Fundamentals of Nursing
NCLEX Practice Questions.
This is the first set of nursing practice questions about the fundamentals of
nursing. Nursing topics in this set include constipation, bowel elimination,
Question 1
What is the most useful nursing intervention to correct skin dryness?

A. Consult the dietitian about increasing the patient’s fat intake, and take necessary
measures to prevent infection.

B. Ask the physician to refer the patient to a dermatologist, and suggest that the patient wear
home-laundered sleepwear.

C. Encourage the patient to increase his fluid intake, use non-irritating soap when
bathing the patient, and apply lotion to the involved areas.

D. Avoid bathing the patient until the condition is remedied, and notify the physician.
Correct Answer: C. Encourage the patient to increase his fluid intake, use nonirritating soap when bathing the patient, and apply lotion to the involved areas.
Dry skin will eventually crack, ranking the patient more prone to infection. To prevent
this, the nurse should provide adequate hydration through fluid intake, use non
irritating soaps or no soap when bathing the patient, and lubricate the patient’s skin
with lotion. In most cases, dry skin responds well to lifestyle measures, such as using
moisturizers and avoiding long, hot showers and baths. Moisturizers provide a seal over
the skin to keep water from escaping. Apply moisturizer several times a day and after
bathing.
 Creams or gentle skin cleansers and bath or shower gels with added moisturizers.
Choose mild soaps that have added oils and fats. Avoid deodorant and
antibacterial detergents, fragrance, and alcohol.
 Option D: Bathing may be limited but need not be avoided entirely. Long
showers or baths and hot water remove oils from the skin. Limit baths or showers
to five to 10 minutes and use warm, not hot, water.
 Option B: The attending physician and dietitian may be consulted for treatment,
but home-laundered items usually are not necessary. Natural fibers, such as
cotton and silk, allow the skin to breathe. But wool, although natural, can irritate
even normal skin. Wash clothes with detergents without dyes or perfumes, both
of which can irritate the skin.
 Option C: Increasing fat intake is unnecessary. Hot, dry, indoor air can parch
sensitive skin and worsen itching and flaking. A portable home humidifier or one
attached to the furnace adds moisture to the air inside the home. Be sure to keep
the humidifier clean. It’s best to use cleansing
Question 2
When bathing a patient’s extremities, the nurse should use long, firm strokes from the distal to
the proximal areas. This technique:

A. Provides an opportunity for skin assessment.

B. Avoids undue strain on the nurse.

C. Increases venous blood return.

D. Causes vasoconstriction and increases circulation.
Correct Answer: C. Increases venous blood return.
Washing from distal to proximal areas stimulates venous blood flow, thereby preventing venous
stasis. Good personal hygiene is essential for skin health but it also has an important role in
maintaining self-esteem and quality of life. Supporting patients to maintain personal hygiene is a
fundamental aspect of nursing care.
 Option A: The nurse can assess the patient’s condition throughout the bath. Helping
patients to wash and dress is frequently delegated to junior staff, but time spent attending
to a patient’s hygiene needs is a valuable opportunity for nurses to carry out a holistic
assessment (Dougherty and Lister, 2015; Burns and Day, 2012). It also allows time to
address any concerns patients have and provides a valuable opportunity to assess the
condition of their skin.
 Option B: The nurse should feel no strain while bathing the patient. Nurses should also
discuss with patients any religious and cultural issues relating to personal care
(Dougherty and Lister, 2015). For example, ideally, Muslim patients should be cared for
by a nurse of the same gender (Rassool, 2015), and Hindus may wish to wash before
prayer (Dougherty and Lister, 2015).
 Option D: It improves circulation but does not result in vasoconstriction. Bed bathing is
not as effective as showering or bathing and should only be undertaken when there is no
alternative (Dougherty and Lister, 2015). If a bed bath is required, it is important to offer
patients the opportunity to participate in their own care, which helps to maintain their
independence, self-esteem and dignity.
Question 3
Vivid dreaming occurs in which stage of sleep?

A. Stage I non-REM

B. Rapid eye movement (REM) stage

C. Stage II non-REM

D. Delta stage
Correct Answer: B. Rapid eye movement (REM) stage
Other characteristics of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep are deep sleep (the patient cannot be
awakened easily), depressed muscle tone, and possibly irregular heart and respiratory rates. This
is the stage associated with dreaming. Interestingly, the EEG is similar to an awake individual,
but the skeletal muscles are atonic and without movement. The exception is the eye and
diaphragmatic breathing muscles, which remain active. The breathing rate is altered though,
being more erratic and irregular. This stage usually starts 90 minutes after falling asleep, and
each of the REM cycles gets longer throughout the night. The first period typically lasts 10
minutes, and the final one can last up to an hour.
 Option A: Non-REM sleep is a deep, restful sleep without dreaming. This is the lightest
stage of sleep and starts when more than 50% of the alpha waves are replaced with lowamplitude mixed-frequency (LAMF) activity. There is muscle tone present in the skeletal
muscle and breathing tends to occur at a regular rate. This stage tends to last 1 to 5
minutes, consisting of around 5% of the total cycle.
 Option C: This stage represents deeper sleep the heart rate and body temperature drop. It
is characterized by the presence of sleep spindles, K-complexes, or both. These sleep
spindles will activate the superior temporal gyri, anterior cingulated, insular cortices, and
the thalamus. The K-complexes show a transition into a deeper sleep. Stage 2 sleep lasts
around 25 minutes in the initial cycle and lengthens with each successive cycle,
eventually consisting of about 50% of total sleep.
 Option D: Delta stage, or slow-wave sleep, occurs during non-REM Stages III and IV
and is often equated with quiet sleep. This is considered the deepest stage of sleep and is
characterized by a much slower frequency with high amplitude signals known as delta
waves. This stage is the most difficult to awaken from, and for some people, even loud
noises (over 100 decibels) will not awaken them. As people get older, they tend to spend
less time in this slow, delta wave sleep and more time stage N2 sleep. This is the stage
when the body repairs and regrows its tissues, builds bone and muscle, and strengthens
the immune system.
Question 4
The natural sedative in meat and milk products (especially warm milk) that can help induce sleep
is:

A. Flurazepam

B. Temazepam

C. Methotrimeprazine

D. Tryptophan
Correct Answer: D. Tryptophan
Tryptophan is a natural sedative; flurazepam (Dalmane), Temazepam (Restoril), and
Methotrimeprazine (Levoprome) are hypnotic sedatives. Protein foods such as milk and milk
products contain the sleep-inducing amino acid tryptophan. Having warm milk at bedtime is a
good way to work towards reaching the recommended number of servings of Milk and
Alternatives each day, and can be a comforting way to unwind. Tryptophan is an amino acid that
promotes sleep and is found in small amounts in all protein foods. It is a precursor to the sleepinducing compounds serotonin (a neurotransmitter), and melatonin (a hormone which also acts
as a neurotransmitter).
 Option A: Flurazepam (marketed under the brand names Dalmane and Dalmadorm) is a
drug which is a benzodiazepine derivative. It possesses anxiolytic, anticonvulsant,
hypnotic, sedative and skeletal muscle relaxant properties. It produces a metabolite with a
long half-life, which may stay in the bloodstream for days.
 Option B: Temazepam is used on a short-term basis to treat insomnia (difficulty falling
asleep or staying asleep). Temazepam is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines.
It works by slowing activity in the brain to allow sleep.
 Option C: Levomepromazine (also known as Methotrimeprazine) is used to treat severe
mental/mood disorders (such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder). It works by helping to
restore certain natural substances in the brain. Levomepromazine belongs to a class of
drugs known as phenothiazines. It can help the client to think clearly and take part in
everyday life. It is also used to treat anxiety disorders, a certain sleep problem
(insomnia), nausea/vomiting, and pain. This medication has calming, relaxing, and painrelieving effects.
Question 5
Nursing interventions that can help the patient to relax and sleep restfully include all of the
following except:

A. Have the patient take a 30- to 60-minute nap in the afternoon.

B. Turn on the television in the patient’s room.

C. Provide quiet music and interesting reading material.

D. Massage the patient’s back with long strokes.
Correct Answer: A. Have the patient take a 30- to 60-minute nap in the afternoon.
Napping in the afternoon is not conducive to nighttime sleeping. There are few considerations
about naps. For example, a short daytime nap of 15-30 minutes can be restorative for elders and
will not interfere with nighttime sleep. On the other hand, insomniacs are cautioned to avoid
naps. Quiet music, watching television, reading, and massage usually will relax the patient,
helping him to fall asleep.
 Option B: For patients in the hospital, factors that can prevent sound sleep include staff
noise during a shift, telephones and call lights, doors, paging systems, and even carts
wheeled through corridors. Safety and comfort can be promoted by raising side rails,
placing the bed in a low position, and using night-lights.


Option C: For individuals who are unable to sleep, they must get out of bed and spend
some time in another room. There, they can start some relaxing activities like reading and
listening to soft music. They should continue the activity till they feel drowsy.
Option D: Rituals can be supported in institutionalized patients by assisting them with a
hand and face wash, massage, pillow plumping, and even talking about today’s
accomplishments and enjoyable events. These can promote relaxation and peace of mind.
Question 6
Restraints can be used for all of the following purposes except to:




A. Prevent a confused patient from removing tubes, such as feeding tubes, I.V. lines,
and urinary catheters.
B. Prevent a patient from falling out of bed or a chair.
C. Discourage a patient from attempting to ambulate alone when he requires
assistance for his safety.
D. Prevent a patient from becoming confused or disoriented.
Correct Answer: D. Prevent a patient from becoming confused or disoriented.
By restricting a patient’s movements, restraints may increase stress and lead to confusion,
rather than prevent it. Restraints in a medical setting are devices that limit a patient’s
movement. Restraints can help keep a person from getting hurt or doing harm to others,
including their caregivers. They are used as a last resort. The other choices are valid
reasons for using restraints.
 Option A: Sometimes hospital patients who are confused need restraints so that
they do not remove catheters and tubes that give them medicine and fluids. A
nurse who has special training in using restraints can begin to use them. A doctor
or another provider must also be told restraints are being used. The doctor or other
provider must then sign a form to allow the continued use of restraints.
 Option B: Restraints may be used to keep a person in proper position and prevent
movement or falling during surgery or while on a stretcher. Patients who are
restrained also need to have their blood flow checked to make sure the restraints
are not cutting off their blood flow. They also need to be watched carefully so that
the restraints can be removed as soon as the situation is safe.
 Option C: Restraints can also be used to control or prevent harmful behavior or
get out of bed, fall, and hurt themselves. Restraints should not cause harm or be
used as punishment. Health care providers should first try other methods to control
a patient and ensure safety. Restraints should be used only as a last choice.
Question 7
Which of the following is the nurse’s legal responsibility when applying restraints?

A. Document the patient’s behavior.

B. Document the type of restraint used.


C. Obtain a written order from the physician except in an emergency, when the patient must
be protected from injury to himself or others.
D. All of the above.
Correct Answer: D. All of the above
When applying restraints, the nurse must document the type of behavior that prompted her to use
them, document the type of restraints used, and obtain a physician’s written order for the
restraints. Nurses are accountable for providing, facilitating, advocating and promoting the best
possible patient care and to take action when patient safety and well-being are compromised,
including when deciding to apply restraints.
 Option A: Restraint use should be continually assessed by the health care team and
reduced or discontinued as soon as possible. After the discontinuing restraints,
interprofessional teams should debrief with the patient, patient’s family, or substitute
decision maker to discuss intervention, previous interventions and alternatives to
restraints.
 Option B: There are three types of restraints: physical, chemical and environmental.
Physical restraints limit a patient’s movement. Chemical restraints are any form of
psychoactive medication used not to treat illness, but to intentionally inhibit a particular
behavior or movement. Environmental restraints control a patient’s mobility.
 Option C: With any intervention, such as restraint use, nurses need to ensure they
actively involve the patient, patient’s family, substitute decision-makers and the broader
health care team. Nurses are also accountable for documenting nursing care provided,
including assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation. In emergency situations,
nurses may apply restraints without consent when a serious threat of harm to the patient
or others exists and only after all alternative interventions were unsuccessful.
Question 8
Kubler-Ross’s five successive stages of death and dying are:

A. Anger, bargaining, denial, depression, acceptance

B. Denial, anger, depression, bargaining, acceptance

C. Denial, anger, bargaining, depression acceptance

D. Bargaining, denial, anger, depression, acceptance
Correct Answer: C. Denial, anger, bargaining, depression acceptance
Kubler-Ross’s five successive stages of death and dying are denial, anger, bargaining,
depression, and acceptance. The patient may move back and forth through the different stages as
he and his family members react to the process of dying, but he usually goes through all of these
stages to reach acceptance.
 Option A: Denial is a common defense mechanism used to protect oneself from the
hardship of considering an upsetting reality. Kubler-Ross noted that after the initial shock
of receiving a terminal diagnosis, patients would often reject the reality of the new
information. Patients may directly deny the diagnosis, attribute it to faulty tests or an
unqualified physician, or simply avoid the topic in conversation.
 Option B: Anger, as Kubler-Ross pointed out, is commonly experienced and expressed
by patients as they concede the reality of a terminal illness. It may be directed, as with
blame of medical providers for inadequately preventing the illness, of family members
for contributing to risks of not being sufficiently supportive, or of spiritual providers or
higher powers for the diagnosis’ injustice.
 Option D: Bargaining typically manifests as patients seek some measure of control over
their illness. The negotiation could be verbalized or internal and could be medical, social,
or religious. The patients’ proffered bargains could be rational, such as a commitment to
adhere to treatment recommendations or accept help from their caregivers, or could
represent more magical thinking, such as with efforts to appease misattributed guilt they
may feel is responsible for their diagnosis. Depression is perhaps the most immediately
understandable of Kubler-Ross’s stages and patients experience it with unsurprising
symptoms such as sadness, fatigue, and anhedonia. Acceptance describes recognizing the
reality of a difficult diagnosis while no longer protesting or struggling against it. Patients
may choose to focus on enjoying the time they have left and reflecting on their memories.
Question 9
A terminally ill patient usually experiences all of the following feelings during the anger
stage except:

A. Rage

B. Envy

C. Numbness

D. Resentment
Correct Answer: C. Numbness
Numbness is typical of the depression stage, when the patient feels a great sense of loss.
Depression is perhaps the most immediately understandable of Kubler-Ross’s stages and patients
experience it with unsurprising symptoms such as sadness, fatigue, and anhedonia. Spending
time in the first three stages is potentially an unconscious effort to protect oneself from this
emotional pain, and, while the patient’s actions may potentially be easier to understand, they
may be more jarring in juxtaposition to behaviors arising from the first three stages.
 Option A: The anger stage includes such feelings as rage, envy, resentment, and the
patient’s questioning “Why me?” Anger, as Kubler-Ross pointed out, is commonly


experienced and expressed by patients as they concede the reality of a terminal illness. It
may be directed, as with blame of medical providers for inadequately preventing the
illness, of family members for contributing to risks of not being sufficiently supportive,
or of spiritual providers or higher powers for the diagnosis’ injustice.
Option B: Patients may feel sadness, anger, or confusion. They are experiencing the pain
of loss. The task is completed as the patient begins to feel “normal” again.
Option D: The anger may also be generalized and undirected, manifesting as a shorter
temper or a loss of patience. Recognizing anger as a natural response can help health care
providers and loved-ones to tolerate what might otherwise feel like hurtful accusations,
though they must take care not to disregard criticism that may be warranted by attributing
them solely to an emotional stage.
Question 10
Nurses and other healthcare providers often have difficulty helping a terminally ill patient
through the necessary stages leading to acceptance of death. Which of the following strategies
is most helpful to the nurse in achieving this goal?

