Chapter 27: Patient Safety and Quality Fundamentals of Nursing 11th Edition (Potter & Perry) 50 NCLEX-Style Exam Questions with Detailed Rationales

1. What is the nurse’s primary goal in maintaining patient safety in a healthcare setting? A) To avoid legal liability B) To prevent harm and ensure a safe environment C) To reduce documentation D) To encourage patient dependence Answer: B Rationale: Patient safety involves preventing injury and harm while promoting an environment that supports well-being and recovery. ________________________________________ 2. Which patient is most at risk for falls in a hospital setting? A) A 20-year-old postoperative appendectomy patient B) A 55-year-old with hypertension C) A 76-year-old with a history of confusion and unsteady gait D) A 30-year-old with a sprained wrist Answer: C Rationale: Older adults with cognitive impairment and mobility issues have the highest fall risk. ________________________________________ 3. A nurse enters a patient's room and sees smoke coming from an electrical outlet. What is the first action? A) Attempt to unplug the device B) Pull the fire alarm C) Remove the patient from the room D) Use a fire extinguisher Answer: C Rationale: The nurse should follow the RACE acronym: Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish. ________________________________________ 4. Which intervention is most appropriate for preventing medication errors? A) Preparing medications for multiple patients at once B) Administering medications from memory C) Following the six rights of medication administration D) Documenting before administering Answer: C Rationale: The six rights (right patient, drug, dose, route, time, and documentation) are standard safety checks. ________________________________________ 5. A nurse should place a patient in restraints only after: A) The family requests it B) All other alternatives have been exhausted and with a physician order C) The patient becomes verbally aggressive D) The nurse decides it’s needed for convenience Answer: B Rationale: Restraints are a last resort and require a provider order and documented justification. 6. Which of the following is an example of a physical hazard in the home? A) Lack of family support B) Cluttered hallways and loose rugs C) Poor communication D) Malnutrition Answer: B Rationale: Environmental hazards like clutter or rugs increase the risk of falls. ________________________________________ 7. What is the best way to identify a patient before administering care? A) Ask the patient their name B) Check the patient’s room number C) Use two patient identifiers, such as full name and date of birth D) Ask the family member Answer: C Rationale: Using two identifiers reduces the risk of errors and ensures correct patient care. ________________________________________ 8. Which age group is most at risk for accidental poisoning? A) Infants B) Toddlers and preschoolers C) Adolescents D) Older adults Answer: B Rationale: Young children explore their environment by putting objects in their mouths, increasing poisoning risk. ________________________________________ 9. A nurse is caring for a confused patient who keeps trying to get out of bed. What is the best intervention? A) Apply wrist restraints B) Turn off the call light C) Move the patient closer to the nurses’ station D) Raise all four bed rails Answer: C Rationale: Placing the patient close to supervision allows for frequent observation and reduces fall risk. ________________________________________ 10. A nurse teaching a patient about fire safety at home should include which instruction? A) Use water to put out grease fires B) Store matches out of children’s reach C) Place space heaters close to curtains D) Never install smoke alarms Answer: B Rationale: Fire safety includes keeping flammable objects away from children and ensuring alarms are functional.