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RBSE Sec Voc Health Care study materials
RBSE Sec Voc Health Care study resources

RBSE Sec Voc Health Care practice questions

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Question 1Fundamentals of Health Care and Anatomy & Physiology

A health care worker is preparing to measure a patient's blood pressure. Which artery is most commonly used to obtain a brachial pulse reading for this procedure?

  1. Dorsalis pedis artery on the foot
  2. Radial artery at the wrist
  3. Carotid artery in the neck
  4. Brachial artery in the antecubital fossa Correct answer.

Explanation

Blood pressure cuffs are placed on the upper arm, and the stethoscope is positioned over the brachial artery in the antecubital fossa to auscultate Korotkoff sounds. The brachial artery is the standard site because the cuff compresses it directly against the humerus.

Question 2Fundamentals of Health Care and Anatomy & Physiology

During a routine check, a patient's temperature is recorded at 39.2°C (102.6°F). How should the health care worker classify this finding?

  1. Below-normal temperature
  2. Hypothermia
  3. Fever Correct answer.
  4. Normal core temperature

Explanation

Normal oral body temperature is roughly 36.5–37.5°C (97.7–99.5°F). A reading of 39.2°C (102.6°F) exceeds the normal range and indicates fever, which signals an underlying infectious or inflammatory process.

Question 3Fundamentals of Health Care and Anatomy & Physiology

A patient is positioned in the supine position. Which description best matches this body position?

  1. Lying flat on the back with the face upward Correct answer.
  2. Lying on the side with knees drawn up
  3. Sitting upright at a 90-degree angle
  4. Lying face down on the abdomen

Explanation

Supine means lying horizontally on the back with the anterior surface facing up. It is one of the fundamental anatomical positions used in physical assessment and procedures.

Question 4Fundamentals of Health Care and Anatomy & Physiology

Which directional term describes a structure that is closer to the midline of the body?

  1. Lateral
  2. Proximal
  3. Medial Correct answer.
  4. Distal

Explanation

Medial means toward the midline or median plane of the body, such as the nose being medial to the eyes. Proximal and distal describe distance along a limb relative to its attachment point, not distance from the midline.

Question 5Fundamentals of Health Care and Anatomy & Physiology

A health care worker is about to lift a heavy object from the floor. Which technique best protects the worker's spine?

  1. Bend the knees, keep the back straight, and hold the load close to the body Correct answer.
  2. Keep the feet together and reach straight down
  3. Twist the torso while lifting to gain leverage
  4. Bend at the waist and lift with the back muscles

Explanation

Safe lifting uses the large muscles of the legs, keeps the spine in a neutral alignment, and holds the load close to the center of gravity to reduce torque on the lower back. Twisting or bending at the waist increases strain and injury risk.

Question 6Fundamentals of Health Care and Anatomy & Physiology

Which structure is the largest organ of the human body and serves as the first line of defense against pathogens?

  1. The liver
  2. The lungs
  3. The skin Correct answer.
  4. The kidney

Explanation

The skin is the largest organ by surface area and weight and forms a physical barrier that blocks most pathogens. It also helps regulate temperature and prevents fluid loss.

Question 7Fundamentals of Health Care and Anatomy & Physiology

A patient is receiving a medication by the oral route. Which statement correctly describes this route?

  1. The drug is inhaled into the lungs
  2. The drug is applied to intact skin for local effect
  3. The drug is injected directly into muscle tissue
  4. The drug is swallowed and absorbed through the digestive tract Correct answer.

Explanation

The oral route involves swallowing a medication so it is absorbed primarily through the gastrointestinal mucosa, often before entering the bloodstream. It is the most common route for systemic drug delivery.

Question 8Fundamentals of Health Care and Anatomy & Physiology

Which blood cells are primarily responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to body tissues?

  1. Platelets
  2. White blood cells
  3. Plasma proteins
  4. Red blood cells Correct answer.

Explanation

Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, an iron-containing protein that binds oxygen in the lungs and releases it in tissues. This makes erythrocytes the principal oxygen carriers of the blood.

