CLINICAL NURSING SKILLS AND
TECHNIQUES 10TH EDITION
COMPREHENSIVE TEST BANK
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFED ANSWERS
1. When preparing to insert a nasogastric (NG) tube, which measurement method is most
accurate for determining the length of the tube to be inserted?
A. Measure from the tip of the nose to the earlobe.
B. Measure from the earlobe to the xiphoid process.
C. Measure from the tip of the nose to the earlobe, then to the xiphoid process.
D. Measure from the bridge of the nose to the umbilicus.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The NEX (Nose-Earlobe-Xiphoid) measurement is the standard
method to estimate the distance required to reach the stomach. Individual anatomical
variations make this the most reliable external measurement.
2. A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection using the Z-track method.
What is the primary rationale for using this technique?
A. To ensure the medication reaches the bone for faster absorption.
,B. To prevent the medication from leaking back into the subcutaneous tissue.
C. To reduce the risk of hitting a major blood vessel.
D. To allow for a larger volume of medication to be injected.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The Z-track method creates a zigzag path that seals the
medication in the muscle tissue, preventing irritation and staining of subcutaneous tissue
from backflow.
3. When performing tracheostomy suctioning, what is the maximum amount of time the
nurse should apply suction during a single pass?
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 to 15 seconds
C. 20 to 30 seconds
D. Until the airway is clear
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Suctioning longer than 15 seconds can cause significant hypoxia
and vagal stimulation, leading to cardiac arrhythmias.
4. A patient is receiving a continuous intravenous infusion and develops redness, warmth,
and a palpable cord along the vein. How should the nurse document this finding?
A. Infiltration Grade 2
, B. Phlebitis Grade 3
C. Extravasation
D. Venous Thrombosis
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Redness, warmth, and a palpable cord are classic signs of
phlebitis. The presence of a cord indicates a Grade 3 on the phlebitis scale.
5. Which action is a priority for the nurse when a sterile field becomes contaminated by a
small splash of sterile saline?
A. Dry the area with a sterile gauze pad and continue.
B. Consider the entire field contaminated and start over.
C. Cover the wet area with a new sterile drape.
D. Wipe the area with alcohol and wait for it to dry.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: When a sterile surface comes in contact with a wet,
contaminated surface, the sterile object or field becomes contaminated by capillary action
(wicking).
6. A nurse is caring for a patient with a suspected Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection.
Which infection control measure is mandatory?
A. Wearing a N95 respirator mask
TECHNIQUES 10TH EDITION
COMPREHENSIVE TEST BANK
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFED ANSWERS
1. When preparing to insert a nasogastric (NG) tube, which measurement method is most
accurate for determining the length of the tube to be inserted?
A. Measure from the tip of the nose to the earlobe.
B. Measure from the earlobe to the xiphoid process.
C. Measure from the tip of the nose to the earlobe, then to the xiphoid process.
D. Measure from the bridge of the nose to the umbilicus.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The NEX (Nose-Earlobe-Xiphoid) measurement is the standard
method to estimate the distance required to reach the stomach. Individual anatomical
variations make this the most reliable external measurement.
2. A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection using the Z-track method.
What is the primary rationale for using this technique?
A. To ensure the medication reaches the bone for faster absorption.
,B. To prevent the medication from leaking back into the subcutaneous tissue.
C. To reduce the risk of hitting a major blood vessel.
D. To allow for a larger volume of medication to be injected.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The Z-track method creates a zigzag path that seals the
medication in the muscle tissue, preventing irritation and staining of subcutaneous tissue
from backflow.
3. When performing tracheostomy suctioning, what is the maximum amount of time the
nurse should apply suction during a single pass?
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 to 15 seconds
C. 20 to 30 seconds
D. Until the airway is clear
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Suctioning longer than 15 seconds can cause significant hypoxia
and vagal stimulation, leading to cardiac arrhythmias.
4. A patient is receiving a continuous intravenous infusion and develops redness, warmth,
and a palpable cord along the vein. How should the nurse document this finding?
A. Infiltration Grade 2
, B. Phlebitis Grade 3
C. Extravasation
D. Venous Thrombosis
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Redness, warmth, and a palpable cord are classic signs of
phlebitis. The presence of a cord indicates a Grade 3 on the phlebitis scale.
5. Which action is a priority for the nurse when a sterile field becomes contaminated by a
small splash of sterile saline?
A. Dry the area with a sterile gauze pad and continue.
B. Consider the entire field contaminated and start over.
C. Cover the wet area with a new sterile drape.
D. Wipe the area with alcohol and wait for it to dry.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: When a sterile surface comes in contact with a wet,
contaminated surface, the sterile object or field becomes contaminated by capillary action
(wicking).
6. A nurse is caring for a patient with a suspected Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection.
Which infection control measure is mandatory?
A. Wearing a N95 respirator mask
