First 50 of 200 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.
Continue in the practice tool above to load more questions, 50 at a time.
Question 1Fundamentals of Nursing and Basic Nursing Skills
A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to an adult. Which site is preferred when a large volume of medication must be given?
- Vastus lateralis site
- Deltoid site
- Ventrogluteal site Correct answer.
- Dorsal surface of the forearm
Explanation
The ventrogluteal site has a thick muscle mass, is relatively free of major nerves and blood vessels, and can accommodate larger volumes, making it the preferred IM site for adults. The deltoid accepts only small volumes, and the forearm and vastus lateralis are not appropriate for large-volume IM injections in adults.
Question 2Fundamentals of Nursing and Basic Nursing Skills
Which action best demonstrates proper medical asepsis when a nurse performs hand hygiene with soap and water?
- Keeping hands lower than elbows while rinsing
- Rinsing hands before applying soap
- Rubbing hands together vigorously for at least 20 seconds Correct answer.
- Using a 5-second scrub without friction
Explanation
Effective handwashing requires friction and duration of at least 20 seconds to remove transient microorganisms. Hands should be held lower than the elbows so water flows from clean to dirty areas, and soap must be applied before rinsing.
Question 3Fundamentals of Nursing and Basic Nursing Skills
A client is on strict bed rest. Which nursing measure is most important to prevent pressure injury?
- Elevating the head of the bed to 90 degrees
- Massaging reddened areas over bony prominences
- Applying lotion to bony prominences
- Repositioning the client at scheduled intervals Correct answer.
Explanation
Regular repositioning relieves pressure over bony prominences and is the cornerstone of pressure injury prevention. Massaging reddened areas is contraindicated, and high Fowler's position increases shear forces.
Question 4Fundamentals of Nursing and Basic Nursing Skills
A nurse is measuring a client's blood pressure. The cuff is wrapped over the client's sleeve. What is the most likely effect on the reading?
- The reading will be unaffected
- The reading will be falsely low
- The reading will be falsely high Correct answer.
- The Korotkoff sounds will be absent
Explanation
A cuff placed over clothing can produce a falsely high reading because the clothing adds bulk and interferes with transmission of pressure to the artery. The cuff should be placed directly on the skin for accuracy.
Question 5Fundamentals of Nursing and Basic Nursing Skills
When obtaining a wound specimen for culture, which technique is correct?
- Swabbing the wound after applying a topical antiseptic
- Collecting the specimen from the wound edges without cleaning
- Collecting the specimen after the wound has been cleaned with saline Correct answer.
- Swabbing the wound after antibiotic therapy is started
Explanation
Wound cultures are best obtained after the wound is cleaned with normal saline to remove surface contaminants, and before antibiotics are started. Antiseptics can inhibit bacterial growth and produce false-negative results.
Question 6Fundamentals of Nursing and Basic Nursing Skills
A client has a nasogastric tube for enteral feeding. Which action should the nurse take before each feeding?
- Verifying tube placement and checking residual volume Correct answer.
- Positioning the client flat in bed
- Flushing the tube with 30 mL of air
- Auscultating the abdomen while injecting air
Explanation
Verifying tube placement and checking gastric residual volume before feeding prevents aspiration and detects delayed gastric emptying. The client should be positioned with the head of the bed elevated, not flat.
Question 7Fundamentals of Nursing and Basic Nursing Skills
Which finding indicates that a peripheral intravenous site has become infiltrated?
- The client reports a metallic taste
- The infusion rate increases
- The infusion site is cool and swollen Correct answer.
- Blood backs up into the tubing
Explanation
Infiltration occurs when IV fluid enters surrounding tissue, causing coolness, swelling, and pallor at the site. A metallic taste and other systemic symptoms suggest a different complication.
Question 8Fundamentals of Nursing and Basic Nursing Skills
A nurse is caring for a client with an indwelling urinary catheter. Which action helps prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infection?
- Irrigating the catheter routinely
- Disconnecting the catheter to obtain urine samples
- Keeping the drainage bag below the level of the bladder Correct answer.