Question 9Fundamentals of Health Care and Anatomy & Physiology

A patient reports shortness of breath and has an oxygen saturation of 88% on room air. Which action should the health care worker take first?

  1. Elevate the head of the bed and notify the supervising nurse or clinician Correct answer.
  2. Document the value and continue the scheduled routine
  3. Ask the patient to walk to assess exercise tolerance
  4. Wait 30 minutes and recheck without intervention

Explanation

An oxygen saturation of 88% is below the normal range of about 95–100% and indicates hypoxemia requiring prompt action. Positioning to improve ventilation and notifying the responsible clinician are appropriate immediate steps within the health care worker's scope.

Question 10Fundamentals of Health Care and Anatomy & Physiology

A patient's radial pulse is counted at 48 beats per minute and regular. Which term describes this finding?

  1. Tachycardia
  2. Normocardia
  3. Bradycardia Correct answer.
  4. Dysrhythmia

Explanation

A resting adult heart rate below 60 beats per minute is termed bradycardia. A regular rate of 48 beats per minute falls below the normal 60–100 range and fits this classification.

Question 11Fundamentals of Health Care and Anatomy & Physiology

A health care worker needs to move a dependent patient up in bed. Which principle of body mechanics should guide this task?

  1. Use the worker's back muscles as the primary source of force
  2. Widen the base of support and use leg muscles while keeping the spine aligned Correct answer.
  3. Perform the move with a single rapid jerk to reduce effort
  4. Keep the patient's weight as far from the worker's body as possible

Explanation

A wide base of support improves stability, and using the strong leg muscles while keeping the spine neutral reduces strain on the back. Keeping the load close to the body further decreases the force needed.

Question 12Fundamentals of Health Care and Anatomy & Physiology

Which plane divides the body into equal left and right halves?

  1. Midsagittal plane Correct answer.
  2. Oblique plane
  3. Frontal (coronal) plane
  4. Transverse plane

Explanation

The midsagittal plane runs vertically through the midline and divides the body into equal right and left halves. The sagittal plane generally divides the body into right and left portions, but only the midsagittal split is equal.

Question 13Fundamentals of Health Care and Anatomy & Physiology

A patient has a wound on the anterior surface of the forearm. Where is this wound located?

  1. On the back side of the forearm
  2. On the front or palm side of the forearm Correct answer.
  3. On the elbow joint surface
  4. On the lateral edge near the thumb only

Explanation

Anterior refers to the front of the body in anatomical position. For the forearm, the anterior surface corresponds to the palm side, in contrast to the posterior or dorsal surface.

Question 14Fundamentals of Health Care and Anatomy & Physiology

Which sequence correctly describes the flow of blood through the heart starting from the right atrium?

  1. Right atrium → left atrium → right ventricle → left ventricle → aorta → lungs
  2. Right atrium → right ventricle → aorta → lungs → left atrium → left ventricle
  3. Right atrium → lungs → right ventricle → pulmonary vein → left ventricle → aorta
  4. Right atrium → right ventricle → pulmonary artery → lungs → left atrium → left ventricle → aorta Correct answer.

Explanation

Deoxygenated blood enters the right atrium, passes to the right ventricle, and is pumped through the pulmonary artery to the lungs. Oxygenated blood returns to the left atrium, moves to the left ventricle, and is ejected into the aorta.

Question 15Fundamentals of Health Care and Anatomy & Physiology

A health care worker is assisting a patient with hand hygiene before eating. Which action best reflects standard infection control practice?

  1. Rinse hands briefly with water only
  2. Use alcohol-based hand rub on visibly soiled hands
  3. Wipe hands on a shared cloth after washing
  4. Wash with soap and water, rubbing all surfaces for at least 20 seconds Correct answer.

Explanation

Effective handwashing uses soap and water with friction across all surfaces, including between fingers and under nails, for about 20 seconds. This mechanical action removes transient microorganisms and reduces transmission.

Question 16Fundamentals of Health Care and Anatomy & Physiology

Which type of joint allows the widest range of movement, including flexion, extension, abduction, and rotation?

