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

In the chain of infection, what is the "reservoir"?

  1. AThe way a microorganism leaves the body
  2. BThe place where a microorganism lives and multiplies
  3. CThe route by which a microorganism enters the body
  4. DThe person who is likely to become infected
2.Easy

Where is the apical pulse best heard in an adult?

  1. AAt the fifth intercostal space in the left midclavicular line
  2. BOver the lower end of the sternum in the midline
  3. CAt the second intercostal space just right of the sternum
  4. DAt the left side of the neck beside the windpipe
3.Easy

Which drug is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis?

  1. AIntravenous antibiotics given straight away
  2. BIntramuscular adrenaline (epinephrine)
  3. COral paracetamol
  4. DAn oral antihistamine given on its own
4.Medium

How should adhesive tape be removed from an older patient's fragile skin?

  1. AAfter wetting it with alcohol rub
  2. BBy pulling it away from the wound as hard as possible
  3. CSlowly, low and close to the skin, while supporting the skin
  4. DQuickly in one firm pull, straight upwards and away from the skin
5.Medium

How does a nursing diagnosis differ from a medical diagnosis?

  1. AIt names the disease or pathology that causes the patient's symptoms
  2. BIt describes the patient's response to a health problem
  3. CIt is made by the doctor and copied by the nurse
  4. DIt is only used after surgery
6.Medium

In the PQRST pain assessment, what does "Q" ask about?

  1. AWhether the pain is quieter at night
  2. BThe quantity of analgesia the patient has already taken today
  3. CThe quality of the pain, such as sharp, dull or burning
  4. DHow quickly the pain started
7.Hard

A nurse develops vomiting and diarrhoea during a norovirus outbreak. When can they usually return to work (UK guidance)?

  1. A48 hours after the symptoms have stopped
  2. BAfter a full week, whatever the symptoms
  3. CAs soon as the vomiting stops
  4. DThe next shift, if they feel well enough
8.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. ABiot's breathing
  2. BKussmaul breathing
  3. CCheyne–Stokes breathing
  4. DParadoxical breathing

Answer key

  1. 1. B · The place where a microorganism lives and multiplies
  2. 2. A · At the fifth intercostal space in the left midclavicular line
  3. 3. B · Intramuscular adrenaline (epinephrine)
  4. 4. C · Slowly, low and close to the skin, while supporting the skin
  5. 5. B · It describes the patient's response to a health problem
  6. 6. C · The quality of the pain, such as sharp, dull or burning
  7. 7. A · 48 hours after the symptoms have stopped
  8. 8. C · Cheyne–Stokes breathing

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