Nursing fundamentals worksheet with answers

Free printable Nursing fundamentals worksheet: 8 problems from easy to exam level, with an answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF.

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Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy

When using a fire extinguisher with the PASS method, where should it be aimed?

  1. AAt the base of the fire
  2. BAt the wall behind the fire
  3. CAt the top of the flames
  4. DAt the smoke above the fire
2.Easy

What does serous wound exudate look like?

  1. AClear and watery, sometimes pale yellow
  2. BThick, green or yellow and foul-smelling
  3. CBright red and fresh, like blood from a cut
  4. DPink and frothy
3.Easy

In Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which needs form the base of the pyramid?

  1. ALove and belonging
  2. BPhysiological needs such as air, food and water
  3. CSelf-actualisation
  4. DEsteem needs such as recognition, status and respect
4.Medium

A patient's radial pulse is irregular. How should you count it?

  1. AFor a full 60 seconds, ideally at the apex of the heart
  2. BFor 15 seconds and multiply by four
  3. COnly on the automatic blood pressure machine
  4. DFor 10 seconds and multiply by six
5.Medium

While being helped to eat, a patient with dysphagia coughs and their voice sounds wet and gurgly. What should the nurse do?

  1. ALie the patient flat to rest
  2. BStop feeding and report for a swallowing assessment
  3. CFeed more quickly so the meal is finished before they tire
  4. DGive a drink of water to wash the food down
6.Medium

A patient has a temperature of 38.6 °C, heart rate 118/min, respiratory rate 24/min and new confusion. What should you suspect first?

  1. ANormal postoperative recovery
  2. BDehydration from not drinking enough water only
  3. CSepsis
  4. DHypoglycaemia only
7.Hard

What should the nurse check before giving digoxin?

  1. AThe radial pulse for 15 seconds
  2. BThe blood glucose level
  3. CThe temperature
  4. DThe apical pulse for a full minute
8.Hard

A patient who now lacks capacity made a valid, applicable advance decision refusing a specific life-sustaining treatment. What should staff do (England and Wales)?

  1. AAsk the family to overrule it
  2. BGive the treatment because the patient cannot decide now
  3. CIgnore it, because only verbal wishes count
  4. DFollow the advance decision and not give that treatment

Answer key

  1. 1. A · At the base of the fire
  2. 2. A · Clear and watery, sometimes pale yellow
  3. 3. B · Physiological needs such as air, food and water
  4. 4. A · For a full 60 seconds, ideally at the apex of the heart
  5. 5. B · Stop feeding and report for a swallowing assessment
  6. 6. C · Sepsis
  7. 7. D · The apical pulse for a full minute
  8. 8. D · Follow the advance decision and not give that treatment

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