  1. Saddle joint
  2. Suture joint
  3. Ball-and-socket joint Correct answer.
  4. Hinge joint

Explanation

Ball-and-socket joints, such as the shoulder and hip, permit movement in multiple planes including flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation. This multiaxial design gives them the greatest range of motion.

Question 17Fundamentals of Health Care and Anatomy & Physiology

A patient is prescribed a medication to be given subcutaneously. Into which tissue should the injection be delivered?

  1. Into the fat layer beneath the skin Correct answer.
  2. Into the dermis of the skin
  3. Deep into the muscle belly
  4. Directly into a vein

Explanation

Subcutaneous means beneath the skin, so the medication is injected into the adipose tissue layer under the dermis. This route provides relatively slow, steady absorption compared with intramuscular or intravenous routes.

Question 18Fundamentals of Health Care and Anatomy & Physiology

A patient's respiratory rate is 26 breaths per minute with shallow depth. Which term and interpretation fit this finding?

  1. Eupnea with normal depth
  2. Tachypnea with shallow respirations, an abnormal finding Correct answer.
  3. Bradypnea with normal depth
  4. Apnea with absent breathing

Explanation

A normal adult respiratory rate is about 12–20 breaths per minute. A rate of 26 is elevated (tachypnea), and shallow depth suggests reduced tidal volume, so the finding is abnormal and warrants attention.

Question 19Fundamentals of Health Care and Anatomy & Physiology

Which structure prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing?

  1. The soft palate
  2. The epiglottis Correct answer.
  3. The vocal cords
  4. The uvula

Explanation

The epiglottis is a flap of cartilage that folds over the opening of the larynx during swallowing. This diverts food and liquid into the esophagus and protects the airway.

Question 20Fundamentals of Health Care and Anatomy & Physiology

A patient with a communicable respiratory illness is placed in a private room with a mask required for anyone entering. Which type of precautions does this describe?

  1. Standard precautions only
  2. Droplet precautions Correct answer.
  3. Airborne precautions
  4. Contact precautions

Explanation

Droplet precautions apply to pathogens spread by large respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, requiring a private room and a mask for close contact. Airborne precautions additionally require special ventilation and a fit-tested respirator.

Question 21Fundamentals of Health Care and Anatomy & Physiology

A health care worker observes that a patient's skin has a bluish tint, especially on the lips and nail beds. Which term describes this finding?

  1. Jaundice
  2. Erythema
  3. Pallor
  4. Cyanosis Correct answer.

Explanation

Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes caused by inadequate oxygen in the blood. It is a sign of hypoxemia and requires prompt assessment.

Question 22Fundamentals of Health Care and Anatomy & Physiology

A patient with a spinal cord injury above the shoulders cannot generate a strong cough. Which respiratory risk is most directly explained by this limitation?

  1. Impaired clearance of secretions leading to atelectasis and infection Correct answer.
  2. Loss of surfactant production by the alveoli
  3. Reduced oxygen binding by hemoglobin
  4. Increased production of red blood cells

Explanation

An effective cough requires coordinated contraction of the abdominal and intercostal muscles to clear mucus from the airways. When this ability is lost, secretions accumulate and raise the risk of atelectasis and respiratory infection.

Question 23Fundamentals of Health Care and Anatomy & Physiology

A patient is receiving a drug that inhibits the reabsorption of water in the kidney tubules. Which effect should the health care worker anticipate?

  1. Decreased urine output and fluid retention
  2. Increased reabsorption of glucose into the blood
  3. Reduced filtration rate at the glomerulus
  4. Increased urine output and risk of dehydration Correct answer.

Explanation

When tubular water reabsorption is inhibited, more water remains in the filtrate and is excreted, raising urine volume. This can lead to fluid loss and dehydration if intake is not maintained, so monitoring is important.

Question 24Fundamentals of Health Care and Anatomy & Physiology

A patient taking a medication that blocks the action of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors develops a dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation. Which explanation best accounts for these effects?