- Cleaning the perineum with antiseptic daily
Explanation
Keeping the drainage bag below bladder level prevents backflow of urine and reduces infection risk. Routine irrigation and unnecessary disconnection increase the risk of introducing organisms.
Question 9Fundamentals of Nursing and Basic Nursing Skills
Which position is most appropriate for a client who is unconscious and at risk for aspiration?
- Prone
- Supine
- Trendelenburg
- Side-lying with the head of the bed elevated Correct answer.
Explanation
A side-lying position with the head elevated allows secretions to drain from the mouth and reduces aspiration risk in an unconscious client. Supine and Trendelenburg positions promote aspiration.
Question 10Fundamentals of Nursing and Basic Nursing Skills
A nurse is teaching a client about a low-sodium diet. Which food should the client be advised to limit?
- Plain chicken breast
- Brown rice
- Fresh apples
- Canned soup Correct answer.
Explanation
Canned soup is high in sodium because salt is added during processing. Fresh fruits, plain rice, and unprocessed meats are naturally low in sodium.
Question 11Fundamentals of Nursing and Basic Nursing Skills
A client reports severe pain rated 8 out of 10. Which action should the nurse take first?
- Assess the characteristics and location of the pain Correct answer.
- Administer the prescribed analgesic and reassess later
- Document the pain and continue with the care plan
- Tell the client that the pain will subside soon
Explanation
A thorough pain assessment, including location, quality, and aggravating factors, guides appropriate intervention. Interventions should follow a complete assessment rather than precede it.
Question 12Fundamentals of Nursing and Basic Nursing Skills
Which method is correct for administering eye drops to an adult client?
- Placing drops in the lower conjunctival sac Correct answer.
- Asking the client to squeeze the eyes shut after instillation
- Instilling drops directly onto the cornea
- Placing drops in the outer canthus
Explanation
Eye drops are instilled into the lower conjunctival sac to avoid injury to the cornea and to allow even distribution. The cornea is highly sensitive and should not receive direct drops.
Question 13Fundamentals of Nursing and Basic Nursing Skills
A nurse is preparing to move a client up in bed. Which action protects the nurse from injury?
- Pulling the client toward the nurse
- Keeping the feet close together
- Twisting the torso while pulling
- Raising the bed to waist height Correct answer.
Explanation
Raising the bed to waist height allows the nurse to use proper body mechanics and reduces strain on the back. Twisting, pulling toward oneself, and a narrow base of support increase injury risk.
Question 14Fundamentals of Nursing and Basic Nursing Skills
Which statement by a client indicates understanding of how to use an incentive spirometer?
- I will exhale slowly into the device
- I will breathe rapidly through the mouthpiece
- I will use it only when I feel short of breath
- I will take a slow deep breath and hold it Correct answer.
Explanation
Incentive spirometry requires a slow, deep inhalation followed by holding the breath to promote lung expansion. Rapid breathing and use only when symptomatic do not achieve the therapeutic goal.
Question 15Fundamentals of Nursing and Basic Nursing Skills
A nurse is documenting care in a client's record. Which entry reflects appropriate documentation?
- Probably just anxious, nothing serious
- Client seems uncomfortable, will monitor
- Client reports pain 6/10 in right knee; analgesic given at 1400 Correct answer.
- Client is fine today
Explanation
Nursing documentation should be objective, specific, and include the client's own report and interventions with times. Vague or judgmental statements are inappropriate.
Question 16Fundamentals of Nursing and Basic Nursing Skills
A client with a new colostomy asks how to care for the stoma. Which instruction is correct?
- Avoid touching the stoma
- Cover the stoma with a dry gauze only
- Clean the stoma with alcohol
- Use a gentle soap and water to clean the stoma Correct answer.
Explanation
The stoma is cleansed gently with mild soap and water; alcohol is drying and irritating. The stoma should be assessed and cared for regularly, not avoided.
Question 17Fundamentals of Nursing and Basic Nursing Skills
A nurse is assessing a client for dehydration. Which finding is most consistent with this condition?
- Bounding pulse
- Weight gain
- Moist mucous membranes
- Decreased urine output with dark concentrated urine Correct answer.
