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.

For teachers: free to print, copy and use in class. Every new worksheet has new values and its own answer key. A link to ExamProblems on your course page is appreciated.

Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy

A nurse sees a colleague giving care that puts a patient at risk. What should the nurse do?

  1. ARaise the concern through the proper channels
  2. BIgnore it to keep a good relationship with the colleague
  3. CWait to see whether it happens again
  4. DPost about it on social media
2.Easy

Which of these is subjective data?

  1. AThe patient's temperature is 37.9 °C
  2. BThe patient says she feels sick
  3. CThe patient vomited 150 mL
  4. DThe patient's skin is pale and moist
3.Easy

At what rate should chest compressions be given during adult CPR?

  1. A60–80 per minute
  2. B140–160 per minute
  3. C100–120 per minute
  4. D80–90 per minute
4.Medium

How can nurses help patients sleep better on a hospital ward at night?

  1. AKeep the main lights on so staff can see clearly
  2. BGive every patient a sleeping tablet
  3. CGroup care and observations so patients are disturbed less often
  4. DDo routine tasks such as bed changes at midnight while it is quiet
5.Medium

How should the ear be positioned when taking a tympanic temperature in an adult?

  1. APush the outer ear forward against the cheek
  2. BGently pull the outer ear down and back
  3. CGently pull the outer ear up and back
  4. DLeave the ear alone and insert the probe deeply
6.Medium

A registered nurse delegates a task to a healthcare assistant. Who is accountable for the decision to delegate?

  1. AThe patient
  2. BThe registered nurse
  3. COnly the healthcare assistant
  4. DNobody, once the task is handed over
7.Hard

A dying patient's breathing gets deeper and faster, then shallower, followed by a pause with no breathing, in a repeating cycle. What is this pattern called?

  1. AKussmaul breathing
  2. BCheyne–Stokes breathing
  3. CBiot's breathing
  4. DParadoxical breathing
8.Hard

Two days after surgery a patient has a temperature of 37.9 °C and reduced breath sounds at the lung bases. What is the most helpful nursing action, alongside reporting it?

  1. AKeep the patient lying flat in bed so they can rest and save energy
  2. BStop all pain relief so the patient stays alert
  3. CRestrict all fluids to dry the secretions
  4. DEncourage deep breathing, coughing and getting out of bed

Answer key

  1. 1. A · Raise the concern through the proper channels
  2. 2. B · The patient says she feels sick
  3. 3. C · 100–120 per minute
  4. 4. C · Group care and observations so patients are disturbed less often
  5. 5. C · Gently pull the outer ear up and back
  6. 6. B · The registered nurse
  7. 7. B · Cheyne–Stokes breathing
  8. 8. D · Encourage deep breathing, coughing and getting out of bed

Full step-by-step solutions: practise this topic on examproblems.com.