  1. Direct depression of the central nervous system
  2. Reduced parasympathetic activity in the affected organs Correct answer.
  3. Excessive parasympathetic stimulation of the digestive tract
  4. Increased sympathetic stimulation of the heart

Explanation

Muscarinic receptors mediate parasympathetic effects such as salivation, pupil constriction, and bowel motility. Blocking them reduces these parasympathetic actions, producing dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation.

Question 25Fundamentals of Health Care and Anatomy & Physiology

A patient has damage to the left motor cortex of the brain. Which finding should the health care worker expect on assessment?

  1. Loss of vision in the left eye only
  2. Loss of sensation on the left side of the body
  3. Impaired hearing in both ears
  4. Weakness on the right side of the body Correct answer.

Explanation

Motor pathways from each cerebral hemisphere cross to the opposite side of the body in the medulla. Damage to the left motor cortex therefore produces weakness or paralysis on the right side, known as contralateral motor deficit.

Question 26Fundamentals of Health Care and Anatomy & Physiology

A health care worker is documenting a patient's temperature and needs to record the normal core body temperature range for a healthy adult. Which range is correct?

  1. 36.5 to 37.5 degrees Celsius Correct answer.
  2. 38.0 to 39.0 degrees Celsius
  3. 40.0 to 41.0 degrees Celsius
  4. 34.0 to 35.0 degrees Celsius

Explanation

Normal adult core body temperature is approximately 36.5 to 37.5 degrees Celsius (about 97.7 to 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit), maintained by the hypothalamus. Values outside this range signal either hypothermia or fever and require clinical follow-up.

Question 27Fundamentals of Health Care and Anatomy & Physiology

A patient's blood pressure is recorded as 118/76 mmHg. Which statement correctly identifies the meaning of the two numbers?

  1. The first number is pulse pressure; the second is mean arterial pressure
  2. The first number is diastolic pressure during ventricular relaxation; the second is systolic pressure during ventricular contraction
  3. The first number is central venous pressure; the second is pulmonary artery pressure
  4. The first number is systolic pressure during ventricular contraction; the second is diastolic pressure during ventricular relaxation Correct answer.

Explanation

Systolic pressure is the peak arterial pressure generated when the left ventricle contracts, and diastolic pressure is the lower pressure maintained while the ventricle relaxes and refills. Blood pressure is always written as systolic over diastolic.

Question 28Fundamentals of Health Care and Anatomy & Physiology

A patient has a lesion affecting the cerebellum. Which assessment finding should the health care worker most expect?

  1. Loss of the ability to understand spoken language
  2. Inability to regulate body temperature and thirst
  3. Unsteady, uncoordinated movements and difficulty maintaining balance Correct answer.
  4. Complete loss of voluntary movement on one side of the body

Explanation

The cerebellum coordinates voluntary movement, posture, and balance, so cerebellar damage produces ataxia, tremors, and gait instability. Language comprehension, temperature regulation, and primary motor control are governed by other brain regions.

Question 29Fundamentals of Health Care and Anatomy & Physiology

A patient is receiving intravenous fluids, and the health care worker notes that the fluid is described as isotonic. Which statement best describes an isotonic solution?

  1. It has the same solute concentration as body fluids, so cells neither swell nor shrink Correct answer.
  2. It contains no solutes at all and is pure water
  3. It has a lower solute concentration than body fluids, so cells take in water and swell
  4. It has a higher solute concentration than body fluids, so cells lose water and shrink

Explanation

Tonicity describes the relative solute concentration of a solution compared with intracellular fluid. An isotonic solution matches body fluid concentration, so water moves in and out of cells at equal rates and cell volume stays stable.

Question 30Fundamentals of Health Care and Anatomy & Physiology

A patient with a chronic respiratory condition retains carbon dioxide. The health care worker understands that the respiratory system regulates acid-base balance through which mechanism?

  1. Filtering hydrogen ions directly out of the blood in the alveoli
  2. Changing the rate and depth of breathing to adjust how much carbon dioxide is exhaled Correct answer.
  3. Producing bicarbonate ions in the alveoli to buffer the blood
  4. Storing excess acid in the pleural space until it can be excreted

Explanation

Carbon dioxide dissolved in blood forms carbonic acid, so ventilation directly controls blood pH. Faster, deeper breathing removes more carbon dioxide and raises pH, while hypoventilation retains carbon dioxide and lowers pH.

