FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING EXAM 1 – QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL
DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE
Core Domains
1. Professional Nursing Practice and Standards
2. Legal and Ethical Principles in Nursing
3. The Nursing Process (ADPIE)
4. Infection Control and Safety
5. Vital Signs and Physical Assessment
6. Patient Communication and Education
7. Basic Human Needs and Development
8. Documentation and Informatics
9. Medication Administration and Calculation
10. Perioperative and Wound Care
Introduction
This comprehensive examination is designed to evaluate your foundational knowledge and clinical
reasoning skills essential for the professional nursing role. It assesses your understanding of core
theoretical concepts, the nursing process, legal and ethical frameworks, and practical application in
patient care scenarios. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that require critical thinking
and application of knowledge to real-world situations. This assessment emphasizes safe, patient-
centered care, evidence-based practice, and effective decision-making, preparing you to deliver high-
quality nursing care in a variety of healthcare settings.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1-100
1. A nurse is caring for a patient who is postoperative following an abdominal surgery. Which of
the following actions by the nurse demonstrates the principle of nonmaleficence?
A. Ensuring the patient understands the risks of the surgery before signing the consent.
B. Administering a prescribed analgesic to relieve the patient's pain.
C. Weighing the benefits of a treatment against its potential harm before administering it.
D. Respecting the patient's decision to refuse a blood transfusion.
🟢 C. Weighing the benefits of a treatment against its potential harm before administering it.
🔴 Explanation: Nonmaleficence is the duty to do no harm. This principle requires that healthcare
providers carefully consider the potential for harm and benefit before implementing a treatment,
aiming to minimize harm. Option A describes autonomy and informed consent. Option B is an act
of beneficence (doing good). Option D demonstrates respect for patient autonomy.
2. A nursing student is reviewing Maslow's hierarchy of needs to prioritize care for a patient.
Which patient need should the nurse address first?
,A. Need for self-esteem.
B. Need for love and belonging.
C. Need for physiological stability.
D. Need for safety and security.
🟢 C. Need for physiological stability.
🔴 Explanation: Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a five-tier model that prioritizes basic physiological
needs (like oxygen, food, water, and sleep) as the most fundamental. These needs must be met first
to ensure survival and before a person can focus on higher-level needs such as safety, love and
belonging, self-esteem, and self-actualization.
3. A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter for a female patient. Which of the
following is the most important reason for performing perineal care before the procedure?
A. To reduce the patient's anxiety about the procedure.
B. To remove microorganisms from the urethral meatus.
C. To lubricate the catheter for easier insertion.
D. To ensure the patient is comfortable during the procedure.
🟢 B. To remove microorganisms from the urethral meatus.
🔴 Explanation: The primary purpose of perineal care before inserting a urinary catheter is to
reduce the risk of introducing microorganisms from the perineal area into the sterile urinary
bladder, which could cause a urinary tract infection. Reducing anxiety and ensuring comfort are
secondary benefits but are not the primary rationale for the cleansing procedure.
4. A patient is prescribed 500 mg of an antibiotic that is supplied in a liquid suspension of 250
mg per 5 mL. How many milliliters should the nurse administer?
A. 5 mL
B. 10 mL
C. 15 mL
D. 20 mL
🟢 B. 10 mL
🔴 Explanation: The dosage calculation can be set up as a ratio: 250 mg / 5 mL = 500 mg / X mL.
Cross-multiplying gives 250X = 2500, so X = 10 mL. The nurse would administer 10 milliliters of the
suspension.
5. A nurse is assessing a patient's pain. Which of the following is the most reliable indicator of
the patient's pain level?
A. The patient's vital signs.
B. The patient's self-report of pain.
C. The nurse's observation of the patient's behavior.
D. The patient's medical diagnosis.
🟢 B. The patient's self-report of pain.
🔴 Explanation: Pain is a subjective experience. The most reliable and valid indicator of pain
intensity and quality is the patient's own description of what they are feeling. While vital signs and
behavior can suggest pain, they are not as reliable as the patient's self-report, as some patients
may not exhibit outward signs of pain.
, 6. Which of the following is an example of a nurse practicing within the legal scope of practice?
A. A nurse performing a physical exam and diagnosing a patient with a specific condition.
B. A nurse administering a medication that was prescribed by a physician.
C. A nurse prescribing a new medication for a patient's chronic hypertension.
D. A nurse performing surgery to remove a patient's gallbladder.
🟢 B. A nurse administering a medication that was prescribed by a physician.