Explanation
Dehydration leads to decreased urine output and concentrated urine as the body conserves water. Moist mucous membranes and weight gain are not typical of dehydration.
Question 18Fundamentals of Nursing and Basic Nursing Skills
A client has a prescription for oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula. Which action is most important before applying the cannula?
- Checking that the client has no petroleum-based products near the face Correct answer.
- Applying petroleum jelly to the nares
- Removing the humidifier from the system
- Setting the flow rate after placing the cannula
Explanation
Oxygen supports combustion, and petroleum-based products near the face increase fire risk. The flow rate should be set before applying the cannula, and humidification may be used for comfort.
Question 19Fundamentals of Nursing and Basic Nursing Skills
Which action demonstrates correct use of sterile gloves?
- Allowing the gloved hands to touch the outer wrapper of the gloves
- Keeping the hands above waist level after gloving Correct answer.
- Touching the sterile field with the gloved hands after adjusting the gown
- Putting on the second glove by touching its outer surface with the bare hand
Explanation
Sterile gloved hands must be kept above waist level and within view to avoid contamination. Touching non-sterile surfaces, including the wrapper, contaminates the gloves.
Question 20Fundamentals of Nursing and Basic Nursing Skills
A nurse is preparing to give a subcutaneous injection of insulin. Which needle angle is correct for an average adult?
- 15 degrees
- 10 degrees
- 45 degrees Correct answer.
- 90 degrees
Explanation
For an average adult, a 45-degree angle is commonly used for subcutaneous injections, though 90 degrees may be appropriate with a short needle and adequate tissue. Angles of 15 degrees or less are too shallow for subcutaneous tissue.
Question 21Fundamentals of Nursing and Basic Nursing Skills
A client is at risk for falls. Which intervention is most effective?
- Restraining the client to the bed
- Leaving the side rails down at all times
- Applying a bed alarm and keeping the call light within reach Correct answer.
- Keeping the bed in the highest position
Explanation
Bed alarms and easy access to the call light promote safety and allow prompt assistance, which reduces fall risk. Restraints and high beds increase injury risk.
Question 22Fundamentals of Nursing and Basic Nursing Skills
Which finding should the nurse report immediately after a client returns from a procedure?
- Mild drowsiness
- Complaint of thirst
- Sudden shortness of breath and falling oxygen saturation Correct answer.
- A small bruise at the IV site
Explanation
Sudden shortness of breath with falling oxygen saturation may indicate a serious complication such as pulmonary embolism or hemorrhage and requires immediate intervention. Mild drowsiness and thirst are common and usually benign.
Question 23Fundamentals of Nursing and Basic Nursing Skills
A nurse is calculating the intake and output for a client. Which item should be recorded as intake?
- Urine output
- Emesis
- Wound drainage
- Ice chips consumed Correct answer.
Explanation
Ice chips melt to water and count as intake; they are typically recorded at half their volume. Emesis, wound drainage, and urine are outputs.
Question 24Fundamentals of Nursing and Basic Nursing Skills
A nurse is teaching a client about preventing constipation. Which recommendation is most appropriate?
- Limiting physical activity
- Using laxatives daily
- Avoiding fruits and vegetables
- Increasing dietary fiber and fluid intake Correct answer.
Explanation
Adequate fiber and fluids promote regular bowel function and prevent constipation. Daily laxative use and inactivity can worsen bowel function.
Question 25Fundamentals of Nursing and Basic Nursing Skills
A client is receiving a blood transfusion. Which finding should prompt the nurse to stop the transfusion immediately?
- Complaint of feeling cold
- A hemoglobin level of 9 g/dL
- Temperature increase of 1 degree Celsius with chills and flank pain Correct answer.
- Mild itching at the IV site
Explanation
Fever with chills and flank pain may indicate an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction, which requires immediate cessation of the transfusion and notification of the provider. Mild localized symptoms are less concerning but should still be assessed.
Question 26Fundamentals of Nursing and Basic Nursing Skills
A nurse is preparing to administer a medication via a nasogastric tube. Which action is essential to ensure the tube is in the correct position before giving the medication?
