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 18 of 25
- A. Parenteral nutrition delivers nutrients directly into the bloodstream
- B. Parenteral nutrition always requires a nasogastric tube
- C. Enteral nutrition bypasses the gastrointestinal tract completely
- D. Enteral nutrition can be given only when the patient can swallow
Explanation: Parenteral nutrition provides nutrients intravenously, bypassing digestion and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.
Correct answer: Parenteral nutrition delivers nutrients directly into the bloodstream- A. 118 mmol/L
- B. 128 mmol/L
- C. 140 mmol/L
- D. 158 mmol/L
Explanation: The usual adult serum sodium range is approximately 135 to 145 mmol/L, making 140 mmol/L normal.
Correct answer: 140 mmol/L- A. To move potassium temporarily into cells
- B. To remove potassium permanently in the urine
- C. To replace potassium lost from the bloodstream
- D. To prevent calcium absorption from the intestine
Explanation: Insulin drives potassium from the extracellular fluid into cells, while dextrose prevents hypoglycaemia.
Correct answer: To move potassium temporarily into cells- A. Prominent U waves
- B. Peaked T waves
- C. Widened QRS from hyperkalaemia
- D. Shortened QT interval
Explanation: Hypokalaemia commonly causes flattened T waves, ST depression and prominent U waves.
Correct answer: Prominent U waves- A. New crackles at both lung bases
- B. Mild thirst after the meal
- C. Warm hands with intact pulses
- D. Urine that is pale yellow
Explanation: New bilateral crackles with tachypnoea may indicate pulmonary fluid accumulation and impaired breathing.
Correct answer: New crackles at both lung bases- A. To expand extracellular fluid volume
- B. To provide concentrated dietary protein
- C. To move water rapidly into the cells
- D. To replace potassium without monitoring
Explanation: 0.9% sodium chloride is an isotonic crystalloid that expands the extracellular and intravascular fluid compartments.
Correct answer: To expand extracellular fluid volume- A. Use strict aseptic technique for line access
- B. Disconnect the infusion whenever the patient walks
- C. Flush the line with tap water after each use
- D. Change the dressing only when it becomes loose
Explanation: Strict aseptic technique during catheter access and dressing care reduces the risk of bloodstream infection.
Correct answer: Use strict aseptic technique for line access- A. It improves intestinal absorption of calcium
- B. It promotes formation of collagen fibres
- C. It supports synthesis of clotting factors
- D. It maintains nerve impulse transmission
Explanation: Vitamin D increases intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate, supporting bone mineralisation.
Correct answer: It improves intestinal absorption of calcium- A. Iron deficiency
- B. Vitamin C deficiency
- C. Vitamin D deficiency
- D. Vitamin K deficiency
Explanation: Iron deficiency reduces haemoglobin production and commonly causes microcytic, hypochromic anaemia with fatigue and pallor.
Correct answer: Iron deficiency- A. The patient has retained about 100 mL of fluid
- B. The patient has retained about 500 mL of fluid
- C. The patient has retained about 1 litre of fluid
- D. The patient has retained about 2 litres of fluid
Explanation: A rapid gain of approximately 1 kg usually represents about 1 litre of retained fluid, because 1 litre of water weighs about 1 kg.
Correct answer: The patient has retained about 1 litre of fluid- A. Nasal cannula
- B. Simple face mask
- C. Non-rebreather mask
- D. Venturi mask
Explanation: A Venturi mask uses interchangeable adapters to deliver a fixed oxygen concentration.
Correct answer: Venturi mask- A. 1 to 6 L/min
- B. 8 to 12 L/min
- C. 12 to 15 L/min
- D. 15 to 20 L/min
Explanation: A standard nasal cannula commonly delivers oxygen at 1 to 6 L/min. Higher flows can cause nasal dryness and do not provide the controlled…
Correct answer: 1 to 6 L/min- A. Increase the flow to at least 5 L/min
- B. Change the mask to a nasal cannula
- C. Remove the oxygen during meals
- D. Place the patient in a flat position
Explanation: A simple face mask generally requires at least 5 L/min to flush exhaled carbon dioxide from the mask.
Correct answer: Increase the flow to at least 5 L/min- A. Apply a non-rebreather mask and assess the response
- B. Offer oral fluids and reassess after 30 minutes
- C. Encourage coughing before providing oxygen
- D. Place the patient in a supine position
Explanation: The findings suggest significant hypoxia, so airway and breathing take priority.
Correct answer: Apply a non-rebreather mask and assess the response- A. Inhale slowly through the mouthpiece and hold the breath briefly
- B. Exhale forcefully into the mouthpiece and cough immediately
- C. Breathe rapidly through the mouthpiece until dizzy
- D. Use the device only when shortness of breath begins
Explanation: The patient should sit upright, seal the lips around the mouthpiece, inhale slowly and deeply, then briefly hold the breath.
Correct answer: Inhale slowly through the mouthpiece and hold the breath briefly- A. Assess breath sounds and oxygenation, then preoxygenate if needed
- B. Give oral fluids to loosen secretions immediately
- C. Insert the catheter while applying continuous suction
- D. Place the patient flat to prevent coughing
Explanation: The nurse assesses the need for suctioning and oxygenation status, and preoxygenates when indicated because suctioning can worsen hypoxia.
Correct answer: Assess breath sounds and oxygenation, then preoxygenate if needed- A. Apply suction while inserting the catheter for 30 seconds
- B. Advance without suction, then apply suction while withdrawing
- C. Use continuous suction while advancing and withdrawing
- D. Instill sterile water routinely before every suction pass
Explanation: The catheter is advanced without suction and suction is applied intermittently while the catheter is withdrawn and rotated.
Correct answer: Advance without suction, then apply suction while withdrawing- A. Use prescribed humidification and apply water-based lubricant if needed
- B. Apply petroleum jelly inside the nostrils after every assessment
- C. Increase the oxygen flow to improve nasal comfort
- D. Remove the oxygen until the irritation resolves
Explanation: Humidification can reduce dryness during prolonged oxygen therapy, and a water-based product may be used around the nares if appropriate.
Correct answer: Use prescribed humidification and apply water-based lubricant if needed- A. Keep oxygen equipment away from flames and avoid smoking nearby
- B. Place alcohol-based hand rub beside the oxygen cylinder
- C. Cover the oxygen outlet with a cotton cloth
- D. Use petroleum ointment on dry lips and nostrils
Explanation: Oxygen supports combustion, so flames, smoking and ignition sources must be kept away from oxygen equipment.
Correct answer: Keep oxygen equipment away from flames and avoid smoking nearby- A. Encourage upright positioning, deep breathing and directed coughing
- B. Restrict fluids and discourage coughing to reduce fatigue
- C. Keep the patient supine and provide shallow breaths
- D. Give oxygen only and avoid respiratory exercises
Explanation: Upright positioning improves lung expansion, while deep breathing and directed coughing mobilise and remove secretions.
Correct answer: Encourage upright positioning, deep breathing and directed coughing