🔴 Explanation: The scope of nursing practice is legally defined by state nurse practice acts. In most
jurisdictions, nurses are not legally authorized to diagnose medical conditions, prescribe
medications, or perform surgical procedures. Administering medications prescribed by a licensed
healthcare provider, such as a physician, is a standard and legal nursing function.
7. A nurse is conducting a health history interview with a new patient. Which of the following is
the most effective communication technique to encourage the patient to elaborate on their
health concerns?
A. "Are you in pain?"
B. "Tell me more about the symptoms you've been experiencing."
C. "I think you should see a specialist for that."
D. "It sounds like you're very worried about your health."
🟢 B. "Tell me more about the symptoms you've been experiencing."
🔴 Explanation: "Tell me more" is an open-ended question that encourages the patient to provide
detailed information in their own words. It is an effective therapeutic communication technique.
Option A is a closed-ended question requiring a simple yes/no answer. Option C is giving advice,
and Option D is interpreting the patient's feelings, which can be a block to communication.
8. A nurse in a long-term care facility is caring for an older adult patient who is experiencing
urinary incontinence. Which of the following nursing actions is most appropriate to promote the
patient's dignity and independence?
A. Placing an indwelling urinary catheter.
B. Applying an adult disposable brief.
C. Implementing a scheduled toileting program.
D. Restricting the patient's fluid intake.
🟢 C. Implementing a scheduled toileting program.
🔴 Explanation: A scheduled toileting program is a proactive, noninvasive intervention that can
help manage incontinence by prompting the patient to empty their bladder at regular intervals.
This approach promotes patient dignity and independence by helping them maintain control.
Catheters and incontinence briefs should not be the first line of management due to risks of
infection and skin breakdown, and fluid restriction can lead to dehydration.
9. A nurse is preparing a sterile field for a dressing change. Which of the following actions
indicates a break in sterile technique?
A. Placing a sterile object on the edge of the sterile field.
B. Holding a sterile object below waist level.
C. Opening a sterile package away from the body.
D. Pouring a sterile solution into a sterile container.
DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE
Core Domains
1. Professional Nursing Practice and Standards
2. Legal and Ethical Principles in Nursing
3. The Nursing Process (ADPIE)
4. Infection Control and Safety
5. Vital Signs and Physical Assessment
6. Patient Communication and Education
7. Basic Human Needs and Development
8. Documentation and Informatics
9. Medication Administration and Calculation
10. Perioperative and Wound Care
Introduction
This comprehensive examination is designed to evaluate your foundational knowledge and clinical
reasoning skills essential for the professional nursing role. It assesses your understanding of core
theoretical concepts, the nursing process, legal and ethical frameworks, and practical application in
patient care scenarios. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that require critical thinking
and application of knowledge to real-world situations. This assessment emphasizes safe, patient-
centered care, evidence-based practice, and effective decision-making, preparing you to deliver high-
quality nursing care in a variety of healthcare settings.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1-100
1. A nurse is caring for a patient who is postoperative following an abdominal surgery. Which of
the following actions by the nurse demonstrates the principle of nonmaleficence?
A. Ensuring the patient understands the risks of the surgery before signing the consent.
B. Administering a prescribed analgesic to relieve the patient's pain.
C. Weighing the benefits of a treatment against its potential harm before administering it.
D. Respecting the patient's decision to refuse a blood transfusion.
🟢 C. Weighing the benefits of a treatment against its potential harm before administering it.
🔴 Explanation: Nonmaleficence is the duty to do no harm. This principle requires that healthcare
providers carefully consider the potential for harm and benefit before implementing a treatment,
aiming to minimize harm. Option A describes autonomy and informed consent. Option B is an act
of beneficence (doing good). Option D demonstrates respect for patient autonomy.
2. A nursing student is reviewing Maslow's hierarchy of needs to prioritize care for a patient.
Which patient need should the nurse address first?
,A. Need for self-esteem.
B. Need for love and belonging.
C. Need for physiological stability.
D. Need for safety and security.
🟢 C. Need for physiological stability.
🔴 Explanation: Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a five-tier model that prioritizes basic physiological
needs (like oxygen, food, water, and sleep) as the most fundamental. These needs must be met first
to ensure survival and before a person can focus on higher-level needs such as safety, love and
belonging, self-esteem, and self-actualization.
