NCLEX RN Hygiene and Comfort
Practice Exam 100 Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2026
1. A nurse is assisting a client with a complete bed bath. Which action
should the nurse take first?
A. Wash the client's face
B. Remove the client's gown
C. Perform hand hygiene and provide privacy
D. Wash the client's legs
Answer: Perform hand hygiene and provide privacy
Rationale: Hand hygiene reduces transmission of microorganisms, and
maintaining privacy promotes dignity and comfort. These actions should
occur before beginning personal care.
2. Which area should the nurse wash first when providing a bed bath?
A. Perineal area
B. Face
C. Feet
D. Back
Answer: Face
Rationale: The face is washed first because it is generally the cleanest area.
Bathing proceeds from the cleanest areas to the less clean areas.
3. A nurse is providing oral care to an unconscious client. Which position is
safest?
,A. Supine
B. High-Fowler's
C. Side-lying
D. Trendelenburg
Answer: Side-lying
Rationale: Side-lying promotes drainage of secretions and reduces the risk of
aspiration in an unconscious client.
4. Which solution is appropriate for routine oral care of a conscious client?
A. Full-strength hydrogen peroxide
B. Normal saline
C. Isopropyl alcohol
D. Undiluted antiseptic solution
Answer: Normal saline
Rationale: Normal saline is gentle on oral tissues and can be used safely for
routine oral hygiene. Alcohol-containing and harsh solutions can irritate
mucous membranes.
5. A client reports dry, cracked lips. Which intervention is most
appropriate?
A. Apply petroleum-based moisturizer if appropriate
B. Scrub the lips with a dry towel
C. Restrict oral fluids
D. Apply alcohol-based mouthwash
Answer: Apply petroleum-based moisturizer if appropriate
Rationale: A suitable lip moisturizer helps prevent and treat dryness and
cracking. Aggressive rubbing and alcohol-based products can worsen
irritation.
6. Which nursing intervention is appropriate when caring for a client with
dentures?
A. Place dentures in a tissue at the bedside
B. Clean dentures with very hot water
,C. Handle dentures carefully over a towel or basin of water
D. Store dentures dry overnight
Answer: Handle dentures carefully over a towel or basin of water
Rationale: Dentures can easily break if dropped. A towel or water-filled basin
provides protection if the dentures slip from the nurse's hands.
7. Where should dentures be stored when they are not being worn?
A. In a labeled denture container with appropriate solution or water
B. Wrapped in a dry paper towel
C. Under the client's pillow
D. On the bedside table uncovered
Answer: In a labeled denture container with appropriate solution or water
Rationale: Proper storage prevents damage and contamination. The
container should be clearly labeled to prevent loss or confusion.
8. A client has difficulty brushing their teeth because of limited hand
mobility. What should the nurse do?
A. Tell the client oral hygiene is unnecessary
B. Provide adaptive equipment or assistance
C. Avoid oral care until mobility improves
D. Use a hard-bristled toothbrush
Answer: Provide adaptive equipment or assistance
Rationale: Nursing care should promote independence while providing
assistance when needed. Adaptive devices can help clients participate in their
own hygiene.
9. Which finding during oral assessment should the nurse report?
A. Pink, moist gums
B. Intact oral mucosa
C. White patches that do not easily wipe away
D. Moist tongue
Answer: White patches that do not easily wipe away
, Rationale: Persistent white patches may indicate oral candidiasis or another
oral condition and require further assessment and treatment.
10.Which action is best when shampooing a client's hair in bed?
A. Use very hot water
B. Protect the bed with waterproof barriers and towels
C. Leave the client's eyes uncovered
D. Pour water rapidly over the client's face
Answer: Protect the bed with waterproof barriers and towels
Rationale: Waterproof protection prevents moisture from soaking the linens
and mattress while promoting client comfort.
11.A nurse is shaving a client. Which action is appropriate?
A. Shave directly over irritated skin
B. Use an electric razor for a client at increased bleeding risk
C. Use a dull razor
D. Shave without explaining the procedure
Answer: Use an electric razor for a client at increased bleeding risk
Rationale: An electric razor decreases the risk of skin cuts and bleeding, which
is particularly important for clients receiving anticoagulants or with bleeding
disorders.
12.Which intervention helps prevent pressure injury during hygiene care?
A. Leave wet linens under the client
B. Massage reddened bony prominences vigorously
C. Keep the skin clean and dry and reposition regularly
D. Use powder heavily on all skin surfaces
Answer: Keep the skin clean and dry and reposition regularly
Rationale: Moisture, friction, shear, and prolonged pressure contribute to skin
breakdown. Regular repositioning and skin care reduce risk.
13.Which client is at greatest risk for impaired skin integrity?
