2026 Fundamentals Practice Assessment B
Nursing Foundations Competency Exam
Questions Answers and Verified Rationales
Question 1
A nurse prepares to identify a client before administering
medication. Which action follows safe practice?
A. Ask the roommate to identify the client.
B. Use the client's room number only.
C. Compare two approved identifiers with the medication
record.
D. Identify the client by diagnosis.
Answer: C. Compare two approved identifiers with the
medication record.
Rationale: Using two approved identifiers helps ensure the
correct client receives the medication.
Question 2
,Which nursing action best reduces the risk of healthcare-
associated infection?
A. Wearing gloves for every task
B. Performing hand hygiene before and after client contact
C. Keeping the client's door closed
D. Limiting family visits
Answer: B. Performing hand hygiene before and after client
contact.
Rationale: Hand hygiene is the most effective method for
preventing transmission of microorganisms.
Question 3
A client is at high risk for falls. Which intervention is most
appropriate?
A. Raise all four side rails.
B. Keep the bed in the lowest position.
C. Leave the room lights off.
D. Encourage the client to walk alone.
Answer: B. Keep the bed in the lowest position.
Rationale: A low bed position decreases the risk of injury if the
client attempts to get out of bed.
,Question 4
Which vital sign finding requires the nurse's immediate
attention?
A. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths/minute
B. Temperature of 98.6°F (37°C)
C. Pulse of 76 beats/minute
D. Blood pressure of 118/74 mm Hg
Answer: A. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths/minute.
Rationale: Bradypnea may indicate respiratory depression and
requires prompt assessment.
Question 5
A nurse delegates obtaining routine vital signs to an assistive
personnel (AP). Which responsibility remains with the nurse?
A. Recording the measurements
B. Evaluating the results
C. Measuring blood pressure
D. Cleaning the equipment
Answer: B. Evaluating the results.
Rationale: Interpretation and clinical judgment cannot be
delegated.
, Question 6
Which client statement demonstrates informed consent?
A. "My family signed because I was asleep."
B. "The provider explained the risks and benefits."
C. "The nurse signed the consent for me."
D. "I signed without asking questions."
Answer: B. "The provider explained the risks and benefits."
Rationale: Valid informed consent requires adequate
explanation before the client agrees.
Question 7
A nurse enters a client's room before performing a procedure.
What is the first action?
A. Gather equipment.
B. Perform hand hygiene.
C. Explain the procedure.
D. Close the curtains.
Answer: B. Perform hand hygiene.
Rationale: Hand hygiene should occur before any client contact.
Question 8
Nursing Foundations Competency Exam
Questions Answers and Verified Rationales
Question 1
A nurse prepares to identify a client before administering
medication. Which action follows safe practice?
A. Ask the roommate to identify the client.
B. Use the client's room number only.
C. Compare two approved identifiers with the medication
record.
D. Identify the client by diagnosis.
Answer: C. Compare two approved identifiers with the
medication record.
Rationale: Using two approved identifiers helps ensure the
correct client receives the medication.
Question 2
,Which nursing action best reduces the risk of healthcare-
associated infection?
A. Wearing gloves for every task
B. Performing hand hygiene before and after client contact
C. Keeping the client's door closed
D. Limiting family visits
Answer: B. Performing hand hygiene before and after client
contact.
Rationale: Hand hygiene is the most effective method for
preventing transmission of microorganisms.
Question 3
A client is at high risk for falls. Which intervention is most
appropriate?
A. Raise all four side rails.
B. Keep the bed in the lowest position.
C. Leave the room lights off.
D. Encourage the client to walk alone.
Answer: B. Keep the bed in the lowest position.
Rationale: A low bed position decreases the risk of injury if the
client attempts to get out of bed.
,Question 4
Which vital sign finding requires the nurse's immediate
attention?
A. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths/minute
B. Temperature of 98.6°F (37°C)
C. Pulse of 76 beats/minute
D. Blood pressure of 118/74 mm Hg
Answer: A. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths/minute.
Rationale: Bradypnea may indicate respiratory depression and
requires prompt assessment.
Question 5
A nurse delegates obtaining routine vital signs to an assistive
personnel (AP). Which responsibility remains with the nurse?
A. Recording the measurements
B. Evaluating the results
C. Measuring blood pressure
D. Cleaning the equipment
Answer: B. Evaluating the results.
Rationale: Interpretation and clinical judgment cannot be
delegated.
, Question 6
Which client statement demonstrates informed consent?
A. "My family signed because I was asleep."
B. "The provider explained the risks and benefits."
C. "The nurse signed the consent for me."
D. "I signed without asking questions."
Answer: B. "The provider explained the risks and benefits."
Rationale: Valid informed consent requires adequate
explanation before the client agrees.
Question 7
A nurse enters a client's room before performing a procedure.
What is the first action?
A. Gather equipment.
B. Perform hand hygiene.
C. Explain the procedure.
D. Close the curtains.
Answer: B. Perform hand hygiene.
Rationale: Hand hygiene should occur before any client contact.
Question 8
