and dehydration. This requires monitoring but is not
an immediate emergency.
, B. Absence of bowel sounds - Bowel sounds are often absent or decreased immediately after abdominal
surgery due to anesthesia and surgical manipulation. This is expected and typically resolves within 24-72
hours.
C. Serosanguinous drainage on the dressing - Some serosanguinous (pink, serous) drainage is expected
in the early postoperative period and is not concerning unless it increases significantly or becomes
purulent.
D. Urine output of 25 mL/hr - CORRECT. Normal urine output should be at least 30 mL/hr (or 0.5
mL/kg/hr). Output of 25 mL/hr indicates decreased renal perfusion, which could signal hypovolemia,
shock, or kidney dysfunction. This requires immediate intervention.
Question 6
A nurse is teaching a client about proper hand hygiene. Which of the following statements by the client
indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. "I should wash my hands for at least 10 seconds"
B. "I can use hand sanitizer if my hands are visibly soiled"
C. "I should turn off the faucet with a paper towel"
D. "Artificial nails are acceptable if I wash my hands properly"
ANSWER: C. "I should turn off the faucet with a paper towel"
Rationales:
A. "I should wash my hands for at least 10 seconds" - Incorrect. CDC guidelines recommend washing
hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, not 10 seconds.
B. "I can use hand sanitizer if my hands are visibly soiled" - Incorrect. Hand sanitizer should NOT be used
when hands are visibly soiled or contaminated with blood or body fluids. Soap and water must be used
in these situations.
C. "I should turn off the faucet with a paper towel" - CORRECT. After washing hands, the client should
use a paper towel to turn off the faucet to avoid recontaminating clean hands from the faucet handles.
D. "Artificial nails are acceptable if I wash my hands properly" - Incorrect. Healthcare workers and those
caring for vulnerable populations should not wear artificial nails as they harbor microorganisms even
with proper hand hygiene.
Question 7
A nurse is preparing to transfer a client from the bed to a wheelchair. Which of the following actions
should the nurse take first?
A. Lock the wheels of the wheelchair
B. Assess the client's ability to bear weight
C. Position the wheelchair at a 45-degree angle to the bed
Comprehensive Review Questions with ANSWERs and
Rationales
Question 1
A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who has a prescription for IV therapy. The client tells the
nurse that he has numerous allergies. Which of the following allergies should the nurse bring to the
attention of the charge nurse prior to the initiation of the therapy?
A. Eggs
B. Latex
C. Seafood
D. Bee stings
ANSWER: B. Latex
Rationales:
A. Eggs - Egg allergies are important for vaccine administration and certain medications, but they do not
directly affect standard IV therapy equipment or solutions.
B. Latex - CORRECT. Latex allergy is critical to identify before IV therapy because many IV supplies
contain latex (tourniquets, injection ports, gloves, tubing). Exposure could cause an allergic reaction
ranging from contact dermatitis to anaphylaxis.
C. Seafood - Seafood allergies are important for dietary considerations and certain contrast dyes, but
they do not affect standard IV therapy.
D. Bee stings - While bee sting allergies indicate potential for severe allergic reactions, they do not
directly impact IV therapy equipment or solutions.
Question 2
A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for a high-protein diet to promote wound healing
following surgery. The client's religion prohibits eating meat on particular days. Which of the following
actions should the nurse take?
,A. Encourage the client to eat meat during this time to promote healing
B. Advise the client to eat everything on the tray except the meat
C. Suggest the client receive high-protein enteral feedings
D. Ask the dietitian to recommend alternative food choices for the client
ANSWER: D. Ask the dietitian to recommend alternative food choices for the client
Rationales:
A. Encourage the client to eat meat during this time to promote healing - This disregards the client's
religious beliefs and cultural values, which is disrespectful and violates patient autonomy and culturally
competent care principles.
B. Advise the client to eat everything on the tray except the meat - This does not address the high-
protein requirement for wound healing and fails to provide a solution to meet nutritional needs.
C. Suggest the client receive high-protein enteral feedings - This is premature and invasive. Enteral
feedings should only be considered when oral intake is insufficient or contraindicated, not as a first-line
solution.
D. Ask the dietitian to recommend alternative food choices for the client - CORRECT. The dietitian can
suggest alternative high-protein foods that align with the client's religious practices (such as dairy, eggs,
legumes, fish if permitted), respecting cultural values while meeting nutritional needs.