A. Taking psychology courses related to gerontology.

B. Reading books and other literature on the subject of thanatology.

C. Reflecting on the significance of death.

D. Reviewing varying cultural beliefs and practices related to death.
Correct Answer: C. Reflecting on the significance of death
According to thanatologists, reflecting on the significance of death helps to reduce the fear of
death and enables the health care provider to better understand the terminally ill patient’s
feelings. It also helps to overcome the belief that medical and nursing measures have failed,
when a patient cannot be cured. Thanatology is the science and study of death and dying from
multiple perspectives—medical, physical, psychological, spiritual, ethical, and more.
 Option A: Professionals in a wide range of disciplines use thanatology to inform their
work, from doctors and coroners to hospice workers and grief counselors. There also are
thanatology specialists who focus on a specific aspect of the dying process or work
directly with people facing their own death or that of loved ones.
 Option B: A wide variety of professionals incorporate thanatology into their work. How
they do so depends on what they need to know about the dying process. For example, a
medical examiner, coroner, doctor, nurse, or other medical practitioners might study
thanatology to better understand the physical process of death—what happens to the body
during death as well as immediately after.
 Option D: Thanatology also examines attitudes toward death, the meaning and behaviors
of bereavement and grief, and the moral and ethical questions of euthanasia, organ
transplants, and life support.
Question 11
Which of the following symptoms is the best indicator of imminent death?

A. A weak, slow pulse

B. Increased muscle tone

C. Fixed, dilated pupils

D. Slow, shallow respirations
Correct Answer: C. Fixed, dilated pupils
Fixed, dilated pupils are a sign of imminent death. Death is a part of natural life; however,
society is notorious for being uncomfortable with death and dying as a topic on the whole. Many
caregivers experience a level of burden from their duties during end-of-life care. This burden is
multi-faceted and may include performing medical tasks, communicating with providers,
decision-making and possibly anticipating the grief of impending loss.
 Option A: Pulse becomes weak but rapid. It is important to identify how to know death
has occurred and to educate the family of a patient who may be actively dying. This is
especially important if the patient is choosing to die at home.
 Option B: Muscles become weak and atonic. It is imperative that patients and families
have access to the care and support they require when entering a terminal phase of life.
This phase is different for each patient, and the needs may differ for each patient and
family, but it is vital for healthcare providers to provide care and support in a way that
respects the patient’s dignity and autonomous wishes.
 Option D: In the late stages, an altered respiratory pattern which can be periods of apnea
alternated with hyperpnea or irregular breathing can be noticed.
Question 12
A nurse caring for a patient with an infectious disease who requires isolation should refers to
guidelines published by the:

A. National League for Nursing (NLN)

B. Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

C. American Medical Association (AMA)

D. American Nurses Association (ANA)
Correct Answer: B. Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
The Center of Disease Control (CDC) publishes and frequently updates guidelines on caring for
patients who require isolation. CDC is responsible for controlling the introduction and spread of
infectious diseases, and provides consultation and assistance to other nations and international
agencies to assist in improving their disease prevention and control, environmental health, and
health promotion activities.



Option A: The National League of Nursing’s (NLN’s) major function is accrediting
nursing education programs in the United States. The NLN, the premier organization for
nurse educators, offers professional development, teaching resources, research grants,
testing services, and public policy initiatives to its 40,000 individual and 1,200
institutional members, comprising nursing education programs across higher education
and health care.
Option C: The American Medical Association (AMA) is a national organization of
physicians. American Medical Association (AMA), organization of American physicians,
the objective of which is “to promote the science and art of medicine and the betterment
of public health.” It was founded in Philadelphia in 1847 by 250 delegates representing
more than 40 medical societies and 28 colleges.
Option D: The American Nurses’ Association (ANA) is a national organization of
registered nurses. ANA guides the profession on issues of nursing practice, health policy,
and social concerns that impact patient wellbeing. Through their position statements,
ANA amplifies the voice of nurses and educates both consumers and policymakers
Question 13
To institute appropriate isolation precautions, the nurse must first know the:

A. Organism’s mode of transmission

B. Organism’s Gram-staining characteristics

C. Organism’s susceptibility to antibiotics

D. Patient’s susceptibility to the organism
Correct Answer: A. Organism’s mode of transmission
Before instituting isolation precaution, the nurse must first determine the organism’s mode of
transmission. For example, an organism transmitted through nasal secretions requires that the
patient be kept in respiratory isolation, which involves keeping the patient in a private room with
the door closed and wearing a mask, a gown, and gloves when coming in direct contact with the
patient.
 Option B: The organism’s Gram-staining characteristics reveal whether the organism is
gram-negative or gram-positive, an important criterion in the physician’s choice for drug
therapy and the nurse’s development of an effective plan of care.
 Option C: The nurse also needs to know whether the organism is susceptible to
antibiotics, but this could take several days to determine; if she waits for the results
before instituting isolation precautions, the organism could be transmitted in the
meantime.
 Option D: The patient’s susceptibility to the organism has already been established. The
nurse would not be instituting isolation precautions for a non-infected patient.
Question 14
Which is the correct procedure for collecting a sputum specimen for culture and sensitivity
testing?

A. Have the patient place the specimen in a container and enclose the container in a plastic
bag.

B. Have the patient expectorate the sputum while the nurse holds the container.

C. Have the patient expectorate the sputum into a sterile container.

D. Offer the patient an antiseptic mouthwash just before he expectorate the sputum.
Correct Answer: C. Have the patient expectorate the sputum into a sterile container
Placing the specimen in a sterile container ensures that it will not become contaminated. A
sputum specimen is obtained for culture to identify the microorganism responsible for lung
infections; identify cancer cells shed by lung tumors; or aid in the diagnosis and management of
occupational lung diseases. The other answers are incorrect because they do not mention sterility
and because antiseptic mouthwash could destroy the organism to be cultured (before sputum
collection, the patient may use only tap water for nursing the mouth).
 Option A: Using the sterile collection container provided, instruct the patients to take
three deep breaths, then force a deep cough and expectorate into a sterile screw-top
container. To prevent contamination by particles in the air, keep the container closed until
the patient is ready to spit into it.
 Option B: Ten to 15 ml of sputum is typically needed for laboratory analysis. A
specimen will be rejected by the laboratory if it contains excessive numbers of epithelial
cells from the mouth or throat or if it fails to show adequate numbers of neutrophils on
gram staining. If the patient cannot cough up a specimen, the respiratory therapist can use
sputum induction techniques such as heated aerosol (nebulization), followed in some
instances by postural drainage and percussion.
 Option D: Don’t allow the patient to brush his teeth or use mouthwash. Doing so could
kill bacteria in the sputum, rendering it useless. For best results, obtain the sample first
thing in the morning. If it can’t be obtained before the patient has breakfast, though, wait
at least an hour after he’s eaten before trying. Before beginning, describe the procedure to
him.
Question 15
An autoclave is used to sterilize hospital supplies because:

A. More articles can be sterilized at a time.

B. Steam causes less damage to the materials.

C. A lower temperature can be obtained.

D. Pressurized steam penetrates the supplies better.
Correct Answer: D. Pressurized steam penetrates the supplies better.
An autoclave, an apparatus that sterilizes equipment by means of high-temperature pressurized
steam, is used because it can destroy all forms of microorganisms, including spores. Autoclaves
operate at high temperature and pressure in order to kill microorganisms and spores. They are
used to decontaminate certain biological waste and sterilize media, instruments, and labware.
 Option A: Autoclaves provide a physical method for disinfection and sterilization. They
work with a combination of steam, pressure, and time. Autoclaves operate at high
temperature and pressure in order to kill microorganisms and spores. They are used to
decontaminate certain biological waste and sterilize media, instruments and lab ware.
Regulated medical waste that might contain bacteria, viruses and other biological
material are recommended to be inactivated by autoclaving before disposal.
 Option B: The rate of exhaust will depend upon the nature of the load. Dry material can
be treated in a fast exhaust cycle, while liquids and biological waste require slow exhaust
to prevent boiling over of superheated liquids.
 Option C: To be effective, the autoclave must reach and maintain a temperature of 121°
C for at least 30 minutes by using saturated steam under at least 15 psi of pressure.
Increased cycle time may be necessary depending upon the make-up and volume of the
load.
Question 16
The best way to decrease the risk of transferring pathogens to a patient when removing
contaminated gloves is to:

A. Wash the gloves before removing them.

B. Gently pull on the fingers of the gloves when removing them.

C. Gently pull just below the cuff and invert the gloves when removing them.

D. Remove the gloves and then turn them inside out.
Correct Answer: C. Gently pull just below the cuff and invert the gloves when removing
them
Turning the gloves inside out while removing them keeps all contaminants inside the gloves.
They should then be placed in a plastic bag with soiled dressings and discarded in a soiled utility
room garbage pail (double bagged). The other choices can spread pathogens within the
environment.
 Option A: They should also only be worn once, being changed between patients or
between treatment areas on the same patient. For situations where there is a high risk of
contamination or infection, NHS Professionals advise wearing two sets of gloves, known
as ‘double gloving’.
 Option B: Grasp the outside of one glove at the wrist. Do not touch the bare skin. Peel
the glove away from the body, pulling it inside out. Hold the glove that was just removed
in a gloved hand.
 Option D: Peel off the second glove by putting the fingers inside the glove at the top of
the wrist. Turn the second glove inside out while pulling it away from the body, leaving
the first glove inside the second.
Question 17
After having an I.V. line in place for 72 hours, a patient complains of tenderness, burning, and
swelling. Assessment of the I.V. site reveals that it is warm and erythematous. This usually
indicates:

A. Infection

B. Infiltration

C. Phlebitis

D. Bleeding
Correct Answer: C. Phlebitis
Tenderness, warmth, swelling, and, in some instances, a burning sensation are signs and
symptoms of phlebitis. Superficial phlebitis affects veins on the skin surface. The condition is
rarely serious and, with proper care, usually resolves rapidly. Sometimes people with superficial
phlebitis also get deep vein thrombophlebitis, so a medical evaluation is necessary.
 Option A: Infection is less likely because no drainage or fever is present. Call a health
care provider if there are signs and symptoms of swelling, pain, and inflamed superficial
veins on the arms or legs. If the client is not better in a week or two or if it gets any
worse, he or she should get reevaluated to make sure they don’t have a more serious
condition.
 Option B: Infiltration would result in swelling and pallor, not erythema, near the
insertion site. In phlebitis, there is usually a slow onset of a tender red area along the
superficial veins on the skin. A long, thin red area may be seen as the inflammation
follows a superficial vein. This area may feel hard, warm, and tender. The skin around
the vein may be itchy and swollen. The area may begin to throb or burn.
 Option D: The patient has no evidence of bleeding. Injury to a vein increases the risk of
forming a blood clot. Sometimes clots occur without an injury.
Question 18
To ensure homogenization when diluting powdered medication in a vial, the nurse should:

A. Shake the vial vigorously.

B. Roll the vial gently between the palms.

C. Invert the vial and let it stand for 1 minute.

D. Do nothing after adding the solution to the vial.
Correct Answer: B. Roll the vial gently between the palms.
Gently rolling a sealed vial between the palms produces sufficient heat to enhance dissolution of
a powdered medication.
 Option A: Shaking the vial vigorously can break down the medication and alter its
pharmacologic action.
 Option C: Inverting the vial or leaving it alone does not ensure thorough homogenization
of the powder and the solvent.
 Option D: Use aseptic technique to draw up the specified amount of diluent and inject it
into the medication vial. Roll the vial in the hands to dissolve all the powder (emphasize
not to shake the vial).
Question 19
The nurse is teaching a patient to prepare a syringe with 40 units of U-100 NPH insulin for selfinjection. The patient’s first priority concerning self-injection in this situation is to:

A. Assess the injection site.

B. Select the appropriate injection site.

C. Check the syringe to verify that the nurse has removed the prescribed insulin dose.

D. Clean the injection site in a circular manner with an alcohol sponge.
Correct Answer: C. Check the syringe to verify that the nurse has removed the prescribed
insulin dose
When the nurse teaches the patient to prepare an insulin injection, the patient’s first priority is to
validate the dose accuracy. The next steps are to select the site, assess the site, and clean the site
with alcohol before injecting the insulin.
 Option A: The site the client chooses for the injection should be clean and dry. If the
skin is visibly dirty, clean it with soap and water. DO NOT use an alcohol wipe on the
injection site. Choose where to give the injection. Keep a chart of places that have been
used, so the client does not inject the insulin in the same place all the time. Ask the doctor
for a chart.
 Option B: The insulin needs to go into the fat layer under the skin. If the skin tissues are
thicker, the client may be able to inject straight up and down (90º angle). Check with the
provider before doing this.
 Option D: To give an insulin injection, the client needs to fill the right syringe with the
right amount of medicine, decide where to give the injection, and know how to give the
injection.
Question 20
The physician’s order reads “Administer 1 g cefazolin sodium (Ancef) in 150 ml of normal
saline solution in 60 minutes.” What is the flow rate if the drop factor is 10 gtt = 1 ml?

