NACE FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |LATEST EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
A nurse is assessing a patient for signs of orthostatic hypotension. Which action is most
appropriate?
A. Assess blood pressure while the patient is lying down, sitting, and standing.
B. Instruct the patient to stand quickly to check for dizziness.
C. Measure blood pressure only after the patient has walked for 10 minutes.
D. Assess pulse rate before and after the patient eats a meal.
🟢 A. Assess blood pressure while the patient is lying down, sitting, and standing.
🔴 RATIONALE: Orthostatic hypotension is defined by a drop in blood pressure when changing
positions; assessing in all three positions provides a comprehensive comparison.
Which legal principle protects a nurse who stops to provide emergency care at the scene of an
accident?
A. Informed consent
B. Good Samaritan laws
C. Patient Bill of Rights
D. Advanced directives
🟢 B. Good Samaritan laws
🔴 RATIONALE: Good Samaritan laws provide immunity from liability for healthcare professionals
who provide reasonable emergency care at the scene of an accident.
When prioritizing patient care, which client should the nurse see first?
A. A patient requesting pain medication for chronic arthritis.
B. A patient with a respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute and audible wheezing.
C. A patient waiting for discharge instructions for a minor laceration.
,D. A patient with a blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg.
🟢 B. A patient with a respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute and audible wheezing.
🔴 RATIONALE: According to the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) framework, breathing
difficulties take priority over chronic pain or routine care.
A nurse is administering medication. What is the most critical action to prevent medication errors?
A. Checking the patient's room number.
B. Following the "rights" of medication administration.
C. Asking the family members for the patient's name.
D. Preparing all medications at one time.
🟢 B. Following the "rights" of medication administration.
🔴 RATIONALE: Adhering to the established rights of medication administration is the gold
standard for ensuring patient safety and preventing errors.
Which ethical principle is violated when a nurse fails to provide the agreed-upon care to a patient?
A. Beneficence
B. Fidelity
C. Justice
D. Autonomy
🟢 B. Fidelity
🔴 RATIONALE: Fidelity refers to the duty to be faithful to commitments and obligations, such as
providing promised care.
A patient refuses a prescribed medication. What is the nurse's primary responsibility?
A. Insist the patient takes the medication for their own good.
B. Document the refusal and notify the provider.
C. Hide the medication in the patient's food.
,D. Ignore the refusal and administer it later.
🟢 B. Document the refusal and notify the provider.
🔴 RATIONALE: Patients have the right to refuse treatment; the nurse must document the refusal
and inform the provider to ensure continuity of care.
Which assessment finding is a classic sign of hypoxia?
A. Bradycardia
B. Cyanosis
C. Hypertension
D. Increased urine output
🟢 B. Cyanosis
🔴 RATIONALE: Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes) is a common
clinical indicator of inadequate oxygenation (hypoxia).
Which technique is most effective for preventing the spread of infection in a clinical setting?
A. Wearing gloves at all times.
B. Using alcohol-based hand rub after every patient contact.
C. Thorough handwashing with soap and water.
D. Limiting the number of visitors in the room.
🟢 C. Thorough handwashing with soap and water.
🔴 RATIONALE: Hand hygiene is the single most effective method for preventing the transmission
of healthcare-associated infections.
A patient is having a tonic-clonic seizure. What is the nurse's first priority?
A. Inserting a tongue depressor to prevent tongue biting.
B. Restraining the patient to prevent injury.
C. Protecting the patient's head and environment from injury.
, D. Administering oxygen via nasal cannula.
🟢 C. Protecting the patient's head and environment from injury.
🔴 RATIONALE: During a seizure, the priority is to keep the patient safe by padding the head and
clearing the area; never insert objects into the mouth.
Which documentation reflects the use of objective data?
A. Patient states, "I feel very anxious."
B. Patient appears to be in significant pain.
C. Patient's blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg.
D. Patient seems confused about the time of day.
🟢 C. Patient's blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg.
🔴 RATIONALE: Objective data consists of observable and measurable information, such as vital
signs, rather than patient perceptions.
The nurse is caring for a patient with a pressure ulcer. Which nutrient is essential for tissue repair?
A. Carbohydrates
B. Protein
C. Fats
D. Water
🟢 B. Protein
🔴 RATIONALE: Protein is essential for collagen synthesis and tissue repair, which are critical for
healing pressure ulcers.
When using an interpreter, to whom should the nurse direct their attention?
