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 2 of 25

  • A. The patient’s response and discharge plan
  • B. The drug, dose, route, time and nurse’s initials
  • C. The patient’s diagnosis and dietary preference
  • D. The prescriber’s full progress note and treatment goals

Explanation: The medication administration record confirms what medication was given, in which dose and route, at what time, and by whom.

Correct answer: The drug, dose, route, time and nurse’s initials
Hard
  • A. Record the medication as given at the scheduled time
  • B. Leave the medication record blank without further action
  • C. Record that it was withheld, state the reason and follow policy
  • D. Ask another nurse to sign for the medication instead

Explanation: The nurse should accurately record that the medication was not administered and document the reason, following local policy for…

Correct answer: Record that it was withheld, state the reason and follow policy
  • A. Are you feeling better today?
  • B. You are not having pain, are you?
  • C. Can you tell me what has been troubling you?
  • D. Did the pain begin after you ate breakfast?

Explanation: An open-ended question allows the patient to describe concerns in their own words and supports therapeutic listening.

Correct answer: Can you tell me what has been troubling you?
  • A. You must remain calm because delays happen
  • B. There is no reason to be angry at the nursing staff
  • C. I can see that the long wait has been frustrating for you
  • D. You should discuss the delay with the doctor later

Explanation: This response acknowledges the patient’s emotion without arguing or making promises.

Correct answer: I can see that the long wait has been frustrating for you
  • A. Filtering
  • B. Feedback
  • C. Defensive communication
  • D. Nonverbal reassurance

Explanation: Feedback confirms that the message was received and understood accurately, which reduces communication errors during handover.

Correct answer: Feedback
Hard
  • A. Document the findings at the end of the shift
  • B. Offer oral fluids and ask the patient to rest
  • C. Report the acute findings immediately according to emergency policy
  • D. Wait for the next routine medical round before reporting

Explanation: Sudden facial drooping and arm weakness may indicate an acute stroke and require immediate reporting for time-sensitive assessment and…

Correct answer: Report the acute findings immediately according to emergency policy
  • A. Recording care before it is performed
  • B. Using vague terms such as patient seems fine
  • C. Documenting assessments and interventions at the time they occur
  • D. Allowing a colleague to sign an entry made by another nurse

Explanation: Timely documentation provides a reliable record of the patient’s condition and the care delivered.

Correct answer: Documenting assessments and interventions at the time they occur
  • A. Patient is uncomfortable
  • B. Patient has severe pain
  • C. Patient reports pain of 7 out of 10 in the lower abdomen
  • D. Patient appears to have a pain problem

Explanation: The numerical rating and specific location communicate measurable information that another nurse can reassess.

Correct answer: Patient reports pain of 7 out of 10 in the lower abdomen
Fairly easy
  • A. The patient’s preferred television programme
  • B. The patient’s current abnormal assessment findings
  • C. The patient’s complete social history from admission
  • D. The patient’s planned discharge teaching topics

Explanation: Current abnormal findings are the most relevant information for immediate clinical decision-making and patient safety.

Correct answer: The patient’s current abnormal assessment findings
  • A. Give an uncertain answer to avoid delaying the patient
  • B. Change the subject until the patient stops asking
  • C. State that you will verify the information and return with an answer
  • D. Tell the patient to search for the answer on the internet

Explanation: The nurse should be honest, seek accurate information from an appropriate source, and follow up with the patient.

Correct answer: State that you will verify the information and return with an answer
  • A. The patient problem identified
  • B. The nursing intervention provided
  • C. The evaluation of the response
  • D. The equipment used during care

Explanation: In PIE charting, E means evaluation of the patient’s response to the intervention.

Correct answer: The evaluation of the response
  • A. Recording care before it is provided
  • B. Charting as soon as possible after care
  • C. Waiting until the end of the week
  • D. Copying the previous shift’s complete note

Explanation: Charting soon after care improves accuracy and reduces forgotten details.

Correct answer: Charting as soon as possible after care
  • A. To record repeated observations efficiently
  • B. To replace all narrative nursing notes
  • C. To document only unexpected emergencies
  • D. To record the prescriber’s treatment decisions

Explanation: A flow sheet provides an organized way to record repeated measurements and routine observations.

Correct answer: To record repeated observations efficiently
Fairly easy
  • A. Ask an adult relative to explain the procedure
  • B. Use a qualified medical interpreter
  • C. Ask the patient to sign without further discussion
  • D. Give the patient written information in English

Explanation: A qualified medical interpreter supports accurate understanding and voluntary consent.

Correct answer: Use a qualified medical interpreter
Fairly easy
  • A. Insulin teaching completed
  • B. Patient received routine education
  • C. Patient correctly demonstrates the injection technique
  • D. Patient was given an insulin information leaflet

Explanation: A return demonstration provides direct evidence that the patient can perform the skill safely.

Correct answer: Patient correctly demonstrates the injection technique
  • A. Copy the statement again for consistency
  • B. Delete the earlier nurse’s original entry
  • C. Assess the patient and document verified findings
  • D. Ignore the statement because it is already recorded

Explanation: The nurse should assess the patient and record only current findings that can be verified.

Correct answer: Assess the patient and document verified findings
  • A. You should not worry about this problem
  • B. I understand exactly how you feel
  • C. You are saying that the pain worsens at night
  • D. Why did you wait so long to tell me?

Explanation: Restating the patient’s message confirms understanding without judging or giving false reassurance.

Correct answer: You are saying that the pain worsens at night
Moderate
  • A. Give a long chronological account of the admission
  • B. State the current concern, findings, and requested review
  • C. Wait until the next routine handover to mention it
  • D. Ask another patient whether similar pain is expected

Explanation: An urgent report should focus on the present concern, relevant assessment findings, and the action needed.

Correct answer: State the current concern, findings, and requested review
Moderate
  • A. The nurse’s personal opinion about the family
  • B. The exact time, caller identity, message, and action taken
  • C. A general statement that the family was difficult
  • D. Only the fact that a telephone call occurred

Explanation: A complete telephone note identifies when the call occurred, who called, what was communicated, and what follow-up occurred.

Correct answer: The exact time, caller identity, message, and action taken
  • A. Join the discussion if the information is clinically interesting
  • B. Silently leave and discuss it with friends later
  • C. Ask the colleague to stop and move the discussion to a private area
  • D. Record the conversation in the patient’s nursing notes

Explanation: Patient information should be discussed only with people who need it for care and in a private setting.

Correct answer: Ask the colleague to stop and move the discussion to a private area