Question 31Basic Nursing Care and Patient Hygiene

A patient is unable to bear weight and needs to be moved from the bed to a chair. Which action best protects both the patient and the carer during the transfer?

  1. Roll the patient quickly onto the chair to reduce the time spent lifting
  2. Grasp the patient under the arms and lift with a straight back
  3. Ask the patient to put both arms around the carer's neck and pull upward
  4. Use a mechanical hoist or slide sheet and keep the bed at a safe working height Correct answer.

Explanation

Safe patient handling requires minimising manual lifting and using equipment such as a hoist or slide sheet, with the bed adjusted to a comfortable working height. This reduces musculoskeletal strain on the carer and the risk of falls or skin shear for the patient.

Question 32Basic Nursing Care and Patient Hygiene

Which sequence correctly describes the steps for giving a bed bath to a dependent patient?

  1. Wash the limbs first, then the perineal area, then the face and trunk
  2. Wash the perineal area first, then the face, then the limbs and trunk
  3. Wash the face first, then the trunk, then the limbs, and change the water before perineal care Correct answer.
  4. Wash the trunk first, then the perineal area, then the face and limbs

Explanation

Bed bathing proceeds from the cleanest areas to the dirtiest, so the face and upper body are washed before the perineal area, and water is changed before and after perineal care. This sequence limits the spread of microorganisms and protects patient dignity.

Question 33Basic Nursing Care and Patient Hygiene

A patient is on bed rest and cannot turn independently. How often should the carer reposition the patient, in the absence of a specific care plan instruction?

  1. Every six hours during the day only
  2. Once per shift, at the end of each eight-hour period
  3. Only when the patient complains of discomfort
  4. At least every two hours, and more often if the skin is at high risk Correct answer.

Explanation

Regular repositioning relieves pressure over bony prominences and is a cornerstone of pressure injury prevention. A two-hourly schedule is the usual baseline, with shorter intervals for patients with existing redness or high risk.

Question 34Basic Nursing Care and Patient Hygiene

When performing oral care for an unconscious patient, which measure is most important?

  1. Brush vigorously to remove all plaque in one session
  2. Insert a finger to hold the mouth open during cleaning
  3. Use a large volume of water to rinse the mouth thoroughly
  4. Position the patient in a lateral or head-turned position and suction as needed Correct answer.

Explanation

An unconscious patient cannot protect the airway, so positioning to allow drainage and having suction ready prevents aspiration of secretions or rinse water. Gentle, frequent care is safer than vigorous single sessions.

Question 35Basic Nursing Care and Patient Hygiene

Which finding during a bed bath should be reported promptly because it may indicate early pressure damage?

  1. A small bruise on the forearm from a previous blood test
  2. Generalized pinkness of the skin after the patient has been warm
  3. A localized area of redness over the sacrum that does not blanch when pressed Correct answer.
  4. Dry flaking skin on the lower legs

Explanation

Non-blanchable erythema over a bony prominence is the classic early sign of pressure injury and must be documented and reported so pressure relief can begin. Blanching redness after warmth or a known bruise from venepuncture does not carry the same significance.

Question 36Basic Nursing Care and Patient Hygiene

What is the correct principle for using personal protective equipment when giving a bed bath that may involve contact with body fluids?

  1. Wear an apron but never gloves, because gloves reduce the sense of touch
  2. Put on gloves only after visible soiling has occurred
  3. Wear gloves for the whole shift and change them only when torn
  4. Perform hand hygiene, then don gloves and an apron before contact and remove them before leaving the bedside Correct answer.

Explanation

PPE is applied after hand hygiene and before anticipated exposure, then removed and followed by hand hygiene to prevent cross-contamination. Gloves are single-use and are not a substitute for hand hygiene.

Question 37Basic Nursing Care and Patient Hygiene

A patient with an indwelling urinary catheter requires perineal care. Which action is correct?

