PASSPOINTPRO | WGU D439 | QUIZ 3
WGU D439 Foundations of Nursing
Quiz 3: Medication Administration and Fundamental Patient Care
50 Original Questions with Correct Answers and Detailed Explanations
PASSPOINTPRO
Independent study material. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or copied from Western Governors University. This resource contains
original practice questions for concept review.
Page 1
, PASSPOINTPRO | WGU D439 | QUIZ 3
Quiz Instructions
Choose the best answer before reviewing the answer and explanation beneath each question. Use missed items to
identify concepts for focused review in your official course materials.
1. For which patient should the nurse avoid an oral temperature measurement?
A. A cooperative adult who has not eaten recently
B. A confused patient who cannot safely close the mouth
C. A patient with an intact gag reflex
D. An alert adult resting in bed
Answer: B - A confused patient who cannot safely close the mouth
Explanation: Oral measurement is unsafe or unreliable when the patient cannot cooperate or protect the thermometer. This
approach supports accurate, safe, and patient-centered fundamental nursing care. The remaining options are less safe,
inaccurate, or inconsistent with appropriate nursing practice.
2. When should the nurse measure an apical pulse for one full minute?
A. Before giving a medication that affects heart rate
B. After measuring an adult's height
C. Before changing bed linens
D. Only when the radial pulse is above 100/min
Answer: A - Before giving a medication that affects heart rate
Explanation: An apical pulse for a full minute improves accuracy before administering medications that can alter cardiac rate
or rhythm. This approach supports accurate, safe, and patient-centered fundamental nursing care. The remaining options are
less safe, inaccurate, or inconsistent with appropriate nursing practice.
3. How should the nurse count respirations accurately?
A. Tell the patient to take deep breaths
B. Continue holding the wrist after the pulse so the patient is unaware
C. Count for 5 seconds and multiply by 12 in every patient
D. Ask the patient to breathe normally while watching a clock
Answer: B - Continue holding the wrist after the pulse so the patient is unaware
Explanation: Patients may alter breathing when aware it is observed, so discreet counting produces a more natural rate and
pattern. This approach supports accurate, safe, and patient-centered fundamental nursing care. The remaining options are
less safe, inaccurate, or inconsistent with appropriate nursing practice.
4. What effect can a blood pressure cuff that is too small have?
A. It always produces a falsely low reading
B. It has no effect if centered on the artery
C. It affects pulse but not pressure
D. It can produce a falsely high reading
Answer: D - It can produce a falsely high reading
Explanation: A cuff that is too small requires excessive pressure to occlude the artery and can falsely elevate the result.
This approach supports accurate, safe, and patient-centered fundamental nursing care. The remaining options are less safe,
inaccurate, or inconsistent with appropriate nursing practice.
Page 2
WGU D439 Foundations of Nursing
Quiz 3: Medication Administration and Fundamental Patient Care
50 Original Questions with Correct Answers and Detailed Explanations
PASSPOINTPRO
Independent study material. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or copied from Western Governors University. This resource contains
original practice questions for concept review.
Page 1
, PASSPOINTPRO | WGU D439 | QUIZ 3
Quiz Instructions
Choose the best answer before reviewing the answer and explanation beneath each question. Use missed items to
identify concepts for focused review in your official course materials.
1. For which patient should the nurse avoid an oral temperature measurement?
A. A cooperative adult who has not eaten recently
B. A confused patient who cannot safely close the mouth
C. A patient with an intact gag reflex
D. An alert adult resting in bed
Answer: B - A confused patient who cannot safely close the mouth
Explanation: Oral measurement is unsafe or unreliable when the patient cannot cooperate or protect the thermometer. This
approach supports accurate, safe, and patient-centered fundamental nursing care. The remaining options are less safe,
inaccurate, or inconsistent with appropriate nursing practice.
2. When should the nurse measure an apical pulse for one full minute?
A. Before giving a medication that affects heart rate
B. After measuring an adult's height
C. Before changing bed linens
D. Only when the radial pulse is above 100/min
Answer: A - Before giving a medication that affects heart rate
Explanation: An apical pulse for a full minute improves accuracy before administering medications that can alter cardiac rate
or rhythm. This approach supports accurate, safe, and patient-centered fundamental nursing care. The remaining options are
less safe, inaccurate, or inconsistent with appropriate nursing practice.
3. How should the nurse count respirations accurately?
A. Tell the patient to take deep breaths
B. Continue holding the wrist after the pulse so the patient is unaware
C. Count for 5 seconds and multiply by 12 in every patient
D. Ask the patient to breathe normally while watching a clock
Answer: B - Continue holding the wrist after the pulse so the patient is unaware
Explanation: Patients may alter breathing when aware it is observed, so discreet counting produces a more natural rate and
pattern. This approach supports accurate, safe, and patient-centered fundamental nursing care. The remaining options are
less safe, inaccurate, or inconsistent with appropriate nursing practice.
4. What effect can a blood pressure cuff that is too small have?
A. It always produces a falsely low reading
B. It has no effect if centered on the artery
C. It affects pulse but not pressure
D. It can produce a falsely high reading
Answer: D - It can produce a falsely high reading
Explanation: A cuff that is too small requires excessive pressure to occlude the artery and can falsely elevate the result.
This approach supports accurate, safe, and patient-centered fundamental nursing care. The remaining options are less safe,
inaccurate, or inconsistent with appropriate nursing practice.
Page 2
