Free Recognising Deterioration, NEWS2 and SBAR MCQs with Answers
50 Recognising Deterioration, NEWS2 and SBAR MCQs from International Nursing Practice, each with the correct answer and a written explanation of why it is correct. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.
Recognising deterioration involves trends in respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, pulse, temperature, consciousness and urine output, together with clinical concern. NEWS2 scoring, its oxygen scale and escalation thresholds support structured response, while SBAR communicates the situation, background, assessment and recommendation; NEWS2 supports judgement but does not replace bedside assessment or urgent action.
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50 questions · page 3 of 3
- A. Count for 15 seconds and multiply by four
- B. Count for 30 seconds and multiply by two
- C. Count the pulse for a complete 60 seconds
- D. Use the first automated reading only
Explanation: An irregular pulse should be counted for a full 60 seconds to avoid error from missed beats or an uneven rhythm.
Correct answer: Count the pulse for a complete 60 seconds- A. Every 12 hours
- B. Every 4 to 6 hours
- C. Every hour
- D. Continuously until discharge
Explanation: A NEWS2 score of 1 to 4 without a single parameter scoring 3 usually requires observations at least every 4 to 6 hours.
Correct answer: Every 4 to 6 hours- A. Increase the oxygen flow to maintain 99%
- B. Leave the oxygen unchanged without checking the prescription
- C. Titrate oxygen according to the prescription and target range
- D. Remove the oxygen immediately and repeat observations later
Explanation: Oxygen should be titrated to the prescribed target range, following the prescription and local policy.
Correct answer: Titrate oxygen according to the prescription and target range- A. Keep the original score because the observations are recent
- B. Record the current oxygen therapy with a new observation set
- C. Score oxygen therapy only if saturation is below 94%
- D. Ignore oxygen therapy if the patient appears comfortable
Explanation: NEWS2 must reflect the patient's current observations and whether supplemental oxygen is being given.
Correct answer: Record the current oxygen therapy with a new observation set- A. Wait for a score of 5 before informing anyone
- B. Review the trend, reassess the patient and escalate concern
- C. Record only the latest score because earlier scores are replaced
- D. Stop routine observations because the patient remains conscious
Explanation: A rising NEWS2 trend and a change in clinical appearance require reassessment and communication, even when the current score has not…
Correct answer: Review the trend, reassess the patient and escalate concern- A. Only the final NEWS2 score and the nurse's signature
- B. The time, recipient, information given, advice and actions taken
- C. A brief note stating that the doctor was informed
- D. The patient's diagnosis without the communication details
Explanation: The record should show when the escalation occurred, who received it, the relevant information provided, the advice received and the…
Correct answer: The time, recipient, information given, advice and actions taken- A. Complete a full NEWS2 calculation before seeking help
- B. Place the patient in a side room for further observation
- C. Call for emergency assistance and begin an immediate assessment
- D. Prepare an SBAR message before approaching the patient
Explanation: A sudden collapse with severe chest pain is an emergency. The nurse should call for immediate help and assess airway, breathing and…
Correct answer: Call for emergency assistance and begin an immediate assessment- A. The patient was admitted three days ago with pneumonia
- B. The patient has a history of hypertension and diabetes
- C. The respiratory rate has risen and the patient is becoming drowsy
- D. Please continue the usual observations on the ward
Explanation: The worsening respiratory rate and new drowsiness state the immediate clinical concern and support urgent review.
Correct answer: The respiratory rate has risen and the patient is becoming drowsy- A. The systolic pressure of 86 mmHg
- B. The diastolic pressure of 54 mmHg
- C. The mean arterial pressure from the monitor
- D. The difference between both pressures
Explanation: NEWS2 scores systolic blood pressure only, so 86 mmHg is entered. Diastolic pressure, mean arterial pressure and pulse pressure are not…
Correct answer: The systolic pressure of 86 mmHg- A. Wait for the agreed review time
- B. Repeat the observations at the usual interval
- C. Escalate urgently using the local emergency pathway
- D. Document the change after the doctor arrives
Explanation: A new deterioration requires immediate reassessment and escalation rather than waiting for a previous plan.
Correct answer: Escalate urgently using the local emergency pathway