Basic Nursing Exam Questions with Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A Instant Download PDF
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a newly admitted patient. Which
assessment finding should the nurse report immediately?
A. Temperature of 37.2°C (99°F)
B. Pulse rate of 82 beats/minute
C. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths/minute
D. Blood pressure of 118/72 mmHg
Correct answer: C. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths/minute
Rationale: A respiratory rate of 8 breaths/minute is abnormally
low for an adult and may indicate respiratory depression,
especially if accompanied by decreased oxygen saturation,
sedation, or altered consciousness. The nurse should promptly
assess airway, breathing, oxygenation, level of consciousness,
and possible causes such as opioid administration. A
temperature of 37.2°C, pulse of 82 beats/minute, and blood
pressure of 118/72 mmHg are generally within expected adult
ranges.
,Question 2
Which action is the most effective way for a nurse to prevent
the transmission of infection?
A. Wearing a mask for every patient interaction
B. Performing hand hygiene at appropriate times
C. Administering antibiotics prophylactically
D. Keeping all patients in private rooms
Correct answer: B. Performing hand hygiene at appropriate
times
Rationale: Hand hygiene is one of the most important measures
for preventing the spread of microorganisms in healthcare
settings. Hands can transfer pathogens between patients,
equipment, surfaces, and healthcare workers. Appropriate hand
hygiene should be performed before and after patient contact
and whenever contamination is suspected. Masks, isolation
rooms, and antibiotics have specific indications but do not
replace appropriate hand hygiene.
Question 3
A patient reports shortness of breath. Which position should
the nurse use initially to promote easier breathing?
,A. Supine
B. Prone
C. High-Fowler's
D. Trendelenburg
Correct answer: C. High-Fowler's
Rationale: High-Fowler's position elevates the patient's upper
body and promotes maximum lung expansion. It can decrease
pressure from abdominal organs on the diaphragm and make
breathing easier. Supine positioning may worsen respiratory
difficulty in some patients, while prone and Trendelenburg
positions are not the usual first positioning measures for an
acutely short-of-breath patient.
Question 4
Which finding is most consistent with hypoglycemia?
A. Warm, dry skin
B. Bradycardia
C. Sweating and tremors
D. Increased thirst only
Correct answer: C. Sweating and tremors
Rationale: Hypoglycemia commonly produces autonomic
symptoms such as sweating, tremors, palpitations, anxiety,
hunger, and weakness. As blood glucose falls further,
, neurological symptoms such as confusion, difficulty
concentrating, seizures, and loss of consciousness can occur.
Warm, dry skin is more commonly associated with
hyperglycemia or other conditions, while increased thirst is a
classic symptom of hyperglycemia.
Question 5
A nurse is preparing to administer medication. Which
identification practice is safest?
A. Ask the patient to state their room number
B. Check the patient's name against the medication label only
C. Use two approved patient identifiers
D. Identify the patient by appearance
Correct answer: C. Use two approved patient identifiers
Rationale: Using two approved identifiers, such as the patient's
full name and date of birth or another institution-approved
identifier, reduces the risk of administering medication to the
wrong patient. Room numbers and physical appearance are not
reliable patient identifiers. Medication administration should
also include verification of the medication, dose, route, time,
allergies, and other applicable safety requirements.
Question 6
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A Instant Download PDF
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a newly admitted patient. Which
assessment finding should the nurse report immediately?
A. Temperature of 37.2°C (99°F)
B. Pulse rate of 82 beats/minute
C. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths/minute
D. Blood pressure of 118/72 mmHg
Correct answer: C. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths/minute
Rationale: A respiratory rate of 8 breaths/minute is abnormally
low for an adult and may indicate respiratory depression,
especially if accompanied by decreased oxygen saturation,
sedation, or altered consciousness. The nurse should promptly
assess airway, breathing, oxygenation, level of consciousness,
and possible causes such as opioid administration. A
temperature of 37.2°C, pulse of 82 beats/minute, and blood
pressure of 118/72 mmHg are generally within expected adult
ranges.
,Question 2
Which action is the most effective way for a nurse to prevent
the transmission of infection?
A. Wearing a mask for every patient interaction
B. Performing hand hygiene at appropriate times
C. Administering antibiotics prophylactically
D. Keeping all patients in private rooms
Correct answer: B. Performing hand hygiene at appropriate
times
Rationale: Hand hygiene is one of the most important measures
for preventing the spread of microorganisms in healthcare
settings. Hands can transfer pathogens between patients,
equipment, surfaces, and healthcare workers. Appropriate hand
hygiene should be performed before and after patient contact
and whenever contamination is suspected. Masks, isolation
rooms, and antibiotics have specific indications but do not
replace appropriate hand hygiene.
Question 3
A patient reports shortness of breath. Which position should
the nurse use initially to promote easier breathing?
,A. Supine
B. Prone
C. High-Fowler's
D. Trendelenburg
Correct answer: C. High-Fowler's
Rationale: High-Fowler's position elevates the patient's upper
body and promotes maximum lung expansion. It can decrease
pressure from abdominal organs on the diaphragm and make
breathing easier. Supine positioning may worsen respiratory
difficulty in some patients, while prone and Trendelenburg
positions are not the usual first positioning measures for an
acutely short-of-breath patient.
Question 4
Which finding is most consistent with hypoglycemia?
A. Warm, dry skin
B. Bradycardia
C. Sweating and tremors
D. Increased thirst only
Correct answer: C. Sweating and tremors
Rationale: Hypoglycemia commonly produces autonomic
symptoms such as sweating, tremors, palpitations, anxiety,
hunger, and weakness. As blood glucose falls further,
, neurological symptoms such as confusion, difficulty
concentrating, seizures, and loss of consciousness can occur.
Warm, dry skin is more commonly associated with
hyperglycemia or other conditions, while increased thirst is a
classic symptom of hyperglycemia.
Question 5
A nurse is preparing to administer medication. Which
identification practice is safest?
A. Ask the patient to state their room number
B. Check the patient's name against the medication label only
C. Use two approved patient identifiers
D. Identify the patient by appearance
Correct answer: C. Use two approved patient identifiers
Rationale: Using two approved identifiers, such as the patient's
full name and date of birth or another institution-approved
identifier, reduces the risk of administering medication to the
wrong patient. Room numbers and physical appearance are not
reliable patient identifiers. Medication administration should
also include verification of the medication, dose, route, time,
allergies, and other applicable safety requirements.
Question 6