A. 25 gtt/minute

B. 37 gtt/minute

C. 50 gtt/minute

D. 60 gtt/minute
Correct Answer: A. 25gtt/minute
When you have an order for an IV infusion, it is the nurse’s responsibility to make sure the fluid
will infuse at the prescribed rate. IV fluids may be infused by gravity using a manual roller
clamp or dial-a-flow, or infused using an infusion pump. Regardless of the method, it is
important to know how to calculate the correct IV flow rate.



Option B: When calculating the flow rate, determine which IV tubing you will be using,
microdrip or macrodrip, so you can use the proper drop factor in your calculations. The
drop factor is the number of drops in one mL of solution, and is printed on the IV tubing
package.
Option C: Macrodrip and microdrip refers to the diameter of the needle where the drop
enters the drip chamber. Macrodrip tubing delivers 10 to 20gtts/mL and is used to infuse
large volumes or to infuse fluids quickly. Microdrip tubing delivers 60gtts/mL and is
used for small or very precise amounts of fluid, as with neonates or pediatric patients.
Option D: If you simply need to figure out the mL per hour to infuse, take the total
volume in mL, divided by the total time in hours, to equal the mL per hour.
Question 21
A patient must receive 50 units of Humulin regular insulin. The label reads 100 units = 1 ml.
How many milliliters should the nurse administer?

A. 0.5 ml

B. 0.75 ml

C. 1 ml

D. 2 ml
Correct Answer: A. 0.5 ml
There are 3 primary methods for calculation of medication dosages; Dimensional Analysis, Ratio
Proportion, and Formula or Desired Over Have Method. Desired Over Have or Formula Method
uses a formula or equation to solve for an unknown quantity (x) much like ratio proportion.
 Option B: Drug calculations require the use of conversion factors, for example, when
converting from pounds to kilograms or liters to milliliters. Simplistic in design, this
method allows clinicians to work with various units of measurement, converting factors
to find the answer. These methods are useful in checking the accuracy of the other
methods of calculation, thus acting as a double or triple check.
 Option C: The Ratio and Proportion Method has been around for years and is one of the
oldest methods utilized in drug calculations (as cited in Boyer, 2002)[Lindow, 2004].
Addition principals is a problem-solving technique that has no bearing on this
relationship, only multiplication, and division are used to navigate through a ratio and
proportion problem, not adding.
 Option D: High-risk medications such as heparin and insulin often require a second
check on dosage amounts by more than one provider before the administration of the
drug. Follow institutional policies and recommendations on the double-checking of dose
calculations by another licensed provider.
Question 22
How should the nurse prepare an injection for a patient who takes both regular and NPH insulin?

A. Draw up the NPH insulin, then the regular insulin, in the same syringe.

B. Draw up the regular insulin, then the NPH insulin, in the same syringe.

C. Use two separate syringes.

D. Check with the physician.
Correct Answer: B. Draw up the regular insulin, then the NPH insulin, in the same syringe.
Drugs that are compatible may be mixed together in one syringe. In the case of insulin, the
shorter-acting, clear insulin (regular) should be drawn up before the longer-acting, cloudy insulin
(NPH) to ensure accurate measurements.
 Option A: Insulin, regular when administered subcutaneously, it should be injected 30 to
40 minutes before each meal. Avoid cold injections. The injection is in the buttocks,
thighs, arms, or abdomen; it is necessary to rotate injection sites to avoid lipodystrophy.
Do not inject if the solution is viscous or cloudy; use only if clear and colorless.
 Option C: When administered intravenously, U-100 administration should be with close
monitoring of serum potassium and blood glucose. Do not use if the solution is viscous or
cloudy; administration should only take place if it is colorless and clear.
 Option D: For intravenous infusions, to minimize insulin adsorption to plastic IV tubing,
flush the intravenous tube with priming infusion of 20 mL from a 100 mL-polyvinyl
chloride bag insulin, every time anew intravenous tubing is added to the insulin infusion
container.
Question 23
A patient has just received 30 mg of codeine by mouth for pain. Five minutes later he vomits.
What should the nurse do first?

A. Call the physician

B. Remedicate the patient

C. Observe the emesis

D. Explain to the patient that she can do nothing to help him.
Correct Answer: C. Observe the emesis.
After a patient has vomited, the nurse must inspect the emesis to document color, consistency,
and amount. Nausea or vomiting is another commonly seen adverse effect that is expected to
diminish the following days to weeks of continued codeine exposure. Antiemetic therapies, in
oral and rectal formulations, are available for the treatment of nausea or vomiting.
 Option A: The nurse must then notify the physician, who will decide whether to repeat
the dose or prescribe an antiemetic. Monitoring should include subjective as well as
objective assessment via laboratory testing. There must be documentation of pain
intensity, level of functioning, progress toward therapeutic goals, the presence of adverse
effects, and adherence to the therapy.


Option B: In this situation, the patient recently ingested medication, so the nurse needs to
check for remnants of the medication to help determine whether the patient retained
enough of it to be effective.
Option D: Codeine has a half-life of 3 hours. Initial dosing and titration can be
individualized depending on the patient’s health status, previous opioid exposure,
attainment of therapeutic outcomes, and predicted or observed adverse events.
Question 24
A patient is catheterized with a #16 indwelling urinary (Foley) catheter to determine if:

A. Trauma has occurred.

B. His 24-hour output is adequate.

C. He has a urinary tract infection.

D. Residual urine remains in the bladder after voiding.
Correct Answer: B. His 24-hour output is adequate.
A 24-hour urine output of less than 500 ml in an adult is considered inadequate and may indicate
kidney failure. This must be corrected while the patient is in the acute state so that appropriate
fluids, electrolytes, and medications can be administered and excreted. Indwelling catheterization
is not needed to diagnose trauma, urinary tract infection, or residual urine.
 Option A: Urinary bladder catheterization is performed for both therapeutic and
diagnostic purposes. Based on the dwell time, the urinary catheter can be either
intermittent (short-term) or indwelling (long-term).
 Option C: Cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis (common infectious etiology in men), and
vulvovaginitis in the woman can cause urinary retention.
 Option D: Brain or spinal cord injury, cerebrovascular accident, multiple sclerosis,
Parkinson disease, and dementia can lead to urinary retention.
Question 25
A staff nurse who is promoted to assistant nurse manager may feel uncomfortable initially when
supervising her former peers. She can best decrease this discomfort by:

A. Writing down all assignments.

B. Making changes after evaluating the situation and having discussions with the staff.

C. Telling the staff nurses that she is making changes to benefit their performance.

D. Evaluating the clinical performance of each staff nurse in a private conference.
Correct Answer: B. Making changes after evaluating the situation and having discussions
with the staff.
A new assistant nurse manager should not make changes until she has had a chance to evaluate
staff members, patients, and physicians. Changes must be planned thoroughly and should be
based on a need to improve conditions, not just for the sake of change.
 Option A: Written assignments allow all staff members to know their own and others’
responsibilities and serve as a checklist for the manager, enabling her to gauge whether
the unit is being run effectively and whether patients are receiving appropriate care.
 Option C: Telling the staff nurses that she is making changes to benefit their
performance should occur only after the nurse has made a thorough evaluation.
 Option D: Evaluations are usually done on a yearly basis or as needed.
Question 26
Nurse Clarisse is teaching a patient about a newly prescribed drug. What could cause a geriatric
patient to have difficulty retaining knowledge about prescribed medications?

A. Decreased plasma drug levels

B. Sensory deficits

C. Lack of family support

D. History of Tourette syndrome
Correct Answer: B. Sensory deficits
Sensory deficits could cause a geriatric patient to have difficulty retaining knowledge about
prescribed medications. Age-related decline of the five classical senses (vision, smell, hearing,
touch, and taste) poses significant burdens on older adults. The co-occurrence of multiple
sensory deficits in older adults is not well characterized and may reflect a common mechanism
resulting in global sensory impairment.
 Option A: Decreased plasma drug levels do not alter the patient’s knowledge about the
drug. Aging has long been associated with decline in sensory function, a critical
component of the health and quality of life of older people
 Option C: A lack of family support may affect compliance, not knowledge retention.
Vision impairment is correlated with depression, poor quality of life, cognitive decline,
and mortality. Hearing loss is associated with slower gait speed (a marker of physical
decline), poor cognition, and mortality. Like smell, taste has been associated with
nutritional compromise and in-patient mortality, suggesting that chemosensory function
is critical. Tactile discrimination declines with age due to the cumulative effects of
decreased nerve conduction velocity, decreased density of Meissner’s and Pacinian
corpuscles, and gray matter changes within the central nervous system, and is also
associated with cognitive decline
 Option D: Tourette syndrome is unrelated to knowledge retention. Tourette syndrome
referred to as Tourette disorder in the recently updated Diagnostic and Statistical Manual
of Mental Disorders (DSM–5), is a common neurodevelopmental disorder affecting up to
1% of the population. It is characterized by multiple motor and vocal tics and starts in
childhood.
Question 27
When examining a patient with abdominal pain the nurse in charge should assess:

A. Any quadrant first

B. The symptomatic quadrant first

C. The symptomatic quadrant last

D. The symptomatic quadrant either second or third
Correct Answer: C. The symptomatic quadrant last
The nurse should systematically assess all areas of the abdomen, if time and the patient’s
condition permit, concluding with the symptomatic area. Otherwise, the nurse may elicit pain in
the symptomatic area, causing the muscles in other areas to tighten. This would interfere with
further assessment.
 Option A: When possible, the history should be obtained from a non sedated patient. The
initial differential diagnosis can be determined by a delineation of the pain’s location,
radiation, and movement (e.g., appendicitis-associated pain usually moves from the
periumbilical area to the right lower quadrant of the abdomen).
 Option B: After the location is identified, the physician should obtain general
information about onset, duration, severity, and quality of pain and about exacerbating
and remitting factors.
 Option D: There are several specialized maneuvers that evaluate for signs associated
with causes of abdominal pain. When present, some signs are highly predictive of certain
diseases.
Question 28
The nurse is assessing a postoperative adult patient. Which of the following
should the nurse document as subjective data?

A. Vital signs

B. Laboratory test result

C. Patient’s description of pain

D. Electrocardiographic (ECG) waveforms
Correct Answer: C. Patient’s description of pain
Subjective data come directly from the patient and usually are recorded as direct
quotations that reflect the patient’s opinions or feelings about a situation.
Subjective data provide clues to possible physiologic, psychological, and
sociologic problems. They also provide the nurse with information that may
reveal a client’s risk for a problem as well as areas of strengths for the client. The
information is obtained through interviewing. Vital signs, laboratory test results,
and ECG waveforms are examples of objective data.
 Option A: Vital sign monitoring is a fundamental component of nursing
care. A patient’s pulse, respirations, blood pressure, and body temperature
are essential in identifying clinical deterioration and that these parameters
must be measured consistently and recorded accurately.
 Option B: Many other tests are reported as numbers or values. Laboratory
test results reported as numbers are not meaningful by themselves. Their
meaning comes from comparison to reference values. Reference values are
the values expected for a healthy person. They are sometimes called
“normal” values.
 Option D: The standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is one of the
most commonly used medical studies in the assessment of cardiovascular
disease. It is the most important test for interpretation of the cardiac
rhythm, detection of myocardial ischemia and infarction, conduction
system abnormalities, preexcitation, long QT syndromes, atrial
abnormalities, ventricular hypertrophy, pericarditis, and other conditions.
Question 29
A male patient has a soft wrist-safety device. Which assessment finding should the nurse
consider abnormal?

A. A palpable radial pulse

B. A palpable ulnar pulse

C. Cool, pale fingers

D. Pink nail beds
Correct Answer: C. Cool, pale fingers
A safety device on the wrist may impair circulation and restrict blood supply to body tissues.
Therefore, the nurse should assess the patient for signs of impaired circulation, such as cool, pale
fingers. A palpable radial or lunar pulse and pink nail beds are normal findings.
 Option A: To palpate a radial pulse, place the tips of the first two or three fingers over
the groove along the radial (or thumb) side of the patient’s inner wrist. Slightly extended
or flexed the patient’s wrist with the palm down until the pulse was strongest. Lightly
compressed the artery against the radius, obliterating the pulse initially.


Option B: The pulse is felt just above a large, raised bony area called the zygomatic arch.
Like the radial pulse, the ulnar pulse is taken at the wrist.
Option D: These old cells flatten and harden, thanks to keratin, a protein made by these
cells. The newly formed nail then slides along the nail bed, the flat surface under the
nails. The nail bed sits on top of tiny blood vessels that feed it and give the nails their
pink color.
Question 30
Which of the following planes divides the body longitudinally into anterior and posterior
regions?