  1. Use the same cloth for the perineum and the catheter tubing without rinsing
  2. Cleanse toward the meatus so debris is directed into the urethra
  3. Pull gently on the catheter to check it is still inflated
  4. Cleanse the catheter tubing away from the meatus using a clean technique and secure the tubing to prevent traction Correct answer.

Explanation

Catheter care involves cleaning away from the meatus to avoid introducing organisms, and securing the tubing to prevent traction injury and meatal irritation. Routine catheter care uses clean technique rather than sterile technique at the bedside.

Question 38Basic Nursing Care and Patient Hygiene

Which statement about hand hygiene before and after patient contact is correct?

  1. Hands must always be washed with soap and water because alcohol rub is ineffective
  2. Alcohol-based hand rub is preferred for routine decontamination when hands are not visibly soiled Correct answer.
  3. Hand hygiene is required only before contact with a patient's mucous membranes
  4. Gloves remove the need for hand hygiene between patients

Explanation

Alcohol-based hand rub is the preferred method for routine hand hygiene when hands are visibly clean because it is fast and effective against most organisms. Soap and water is reserved for visibly soiled hands and for organisms such as spores where alcohol is less reliable.

Question 39Basic Nursing Care and Patient Hygiene

A patient is being helped to wash their hair in bed. Which precaution is most important to prevent chilling?

  1. Keep the room warm, protect the bedding with a waterproof sheet, and dry the hair promptly Correct answer.
  2. Use cold water to reduce scalp irritation
  3. Open the windows for ventilation during the wash
  4. Leave the hair wet so it dries naturally over the day

Explanation

Bed shampooing exposes a dependent patient to heat loss, so warmth, waterproof protection of the bed, and prompt drying are essential. These measures also prevent discomfort and reduce the risk of respiratory infection.

Question 40Basic Nursing Care and Patient Hygiene

Which action best maintains patient dignity during a bed bath?

  1. Expose only the area being washed and keep the rest covered with a bath blanket Correct answer.
  2. Discuss the patient's condition with other patients nearby
  3. Complete the whole bath with the patient fully uncovered for efficiency
  4. Leave the door open so staff can monitor the patient

Explanation

Draping to expose only the area being cleansed preserves privacy and warmth and is a basic principle of respectful care. Confidentiality and privacy are maintained by closing doors or curtains and avoiding discussion in public areas.

Question 41Basic Nursing Care and Patient Hygiene

A patient has an area of broken skin over the heel. Which nursing action is most appropriate?

  1. Relieve pressure on the heel, keep the area clean and moist, and document and report the wound Correct answer.
  2. Apply a hot water bottle to increase blood flow
  3. Massage the broken area firmly to stimulate circulation
  4. Cover the area tightly with a thick dressing and continue usual positioning

Explanation

For an established pressure injury, the priorities are offloading pressure, maintaining a clean moist wound environment, and accurate documentation and reporting. Massage and heat over damaged tissue cause further injury.

Question 42Basic Nursing Care and Patient Hygiene

Which technique is correct when making an occupied bed?

  1. Shake soiled linen over the bed to remove crumbs before remaking
  2. Pull the patient to the head of the bed by the shoulders to straighten the sheets
  3. Roll the patient toward one side, clean and remake that side, then roll them back and complete the other side Correct answer.
  4. Ask the patient to stand while the whole bed is remade

Explanation

Making an occupied bed uses a side-to-side technique so the patient is repositioned safely and linen is changed without manual lifting. Shaking linen disperses microorganisms into the air and should be avoided.

Question 43Basic Nursing Care and Patient Hygiene

Why is it important to check the temperature of bath water before use with an older patient?

  1. Older patients prefer colder water because of circulation changes
  2. Warm water causes pressure injuries in older skin
  3. Age-related thinning of skin and reduced sensation increase the risk of burns Correct answer.
  4. Bath water temperature has no effect on skin integrity

Explanation

Older skin is thinner and sensory perception may be reduced, so the patient may not detect water that is hot enough to burn. Checking temperature protects against thermal injury.

