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.

New worksheetPractise online with hints

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

What is the main reason patients are kept nil by mouth before a general anaesthetic?

  1. ATo make the patient lose weight before surgery
  2. BTo lower the blood pressure during the operation
  3. CTo reduce the risk of inhaling stomach contents
  4. DTo make the anaesthetic drugs taste better
2.Easy

What does a peak flow meter measure?

  1. AHow much oxygen is in the blood
  2. BHow much carbon dioxide is breathed out
  3. CHow many breaths the patient takes per minute
  4. DHow fast the patient can breathe out
3.Easy

Which body temperature is within the normal range for an adult?

  1. A34.6 °C
  2. B38.4 °C
  3. C39.2 °C
  4. D36.8 °C
4.Medium

Why is early mobilisation important for older inpatients?

  1. AOlder patients do not need sleep during the day
  2. BBed rest quickly causes loss of strength and independence
  3. CWalking makes older patients' bones grow longer
  4. DIt lets staff change the beds more easily while patients are up
5.Medium

What is informed consent?

  1. AAgreement obtained after the procedure
  2. BVoluntary agreement by a patient with capacity, after receiving adequate information
  3. CA signed form that removes all liability from staff for any harm caused by the procedure
  4. DA signature from any family member
6.Medium

Where should a urinary catheter drainage bag be kept?

  1. AOn the patient's abdomen
  2. BBelow the level of the bladder, off the floor
  3. COn the floor next to the bed
  4. DAbove the level of the bladder
7.Hard

A collapsed patient is unresponsive and making only occasional slow gasps. What should the nurse do?

  1. AWait to see whether the gasps become regular
  2. BGive a sip of water to clear the throat
  3. CPlace the patient in the recovery position and keep observing them
  4. DTreat it as not breathing normally, call for help and start CPR
8.Hard

A patient has a platelet count of 40 × 10⁹/L (40,000/mm³). Which nursing measure is appropriate?

  1. AEncourage contact sports to raise the count
  2. BUse a firm toothbrush and floss hard to keep the gums healthy
  3. CGive aspirin for any headaches
  4. DUse a soft toothbrush and avoid IM injections where possible

Answer key

  1. 1. C · To reduce the risk of inhaling stomach contents
  2. 2. D · How fast the patient can breathe out
  3. 3. D · 36.8 °C
  4. 4. B · Bed rest quickly causes loss of strength and independence
  5. 5. B · Voluntary agreement by a patient with capacity, after receiving adequate information
  6. 6. B · Below the level of the bladder, off the floor
  7. 7. D · Treat it as not breathing normally, call for help and start CPR
  8. 8. D · Use a soft toothbrush and avoid IM injections where possible

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