- Measure the length of the tube from the nostril to the earlobe.
- Verify the pH of the aspirated fluid. Correct answer.
- Flush the tube with 30 mL of water and observe for coughing.
- Auscultate the abdomen while injecting air through the tube.
Explanation
The most reliable bedside method to confirm nasogastric tube placement is to aspirate fluid and test its pH; gastric fluid typically has a pH of 5.5 or lower. Auscultation of injected air is no longer considered reliable. Measuring the tube length and flushing with water do not confirm placement.
Question 27Fundamentals of Nursing and Basic Nursing Skills
A nurse is caring for a client with an indwelling urinary catheter. Which action is most important to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI)?
- Change the catheter every 48 hours.
- Irrigate the catheter with sterile saline every shift.
- Clean the perineal area with antiseptic solution daily.
- Keep the drainage bag below the level of the bladder. Correct answer.
Explanation
Keeping the drainage bag below the bladder prevents backflow of urine, which reduces the risk of CAUTI. Routine irrigation, antiseptic cleaning, and frequent catheter changes are not recommended and may increase infection risk.
Question 28Fundamentals of Nursing and Basic Nursing Skills
A client is receiving oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula. Which action should the nurse take first if the client reports nasal dryness and irritation?
- Switch to a simple face mask.
- Increase the oxygen flow rate to 4 L/min.
- Discontinue the oxygen therapy.
- Apply a water-soluble lubricant to the nares. Correct answer.
Explanation
Nasal dryness is a common side effect of low-flow oxygen. Applying a water-soluble lubricant to the nares helps soothe and protect the mucous membranes without damaging the cannula. Increasing oxygen flow, changing to a mask, or discontinuing therapy are not appropriate first actions for this complaint.
Question 29Fundamentals of Nursing and Basic Nursing Skills
A nurse is preparing to administer a subcutaneous injection of insulin to an adult client. Which needle angle is correct?
- 60 degrees
- 45 degrees
- 90 degrees Correct answer.
- 15 degrees
Explanation
For subcutaneous injections in adults, a 90-degree angle is used with an appropriately sized needle (usually 4–8 mm) to ensure the medication reaches subcutaneous tissue. A 45-degree angle is used for clients with little subcutaneous fat or for certain other injections.
Question 30Fundamentals of Nursing and Basic Nursing Skills
A nurse is caring for a client who is at risk for falls. Which intervention is most effective in preventing falls?
- Place the call light out of the client's reach.
- Keep the bed in the lowest position with side rails up. Correct answer.
- Apply physical restraints to the client.
- Encourage the client to ambulate independently.
Explanation
Keeping the bed in the lowest position and side rails up reduces the risk of falls by minimizing the distance to the floor and providing a barrier. Restraints increase injury risk and are not a first-line fall prevention measure. Call lights should be within reach, and clients should be assisted with ambulation.
Question 31Medical-Surgical Nursing
A client with an acute asthma exacerbation has an oxygen saturation of 88% on room air. Which position should the nurse place the client in first?
- High-Fowler's position Correct answer.
- Supine with legs elevated
- Trendelenburg position
- Left lateral recumbent position
Explanation
Upright positioning maximizes diaphragmatic excursion and lung expansion while reducing the work of breathing during bronchospasm. Supine or head-down positions impair ventilation and worsen dyspnea.
Question 32Medical-Surgical Nursing
Which finding is the earliest indicator of fluid volume deficit in an adult client?
- Tachycardia Correct answer.
- Decreased urine output
- Sunken eyes
- Thirst
Explanation
Compensatory sympathetic stimulation produces tachycardia early as intravascular volume falls, before other signs become apparent. Thirst and oliguria are also early but less reliable, and sunken eyes are a later sign.
Question 33Medical-Surgical Nursing
A client is receiving digoxin. Which assessment should the nurse perform before administering the dose?
- Apical pulse for one full minute Correct answer.
- Blood glucose level
- Deep tendon reflexes
- Pupillary response
Explanation
Digoxin slows conduction through the atrioventricular node, so the apical rate must be counted for a full minute; doses are typically withheld for rates below 60 beats per minute in adults. Other assessments do not guide safe administration.
