CLINICAL NURSING SKILLS AND
TECHNIQUES 2026/2027 QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS LATEST
UPDATE
1. When preparing to set up a sterile field, which action by the nurse would result in
contamination of the sterile field?
A. Reaching across the sterile field to pick up a sterile gauze.
B. Allowing the sterile drape to touch the edge of the overbed table.
C. Dropping a sterile item onto the field from 6 inches above.
D. Opening the outermost flap away from the body first.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Reaching across a sterile field contaminates it because microbes
from the nurse’s clothing or skin can fall onto the field. The other actions follow sterile
technique principles.
2. A nurse is performing tracheostomy suctioning on a patient. What is the maximum
duration for each suction pass?
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 to 15 seconds
,C. 20 to 25 seconds
D. 30 seconds
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Suctioning should be limited to 10 to 15 seconds to prevent
hypoxia and mucosal damage.
3. When administering an intramuscular injection using the Z-track method, what is the
primary purpose of this technique?
A. To reduce the pain felt by the patient.
B. To ensure the medication reaches the subcutaneous tissue.
C. To increase the rate of absorption of the medication.
D. To prevent medication from leaking back into the subcutaneous tissue.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The Z-track method creates a zigzag path that seals the
medication in the muscle and prevents leakage into the subcutaneous tissue, which can
cause irritation.
4. A nurse is assessing a patient’s peripheral IV site and notes coolness, pallor, and swelling.
Which complication is most likely occurring?
A. Infiltration
B. Phlebitis
, C. Extravasation
D. Thrombophlebitis
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Infiltration is characterized by coolness, pallor, and edema at the
site. Phlebitis usually presents with warmth and redness.
5. Which site is the preferred location for intramuscular injections in infants under 12 months
of age?
A. Dorsogluteal
B. Ventrogluteal
C. Deltoid
D. Vastus lateralis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The vastus lateralis is the most developed muscle in infants and
is the preferred site for IM injections to avoid nerve damage.
6. When inserting a nasogastric (NG) tube, what is the most reliable method for bedside
verification of tube placement?
A. Auscultating a bolus of air over the stomach.
B. Testing the pH of aspirated gastric contents.
C. Checking the color of the aspirate.
TECHNIQUES 2026/2027 QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS LATEST
UPDATE
1. When preparing to set up a sterile field, which action by the nurse would result in
contamination of the sterile field?
A. Reaching across the sterile field to pick up a sterile gauze.
B. Allowing the sterile drape to touch the edge of the overbed table.
C. Dropping a sterile item onto the field from 6 inches above.
D. Opening the outermost flap away from the body first.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Reaching across a sterile field contaminates it because microbes
from the nurse’s clothing or skin can fall onto the field. The other actions follow sterile
technique principles.
2. A nurse is performing tracheostomy suctioning on a patient. What is the maximum
duration for each suction pass?
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 to 15 seconds
,C. 20 to 25 seconds
D. 30 seconds
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Suctioning should be limited to 10 to 15 seconds to prevent
hypoxia and mucosal damage.
3. When administering an intramuscular injection using the Z-track method, what is the
primary purpose of this technique?
A. To reduce the pain felt by the patient.
B. To ensure the medication reaches the subcutaneous tissue.
C. To increase the rate of absorption of the medication.
D. To prevent medication from leaking back into the subcutaneous tissue.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The Z-track method creates a zigzag path that seals the
medication in the muscle and prevents leakage into the subcutaneous tissue, which can
cause irritation.
4. A nurse is assessing a patient’s peripheral IV site and notes coolness, pallor, and swelling.
Which complication is most likely occurring?
A. Infiltration
B. Phlebitis
, C. Extravasation
D. Thrombophlebitis
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Infiltration is characterized by coolness, pallor, and edema at the
site. Phlebitis usually presents with warmth and redness.
5. Which site is the preferred location for intramuscular injections in infants under 12 months
of age?
A. Dorsogluteal
B. Ventrogluteal
C. Deltoid
D. Vastus lateralis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The vastus lateralis is the most developed muscle in infants and
is the preferred site for IM injections to avoid nerve damage.
6. When inserting a nasogastric (NG) tube, what is the most reliable method for bedside
verification of tube placement?
A. Auscultating a bolus of air over the stomach.
B. Testing the pH of aspirated gastric contents.
C. Checking the color of the aspirate.