Question 44Basic Nursing Care and Patient Hygiene

A patient needs a partial bath rather than a full bed bath. Which description best matches a partial bath?

  1. Washing only the hair and scalp
  2. Washing only the feet and nothing else
  3. Immersing the whole body in a tub
  4. Cleansing the face, hands, axillae, and perineal area for a patient who can otherwise wash independently Correct answer.

Explanation

A partial bath targets the areas most prone to odour and moisture, such as the face, hands, axillae, and perineum, while allowing an independent patient to manage the rest. It preserves independence and reduces fatigue.

Question 45Basic Nursing Care and Patient Hygiene

Which action reduces the risk of cross-infection when cleaning a shared commode after use?

  1. Clean visible soiling first, then disinfect surfaces with an appropriate agent and perform hand hygiene Correct answer.
  2. Use the same cloth for the commode and the patient's bedside table
  3. Store the commode uncovered next to other patients' belongings
  4. Rinse the commode with water only and store it beside the bed

Explanation

Effective decontamination removes organic matter before disinfection, because soil reduces the action of disinfectants, and hand hygiene follows. Equipment should be stored clean and dry, not in shared living areas.

Question 46Basic Nursing Care and Patient Hygiene

A patient with a nasogastric tube requires mouth care. Which consideration is most relevant?

  1. Mouth care is still essential because tube feeding and mouth breathing increase dryness and oral plaque Correct answer.
  2. Mouth care can be omitted because the patient is not eating
  3. Only the teeth need cleaning, not the tongue or gums
  4. Mouth care should be performed with the patient lying flat on the back

Explanation

Patients who are nil by mouth or fed by tube develop dry mouths and plaque accumulation, so regular oral care remains a priority. Positioning matters because of aspiration risk.

Question 47Basic Nursing Care and Patient Hygiene

Which measure best prevents moisture-associated skin damage in a patient with urinary incontinence?

  1. Use plastic sheeting directly against the skin
  2. Cleanse and dry the skin after each episode and apply a protective barrier product Correct answer.
  3. Restrict all fluids to reduce urine output
  4. Leave the patient in wet padding until the next scheduled change

Explanation

Prolonged contact with urine or faeces macerates skin and raises pH, so prompt cleansing, drying, and a barrier product protect the skin. Fluid restriction is not an appropriate hygiene measure and can cause harm.

Question 48Basic Nursing Care and Patient Hygiene

Which statement correctly describes the role of the carer in documenting hygiene care?

  1. Document care only if the patient asks for it to be recorded
  2. Record what care was given, the condition of the skin and mouth, and any concerns, in the patient's record Correct answer.
  3. Report concerns verbally and omit them from the record
  4. Record only the time the bath started and finished

Explanation

Accurate documentation creates a legal and clinical record of care delivered and of any changes observed, supporting continuity and early intervention. Verbal reporting alone does not replace a written record.

Question 49Basic Nursing Care and Patient Hygiene

When assisting a patient with a shower, which action is most important for fall prevention?

  1. Leave the patient alone to preserve their independence
  2. Ensure the floor is non-slip, keep necessary aids within reach, and remain nearby as assessed Correct answer.
  3. Turn the water to the hottest setting to improve cleanliness
  4. Ask the patient to stand on a wet towel for comfort

Explanation

Wet bathroom floors are a major fall hazard, so non-slip surfaces, accessible aids, and appropriate supervision are essential. Independence is encouraged only within assessed safety limits.

Question 50Basic Nursing Care and Patient Hygiene

A patient is prescribed a sitz bath. Which explanation is most accurate?

  1. It is a technique for cleaning the ears and nasal passages
  2. It is a dry heat application to the abdomen
  3. It is a full-body immersion in cold water to reduce fever
  4. It involves soaking the perineal area in warm water to cleanse and soothe the tissues Correct answer.

Explanation

A sitz bath is a warm soak of the perineal and anal region used to cleanse, soothe, and promote comfort after surgery or in perineal conditions. It is not a systemic cooling or abdominal treatment.