Question 34Medical-Surgical Nursing
Which instruction should the nurse give a client starting warfarin therapy?
- Increase intake of green leafy vegetables
- Use a soft toothbrush and electric razor Correct answer.
- Double the dose if a dose is missed
- Take aspirin for mild headaches
Explanation
Warfarin reduces vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, increasing bleeding risk, so measures to prevent trauma-induced bleeding are essential. Dietary vitamin K should be kept consistent rather than increased, and aspirin adds to bleeding risk.
Question 35Medical-Surgical Nursing
A client with type 1 diabetes reports shakiness, sweating, and hunger. The capillary glucose is 58 mg/dL. What should the nurse give first?
- A dose of regular insulin
- A glass of whole milk
- A high-protein snack
- 15 g of a fast-acting carbohydrate Correct answer.
Explanation
Symptoms with a glucose below 70 mg/dL indicate hypoglycemia, treated with 15 g of rapid-acting carbohydrate followed by rechecking glucose in 15 minutes. Insulin would worsen the hypoglycemia.
Question 36Medical-Surgical Nursing
Which client is at highest risk for developing a pressure injury?
- A client with a fractured wrist in a cast
- A client recovering from uncomplicated cholecystectomy
- A client who is immobile and incontinent after a stroke Correct answer.
- A client with well-controlled hypertension
Explanation
Immobility combined with moisture from incontinence increases pressure, shear, and skin maceration, the major risk factors for pressure injury. The other clients have limited or no impairment in mobility or skin integrity.
Question 37Medical-Surgical Nursing
Which beverage should the nurse teach a client with an ileostomy to limit because it can increase output?
- Water
- Prune juice Correct answer.
- Flat ginger ale
- Oral rehydration solution
Explanation
Hyperosmolar fruit juices draw fluid into the bowel and increase stoma output, risking dehydration in clients with an ileostomy. Water and isotonic solutions support hydration.
Question 38Medical-Surgical Nursing
A client is scheduled for a colonoscopy. Which instruction is essential before the procedure?
- Avoid all fluids for 24 hours
- Take iron supplements the night before
- Stop all antihypertensive medications
- Complete the prescribed bowel preparation Correct answer.
Explanation
A clear colon requires full bowel cleansing so that the mucosa can be visualized and polyps detected. Clear liquids are encouraged during preparation, and iron should be withheld because it darkens stool.
Question 39Medical-Surgical Nursing
A client with chronic kidney disease has a serum potassium of 6.8 mEq/L. Which finding should the nurse report immediately?
- Peaked T waves on the cardiac monitor Correct answer.
- Bradycardia with a rate of 58 beats per minute
- Dry, flaky skin
- Muscle cramps in the calves
Explanation
Hyperkalemia depolarizes cardiac muscle and produces peaked T waves that can progress to lethal arrhythmias, so this finding requires urgent intervention. The other findings are less immediately life-threatening.
Question 40Medical-Surgical Nursing
A client is admitted with a suspected acute myocardial infarction. Which laboratory result is most specific for myocardial injury?
- Creatine kinase total
- Troponin I Correct answer.
- Myoglobin
- Lactate dehydrogenase
Explanation
Cardiac troponin I is highly specific to myocardium and remains elevated for days, making it the preferred marker for myocardial infarction. Other markers lack cardiac specificity or rise too early to be reliable.
Question 41Medical-Surgical Nursing
A client has a chest tube connected to a water-seal drainage system. Which observation requires immediate intervention?
- Fluid level at the 2 cm mark in the water seal
- Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber Correct answer.
- Tidaling of the fluid level with respiration
- Serosanguineous drainage in the collection chamber
Explanation
Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber indicates an air leak in the system, which can prevent lung re-expansion. Tidaling with respiration and gradual drainage are expected findings.
Question 42Medical-Surgical Nursing
A client with a new tracheostomy is being suctioned. Which action should the nurse take?
- Suction for 20 seconds continuously
- Hyperoxygenate after suctioning only
- Instill normal saline to loosen secretions
- Apply suction only while withdrawing the catheter Correct answer.