A. Frontal plane

B. Sagittal plane

C. Midsagittal plane

D. Transverse plane
Correct Answer: A. Frontal plane
Frontal or coronal plane runs longitudinally at a right angle to a sagittal plane dividing the body
in anterior and posterior regions. The coronal plane or frontal plane (vertical) divides the body
into dorsal and ventral (back and front, or posterior and anterior) portions. An anatomical plane
is a hypothetical plane used to transect the body, in order to describe the location of structures or
the direction of movements.
 Option B: A sagittal plane runs longitudinally dividing the body into right and left
regions. The sagittal plane or lateral plane (longitudinal, anteroposterior) is a plane
parallel to the sagittal suture. It divides the body into left and right.
 Option C: If exactly midline, it is called a midsagittal plane. The midsagittal or median
plane is in the midline; i.e. it would pass through midline structures such as the navel or
spine, and all other sagittal planes (also referred to as parasagittal planes) are parallel to
it. Median can also refer to the midsagittal plane of other structures, such as a digit.
 Option D: A transverse plane runs horizontally at a right angle to the vertical axis,
dividing the structure into superior and inferior regions. The transverse plane or axial
plane (horizontal) divides the body into cranial and caudal (head and tail) portions.
Question 31
A female patient with a terminal illness is in denial. Indicators of denial include:

A. Shock dismay

B. Numbness

C. Stoicism

D. Preparatory grief
Correct Answer: A. Shock dismay
Shock and dismay are early signs of denial-the first stage of grief. Denial is a common defense
mechanism used to protect oneself from the hardship of considering an upsetting reality. KublerRoss noted that after the initial shock of receiving a terminal diagnosis, patients would often
reject the reality of the new information. The other options are associated with depression—a
later stage of grief.
 Option B: Depression is perhaps the most immediately understandable of Kubler-Ross’s
stages and patients experience it with unsurprising symptoms such as sadness, fatigue,
and anhedonia.
 Option C: Spending time in the first three stages is potentially an unconscious effort to
protect oneself from this emotional pain, and, while the patient’s actions may potentially
be easier to understand, they may be more jarring in juxtaposition to behaviors arising
from the first three stages.
 Option D: Consequently, caregivers may need to make a conscious effort to restore
compassion that may have waned while caring for patients progressing through the first
three stages.
Question 32
The nurse in charge is transferring a patient from the bed to a chair. Which action does the nurse
take during this patient transfer?

A. Position the head of the bed flat.

B. Helps the patient dangle the legs.

C. Stands behind the patient.

D. Place the chair facing away from the bed.
Correct Answer: B. Helps the patient dangle the legs
After placing the patient in High Fowler’s position and moving the patient to the side of the bed,
the nurses helps the patient sit on the edge of the bed and dangle the legs; the nurse then faces the
patient and places the chair next to and facing the head of the bed.



Option A: Allow the patient to sit for a few moments, in case the patient feels dizzy
when first sitting up. To get the patient into a seated position, roll the patient onto the
same side as the wheelchair.
Option C: The nurse should put one arm under the patient’s shoulders and one behind
the knees. Bend the knees. Swing the patient’s feet off the edge of the bed and use the
momentum to help the patient into a sitting position.
Option D: Move the patient to the edge of the bed and lower the bed so the patient’s feet
are touching the ground. Make sure any loose rugs are out of the way to prevent slipping.
You may want to put non-skid socks or shoes on the patient’s feet if the patient needs to
step onto a slippery surface.
Question 33
A female patient who speaks a little English has emergency gallbladder surgery, during
discharge preparation, which nursing action would best help this patient understand wound care
instruction?

A. Asking frequently if the patient understands the instruction.

B. Asking an interpreter to replay the instructions to the patient.

C. Writing out the instructions and having a family member read them to the patient.

D. Demonstrating the procedure and having the patient return the demonstration.
Correct Answer: D. Demonstrating the procedure and having the patient return the
demonstration
Demonstrating by the nurse with a return demonstration by the patient ensures that the patient
can perform wound care correctly. One of the leading causes of medical errors in the United
States is miscommunication between patients and providers. When patients with limited English
proficiency (LEP) cannot adequately communicate their needs, they are less likely to comply
with medical instructions and receive vital services.
 Option A: Patients may claim to understand discharge instruction when they do not. Inperson translation services are preferred when complex medical information or end-oflife decisions are to be discussed. Studies show in-person professional interpretation
increases patient satisfaction and outcomes of care. Interpreters use visual cues to
enhance communication. However, in-person interpreters can be costly and can limit the
number of languages that can be adequately staffed.
 Option B: An interpreter of family members may communicate verbal or written
instructions inaccurately. In some cases, patients prefer to use their family and friends as
medical interpreters, but experts recommend against the practice because vital
information may be lost.
 Option C: Internet-based apps for smartphones and tablets help medical professionals
interpret information quickly so they can be used in emergency settings. Experts warn,
however, that the one-sided nature of such applications can lead to missed or
misconstrued information.
Question 34
Before administering the evening dose of a prescribed medication, the nurse on the evening shift
finds an unlabeled, filled syringe in the patient’s medication drawer. What should the nurse in
charge do?

A. Discard the syringe to avoid a medication error.

B. Obtain a label for the syringe from the pharmacy.


C. Use the syringe because it looks like it contains the same medication the nurse was
prepared to give.
D. Call the day nurse to verify the contents of the syringe.
Correct Answer: A. Discard the syringe to avoid a medication error.
As a safety precaution, the nurse should discard an unlabeled syringe that contains medication.
The other options are considered unsafe because they promote error.
 Option B: Since there are no labels on the syringe, obtaining a label from the pharmacy
does not guarantee that they would be able to identify the medication inside the syringe.
 Option C: Giving an unidentified medication could cause unwanted effects on the patient
instead of desired effects.
 Option D: The day nurse would not be able to guarantee that she could identify the
medication without its label.
Question 35
When administering drug therapy to a male geriatric patient, the nurse must stay especially alert
for adverse effects. Which factor makes geriatric patients have adverse drug effects?

A. Faster drug clearance

B. Aging-related physiological changes

C. Increased amount of neurons

D. Enhanced blood flow to the GI tract
Correct Answer: B. Aging-related physiological changes
Aging-related physiological changes account for the increased frequency of adverse drug
reactions in geriatric patients. ADEs are estimated to be indicated in 5% to 28% of acute geriatric
medical admissions. Preventable ADEs are among one of the serious consequences of
inappropriate medication use in older adults.
 Option A: Renal and hepatic changes cause drugs to clear more slowly in these patients.
Aging leads to a reduced number of functional glomeruli and an increased prevalence of
sclerotic changes within the glomeruli or renal vasculature. Additionally, there is a
normal decrease in GFR observed in advanced age, but this places the elderly at much


higher risk for complications in the event that they develop chronic or acute kidney
disease, as they have less functional glomeruli as a result of normal aging physiology.
Option C: With increasing age, neurons are lost. Abnormal compensatory mechanisms
predispose individuals to neurodegeneration and dementia, Parkinson disease, and overall
cerebral atrophy are observable in aging individuals.
Option D: Blood flow to the GI tract decreases. The weakening of smooth muscle in the
intestinal tract can promote the development of diverticular disease and can play a role in
bowel obstructions or constipation. Decreased metabolic activity, specifically in the liver,
can lead to alterations in drug metabolism.
Question 36
A female patient is being discharged after cataract surgery. After providing medication teaching,
the nurse asks the patient to repeat the instructions. The nurse is performing which professional
role?

A. Manager

B. Educator

C. Caregiver

D. Patient advocate
Correct Answer: B. Educator
When teaching a patient about medications before discharge, the nurse is acting as an educator.
They provide educational leadership to patients and care providers to enhance specialized patient
care within established healthcare settings. Assists patients and caregivers with educational
needs, problem resolution, and health management across the continuum of care.
 Option A: The nurse acts as a manager when performing such activities as scheduling
and making patient care assignments. Great nurse managers are able to work in
coordination with other departments. They must also possess the ability to oversee an
array of practice functions including staff supervision, clinical tasks, and appointments. It
is also part of their jobs to liaise with pathology labs, suppliers, and other health facilities.
 Option C: The nurse performs the care giving role when providing direct care, including
bathing patients and administering medications and prescribed treatments. Healthcare
should address a patient’s cultural, spiritual and mental needs. Increasing diversity in a
growing patient population requires nurses to demonstrate cultural awareness and
sensitivity. Patients may have specific needs and preferences due to their religion or
gender, for example. Nurses need to be respectful of, and knowledgeable about, diverse
backgrounds while remaining vigilant in providing quality care.
 Option D: The nurse acts as a patient advocate when making the patient’s wishes known
to the doctor. A nurse advocate is a nurse who works on behalf of patients to maintain
quality of care and protect patients’ rights. They intervene when there is a care concern,
and following the proper channels, work to resolve any patient care issues. Realistically,
every nurse is an advocate.
Question 37
A female patient exhibits signs of heightened anxiety. Which response by the nurse
is most likely to reduce the patient’s anxiety?

A. “Everything will be fine. Don’t worry.”

B. “Read this manual and then ask me any questions you may have.”

C. “Why don’t you listen to the radio?”

D. “Let’s talk about what’s bothering you.”
Correct Answer: D. “Let’s talk about what’s bothering you.”
Anxiety may result from feelings of helplessness, isolation, or insecurity. This response helps
reduce anxiety by encouraging the patient to express feelings. The nurse should be supportive
and develop goals together with the patient to give the patient some control over an anxietyinducing situation. Because the other options ignore the patient’s feelings and block
communication, they would not reduce anxiety.
 Option A: Recognize awareness of the patient’s anxiety. Since a cause of anxiety cannot
always be identified, the patient may feel as though the feelings being experienced are
counterfeit. Acknowledgment of the patient’s feelings validates the feelings and
communicates acceptance of those feelings.
 Option B: Converse using a simple language and brief statements. Allow patients to talk
about anxious feelings and examine anxiety-provoking situations if they are identifiable.
Talking about anxiety-producing situations and anxious feelings can help the patient
perceive the situation realistically and recognize factors leading to the anxious feelings.
 Option C: Assist the patient in developing new anxiety-reducing skills (e.g., relaxation,
deep breathing, positive visualization, and reassuring self-statements). Discovering new
coping methods provides the patient with a variety of ways to manage anxiety.
Question 38
A scrub nurse in the operating room has which responsibility?

A. Positioning the patient

B. Assisting with gowning and gloving

C. Handling surgical instruments to the surgeon

D. Applying surgical drapes
Correct Answer: C. Handling surgical instruments to the surgeon
The scrub nurse assists the surgeon by providing appropriate surgical instruments and supplies,
maintaining strict surgical asepsis and, with the circulating nurse, accounting for all gauze,
sponges, needles, and instruments. The circulating nurse assists the surgeon and scrub nurse,
positions the patient, applies appropriate equipment and surgical drapes, assists with gowning
and gloving, and provides the surgeon and scrub nurse with supplies.
 Option A: The circulating nurse is responsible for managing all nursing care within the
operating room, observing the surgical team from a broad perspective, and assisting the
team to create and maintain a safe, comfortable environment for the patient’s surgery.
 Option B: A circulating nurse is responsible for coordinating care, obtaining supplies,
and liaising with the patient’s family.
 Option D: Assessing the patient right before surgery is critical to making sure that all
required prep was completed. Serving as a patient advocate and safety monitor, the
circulating nurse observes the surgery and ensures that no aspect of patient care is
missed.
Question 39
A patient is in the bathroom when the nurse enters to give a prescribed medication. What should
the nurse in charge do?

A. Leave the medication at the patient’s bedside.

B. Tell the patient to be sure to take the medication. And then leave it at the bedside.

C. Return shortly to the patient’s room and remain there until the patient takes the
medication.

D. Wait for the patient to return to bed, and then leave the medication at the bedside.
Correct Answer: C. Return shortly to the patient’s room and remain there until the patient
takes the medication
The nurse should return shortly to the patient’s room and remain there until the patient takes the
medication to verify that it was taken as directed. With the growing reliance on medication
therapy as the primary intervention for most illnesses, patients receiving medication
interventions are exposed to potential harm as well as benefits. Benefits are effective
management of the illness/disease, slowed progression of the disease, and improved patient
outcomes with few if any errors. Harm from medications can arise from unintended
consequences as well as medication error (wrong medication, wrong time, wrong dose, etc.).
 Option A: The nurse should never leave medication at the patient’s bedside unless
specifically requested to do so.
 Option B: With inadequate nursing education about patient safety and quality, excessive
workloads, staffing inadequacies, fatigue, illegible provider handwriting, flawed
dispensing systems, and problems with the labeling of drugs, nurses are continually
challenged to ensure that their patients receive the right medication at the right time.
 Option D: Examples of errors that can be initiated at the transcribing, dispensing, and
delivering stages include failure to transcribe the order, incorrectly filling the order, and
failure to deliver the correct medication for the correct patient.
Question 40
The physician orders heparin, 7,500 units, to be administered subcutaneously every 6 hours. The
vial reads 10,000 units per milliliter. The nurse should anticipate giving how much heparin for
each dose?

A. ¼ ml

B. ½ ml

C. ¾ ml

D. 1 ¼ ml
Correct Answer: C. ¾ ml
The nurse solves the problem as follows:
10,000 units/7,500 units = 1 ml/X
10,000 X = 7,500
X= 7,500/10,000 or ¾ ml
 Option A: There are 3 primary methods for the calculation of medication dosages, as
referenced above. These include Desired Over Have Method or Formula, Dimensional
Analysis and Ratio and Proportion.
 Option B: Desired over Have or Formula Method is a formula or equation to solve for an
unknown quantity (x) much like ratio proportion. Drug calculations require the use of
conversion factors, such as when converting from pounds to kilograms or liters to
milliliters. Simplistic in design, this method allows us to work with various units of
measurement, converting factors to find our answer. Useful in checking the accuracy of
the other methods of calculation as above mentioned, thus acting as a double or triple
check.
 Option D: The Ratio and Proportion Method has been around for years and is one of the
oldest methods utilized in drug calculations (as cited in Boyer, 2002)[Lindow, 2004]. An
addition principal is a problem-solving technique that has no bearing on this relationship,
only multiplication and division are used to navigate through a ratio and proportion
problem, not adding.
Question 41
The nurse in charge measures a patient’s temperature at 102 degrees F. what is the equivalent
Centigrade temperature?