Practice Exam 100 Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2026
1. A nurse is assisting a client with a complete bed bath. Which action
should the nurse take first?
A. Wash the client's face
B. Remove the client's gown
C. Perform hand hygiene and provide privacy
D. Wash the client's legs
Answer: Perform hand hygiene and provide privacy
Rationale: Hand hygiene reduces transmission of microorganisms, and
maintaining privacy promotes dignity and comfort. These actions should
occur before beginning personal care.
2. Which area should the nurse wash first when providing a bed bath?
A. Perineal area
B. Face
C. Feet
D. Back
Answer: Face
Rationale: The face is washed first because it is generally the cleanest area.
Bathing proceeds from the cleanest areas to the less clean areas.
3. A nurse is providing oral care to an unconscious client. Which position is
safest?
,A. Supine
B. High-Fowler's
C. Side-lying
D. Trendelenburg
Answer: Side-lying
Rationale: Side-lying promotes drainage of secretions and reduces the risk of
aspiration in an unconscious client.
4. Which solution is appropriate for routine oral care of a conscious client?
A. Full-strength hydrogen peroxide
B. Normal saline
C. Isopropyl alcohol
D. Undiluted antiseptic solution
Answer: Normal saline
Rationale: Normal saline is gentle on oral tissues and can be used safely for
routine oral hygiene. Alcohol-containing and harsh solutions can irritate
mucous membranes.
5. A client reports dry, cracked lips. Which intervention is most
appropriate?
A. Apply petroleum-based moisturizer if appropriate
B. Scrub the lips with a dry towel
C. Restrict oral fluids
D. Apply alcohol-based mouthwash
Answer: Apply petroleum-based moisturizer if appropriate
Rationale: A suitable lip moisturizer helps prevent and treat dryness and
cracking. Aggressive rubbing and alcohol-based products can worsen
irritation.
6. Which nursing intervention is appropriate when caring for a client with
dentures?
A. Place dentures in a tissue at the bedside
B. Clean dentures with very hot water
,C. Handle dentures carefully over a towel or basin of water
D. Store dentures dry overnight
Answer: Handle dentures carefully over a towel or basin of water
Rationale: Dentures can easily break if dropped. A towel or water-filled basin
provides protection if the dentures slip from the nurse's hands.
7. Where should dentures be stored when they are not being worn?
A. In a labeled denture container with appropriate solution or water
B. Wrapped in a dry paper towel
C. Under the client's pillow
D. On the bedside table uncovered
Answer: In a labeled denture container with appropriate solution or water
Rationale: Proper storage prevents damage and contamination. The
container should be clearly labeled to prevent loss or confusion.
8. A client has difficulty brushing their teeth because of limited hand
mobility. What should the nurse do?
A. Tell the client oral hygiene is unnecessary
B. Provide adaptive equipment or assistance
C. Avoid oral care until mobility improves
D. Use a hard-bristled toothbrush
Answer: Provide adaptive equipment or assistance
Rationale: Nursing care should promote independence while providing
assistance when needed. Adaptive devices can help clients participate in their
own hygiene.
9. Which finding during oral assessment should the nurse report?
A. Pink, moist gums
B. Intact oral mucosa
C. White patches that do not easily wipe away
D. Moist tongue
Answer: White patches that do not easily wipe away
, Rationale: Persistent white patches may indicate oral candidiasis or another
oral condition and require further assessment and treatment.
10.Which action is best when shampooing a client's hair in bed?
A. Use very hot water
B. Protect the bed with waterproof barriers and towels
C. Leave the client's eyes uncovered
D. Pour water rapidly over the client's face
Answer: Protect the bed with waterproof barriers and towels
Rationale: Waterproof protection prevents moisture from soaking the linens
and mattress while promoting client comfort.
11.A nurse is shaving a client. Which action is appropriate?
A. Shave directly over irritated skin
B. Use an electric razor for a client at increased bleeding risk
C. Use a dull razor
D. Shave without explaining the procedure
Answer: Use an electric razor for a client at increased bleeding risk
Rationale: An electric razor decreases the risk of skin cuts and bleeding, which
is particularly important for clients receiving anticoagulants or with bleeding
disorders.
12.Which intervention helps prevent pressure injury during hygiene care?
A. Leave wet linens under the client
B. Massage reddened bony prominences vigorously
C. Keep the skin clean and dry and reposition regularly
D. Use powder heavily on all skin surfaces
Answer: Keep the skin clean and dry and reposition regularly
Rationale: Moisture, friction, shear, and prolonged pressure contribute to skin
breakdown. Regular repositioning and skin care reduce risk.
13.Which client is at greatest risk for impaired skin integrity?