3. A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter for a female patient. Which of the
following is the most important reason for performing perineal care before the procedure?
A. To reduce the patient's anxiety about the procedure.
B. To remove microorganisms from the urethral meatus.
C. To lubricate the catheter for easier insertion.
D. To ensure the patient is comfortable during the procedure.
🟢 B. To remove microorganisms from the urethral meatus.
🔴 Explanation: The primary purpose of perineal care before inserting a urinary catheter is to
reduce the risk of introducing microorganisms from the perineal area into the sterile urinary
bladder, which could cause a urinary tract infection. Reducing anxiety and ensuring comfort are
secondary benefits but are not the primary rationale for the cleansing procedure.
4. A patient is prescribed 500 mg of an antibiotic that is supplied in a liquid suspension of 250
mg per 5 mL. How many milliliters should the nurse administer?
A. 5 mL
B. 10 mL
C. 15 mL
D. 20 mL
🟢 B. 10 mL
🔴 Explanation: The dosage calculation can be set up as a ratio: 250 mg / 5 mL = 500 mg / X mL.
Cross-multiplying gives 250X = 2500, so X = 10 mL. The nurse would administer 10 milliliters of the
suspension.
5. A nurse is assessing a patient's pain. Which of the following is the most reliable indicator of
the patient's pain level?
A. The patient's vital signs.
B. The patient's self-report of pain.
C. The nurse's observation of the patient's behavior.
D. The patient's medical diagnosis.
🟢 B. The patient's self-report of pain.
🔴 Explanation: Pain is a subjective experience. The most reliable and valid indicator of pain
intensity and quality is the patient's own description of what they are feeling. While vital signs and
behavior can suggest pain, they are not as reliable as the patient's self-report, as some patients
may not exhibit outward signs of pain.
, 6. Which of the following is an example of a nurse practicing within the legal scope of practice?
A. A nurse performing a physical exam and diagnosing a patient with a specific condition.
B. A nurse administering a medication that was prescribed by a physician.
C. A nurse prescribing a new medication for a patient's chronic hypertension.
D. A nurse performing surgery to remove a patient's gallbladder.
🟢 B. A nurse administering a medication that was prescribed by a physician.
🔴 Explanation: The scope of nursing practice is legally defined by state nurse practice acts. In most
jurisdictions, nurses are not legally authorized to diagnose medical conditions, prescribe
medications, or perform surgical procedures. Administering medications prescribed by a licensed
healthcare provider, such as a physician, is a standard and legal nursing function.
7. A nurse is conducting a health history interview with a new patient. Which of the following is
the most effective communication technique to encourage the patient to elaborate on their
health concerns?
A. "Are you in pain?"
B. "Tell me more about the symptoms you've been experiencing."
C. "I think you should see a specialist for that."
D. "It sounds like you're very worried about your health."
🟢 B. "Tell me more about the symptoms you've been experiencing."
🔴 Explanation: "Tell me more" is an open-ended question that encourages the patient to provide
detailed information in their own words. It is an effective therapeutic communication technique.
Option A is a closed-ended question requiring a simple yes/no answer. Option C is giving advice,
and Option D is interpreting the patient's feelings, which can be a block to communication.
8. A nurse in a long-term care facility is caring for an older adult patient who is experiencing
urinary incontinence. Which of the following nursing actions is most appropriate to promote the
patient's dignity and independence?
A. Placing an indwelling urinary catheter.
B. Applying an adult disposable brief.
C. Implementing a scheduled toileting program.
D. Restricting the patient's fluid intake.
🟢 C. Implementing a scheduled toileting program.
🔴 Explanation: A scheduled toileting program is a proactive, noninvasive intervention that can
help manage incontinence by prompting the patient to empty their bladder at regular intervals.
This approach promotes patient dignity and independence by helping them maintain control.
Catheters and incontinence briefs should not be the first line of management due to risks of
infection and skin breakdown, and fluid restriction can lead to dehydration.
9. A nurse is preparing a sterile field for a dressing change. Which of the following actions
indicates a break in sterile technique?
A. Placing a sterile object on the edge of the sterile field.
B. Holding a sterile object below waist level.
C. Opening a sterile package away from the body.
D. Pouring a sterile solution into a sterile container.