A. 39 degrees C

B. 47 degrees C

C. 38.9 degrees C

D. 40.1 degrees C
Correct Answer: C. 38.9 degrees C
To convert Fahrenheit degrees to centigrade, use this formula:
C degrees = (F degrees – 32) x 5/9
C degrees = (102 – 32) 5/9
+ 70 x 5/9
38.9 degrees C
 Option A: Fahrenheit and Celsius both use different temperatures for the freezing and
boiling points of water, and also use differently sized degrees. Water freezes at 0 degrees
Celsius, and boils at 100 degrees C, while in Fahrenheit, water freezes at 32 degrees F
and boils at 212 degrees F.
 Option B: Use the relationship in degree size to convert between Celsius and Fahrenheit.
Because Celsius degrees are larger than those in Fahrenheit, to convert from Celsius to
Fahrenheit, multiply the Celsius temperature by 1.8, and then add 32.
 Option D: The Fahrenheit and Celsius scales are the two most common temperature
scales. However, the two scales use different measurements for the freezing and boiling
points of water, and also use different sized degrees.
Question 42
To evaluate a patient for hypoxia, the physician is most likely to order which laboratory test?

A. Red blood cell count

B. Sputum culture

C. Total hemoglobin

D. Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis
Correct Answer: D. Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis
All of these tests help evaluate a patient with respiratory problems. However, ABG analysis is
the only test that evaluates gas exchange in the lungs, providing information about a patient’s
oxygenation status. An acceptable normal range of ABG values of ABG components are the
following, [5] [6] noting that the range of normal values may vary among laboratories, and in
different age groups from neonates to geriatrics: pH (7.35-7.45) PaO2 (75-100 mmHg) PaCO2
(35-45 mmHg).
 Option A: A red blood cell count is a blood test that the doctor uses to find out how
many red blood cells (RBCs) a person has. It’s also known as an erythrocyte count. The
test is important because RBCs contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the body’s
tissues. The number of RBCs one has can affect how much oxygen the tissues receive.
The tissues need oxygen to function.
 Option B: A sputum culture is a test that checks for bacteria or another type of organism
that may be causing an infection in the lungs or the airways leading to the lungs. Sputum,
also known as phlegm, is a thick type of mucus made in the lungs.
 Option C: The normal range for hemoglobin is: For men, 13.5 to 17.5 grams per
deciliter. For women, 12.0 to 15.5 grams per deciliter.
Question 43
The nurse uses a stethoscope to auscultate a male patient’s chest. Which statement about a
stethoscope with a bell and diaphragm is true?

A. The bell detects high-pitched sounds best.

B. The diaphragm detects high-pitched sounds best.

C. The bell detects thrills best.

D. The diaphragm detects low-pitched sounds best.
Correct Answer: B. The diaphragm detects high-pitched sounds best.
The diaphragm of a stethoscope detects high-pitched sound best; the bell detects low pitched
sounds best. Palpation detects thrills best. The bell is flat and round and is covered by a thin layer
of plastic known as the diaphragm. The diaphragm vibrates as sound is produced within the
body. These vibrations travel from the bell, up the hollow tube which splits into two, and into
hollow earpieces to be heard as sound by the medical professional.
 Option A: The smaller or other part of the resonator is called a bell. It is made up of
hollow pieces of metal that help at picking up low-frequency sounds.
 Option C: Whenever a medical practitioner places a stethoscope diaphragm on a chest of
a patient, vibration will occur at the flat surface of the stethoscope which is a result of
sound waves that is being generated from the patient’s body. The vibration picked by the
diaphragm is being protected externally in other to prevent sound loss and thereby
channeled through the tube to a specific direction.
 Option D: The diaphragm is the lower part of the chest piece. It is a flat metallic disc
surrounded by chill rings which enable it to pick a very high pitch sound.
Question 44
A male patient is to be discharged with a prescription for an analgesic that is a controlled
substance. During discharge teaching, the nurse should explain that the patient must fill this
prescription how soon after the date on which it was written?

A. Within 1 month

B. Within 3 months

C. Within 6 months

D. Within 12 months
Correct Answer: C. Within 6 months
In most cases, an outpatient must fill a prescription for a controlled substance within 6 months of
the date on which the prescription was written. A common reason people seek the care of
medical professionals is pain relief. While many categories of pain medications are available,
opioid analgesics are FDA-approved for moderate to severe pain. As such, they are a common
choice for patients with acute, cancer-related, neurologic, and end-of-life pain. The prescribing
of opioid analgesics for chronic pain is controversial and fraught with inconclusive standards.
 Option A: All health professionals engaged in pain management need an understanding
of the treatment recommendations and safety concerns in prescribing opioid analgesics.
Appropriate opioid prescribing requires a thorough patient assessment, short and longterm treatment planning, close follow-up, and continued monitoring.
 Option B: All providers need to be aware of not only appropriate patient assessment and
treatment planning but also the possibility of use disorder, diversion, and potentially
dangerous behavioral responses to controlled substances, e.g., opioid analgesics differ
from pseudo-addiction and physical dependence.
 Option D: All providers should be familiar with the guidelines and laws for each
schedule, which have, as their basis, the purpose of the drug and the risk of use disorder.
In the United States, controlled substances are under strict regulation by both federal and
state laws that guide their manufacture and distribution. Controlled substances have a
high risk of resulting in an addiction and substance use disorder.
Question 45
Which human element considered by the nurse in charge during assessment can affect drug
administration?

A. The patient’s ability to recover

B. The patient’s occupational hazards

C. The patient’s socioeconomic status

D. The patient’s cognitive abilities
Correct Answer: D. The patient’s cognitive abilities
The nurse must consider the patient’s cognitive abilities to understand drug instructions. If not,
the nurse must find a family member or significant other to take on the responsibility of
administering medications in the home setting. The patient’s ability to recover, occupational
hazards, and socioeconomic status do not affect drug administration.
 Option A: Many drugs can be administered orally as liquids, capsules, tablets, or
chewable tablets. Because the oral route is the most convenient and usually the safest and
least expensive, it is the one most often used. However, it has limitations because of the
way a drug typically moves through the digestive tract.
 Option B: For drugs administered orally, absorption may begin in the mouth and
stomach. However, most drugs are usually absorbed from the small intestine. The drug
passes through the intestinal wall and travels to the liver before being transported via the
bloodstream to its target site. The intestinal wall and liver chemically alter (metabolize)
many drugs, decreasing the amount of drug reaching the bloodstream. Consequently,
these drugs are often given in smaller doses when injected intravenously to produce the
same effect.
 Option C: When a drug is taken orally, food and other drugs in the digestive tract may
affect how much of and how fast the drug is absorbed. Thus, some drugs should be taken
on an empty stomach, others should be taken with food, others should not be taken with
certain other drugs, and still others cannot be taken orally at all.
Question 46
An employer establishes a physical exercise area in the workplace and encourages all employees
to use it. This is an example of which level of health promotion?

A. Primary prevention

B. Secondary prevention

C. Tertiary prevention

D. Passive prevention
Correct Answer: A. Primary prevention
Primary prevention precedes disease and applies to healthy patients. Primary prevention includes
those preventive measures that come before the onset of illness or injury and before the disease
process begins. Examples include immunization and taking regular exercise to prevent health
problems from developing in the future.
 Option B: Secondary prevention focuses on patients who have health problems and are
at risk for developing complications. Secondary prevention includes those preventive
measures that lead to early diagnosis and prompt treatment of a disease, illness, or injury.
This should limit disability, impairment or dependency and prevent more severe health
problems from developing in the future.
 Option C: Tertiary prevention enables patients to gain health from others’ activities
without doing anything themselves. Tertiary prevention includes those preventive
measures aimed at rehabilitation following a significant illness. At this level, health

educators work to retrain, re-educate and rehabilitate the individual who has already had
an impairment or disability.
Option D: Prevention, as it relates to health, is really about avoiding disease before it
starts. It has been defined as the plans for, and the measures taken, to prevent the onset of
a disease or other health problem before the occurrence of the undesirable health event.
Question 47
What does the nurse in charge do when making a surgical bed?

A. Leaves the bed in the high position when finished.

B. Place the pillow at the head of the bed.

C. Rolls the patient to the far side of the bed.

D. Tucks the top sheet and blanket under the bottom of the bed.
Correct Answer: A. Leaves the bed in the high position when finished.
When making a surgical bed, the nurse leaves the bed in a high position when finished. After
placing the top linens on the bed without pouching them, the nurse fan folds these linens to the
side opposite from where the patient will enter and places the pillow on the bedside chair. All
these actions promote transfer of the postoperative patient from the stretcher to the bed.
 Option B: When making an occupied bed or unoccupied bed, the nurse places the pillow
at the head of the bed and tucks the top sheet and blanket under the bottom of the bed.
 Option C: When making an occupied bed, the nurse rolls the patient to the far side of the
bed. Bed Making is a key nursing skill that is essential for the promotion of patient
comfort, hygiene, and wellbeing. Bed Making requires technical and practical skills and
consideration should be given to issues of safety, moving and handling and infection
control practices.
 Option D: The blanket is placed at the center of the bed with its top 20cms
approximately from the top of the mattress. The top sheet is folded back over the blanket.
The blanket is folded under the foot of the mattress. Make a square corner & tuck in
along sides.
Question 48
The physician prescribes 250 mg of a drug. The drug vial reads 500 mg/ml. How much of the
drug should the nurse give?

A. 2 ml

B. 1 ml

C. ½ ml

D. ¼ ml
Correct Answer: C. ½ ml
The nurse should give ½ ml of the drug. The dosage is calculated as follows:
250 mg/X=500 mg/1 ml
500x=250
X=1/2 ml
 Option A: There are 3 primary methods for the calculation of medication dosages, as
referenced above. These include Desired Over Have Method or Formula, Dimensional
Analysis and Ratio and Proportion
 Option B: Desired over Have or Formula Method is a formula or equation to solve for an
unknown quantity (x) much like ratio proportion. Drug calculations require the use of
conversion factors, such as when converting from pounds to kilograms or liters to
milliliters. Simplistic in design, this method allows us to work with various units of
measurement, converting factors to find our answer. Useful in checking the accuracy of
the other methods of calculation as above mentioned, thus acting as a double or triple
check.
 Option D: The Ratio and Proportion Method has been around for years and is one of the
oldest methods utilized in drug calculations (as cited in Boyer, 2002)[Lindow, 2004].
Addition principals is a problem-solving technique that has no bearing on this
relationship, only multiplication and division are used to navigate through a ratio and
proportion problem, not adding.
Question 49
Nurse Mackey is monitoring a patient for adverse reactions during barbiturate therapy. What is
the major disadvantage of barbiturate use?

A. Prolonged half-life

B. Poor absorption

C. Potential for drug dependence

D. Potential for hepatotoxicity
Correct Answer: C. Potential for drug dependence
Patients can become dependent on barbiturates, especially with prolonged use. Due to the abuse
potential of barbiturates, restricted access started with the passage of the Federal Comprehensive
Drug Abuse and Control Act of 1970. Barbiturates classify as Schedule II-IV based on their
abuse potential.
 Option A: Because of the rapid distribution of some barbiturates, no correlation exists
between duration of action and half-life. The elimination half-life for thiopental is about 5
hours. In children, a shorter elimination half-time occurs due to greater hepatic clearance.
 Option B: Barbiturates are absorbed well. Age-related changes have been demonstrated
in pharmacokinetics due to slower intercompartmental clearance in the elderly, resulting
in higher serum concentrations with smaller drug doses.
 Option D: They do not cause hepatotoxicity, although existing hepatic damage does
require cautious use of the drug because barbiturates are metabolized in the liver.
Question 50
Which nursing action is essential when providing continuous enteral feeding?

A. Elevating the head of the bed.

B. Positioning the patient on the left side.

C. Warming the formula before administering it.

D. Hanging a full day’s worth of formula at one time.
Correct Answer: A. Elevating the head of the bed.
Elevating the head of the bed during enteral feeding minimizes the risk of aspiration and allows
the formula to flow in the patient’s intestines. Lying prone/supine during feeding increases the
risk of aspiration and therefore where clinically possible the client should be placed in an upright
position. If unable to sit up for a bolus feed or if receiving continuous feeding, the head of the
bed should be elevated 30-45 degrees during feeding and for at least 30 minutes after the feed to
reduce the risk of aspiration.
 Option B: When such elevation is contraindicated, the patient should be positioned on
the right side. Turn the patient onto their side. This will allow the tip of the tube to move
to a position where fluid has accumulated.
 Option C: The nurse should give enteral feeding at room temperature to minimize GI
distress. Continuous feeds should NOT be warmed. They may be removed from the
fridge 15-20 minutes prior to administration to bring it to room temperature. Feeds should
NOT be warmed in a microwave or in jugs of boiling water.
 Option D: To limit microbial growth, the nurse should hang only the amount of formula
that can be infused in 3 hours. It should not hang for longer than 4 hours – use the dose
limit function on the feed pump to ensure this occurs.
Question 51
When teaching a female patient how to take a sublingual tablet, the nurse should instruct the
patient to place the table on the:

A. Top of the tongue

B. Roof of the mouth

C. Floor of the mouth

D. Inside of the cheek
Correct Answer: C. Floor of the mouth
The nurse should instruct the patient to touch the tip of the tongue to the roof of the mouth and
then place the sublingual tablet on the floor of the mouth. Sublingual medications are absorbed
directly into the bloodstream from the oral mucosa, bypassing the GI and hepatic systems. No
drug is administered on top of the tongue or on the roof of the mouth.