Question 3
A nurse is preparing to administer medications to a client. Which of the following actions should the
nurse take to ensure the right route of administration?
A. Check the medication label three times
B. Verify the client's identity using two identifiers
C. Review the provider's prescription for the route
D. Document the administration immediately after giving the medication
ANSWER: C. Review the provider's prescription for the route
Rationales:
A. Check the medication label three times - This ensures the right medication and dose but does not
specifically verify the route of administration.
B. Verify the client's identity using two identifiers - This ensures the right patient but does not confirm
the correct route.
C. Review the provider's prescription for the route - CORRECT. The provider's prescription specifies the
intended route of administration. The nurse must verify this against the medication administration
record and ensure the medication can be safely given by that route.
,D. Document the administration immediately after giving the medication - Documentation is important
but occurs after administration and does not ensure the right route was used.
Question 4
A nurse is assessing a client's pain. Which of the following statements by the client indicates the need
for further assessment?
A. "My pain is a 7 on a scale of 0 to 10"
B. "The pain started yesterday morning"
C. "I think I should just live with this pain"
D. "The pain gets worse when I walk"
ANSWER: C. "I think I should just live with this pain"
Rationales:
A. "My pain is a 7 on a scale of 0 to 10" - This provides important information about pain intensity using
a standardized scale and is appropriate reporting.
B. "The pain started yesterday morning" - This provides useful information about the onset and duration
of pain, which is helpful for assessment.
C. "I think I should just live with this pain" - CORRECT. This statement indicates the client may have
misconceptions about pain management, may be undertreating their pain, or may fear addiction. This
requires further assessment of the client's beliefs, understanding of pain management, and potential
barriers to adequate pain control.
D. "The pain gets worse when I walk" - This provides valuable information about aggravating factors and
helps identify the nature of the pain.
Question 5
A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following
findings should the nurse report to the provider immediately?
A. Temperature of 37.8°C (100°F)
B. Absence of bowel sounds
C. Serosanguinous drainage on the dressing
D. Urine output of 25 mL/hr
ANSWER: D. Urine output of 25 mL/hr
Rationales:
A. Temperature of 37.8°C (100°F) - A mild temperature elevation is common in the first 24-48 hours
postoperatively due to the inflammatory response and dehydration. This requires monitoring but is not
an immediate emergency.
, B. Absence of bowel sounds - Bowel sounds are often absent or decreased immediately after abdominal
surgery due to anesthesia and surgical manipulation. This is expected and typically resolves within 24-72
hours.
C. Serosanguinous drainage on the dressing - Some serosanguinous (pink, serous) drainage is expected
in the early postoperative period and is not concerning unless it increases significantly or becomes
purulent.
D. Urine output of 25 mL/hr - CORRECT. Normal urine output should be at least 30 mL/hr (or 0.5
mL/kg/hr). Output of 25 mL/hr indicates decreased renal perfusion, which could signal hypovolemia,
shock, or kidney dysfunction. This requires immediate intervention.
Question 6
A nurse is teaching a client about proper hand hygiene. Which of the following statements by the client
indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. "I should wash my hands for at least 10 seconds"
B. "I can use hand sanitizer if my hands are visibly soiled"
C. "I should turn off the faucet with a paper towel"
D. "Artificial nails are acceptable if I wash my hands properly"
ANSWER: C. "I should turn off the faucet with a paper towel"
Rationales:
A. "I should wash my hands for at least 10 seconds" - Incorrect. CDC guidelines recommend washing
hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, not 10 seconds.
B. "I can use hand sanitizer if my hands are visibly soiled" - Incorrect. Hand sanitizer should NOT be used
when hands are visibly soiled or contaminated with blood or body fluids. Soap and water must be used
in these situations.
C. "I should turn off the faucet with a paper towel" - CORRECT. After washing hands, the client should
use a paper towel to turn off the faucet to avoid recontaminating clean hands from the faucet handles.
D. "Artificial nails are acceptable if I wash my hands properly" - Incorrect. Healthcare workers and those
caring for vulnerable populations should not wear artificial nails as they harbor microorganisms even
with proper hand hygiene.
Question 7
A nurse is preparing to transfer a client from the bed to a wheelchair. Which of the following actions
should the nurse take first?
A. Lock the wheels of the wheelchair
B. Assess the client's ability to bear weight
C. Position the wheelchair at a 45-degree angle to the bed
