All Free Fundamentals of Nursing MCQs with Answers

Every Fundamentals of Nursing question in the bank, across all chapters, each with the correct answer and a written explanation. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.

500 questions · page 10 of 25

  • A. Use hot water to improve circulation
  • B. Rub the skin briskly after washing
  • C. Use warm water and pat the skin dry
  • D. Apply powder generously to skin folds

Explanation: Warm water and gentle patting reduce drying and mechanical injury to fragile skin.

Correct answer: Use warm water and pat the skin dry
Fairly easy
  • A. Place the arm unsupported beside the body
  • B. Keep the elbow fully extended at all times
  • C. Support the arm and maintain its natural alignment
  • D. Pull the arm gently during each position change

Explanation: Supporting the weak arm and maintaining alignment helps prevent strain, subluxation and contractures.

Correct answer: Support the arm and maintain its natural alignment
  • A. Comb from the scalp toward the tangled ends
  • B. Use forceful brushing to remove all tangles
  • C. Begin at the ends and work toward the scalp
  • D. Wet the hair with very hot water before combing

Explanation: Starting at the ends reduces pulling on the scalp and limits discomfort when hair is tangled.

Correct answer: Begin at the ends and work toward the scalp
Moderate
  • A. Trim the nails deeply around each corner
  • B. Cut the nails straight across with suitable equipment
  • C. Use a sharp blade to remove thickened nail edges
  • D. Soak the feet in very hot water before trimming

Explanation: Toenails are cut straight across to reduce the risk of ingrown nails, especially when sensation is reduced.

Correct answer: Cut the nails straight across with suitable equipment
Fairly easy
  • A. Push with the feet while lifting the hips
  • B. Pull on the bedrail with both arms
  • C. Keep the legs straight and slide upward
  • D. Hold the breath while the nurse pulls

Explanation: Bending the knees and pushing with the feet allows the patient to assist safely and reduces friction.

Correct answer: Push with the feet while lifting the hips
  • A. The neck is sharply flexed toward the chest
  • B. The body is straight with joints supported
  • C. The lower legs hang unsupported over the edge
  • D. The shoulders are twisted away from the hips

Explanation: A straight body with supported joints promotes alignment, breathing and comfort in semi-Fowler position.

Correct answer: The body is straight with joints supported
Very hard
  • A. Move the weak leg first when going up
  • B. Move both crutches after stepping up
  • C. Move the strong leg first when going up
  • D. Place the crutches several steps below

Explanation: When going up stairs, the strong leg moves first, followed by the weak leg and crutches as appropriate.

Correct answer: Move the strong leg first when going up
Easy
  • A. Encourage regular weight shifts when able
  • B. Place a folded towel under only one thigh
  • C. Massage any reddened area vigorously
  • D. Keep the patient seated until the task ends

Explanation: Regular weight shifts reduce prolonged pressure and support tissue perfusion.

Correct answer: Encourage regular weight shifts when able
  • A. Allow the casted leg to bear weight immediately
  • B. Support the casted limb during the transfer
  • C. Lift the patient by pulling under the arms
  • D. Ask the patient to pivot on the casted foot

Explanation: The casted limb should be supported and weight bearing should follow the prescribed instructions.

Correct answer: Support the casted limb during the transfer
  • A. Place the drainage bag above bladder level
  • B. Clamp the catheter during the entire turn
  • C. Check that the tubing is free of tension and kinks
  • D. Pull the tubing gently toward the new position

Explanation: Keeping the tubing free of tension and kinks maintains drainage and prevents traction on the urethra.

Correct answer: Check that the tubing is free of tension and kinks
  • A. Wipe from the outer canthus toward the nose
  • B. Wipe from the inner canthus toward the outer canthus
  • C. Use the same swab for both eyes
  • D. Apply soap directly to the eyelids

Explanation: The nurse wipes from the inner canthus outward, using a clean area of the cloth for each stroke and a separate swab for each eye.

Correct answer: Wipe from the inner canthus toward the outer canthus
  • A. Test the water temperature with the nurse's fingers
  • B. Ask the patient to report if the water feels uncomfortable
  • C. Check the water temperature with the inner wrist
  • D. Add hot water while the patient's skin is immersed

Explanation: The inner wrist is sensitive and helps the nurse assess whether the water is too hot before contact with the patient.

Correct answer: Check the water temperature with the inner wrist
  • A. Apply a thick layer of scented lotion
  • B. Dry the folds carefully with gentle patting
  • C. Cover the folds with a tight bandage
  • D. Leave the folds moist to prevent cracking

Explanation: Moisture trapped in skin folds promotes maceration and fungal growth, so the nurse should pat the areas dry without rubbing.

Correct answer: Dry the folds carefully with gentle patting
  • A. Place the linen on the floor until the bed is finished
  • B. Shake the linen beside the bed before bagging it
  • C. Hold the linen away from the uniform and place it in the hamper
  • D. Put the linen on the bedside table while collecting supplies

Explanation: Soiled linen should be held away from the uniform and placed directly into the designated hamper to limit contamination.

Correct answer: Hold the linen away from the uniform and place it in the hamper
Fairly easy
  • A. Fasten it loosely around the patient's chest
  • B. Place it snugly around the waist over clothing
  • C. Hold the patient's arm and pull upward during steps
  • D. Position it under the patient's axillae for support

Explanation: A gait belt is placed snugly around the waist over clothing so the nurse can support the patient's centre of gravity during movement.

Correct answer: Place it snugly around the waist over clothing
Hard
  • A. Move the joint quickly through its full range
  • B. Support the limb above and below the joint
  • C. Continue the movement when the patient reports pain
  • D. Force the joint slightly beyond its normal range

Explanation: The nurse supports the limb above and below the joint and moves it slowly and smoothly within the normal range.

Correct answer: Support the limb above and below the joint
Fairly easy
  • A. Place a firm support against the soles of the feet
  • B. Keep the toes pointed downward with a pillow
  • C. Place a pillow directly under both knees
  • D. Allow the feet to remain unsupported in bed

Explanation: A footboard or other firm support against the soles helps maintain the ankles in a neutral position and reduces plantar flexion…

Correct answer: Place a firm support against the soles of the feet
Fairly easy
  • A. A hard-bristled toothbrush and strong mouthwash
  • B. A soft toothbrush and a gentle non-irritating rinse
  • C. Lemon glycerine swabs used repeatedly
  • D. A dry toothbrush used without any rinsing

Explanation: A soft toothbrush and gentle rinse reduce trauma and irritation while helping maintain oral cleanliness.

Correct answer: A soft toothbrush and a gentle non-irritating rinse
  • A. Rinse them with very hot water to remove organisms
  • B. Clean them over a basin lined with a towel
  • C. Place them unwrapped on the bedside locker
  • D. Use abrasive powder to remove all stains

Explanation: The basin should be lined with a towel, or partly filled with water, to prevent breakage if the dentures are dropped.

Correct answer: Clean them over a basin lined with a towel
  • A. Place the commode on the patient's weak side and leave it unlocked
  • B. Place the commode on the stronger side and lock it securely
  • C. Keep the commode at the foot of the bed for a longer pivot
  • D. Ask the patient to step backward before the commode is positioned

Explanation: The commode is placed on the stronger side, close to the bed, and locked before the transfer so the patient can pivot toward the side with…

Correct answer: Place the commode on the stronger side and lock it securely