Option A: The cheek and area under the tongue have many capillaries, or tiny blood
vessels. There, drugs can be absorbed directly into the bloodstream without going
through the digestive system.
Option B: These drugs do not go through the digestive system, so they aren’t
metabolized through the liver. This means the client may be able to take a lower dose and
still get the same results.
Option D: With the buccal route, the tablet is placed between the gum and the cheek.
Drugs that are absorbed under the tongue or between the cheek and gum can be easier to
take for people who have problems swallowing pills.
Question 52
Which action by the nurse in charge is essential when cleaning the area around a
Jackson-Pratt wound drain?

A. Cleaning from the center outward in a circular motion.

B. Removing the drain before cleaning the skin.

C. Cleaning briskly around the site with alcohol.

D. Wearing sterile gloves and a mask.
Correct Answer: A. Cleaning from the center outward in a circular motion.
The nurse always should clean around a wound drain, moving from center outward in
ever-larger circles, because the skin near the drain site is more contaminated than the
site itself. A Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain is used to remove fluids that build up in an area of
the body after surgery. The JP drain is a bulb-shaped device connected to a tube. One
end of the tube is placed inside the client during surgery. The other end comes out
through a small cut in the skin. The bulb is connected to this end. The client may have a
stitch to hold the tube in place.
 Option B: The nurse should never remove the drain before cleaning the skin. The
JP drain removes fluids by creating suction in the tube. The bulb is squeezed flat
and connected to the tube that sticks out of the body. The bulb expands as it fills
with fluid.
 Option C: Alcohol should never be used to clean around a drain; it may irritate
the skin and has no lasting effect on bacteria because it evaporates. Use soap and
water or saline (salt water) solution to clean a JP drain site. Dip a cotton swab or
gauze pad in the solution and gently clean the skin.
 Option D: The nurse should wear sterile gloves to prevent contamination, but a
mask is not necessary. Wash hands with soap and water after discarding the
gloves.
Question 53
The doctor orders dextrose 5% in water, 1,000 ml to be infused over 8 hours. The I.V. tubing
delivers 15 drops per milliliter. The nurse in charge should run the I.V. infusion at a rate of:

A. 15 drop per minute

B. 21 drop per minute

C. 32 drop per minute

D. 125 drops per minute
Correct Answer: C. 32 drop per minute
Giving 1,000 ml over 8 hours is the same as giving 125 ml over 1 hour (60 minutes) to find the
number of milliliters per minute:
125/60 min = X/1 minute
60X = 125X = 2.1 ml/minute
To find the number of drops/minute:
2.1 ml/X gtts = 1 ml/15 gtts
X = 32 gtts/minute, or 32 drops/minute
 Option A: When the nurse has an order for an IV infusion, it is her to make sure the fluid
will infuse at the prescribed rate. IV fluids may be infused by gravity using a manual
roller clamp or dial-a-flow, or infused using an infusion pump. Regardless of the method,
it is important to know how to calculate the correct IV flow rate.
 Option B: When calculating the flow rate, determine which IV tubing will be used,
microdrip or macrodrip, so the nurse can use the proper drop factor in her calculations.
The drop factor is the number of drops in one mL of solution, and is printed on the IV
tubing package. Macrodrip and microdrip refers to the diameter of the needle where the
drop enters the drip chamber. Macrodrip tubing delivers 10 to 20 gtts/mL and is used to
infuse large volumes or to infuse fluids quickly. Microdrip tubing delivers 60 gtts/mL and
is used for small or very precise amounts of fluid, as with neonates or pediatric patients.
 Option D: To calculate the drops per minute, the drop factor is needed. The formula for
calculating the IV flow rate (drip rate) is total volume (in mL) divided by time (in min),
multiplied by the drop factor (in gtts/mL), which equals the IV flow rate in gtts/min.
Question 54
A female patient undergoes a total abdominal hysterectomy. When assessing the patient 10 hours
later, the nurse identifies which finding as an early sign of shock?

A. Restlessness

B. Pale, warm, dry skin

C. Heart rate of 110 beats/minute

D. Urine output of 30 ml/hour
Correct Answer: A. Restlessness
Early in shock, hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system causes increased epinephrine
secretion, which typically makes the patient restless, anxious, nervous, and irritable. It also
decreases tissue perfusion to the skin, causing pale, cool clammy skin. Shock is characterized by
decreased oxygen delivery and/or increased oxygen consumption or inadequate oxygen
utilization leading to cellular and tissue hypoxia. It is a life-threatening condition of circulatory
failure and most commonly manifested as hypotension (systolic blood pressure less than 90 mm
Hg or MAP less than 65 mmHg).
 Option B: Hypoxia at the cellular level causes a series of physiologic and biochemical
changes, resulting in acidosis and a decrease in regional blood flow, which further
worsens the tissue hypoxia.
 Option C: An above-normal heart rate is a late sign of shock. The most common clinical
features/labs which are suggestive of shock include hypotension, tachycardia, tachypnea,
obtundation or abnormal mental status, cold, clammy extremities, mottled skin, oliguria,
metabolic acidosis, and hyperlactatemia.
 Option D: A urine output of 30 ml/hour is within normal limits. During this stage, most
of the classic signs and symptoms of shock appear due to early organ dysfunction,
resulting from the progression of the pre-shock stage as the compensatory mechanisms
become insufficient.
Question 55
Which pulse should the nurse palpate during rapid assessment of an unconscious male adult?

A. Radial

B. Brachial

C. Femoral

D. Carotid
Correct Answer: D. Carotid
During a rapid assessment, the nurse’s first priority is to check the patient’s vital functions by
assessing his airway, breathing, and circulation. To check a patient’s circulation, the nurse must
assess his heart and vascular network function. This is done by checking his skin color,
temperature, mental status and, most importantly, his pulse. The nurse should use the carotid
artery to check a patient’s circulation.
 Option A: In a patient with circulatory problems or a history of compromised circulation,
the radial pulse may not be palpable. Examiners frequently evaluate the radial artery
during a routine examination of adults, due to the unobtrusive position required to palpate
it and its easy accessibility in various types of clothing. Like other distal peripheral pulses
(such as those in the feet) it also may be quicker to show signs of pathology.
 Option B: The brachial pulse is palpated during rapid assessment of an infant. The
brachial artery is often the site of evaluation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation of
infants. It is palpated proximal to the elbow between the medial epicondyle of the
humerus and the distal biceps tendon.
 Option C: The femoral pulse may be the most sensitive in assessing for septic shock and
is routinely checked during resuscitation. It is palpated distally to the inguinal ligament at
a point less than halfway from the pubis to the anterior superior iliac spine.
Question 56
Clients should be taught that repeatedly ignoring the sensation of needing to defecate could
result in which of the following?

A. Constipation

B. Diarrhea

C. Incontinence

D. Hemorrhoids
Correct Answer: A. Constipation
Habitually ignoring the urge to defecate can lead to constipation through loss of the natural urge
and the accumulation of feces. Functional constipation is a prevalent condition in childhood,
about 29.6% worldwide. In the United States, it represents 3% to 5% of pediatric visits and a
considerable annual health care cost. Most children do not have an etiological factor, and one
third continue to have problems beyond adolescence.
 Option B: Diarrhea will not result-if anything, there is increased opportunity for water
reabsorption because the stool remains in the colon, leading to firmer stool. Diarrhea is
described as three or more loose or watery stools a day. Infection commonly causes acute
diarrhea. Noninfectious etiologies are more common as the duration of diarrhea becomes
chronic. Treatment and management are based on the duration and specific etiology.
 Option C: Ignoring the urge shows a strong voluntary sphincter, not a weak one that
could result in incontinence. Fecal incontinence (FI) is the involuntary passage of fecal
matter through anus or inability to control the discharge of bowel contents. Its severity
can range from an involuntary passage of flatus to complete evacuation of fecal matter.
Depending on the severity of the disease, it has a significant impact on a patient’s quality
of life

Option D: Hemorrhoids would only occur only if severe drying out of the stool occurs,
and thus repeated need to strain to pass stool. Hemorrhoids are rich in vascular supply
and have a tendency to engorge and prolapse. Symptoms can vary from mild itching,
bleeding to severe pain. Unfortunately, because of the location, many patients never seek
treatment for fear of embarrassment.
Question 57
Which statement provides evidence that an older adult who is prone to constipation is in need of
further teaching?


A. "I need to drink one and a half to 2 quarts of liquid each day."
B. "I need to take a laxative such as milk of magnesia or if I don't have a BM every
day."

C. "If my bowel pattern changes on its own, I should call you."

D. "Eating my meals at regular times is likely to result in regular bowel movements."
Correct Answer: B. “I need to take a laxative such as milk of magnesium or if I don’t have
a BM every day”
Stimulant laxatives can be very irritating and are not the preferred treatment for occasional
constipation in older adults. In addition, a normal stool pattern for an older adult may not be
daily elimination. The cause of constipation is multifactorial. The problem may arise in the colon
or rectum or it may be due to an external cause. In most people, slow colonic motility that occurs
after years of laxative abuse is the problem. In a few patients, the cause may be related to an
outlet obstruction like rectal prolapse or a rectocele. External causes of constipation may include
poor dietary habits, lack of fluid intake, overuse of certain medications, an endocrine problem
like hypothyroidism or some type of an emotional issue.
 Option A: The standard of practice in assisting the older adults to maintain normal
function of the gastrointestinal tract is regular ingestion of a well-balanced diet, adequate
fluid intake, and regular exercise.
 Option C: If the bowel pattern is not regular with these activities, this abnormality
should be reported. Pathophysiology underlying functional constipation is multifactorial
and not well understood. Factors that may contribute to functional constipation include
pain, fever, dehydration, dietary and fluid intake, psychological issues, toilet training,
medicines, and family history of constipation.
 Option D: A normal fiber intake, fluid intake, and physical activity level are
recommended, and the routine use of prebiotics or probiotics is not recommended in the
treatment of childhood constipation.
Question 58
A client is scheduled for a colonoscopy. The nurse will provide information to the client about
which type of enema?

A. Oil retention

B. Return flow

C. High large volume

D. Low, small volume
Correct Answer: D. Low, small volume
Small volume enemas along with other preparations are used to prepare the client for this
procedure. The small volume enema is used to clean the lower portion of the colon or the
sigmoid. This type of cleansing enema is often used for the patient who is constipated but does
not need cleansing of the higher colon. The amount used is less than 500 ml and the bag is raised
no higher than 12 inches.
 Option A: An oil retention enema is used to soften hard stool. A rectal injection of
mineral oil or vegetable Oil introduced at low pressure and retained for 30 minutes to 3
hours before being expelled. given to soften feces in cases of constipation or impaction.
The volume of oil is relatively low, four to six ounces are commonly used, which allows
the oil to be more easily retained.
 Option B: Return flow enemas help expel flatus because of the risk of loss of fluid and
electrolytes A return-flow enema, or Harris flush, is used to remove intestinal gas and
stimulate peristalsis. A large volume fluid is used but the fluid is instilled in 100-200 ml
increments. Then, the fluid is drawn out by lowering the container below the level of the
bowel. This brings the flatus out with the fluid.
 Option C: High, large volume enemas are seldom used. The purpose of a large volume
enema is to clean as much of the colon as possible of feces, as an intervention for
constipation as well as “bowel prep” before a diagnostic procedure. The amount used is
500-1000 ml and the bag is raised as high as 18 inches above the anal opening. The
patient is instructed to retain and hold the fluid as long as possible to induce peristalsis
and cause evacuation of feces.
Question 59
The nurse is most likely to report which finding to the primary care provider for a client who has
an established colostomy?

A. The stoma extends 1/2 inch above the abdomen.

B. The skin under the appliance looks red briefly after removing the appliance.

C. The stoma color is a deep red purple.

D. An ascending colostomy just delivers liquid feces.
Correct Answer: C. The stoma color is a deep red purple.
An established stoma should be dark pink like the color of the buccal mucosa and is slightly
raised above the abdomen. A stoma is the exteriorization of a loop of bowel from the anterior
abdominal wall, done during a surgical procedure. It is done for diversion or decompression of
the remaining bowel. It may be temporary or permanent, depending on the indication for which it
was performed. Most stomas are incontinent, which means that there is no voluntary control over
the passage of flatus and feces from the stoma.
 Option A: The stoma should be assessed and must be moist, above skin level, and pink
to red in color, and the peristomal skin should be normal. Any deviation from this should
be notified to the surgeon. The stoma should be measured, or the previous measurement
remembered and size should not be more than 1/16-1/8.
 Option B: The skin under the appliance may remain pink/red for a while after the
adhesive is pulled off. The peristomal skin should be dried appropriately to allow good
seal formation. Adhesive pastes or powders may also be applied peristomally. The paper
cover on the back of the flange is then removed with the border tape in place. It is then
placed around the stoma and held in place for 1 to 2 minutes to create an adequate seal.
 Option D: Feces from an ascending ostomy are very liquid, less so from a transverse
ostomy, and more solid from a descending or sigmoid stoma. Colostomy diarrhea may be
complained by the patient in case of ascending or transverse colostomies in case they are
not fully explained about the nature of content expected, but stomal diarrhea may be the
result of extensive resection with failure of bowel adaptation or if associated with short
bowel syndrome.
Question 60
Which goal is the most appropriate for clients with diarrhea related to ingestion of an antibiotic
for an upper respiratory infection?

