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 21 of 25
- A. 8 to 11 breaths per minute
- B. 12 to 20 breaths per minute
- C. 21 to 28 breaths per minute
- D. 29 to 36 breaths per minute
Explanation: A normal resting adult respiratory rate is generally 12 to 20 breaths per minute.
Correct answer: 12 to 20 breaths per minute- A. Place the cuff over a thick sleeve with the arm hanging down
- B. Use a cuff that covers half of the upper-arm circumference
- C. Support the bare arm at heart level before inflating the cuff
- D. Ask the patient to talk normally while the pressure is released
Explanation: The bare arm should be supported at heart level, with an appropriately sized cuff and the patient resting quietly.
Correct answer: Support the bare arm at heart level before inflating the cuff- A. Document the value and repeat it at the end of the shift
- B. Apply oxygen according to protocol and assess the patient's breathing
- C. Offer oral fluids and ask the patient to rest in bed
- D. Measure the temperature before taking any further action
Explanation: The sudden fall in oxygen saturation with breathlessness indicates impaired breathing, so airway and breathing take priority.
Correct answer: Apply oxygen according to protocol and assess the patient's breathing- A. Measure it immediately before the mouth cools
- B. Wait about 15 minutes before measuring it
- C. Measure it under the tongue while the patient talks
- D. Use the same oral reading without any reassessment
Explanation: Hot or cold drinks can temporarily alter an oral temperature. The nurse should wait about 15 minutes and place the thermometer correctly…
Correct answer: Wait about 15 minutes before measuring it- A. Ask the patient to describe the pain only at the next shift
- B. Reassess the pain after the expected onset of the analgesic
- C. Record the pain as absent because medicine was administered
- D. Use the patient's pulse rate instead of asking about pain
Explanation: Pain is subjective, so the patient's rating remains the main measure of response.
Correct answer: Reassess the pain after the expected onset of the analgesic- A. Recheck the pulse after the patient rests quietly
- B. Document the value as the patient’s baseline
- C. Apply a cold compress to reduce the pulse
- D. Ask the patient to walk to confirm the reading
Explanation: A resting pulse above the expected adult range should first be confirmed after the patient rests quietly, using a full one-minute count if…
Correct answer: Recheck the pulse after the patient rests quietly- A. Tell the patient to breathe deeply for one minute
- B. Count chest movements while pretending to assess the pulse
- C. Ask the patient to hold the breath during counting
- D. Count only the inspirations for thirty seconds
Explanation: The nurse can continue holding the patient’s wrist after counting the pulse and discreetly observe chest or abdominal movements.
Correct answer: Count chest movements while pretending to assess the pulse408. Which adult oxygen saturation reading is generally expected when measured accurately on room air?
- A. 82% to 86%
- B. 88% to 92%
- C. 95% to 100%
- D. 101% to 105%
Explanation: For most healthy adults at sea level, oxygen saturation is generally about 95% to 100% on room air.
Correct answer: 95% to 100%- A. Record the temperature without further assessment
- B. Recheck the temperature immediately using the same method
- C. Assess the patient and confirm the temperature after warming
- D. Give an antipyretic before checking other findings
Explanation: Shivering and environmental exposure can affect the temperature reading and also indicate a possible developing fever.
Correct answer: Assess the patient and confirm the temperature after warming- A. Sleep
- B. Moderate exercise
- C. Beta blocker therapy
- D. Deep relaxation
Explanation: Moderate exercise increases sympathetic activity and normally raises the pulse temporarily.
Correct answer: Moderate exercise- A. Ignore the readings because the patient has no symptoms
- B. Repeat the measurement and assess for related symptoms
- C. Give an antihypertensive dose without a prescription
- D. Ask the patient to exercise before the next reading
Explanation: A progressive rise is a clinically important trend even when the patient feels well.
Correct answer: Repeat the measurement and assess for related symptoms- A. Standing with the arm unsupported
- B. Sitting with feet supported and arm at heart level
- C. Cross-legged with the arm below the heart
- D. Supine with the arm hanging beside the body
Explanation: A supported back, uncrossed feet, and an arm supported at heart level help reduce measurement error.
Correct answer: Sitting with feet supported and arm at heart level- A. Pain score of 7 out of 10
- B. Pulse rate of 124 beats per minute
- C. Blood pressure of 88/54 mmHg with shock signs
- D. Cool skin after the patient received analgesia
Explanation: Hypotension combined with tachycardia, cool clammy skin, and chest pain suggests impaired circulation and possible shock or acute cardiac…
Correct answer: Blood pressure of 88/54 mmHg with shock signs- A. Increase the oxygen flow immediately without reassessment
- B. Warm the hand and reposition the sensor before rechecking
- C. Document severe hypoxaemia and leave the patient undisturbed
- D. Place the sensor over a blood pressure cuff for a stronger signal
Explanation: Cold peripheral tissue and a weak signal can cause an inaccurate low saturation reading.
Correct answer: Warm the hand and reposition the sensor before rechecking- A. 48 beats per minute
- B. 76 beats per minute
- C. 108 beats per minute
- D. 124 beats per minute
Explanation: A normal resting adult pulse is generally 60 to 100 beats per minute, so 76 is expected.
Correct answer: 76 beats per minute- A. The systolic pressure reads falsely low
- B. The diastolic pressure reads falsely low
- C. Both pressures read falsely high
- D. The pulse rate reads falsely high
Explanation: A cuff that is too small or narrow requires greater pressure to compress the artery, producing a falsely high blood pressure reading.
Correct answer: Both pressures read falsely high- A. Count for 15 seconds and multiply by four
- B. Count for 30 seconds and multiply by two
- C. Count the apical pulse for a full minute
- D. Estimate the rate from the monitor display
Explanation: An irregular pulse should be counted at the apical site for a full minute to identify the true rate and rhythm.
Correct answer: Count the apical pulse for a full minute- A. Recheck the temperature using the same device
- B. Call the rapid response team immediately
- C. Give an antipyretic without a prescription
- D. Document the reading without further assessment
Explanation: The nurse should verify an unexpected abnormal finding and assess the patient before deciding whether escalation is needed.
Correct answer: Recheck the temperature using the same device- A. Radial artery at the wrist
- B. Dorsalis pedis artery on the foot
- C. Carotid artery in the neck
- D. Posterior tibial artery behind the ankle
Explanation: The carotid pulse is a central pulse and is more dependable when peripheral circulation is poor.
Correct answer: Carotid artery in the neck- A. Assist the patient back to a safe position
- B. Ask the patient to walk to improve circulation
- C. Repeat the reading after strenuous exercise
- D. Record the result as a normal variation
Explanation: Dizziness with a substantial postural fall in blood pressure creates an immediate risk of syncope and injury.
Correct answer: Assist the patient back to a safe position