of Nursing Practice Competency Exam
Questions with Verified Answers and
Rationales
Question 1
A nurse is preparing to enter the room of a client who is on
contact precautions for Clostridioides difficile. Which personal
protective equipment should the nurse apply before entering?
A. Surgical mask only
B. Gloves only
C. Gloves and gown
D. N95 respirator and gloves
Answer: C. Gloves and gown
Rationale: Contact precautions require gloves and a gown upon
room entry to prevent transmission through direct or indirect
contact.
,Question 2
Which action best demonstrates patient-centered care?
A. Completing tasks quickly
B. Following unit routines without modification
C. Including the client in care decisions
D. Allowing family members to make all decisions
Answer: C. Including the client in care decisions
Rationale: Patient-centered care respects the client's
preferences, values, and participation in healthcare decisions.
Question 3
A nurse is identifying a client before administering medication.
Which identifiers are appropriate?
A. Room number and diagnosis
B. Client's name and date of birth
C. Bed number and physician's name
D. Diagnosis and admission date
Answer: B. Client's name and date of birth
Rationale: Two approved identifiers help ensure medications are
administered to the correct client.
,Question 4
A nurse observes smoke coming from a wastebasket in a client's
room. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Close the client's door
B. Remove everyone in immediate danger
C. Turn off the oxygen
D. Retrieve a fire extinguisher
Answer: B. Remove everyone in immediate danger
Rationale: The first step of the RACE protocol is Rescue
individuals who are in immediate danger.
Question 5
Which finding requires immediate nursing intervention?
A. Blood pressure 122/76 mm Hg
B. Oxygen saturation 86% on room air
C. Temperature 37°C (98.6°F)
D. Heart rate 82/min
Answer: B. Oxygen saturation 86% on room air
Rationale: An oxygen saturation of 86% indicates hypoxemia
and requires prompt assessment and intervention.
, Question 6
Which position promotes lung expansion in a client
experiencing shortness of breath?
A. Supine
B. Trendelenburg
C. High-Fowler's
D. Sims'
Answer: C. High-Fowler's
Rationale: High-Fowler's position maximizes chest expansion
and improves ventilation.
Question 7
A nurse is removing sterile gloves. Which action maintains
safety?
A. Touch the outside of both gloves.
B. Remove the first glove by grasping the outside near the wrist.
C. Pull both gloves off simultaneously.
D. Wash gloves before removing them.
Answer: B. Remove the first glove by grasping the outside near
the wrist.
Rationale: Proper glove removal prevents contamination of the
hands.