A. The client will wear a medical alert bracelet for antibiotic allergy.

B. The client will return to his or her previous fecal elimination pattern.

C. The client verbalizes the need to take an antidiarrheal medication PRN.

D. The client will increase intake of insoluble fiber such as grains, rice, and cereals.
Correct Answer: B. The client will return to his or her previous fecal elimination pattern.
Once the cause of diarrhea has been identified and corrected, the client returns to his or her
previous elimination pattern. Diarrhea is a common adverse effect of antibiotic treatments.
Antibiotic-associated diarrhea occurs in about 5-30% of patients either early during antibiotic
therapy or up to two months after the end of the treatment. The frequency of antibiotic-associated
diarrhea depends on the definition of diarrhea, the inciting antimicrobial agents, and host factors.
 Option A: This is not an example of an allergy to the antibiotic but a common
consequence of overgrowth of bowel organisms not killed by the drug. Antibioticassociated diarrhea results from disruption of the normal microflora of the gut by
antibiotics. This microflora, composed of 1011 bacteria per gram of intestinal content,
forms a stable ecosystem that permits the elimination of exogenous organisms.
Antibiotics disturb the composition and the function of this flora and enable the
overgrowth of micro-organisms that induce diarrhea.
 Option C: Antidiarrheal medications are usually prescribed according to the number of
stools, not routinely around the clock. Managing diarrhea depends on the clinical
presentation and the inciting agent. In mild to moderate diarrhea conventional measures
include rehydration or discontinuation of the inciting agent or its replacement by an
antibiotic with a lower risk of inducing diarrhea, such as quinolones, co-trimoxazole, or
aminoglycosides. In 22% of cases of diarrhea related to C difficile, withdrawal of the
inciting agent will lead to resolution of clinical signs in three days.
 Option D: Increasing intake of soluble fiber such as oatmeal or potatoes may help absorb
excess liquid and decrease diarrhea, but insoluble fiber will not. The key measure for
preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea, however, is to limit antibiotic use. Probiotics
have proved useful in preventing diarrhea, but the number of clinical trials is limited, and
further controlled trials using different probiotics are needed.
Question 61
A client with a new stoma who has not had a bowel movement since surgery last week reports
feeling nauseous. What is the appropriate nursing action?

A. Prepare to irrigate the colostomy.

B. After assessing the stoma and surrounding skin, notify the surgeon.

C. Assess bowel sounds and administer antiemetic.

D. Administer a bulk forming laxative, and encourage increased fluids and exercise.
Correct Answer: B. After assessing the stoma and surrounding skin, notify the surgeon.
The client has assessment findings consistent with complications of surgery. Providers and
nurses should monitor stomas at regular intervals to look for the multiple complications of
colostomies as an integrated team approach. Some complications are extremely troublesome to
patients, and they come to the hospital with these presentations, but others may be more occult
and have to be looked for.
 Option A: Irrigating the stoma is a dependent nursing action, and is also intervention
without appropriate assessment. Some procedures like irrigation or enema should be
avoided in case of stoma prolapse, chemotherapy, pelvic or abdominal radiation
treatments, diarrhea-producing medication, or in case of an irregular functioning stoma
and may lead to dependence.
 Option C: Assessing the peristomal skin area is an independent action, but administering
an antiemetic is an intervention without appropriate assessment. Antiemetics are
generally ordered to treat immediate postoperative nausea, not several days postoperative.
 Option D: Administering a bulk-forming laxative to a nauseated postoperative client is
contraindicated. The surgeon must call the patient for regular follow up to assess the
condition of the stoma and look for any complications and also assess the disease process
for which the colostomy was made and also plan for colostomy closure in case of
temporary colostomies.
Question 62
The nurse assesses a client’s abdomen several days after abdominal surgery. It is firm, distended,
and painful to palpate. The client reports feeling “bloated”. The nurse consults with the surgeon,
who orders an enema. The nurse prepares to give what kind of enema?

A. Soapsuds

B. Retention

C. Return flow

D. Oil retention
Correct Answer: C. Return flow
This provides relief of postoperative flatus, stimulating bowel motility. Options one, two, and
four manage constipation and do not provide flatus relief. A return-flow enema, or Harris flush,
is used to remove intestinal gas and stimulate peristalsis. A large volume fluid is used but the
fluid is instilled in 100-200 ml increments. Then, the fluid is drawn out by lowering the container
below the level of the bowel. This brings the flatus out with the fluid.
 Option A: The soapsuds enema uses a mixture of a mild soap and warm water injected
into the colon in order to stimulate a bowel movement. Normally given to relieve
constipation or for bowel cleansing before a medical examination or procedure.


Option B: An enema that may be used to provide nourishment, medication, or anesthetic.
It should be made from fluids that will not stimulate peristalsis. A small amount of
solution (e.g., 100 to 250 mL) is typically used in adults.
Option D: If fecal material is hardened, an oil-retention enema may be given to soften
the feces. Commercially packaged enemas contain 90-120 ml solution. The patient
should retain the solution to at least one hour for the enema to be effective. This enema is
usually followed by a cleansing enema
Question 63
Which of the following is most likely to validate that a client is experiencing intestinal bleeding?

A. Large quantities of fat mixed with pale yellow liquid stool

B. Brown, formed stool

C. Semi soft tar colored stools

D. Narrow, pencil shaped stool
Correct Answer: C. Semi soft tar colored stools
Blood in the upper GI tract is black and tarry. Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a symptom of a
disorder in the digestive tract. The blood often appears in stool or vomit but isn’t always visible,
though it may cause the stool to look black or tarry. The level of bleeding can range from mild to
severe and can be life-threatening.
 Option A: This can be a sign of malabsorption in an infant. Malabsorption syndromes
encompass numerous clinical entities that result in chronic diarrhea, abdominal
distention, and failure to thrive. Clinical malabsorption can be broken down into several
distinct conditions, both congenital and acquired, that affect one or more of the different
steps in the intestinal hydrolysis and subsequent transport of nutrients.
 Option B: Brown, formed stool is a normal stool. Anywhere between a firm and soft
consistency is pretty much normal. If it sways one way or another, it could suggest some
digestion or fiber issues.
 Option D: Narrow, pencil-shaped stool is a characteristic of an obstructive condition of
the rectum. Narrow stools that occur infrequently probably are harmless. However in
some cases, narrow stools — especially if pencil thin — may be a sign of narrowing or
obstruction of the colon due to colon cancer.
Question 64
Which nursing diagnosis is/are most applicable to a client with fecal incontinence? Select all
that apply.

A. Bowel incontinence

B. Risk for deficient fluid volume

C. Disturbed body image

D. Social isolation

E. Risk for impaired skin integrity
Correct Answer: A, C, D, and E
Incontinence is the inability to control feces of normal consistency. Fecal incontinence (FI) is the
involuntary passage of fecal matter through anus or inability to control the discharge of bowel
contents. Its severity can range from an involuntary passage of flatus to complete evacuation of
fecal matter. Depending on the severity of the disease, it has a significant impact on a patient’s
quality of life
 Option A: This is the most appropriate. The client is unable to decide when stool
evacuation will occur. Patients with fecal incontinence have an unintentional loss of
liquid or solid stool. In true anal incontinence, there is loss of control of the anal sphincter
which leads to the untimely release of feces.
 Option B: Risk for deficient fluid volume is more appropriate for a client with diarrhea.
Avoid perianal skin soiling with regular cleaning, zinc oxide application, incontinence
pads. Avoid food which can provoke diarrhea (high lactose/ fructose diet).
 Option C: The client’s thoughts about self may be altered if unable to control stool
evacuation. To maintain fecal continence, there is a complex interplay of several organ
systems and nerves. As the fecal mass presents to the rectum, this causes distension. The
sensation of rectal distension is transmitted by the parasympathetic nerves (S2-S4), which
induces relaxation of the rectoanal inhibitory reflex and contraction of the rectoanal
contractile reflex. The rectal lining has a rich supply of nerve endings that can sample if
the mass is liquid or solid. It is believed that abnormal sampling and lowered anorectal
sensation most likely contribute to fecal incontinence in many individuals.
 Option D: The prognosis for most patients with fecal incontinence is guarded. Short term
outcomes after sphincteroplasty vary from 30-60%. Satisfactory results are seen in less
than 50% of patients in the long term. The quality of life is poor and mental anguish is
common.
 Option E: Increased tissue contact with fecal material may result in impairment. Fecal
incontinence is a complex issue that is not easy to manage. The vast number of methods
used to manage the condition is an indication that no method works reliably. Patients
with fecal incontinence have enormous mental anguish, depression, and anxiety.
Question 65
A nurse determines that a fracture bedpan should be used for the patient who:

A. Has a spinal cord injury

B. Is on bedrest

C. Has dementia

D. Is obese
Correct Answer: A. Has a spinal cord injury
A fracture bedpan has a low back that promotes function of the patient’s lower back while on the
bedpan. The fracture pan has one flat end for ease of use with specific patient populations: i.e.
hip fractures, hip replacements, or lower extremity fractures. Using the toilet may be a source of
discomfort and embarrassment among all genders. Semi-private rooms or shared wards and
hospital overcrowding are a challenge regarding patient privacy.
 Option B: Bedpans come in regular size or a smaller, fracture pan. Bedpans are chosen
based on diagnosis, patient comfort or preference and if any contraindications exist for
using the regular size such as a fracture. The regular bedpan is larger than its fracture
counterpart. Bariatric bedpans are available up to a 1200-pound (544-kg) capacity.
 Option C: A patient that can assist with care by raising their hips is approached
differently than a patient that cannot lift their hips due to surgical considerations,
fractures, or other contraindications. In both cases, ensure the patient is pulled up as high
as they can be on the stretcher or bed. If they can assist with raising their hips, then raise
the head of the bed at least thirty degrees.
 Option D: Positioning in this Semi-Fowler’s position allows for anatomical support and
facilitates ease of defecation or urination by assuming a natural position for these bodily
functions. According to a 2003 study, body positioning has a significant influence on
intestinal gas propulsion and transit times with gastric flow being faster in the upright
position than when supine [Dainese, Serra, Azpiroz & Malagelada, 2003].
Question 66
A patient with the diagnosis of diverticulosis is advised to eat a diet high in fiber. What should
the nurse recommend that the patient eat to best increase the bulk and fecal material?

A. Whole wheat bread

B. White rice

C. Pasta

D. Kale
Correct Answer: D. Kale
Kale is an excellent source of dietary fiber. A serving of 3 1/2 ounces of kale contains 6.6 g of
dietary fiber. Fiber is a very important component of our diet and comes from plant-based food
sources (fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains). Different food sources contain different
types of fiber and resistant starches and the side effects depend on the individual’s microbiome
(gut bacteria). Instead of avoiding fiber altogether, you may want to identify the certain types of
food that cause the distress.
 Option A: One slice of whole wheat bread contains only 1.5 g of dietary fiber. Whole
wheat bread is made from flour that contains the entire wheat kernel, including the bran
and germ. It’s here that wheat packs the most nutrients, such as fiber, B vitamins, iron,
folate, potassium, and magnesium. Leaving the wheat kernel intact makes for a less
processed, more nutritious bread.
 Option B: A serving of a 1/2 cup of white rice contains only 0.8 g of dietary fiber. White
rice is mostly a source of “empty” calories and carbs with very few essential nutrients.
100 grams (3.5 ounces) of cooked brown rice provide 1.8 grams of fiber, whereas 100
grams of white provide only 0.4 grams of fiber (1, 2). Bottom Line: Brown rice is much
higher in nutrients than white rice.
 Option C: A serving of 3 1/2 ounces of cooked pasta contains only 1.6 g of dietary fiber.
Whole-wheat pasta is usually made from whole-wheat durum semolina, or flour made
from the whole grain rather than the striped grain. For about 175 calories, a 1-cup serving
of cooked whole-wheat spaghetti delivers 6.3 grams of fiber, or 25 percent of the daily
value
Question 67
Which statement by a patient with an ileostomy alerts the nurse to the need for further
education?

A. "I don't expect to have much of a problem with fecal odor."

B. "I will have to take special precaution to protect my skin around the stoma."

C. "I'm going to have to irrigate my stoma so I have a bowel movement every
morning."

D. "I should avoid gas forming foods like beans to limit funny noises from the
stoma."
Correct Answer: C. “I’m going to have to irrigate my stoma so I have a bowel
movement every morning”
This statement is inaccurate in relation to an ileostomy and indicates that the patient
needs more teaching. An ileostomy produces liquid fecal drainage that is constant and
cannot be regulated. An ileostomy is when the lumen of the ileum (small bowel) is
brought through the abdominal wall via a surgical opening (created by an operation).
This can either be temporary or permanent, an end or a loop. The purpose of an
ileostomy is to evacuate stool from the body via the ileum rather than the usual route of
the anus.
 Option A: The odor from drainage is minimal because fewer bacteria are present
in the ileum compared with the large intestine. There are different indications for
forming an ileostomy but essentially arrive at the same result of diverting stool
out of the body without it ever entering the colon.
 Option B: An ileostomy is an opening into the ileum (distal small intestine from
the jejunum to the cecum). Cleansing the skin, skin barriers, and a well fitted
appliance are precautions to protect the skin around the ileostomy stoma. The
drainage from ileostomy contains enzymes that can damage the skin.
 Option D: An ileostomy stoma does not have a sphincter that can control the
flow of flatus or drainage, resulting in noise. The output from an ileostomy
consists of loose or porridge-like stool consistent with that expected to pass
through the small bowel (as it is the large bowel that is responsible for making
the stool more solid dependent upon water absorption). The output from an
ileostomy can vary but typically ranges from 200 to 700 ml per day, and an
Ileostomy is typically formed on the right side of the abdomen.
Question 68
A practitioner orders a return flow enema (Harris flush drip) for an adult patient with flatulence.
When preparing to administer this enema the nurse compares the steps of a return flow enema
with cleansing enemas. What should the nurse do that is unique to a return flow enema?