Explanation
Suction is applied intermittently during withdrawal to limit hypoxia and mucosal trauma, with each pass lasting no more than 10 to 15 seconds. Hyperoxygenation should occur before and after suctioning.
Question 43Medical-Surgical Nursing
A client with a below-the-knee amputation reports pain in the missing foot. How should the nurse respond?
- Document the finding and take no action
- Administer prescribed gabapentin as ordered Correct answer.
- Reposition the residual limb firmly
- Tell the client the pain is imaginary
Explanation
Phantom limb pain is real neuropathic pain arising from nerve changes, and anticonvulsants such as gabapentin are used to manage it. Dismissing the pain is inappropriate and harmful.
Question 44Medical-Surgical Nursing
A client with a head injury has a Glasgow Coma Scale score that dropped from 14 to 9. What is the nurse's priority action?
- Administer a prescribed analgesic
- Notify the provider immediately Correct answer.
- Document the change and continue monitoring
- Reassess the score in one hour
Explanation
A falling Glasgow Coma Scale score signals deteriorating neurologic status and possible increased intracranial pressure, requiring urgent provider notification. Delaying intervention risks herniation.
Question 45Medical-Surgical Nursing
Which client should the nurse assess first after receiving the shift report?
- A client with COPD who is dyspneic and using accessory muscles Correct answer.
- A client awaiting discharge teaching
- A client requesting a scheduled pain medication
- A client with a healed surgical incision
Explanation
Airway and breathing take priority in the ABC framework, and accessory muscle use indicates respiratory distress requiring immediate intervention. The other clients are stable or have non-urgent needs.
Question 46Medical-Surgical Nursing
A client with heart failure is prescribed furosemide. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor most closely?
- Serum potassium Correct answer.
- Serum calcium
- Serum bilirubin
- Serum albumin
Explanation
Loop diuretics promote potassium excretion and can cause hypokalemia, which predisposes to dysrhythmias, especially in clients taking digoxin. Potassium monitoring guides replacement therapy.
Question 47Medical-Surgical Nursing
A client is receiving a blood transfusion and develops chills, fever, and flank pain. What should the nurse do first?
- Recheck vital signs in 30 minutes
- Administer the next unit as ordered
- Slow the transfusion rate
- Stop the transfusion and maintain venous access Correct answer.
Explanation
These findings suggest an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction; the transfusion must be stopped immediately while venous access is preserved with normal saline. The provider and blood bank are then notified.
Question 48Medical-Surgical Nursing
A client with an acute exacerbation of COPD has a respiratory rate of 30 and an oxygen saturation of 89%. Which oxygen delivery approach is appropriate?
- No oxygen unless saturation falls below 80%
- Nasal cannula at 6 L/min continuously
- Low-flow oxygen titrated to 88-92% saturation Correct answer.
- High-flow 100% oxygen by nonrebreather
Explanation
In COPD with chronic carbon dioxide retention, oxygen is titrated to a target saturation of 88-92% to avoid worsening hypercapnia while correcting hypoxemia. Uncontrolled high-flow oxygen risks respiratory depression.
Question 49Medical-Surgical Nursing
A client is admitted with a suspected bowel obstruction. Which finding is most consistent with this diagnosis?
- Hyperactive, high-pitched bowel sounds with vomiting Correct answer.
- Bloody diarrhea with tenesmus
- Increased appetite with weight gain
- Absent bowel sounds with a soft abdomen
Explanation
Mechanical obstruction produces hyperactive, high-pitched bowel sounds as the bowel attempts to overcome the blockage, along with vomiting and distention. Absent sounds suggest ileus or perforation.
Question 50Medical-Surgical Nursing
A client is receiving intravenous heparin. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor to evaluate therapeutic effect?
- International normalized ratio (INR)
- Platelet count
- Prothrombin time (PT)
- Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) Correct answer.
Explanation
Unfractionated heparin therapy is monitored with the aPTT, which reflects the intrinsic coagulation pathway. PT and INR are used for warfarin monitoring.