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 5 of 25

  • A. One bowel movement every two weeks
  • B. Three bowel movements daily to three weekly
  • C. One bowel movement after every meal
  • D. Five bowel movements every morning

Explanation: Normal bowel frequency varies widely, from about three movements per day to three per week.

Correct answer: Three bowel movements daily to three weekly
Moderate
  • A. Encourage fluids, fibre, and regular activity
  • B. Restrict fluids until the stool becomes formed
  • C. Administer an antidiarrhoeal medicine routinely
  • D. Encourage bed rest until bowel sounds increase

Explanation: Opioids slow intestinal motility and commonly cause constipation. Fluids, dietary fibre, activity, and a prescribed bowel regimen help…

Correct answer: Encourage fluids, fibre, and regular activity
Easy
  • A. Offer regular toileting and provide privacy
  • B. Limit oral fluids to reduce bowel movements
  • C. Keep the patient in bed until the episode stops
  • D. Delay cleansing until the scheduled bath time

Explanation: Regular toileting, privacy, and prompt assistance reduce accidents while preserving dignity.

Correct answer: Offer regular toileting and provide privacy
  • A. When it is completely full and heavy
  • B. When it is about one-third to one-half full
  • C. Only when the patient changes the appliance
  • D. When the stoma stops producing output

Explanation: Emptying the pouch when it is about one-third to one-half full prevents excessive weight from pulling on the seal and skin.

Correct answer: When it is about one-third to one-half full
  • A. Moist pink stoma with liquid output
  • B. Urine output of 20 mL in the last hour
  • C. Mild gas passing into the pouch
  • D. Small amount of mucus from the rectum

Explanation: An ileostomy can cause substantial fluid and electrolyte loss, so urine output of 20 mL in one hour may indicate hypovolaemia or reduced…

Correct answer: Urine output of 20 mL in the last hour
Hard
  • A. Save the first urine and end with the next morning urine
  • B. Discard the first urine and save every specimen afterward
  • C. Collect only the urine passed after meals
  • D. Stop collecting whenever the container becomes half full

Explanation: The first void is discarded to mark the start time, and all urine passed during the following 24 hours is collected, including the final…

Correct answer: Discard the first urine and save every specimen afterward
Moderate
  • A. Increase the flow rate to complete the procedure
  • B. Stop or slow the flow and assess the patient
  • C. Continue the procedure without speaking to the patient
  • D. Add more solution to overcome the cramping

Explanation: Severe cramping may result from rapid instillation or excessive bowel stimulation.

Correct answer: Stop or slow the flow and assess the patient
  • A. A three-lumen indwelling catheter
  • B. A single-lumen straight catheter
  • C. An external urine collection device
  • D. A small feeding tube used as a catheter

Explanation: A three-lumen catheter provides channels for urine drainage, irrigation inflow, and irrigation outflow.

Correct answer: A three-lumen indwelling catheter
Moderate
  • A. Disconnect the tubing to make transfer easier
  • B. Keep the tubing connected and prevent dependent loops
  • C. Place the drainage bag on the patient's abdomen
  • D. Clamp the catheter for the entire transfer

Explanation: Keeping the system connected reduces contamination, and the tubing should remain free of kinks and dependent loops so urine drains by…

Correct answer: Keep the tubing connected and prevent dependent loops
  • A. A small amount of burning with the first void
  • B. No urine output and increasing lower abdominal discomfort
  • C. The patient asks for help walking to the toilet
  • D. The patient voids 150 mL four hours later

Explanation: Absent urine with increasing suprapubic discomfort after catheter removal suggests recurrent urinary retention and requires prompt…

Correct answer: No urine output and increasing lower abdominal discomfort
  • A. Perform pelvic floor muscle exercises regularly
  • B. Restrict all fluids after breakfast
  • C. Use an indwelling catheter during the day
  • D. Delay urination until the bladder feels full

Explanation: Coughing raises intra-abdominal pressure and causes stress incontinence when pelvic floor support is weak.

Correct answer: Perform pelvic floor muscle exercises regularly
Moderate
  • A. External condom catheter
  • B. Three-way indwelling catheter
  • C. Suprapubic catheter
  • D. Intermittent straight catheter

Explanation: An external condom catheter collects urine without entering the urethra and can be used when a man voids adequately.

Correct answer: External condom catheter
  • A. Allow the tubing to pull gently during movement
  • B. Secure the catheter without tension
  • C. Place the catheter tubing under the patient
  • D. Disconnect the tubing for each position change

Explanation: The catheter should be secured without tension to prevent urethral traction and tissue injury.

Correct answer: Secure the catheter without tension
Easy
  • A. Wash gently, dry thoroughly, and apply a barrier product
  • B. Scrub the skin firmly with antiseptic solution
  • C. Leave the skin exposed to urine until the next bath
  • D. Apply talcum powder over the moist skin

Explanation: Gentle cleansing, careful drying, and a moisture barrier protect the skin from urine and friction.

Correct answer: Wash gently, dry thoroughly, and apply a barrier product
  • A. Right lateral with the upper leg straight
  • B. Left lateral with the upper leg flexed
  • C. Supine with both legs extended
  • D. Prone with the head turned sideways

Explanation: The left lateral position with the upper leg flexed provides access to the rectum and follows the natural direction of the lower bowel.

Correct answer: Left lateral with the upper leg flexed
  • A. Administer a cleansing enema immediately
  • B. Offer a high-fibre meal and oral fluids
  • C. Keep the patient fasting and notify the prescriber
  • D. Encourage vigorous walking around the ward

Explanation: These findings suggest possible intestinal obstruction, so oral intake and enemas may be unsafe.

Correct answer: Keep the patient fasting and notify the prescriber
Very hard
  • A. It is routinely required for every ileostomy
  • B. It may be prescribed for selected descending colostomies
  • C. It should be performed whenever the stoma looks pink
  • D. It replaces the need for a properly fitted pouch

Explanation: Colostomy irrigation may be prescribed for selected patients with a descending or sigmoid colostomy to establish a predictable evacuation…

Correct answer: It may be prescribed for selected descending colostomies
Moderate
  • A. The ileostomy usually produces little fluid loss
  • B. Watery output can cause dehydration and electrolyte loss
  • C. Extra fluids prevent all episodes of bowel obstruction
  • D. Fluids make the stoma permanently smaller

Explanation: An ileostomy may produce frequent liquid output, leading to loss of water and electrolytes.

Correct answer: Watery output can cause dehydration and electrolyte loss
Fairly easy
  • A. Discuss the problem openly at the bedside
  • B. Provide privacy and offer a regular toileting schedule
  • C. Limit assistance so the patient gains independence quickly
  • D. Tell the patient that incontinence is unavoidable with ageing

Explanation: Privacy, respectful communication, and scheduled toileting promote dignity and may reduce episodes by anticipating elimination needs.

Correct answer: Provide privacy and offer a regular toileting schedule
  • A. Mild straining during a bowel movement
  • B. Passing flatus once during the morning
  • C. Increasing abdominal distension with vomiting
  • D. Preferring to use the toilet after breakfast

Explanation: Distension with vomiting may indicate obstruction or another acute abdominal problem, so a laxative could be harmful before assessment.

Correct answer: Increasing abdominal distension with vomiting