A. Lubricate the last 2 inches of the rectal tube.

B. Insert the rectal tube about 4 inches into the anus.

C. Raise the solution container about 12 inches above the anus.

D. Lower the solution container after instilling about 150 mL of solution.
Correct Answer: D. Lower the solution container after instilling about 150 mL of solution.
Lowering the container of solution creates a siphon effect that pulls the instilled fluid back out
through the rectal tube into the solution container. The return flow promotes the evacuation of
gas from the intestines. This technique is used only with a return flow enema. This action is
appropriate for all types of enemas.
 Option A: All rectal tubes should be lubricated to facilitate entry of the tube into the anus
and rectum and prevent mucosal trauma. Use a solution at a temperature of 105o to
110oF in adults and 100oF in children. Cool solutions will increase the incidence of
cramping.
 Option B: The anal canal is 1 to 2 inches long. Inserting the rectal tube 3 to 4 inches
ensures that the tip of the tube is beyond the anal sphincter. The recommended position
for the patient during enema administration is lying in the left lateral position with their
right leg flexed as much as possible.
 Option C: The solution container should be raised no higher than 12 inches for all
enemas; this allows the solution to instill slowly, which limits discomfort and intestinal
spasms. Alternately, raise the enema container 12-18 inches above the rectum for an adult
and administer approximately 200 ml of fluid, then lower the container 12-18 inches
below the patient’s rectum until no further flatus is seen.
Question 69
A nurse discourages a patient from straining excessively when attempting to have a bowel
movement. What physiological response primarily may be prevented by avoiding straining on
defecation?

A. Incontinence

B. Dysrhythmias

C. Fecal impaction

D. Rectal hemorrhoids
Correct Answer: B. Dysrhythmias
Straining on defecation requires the person to hold the breath while bearing down. This
maneuver increases the intrathoracic and intracranial pressures, which can precipitate
dysrhythmias, brain attack, and respiratory difficulties; all of these can be life threatening. Strain
at stool causes blood pressure rise, which can trigger cardiovascular events such as congestive
heart failure, arrhythmia, acute coronary disease, and aortic dissection.
 Option A: The loss of the voluntary ability to control the passage of fecal or gaseous
discharges through the anus is caused by impaired functioning of the anal sphincter or its
nerve supply, not straining on defecation. Fecal incontinence is the inability to control
bowel movements, causing stool (feces) to leak unexpectedly from the rectum. Also
called bowel incontinence, fecal incontinence ranges from an occasional leakage of stool
while passing gas to a complete loss of bowel control.
 Option C: Fecal impaction is caused by prolonged retention and the accumulation of
fecal material in the large intestine, not straining on defecation. Fecal impaction is a
severe bowel condition in which a hard, dry mass of stool becomes stuck in the colon or
rectum. This immobile mass will block the passage and cause a buildup of waste, which a
person will be unable to pass.
 Option D: Although straining on defecation can contribute to the formation of
hemorrhoids, this is not the primary reason straining on defecation is discouraged.
Hemorrhoids, although painful, are not life-threatening. Hemorrhoids are rich in vascular
supply and have a tendency to engorge and prolapse. Symptoms can vary from mild
itching, bleeding to severe pain. Unfortunately, because of the location, many patients
never seek treatment for fear of embarrassment.
Question 70
A nurse is caring for a client who will perform fecal occult blood testing at home. Which of the
following information should the nurse include when explaining the procedure to the client?

A. Eating more protein is optimal prior to testing.

B. One stool specimen is sufficient for testing.

C. A red color changes indicates a positive test.

D. The specimen cannot be contaminated with urine.
Correct Answer: D. The specimen cannot be contaminated with urine.
For fecal occult blood testing at home, the stool specimens cannot be contaminated with water or
urine. The fecal occult blood test (FOBT) is a diagnostic test to assess for occult blood in the
stool. This test has commonly been used for colorectal cancer screening, especially in developed
nations. When used correctly for screening, this testing modality has established associations
with decreased morbidity and mortality. When performing at home, the stool should be collected
in a dry, clean container.
 Option A: Some proteins such as red meat, fish, and poultry can alter the test results.
Three days prior to fecal occult blood testing, avoidance of certain foods should be to
help prevent false test results. False-positive results have been associated with red or rare
meat as well as raw fruits and vegetables, including but not limited to horseradish, raw
turnips, cantaloupe, broccoli, cauliflower, parsnips, and red radishes. False-negative
results are also known to occur in patients taking ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in excess of
250mg/day.
 Option B: Three specimens from three different bowel movements are required. One
problem with FOBT is the need for medication and dietary restrictions before testing.
These restrictions are in order to decrease the risk of false negative and false-positive
results. Many studies assessing the risk of these false results exist. One particular
retrospective study evaluated the medications that could create false-positive results and
encouraged patients to avoid these medications, if possible, for seven days before testing.
The listed medications include acetylsalicylic acid, unfractionated or low-molecularweight heparin, warfarin, clopidogrel, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
 Option C: A blue color indicates blood in the stool. If the patient’s fecal occult blood test
does not turn blue, it is negative. If the card turns blue, this is positive and requires
further gastroenterological workup.
Question 71
A nurse is talking with a client who reports constipation. When the nurse discusses dietary
changes that can help prevent constipation, which of the following foods should the nurse
recommend?

A. Macaroni and cheese

B. Fresh food and whole-wheat toast

C. Rice pudding and ripe bananas

D. Roast chicken and white rice
Correct Answer: B. Fresh food and whole-wheat toast.
A high fiber diet promotes normal bowel elimination. The choice of fruit and toast is the highestfiber option. Most Americans consume only half the levels of recommended fiber per day, which
is almost 15 grams per day. All existing definitions recognize fiber as “carbohydrate or lignin
which bypasses digestion in the small intestine and is partially or completely fermented in the
large intestine or colon.”
 Option A: Macaroni and cheese is a low residue option that could actually worse and
constipate. Insoluble fiber maintains bowel movements. They absorb water and soften the
stool. Soft stool is easier to pass, thus preventing constipation. They also add bulk to the
stools hence prevent the formation of loose stools.
 Option C: Rice pudding and ripe bananas are low residue options that could actually
worsen constipation. High fiber diet prevents the formation or worsening of hemorrhoids,
and of diverticular disease, which presents as outpouchings in the walls of the colon.
 Option D: Roast chicken and white rice or low residue options that could actually
worsen constipation. They are water-soluble and derived from the inner flesh of plants
such as pectin, gums, and mucilage. They form a viscous gel and are usually fermented
by bacteria in the colon into gases and by-products such as short-chain fatty acids. They
alter the blood glucose and cholesterol concentrations.
Question 72
A nurse is caring for a client who has diarrhea for the past four days. When assessing a client, the
nurse should expect which of the following findings? Select all that apply.

A. Bradycardia

B. Hypotension

C. Fever

D. Poor skin turgor

E. Peripheral edema
Correct Answer: B, C, and D
Diarrhea is described as three or more loose or watery stools a day. Infection commonly causes
acute diarrhea. Noninfectious etiologies are more common as the duration of diarrhea becomes
chronic. Treatment and management are based on the duration and specific etiology. Rehydration
therapy is an important aspect of the management of any patient with diarrhea. Prevention of
infectious diarrhea includes proper handwashing to prevent the spread of infection.
 Option A: Prolonged diarrhea is more likely to cause tachycardia than bradycardia.
Diarrhea is the result of reduced water absorption by the bowel or increased water
secretion. A majority of acute diarrheal cases are due to infectious etiology. Chronic
diarrhea is commonly categorized into three groups; watery, fatty (malabsorption), or
infectious.
 Option B: Prolonged diarrhea leads to dehydration, which causes a decrease in blood
pressure. In bacterial and viral diarrhea, the watery stool is the result of injury to the gut
epithelium. Epithelial cells line the intestinal tract and facilitate the absorption of water,
electrolytes, and other solutes. Infectious etiologies cause damage to the epithelial cells
which leads to increased intestinal permeability. The damaged epithelial cells are unable
to absorb water from the intestinal lumen leading to loose stool.
 Option C: Prolonged diarrhea leads to dehydration, which causes fever. History should
include the duration of symptoms, accompanying symptoms, travel history, and
exposures to medications and food. It is important to ask about the stool frequency, type,
volume, and presence of blood or mucus. Patients with diarrhea may also complain of
abdominal pain or cramping, vomit, bloating, flatulence, fever, and bloody or mucoid
stools.
Option D: Prolonged diarrhea is more likely to cause a fluid deficit. An important aspect
of diarrhea management is replenishing fluid and electrolyte loss. Patients should be
encouraged to drink diluted fruit juice, Pedialyte or Gatorade. In more severe cases of
diarrhea, IV fluid rehydration may become necessary.
Option E: Peripheral edema results from a fluid overload. Important aspects of the
physical exam include the patient’s vital signs, volume status, and abdominal exam. Dry
mucous membranes, poor skin turgor, and delayed capillary refill are signs of
dehydration. A thorough history and physical exam are important to determine the proper
diagnostic workup.
Question 73
A nurse is preparing to administer a cleansing enema to an adult client in preparation for a
diagnostic procedure. Which of the following are appropriate steps for the nurse to take? Select
all that apply.

A. Warm the enema solution prior to installation.

B. Position the client on the left side with the right leg flexed forward.

C. Lubricate the rectal tube or nozzle.

D. Slowly insert the rectal tube about 2 inches.

E. Hang the enema container 24 inches above the clients anus.
Correct Answer: A, B, and C
Enemas are rectal injections of fluid intended to cleanse or stimulate the emptying of the bowel.
Enemas can be administered by a medical professional or self-administered at home. Enemas
may also be prescribed to flush out the colon before certain diagnostic tests or surgeries. The
bowel needs to be empty before these procedures to reduce infection risk and prevent stool from
getting in the way.
 Option A: The nurse should warm the enema solution because cold fluid can cause
abdominal cramping and hot fluid can injure the intestinal mucosa. Cleansing enemas are
water-based and meant to be held in the rectum for a short time to flush the colon. Once
injected, they’re retained for a few minutes until the body rids itself of the fluid, along
with loose matter and impacted stool in the bowel.
 Option B: Option B allows a downward flow of solution by gravity along the natural
anatomical curve of the sigmoid colon. Some advocates claim that enemas can support
weight loss, remove toxins and heavy metals from the body, and improve the skin,
immunity, blood pressure, and energy levels.
 Option C: Lubrication prevents trauma or irritation to the rectal mucosa. The least
irritating of all options, water or saline — salt water that mimics the body’s sodium
concentration — are used primarily for their ability to expand the colon and mechanically
promote defecation.
 Option D: This is an appropriate length of insertion for a child. For an adult client, the
nurse should insert a tube 3 to 4 inches. Research shows that enemas used in preparation
for medical procedures significantly disrupt gut bacteria, though the effect appears to be
temporary. However, enemas that are split and administered in two doses seem to have
fewer effects on the microbiome.
 Option E: The height of the fluid container affects the speed of installation. The
maximum recommended height is 18 inches. Hanging the container higher than that
could cause rapid installation and possibly painful distention of the colon.
Question 74
While a nurse is administering a cleansing enema, the client reports abdominal cramping. Which
of the following is the appropriate intervention?
o
A. Have a client hold his breath briefly.
o
B. Discontinue the fluid installation.
o
C. Remind the client that cramping is common at this time.
o
D. Lower the enema fluid container.
Correct Answer: D. Lower the enema fluid container.
To relieve the client’s discomfort, the nurse should slow the rate of installation by reducing the
height of the enema solution container. An enema may be helpful when there is a problem
forming or passing stool. The colon, also called the large intestine or large bowel, is a long,
hollow organ in the abdomen. It plays an important role in digestion by removing water from
digested material and forming feces (stool). In some circumstances, due to diet, medical
condition, or medication, among other possible causes, the bowel may form stool that is hard to
pass easily resulting in constipation.
 Option A: Taking slow, deep breaths is more therapeutic for easing discomfort than
holding the breath. A cleansing enema can also lower the amount of bacteria in the colon
and reduce the risk of infection for certain surgeries.
 Option B: The nurse should stop the installation if the client’s abdomen becomes rigid
and distended or if the nurse notes bleeding from the rectum. An enema should not be
painful when administered properly. The client may feel fullness, mild pressure, or brief,
minimal cramping during the procedure. The client may also feel like he needs to have a
bowel movement.
 Option C: This intervention is not therapeutic as it implies that the client must tolerate
the discomfort and that the nurse cannot or will not do anything to ease it. The client may
take a few long, deep breaths to help himself relax. If he has pain or discomfort while
self-inserting an enema, stop and contact the doctor.
Question 75
A client with chronic pulmonary disease has a bluish tinge around the lips. The nurse charts
which term to most accurately describe the client’s condition?

A. Hypoxia

B. Hypoxemia

C. Dyspnea

D. Cyanosis
Correct Answer: D. Cyanosis
A bluish tinge to mucous membranes is called cyanosis. This is most accurate because it is what
the nurse observes. Cyanosis refers to a bluish cast to the skin and mucous membranes.
Peripheral cyanosis is when there is a bluish discoloration to the hands or feet. It’s usually
caused by low oxygen levels in the red blood cells or problems getting oxygenated blood to the
body.
 Option A: The nurse can only observe signs/symptoms of hypoxia. More information is
needed to validate this conclusion. Hypoxia is a condition in which the body or a region
of the body is deprived of adequate oxygen supply at the tissue level. Hypoxia may be
classified as either generalized, affecting the whole body, or local, affecting a region of
the body.
 Option B: Hypoxemia requires blood oxygenation saturation data to be confirmed.
Hypoxemia refers to the low level of oxygen in the blood, and the more general term
hypoxia is an abnormally low oxygen content in any tissue or organ or the body as a
whole. Hypoxemia can cause hypoxia (hypoxemic hypoxia), but hypoxia can also occur
via other mechanisms, such as anemia.
 Option C: Dyspnea is difficult to breathe. Dyspnea is the medical term for shortness of
breath, sometimes described as “air hunger.” It is an uncomfortable feeling. Shortness of
breath can range from mild and temporary to serious and long-lasting. It is sometimes
difficult to diagnose and treat dyspnea because there can be many different causes.