A. The interpreter
B. The patient
C. The family members
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |LATEST EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
A nurse is assessing a patient for signs of orthostatic hypotension. Which action is most
appropriate?
A. Assess blood pressure while the patient is lying down, sitting, and standing.
B. Instruct the patient to stand quickly to check for dizziness.
C. Measure blood pressure only after the patient has walked for 10 minutes.
D. Assess pulse rate before and after the patient eats a meal.
🟢 A. Assess blood pressure while the patient is lying down, sitting, and standing.
🔴 RATIONALE: Orthostatic hypotension is defined by a drop in blood pressure when changing
positions; assessing in all three positions provides a comprehensive comparison.
Which legal principle protects a nurse who stops to provide emergency care at the scene of an
accident?
A. Informed consent
B. Good Samaritan laws
C. Patient Bill of Rights
D. Advanced directives
🟢 B. Good Samaritan laws
🔴 RATIONALE: Good Samaritan laws provide immunity from liability for healthcare professionals
who provide reasonable emergency care at the scene of an accident.
When prioritizing patient care, which client should the nurse see first?
A. A patient requesting pain medication for chronic arthritis.
B. A patient with a respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute and audible wheezing.
C. A patient waiting for discharge instructions for a minor laceration.
,D. A patient with a blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg.
🟢 B. A patient with a respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute and audible wheezing.
🔴 RATIONALE: According to the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) framework, breathing
difficulties take priority over chronic pain or routine care.
A nurse is administering medication. What is the most critical action to prevent medication errors?
A. Checking the patient's room number.
B. Following the "rights" of medication administration.
C. Asking the family members for the patient's name.
D. Preparing all medications at one time.
🟢 B. Following the "rights" of medication administration.
🔴 RATIONALE: Adhering to the established rights of medication administration is the gold
standard for ensuring patient safety and preventing errors.
Which ethical principle is violated when a nurse fails to provide the agreed-upon care to a patient?
A. Beneficence
B. Fidelity
C. Justice
D. Autonomy
🟢 B. Fidelity
🔴 RATIONALE: Fidelity refers to the duty to be faithful to commitments and obligations, such as
providing promised care.
A patient refuses a prescribed medication. What is the nurse's primary responsibility?
A. Insist the patient takes the medication for their own good.
B. Document the refusal and notify the provider.
C. Hide the medication in the patient's food.
,D. Ignore the refusal and administer it later.
🟢 B. Document the refusal and notify the provider.
🔴 RATIONALE: Patients have the right to refuse treatment; the nurse must document the refusal
and inform the provider to ensure continuity of care.
Which assessment finding is a classic sign of hypoxia?
A. Bradycardia
B. Cyanosis
C. Hypertension
D. Increased urine output
🟢 B. Cyanosis
🔴 RATIONALE: Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes) is a common
clinical indicator of inadequate oxygenation (hypoxia).
Which technique is most effective for preventing the spread of infection in a clinical setting?
A. Wearing gloves at all times.
B. Using alcohol-based hand rub after every patient contact.
C. Thorough handwashing with soap and water.
D. Limiting the number of visitors in the room.
🟢 C. Thorough handwashing with soap and water.
🔴 RATIONALE: Hand hygiene is the single most effective method for preventing the transmission
of healthcare-associated infections.
A patient is having a tonic-clonic seizure. What is the nurse's first priority?
A. Inserting a tongue depressor to prevent tongue biting.
B. Restraining the patient to prevent injury.
C. Protecting the patient's head and environment from injury.
, D. Administering oxygen via nasal cannula.
🟢 C. Protecting the patient's head and environment from injury.
🔴 RATIONALE: During a seizure, the priority is to keep the patient safe by padding the head and
clearing the area; never insert objects into the mouth.
Which documentation reflects the use of objective data?
A. Patient states, "I feel very anxious."
B. Patient appears to be in significant pain.
C. Patient's blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg.
D. Patient seems confused about the time of day.
🟢 C. Patient's blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg.
🔴 RATIONALE: Objective data consists of observable and measurable information, such as vital
signs, rather than patient perceptions.
The nurse is caring for a patient with a pressure ulcer. Which nutrient is essential for tissue repair?
A. Carbohydrates
B. Protein
C. Fats
D. Water
🟢 B. Protein
🔴 RATIONALE: Protein is essential for collagen synthesis and tissue repair, which are critical for
healing pressure ulcers.
When using an interpreter, to whom should the nurse direct their attention?
A. The interpreter
B. The patient
C. The family members
