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

  1. APhysiological needs such as air, food and water
  2. BLove and belonging
  3. CEsteem needs such as recognition, status and respect
  4. DSelf-actualisation
2.Easy

What is extravasation?

  1. ABleeding from the site after the cannula is removed
  2. BLeakage of plain saline from the cannula into the tissue around the vein
  3. CA cannula that has slipped deeper into the vein
  4. DLeakage of an irritant (vesicant) drug into the tissue around the vein
3.Easy

Which sign suggests an allergic reaction to a newly started antibiotic?

  1. AFeeling slightly thirsty
  2. BA small rise in appetite
  3. CMild tiredness in the evening
  4. DAn itchy, raised rash (hives)
4.Medium

When cleaning a surgical incision, in which direction should the nurse clean?

  1. AFrom the incision outwards, using a new swab for each stroke
  2. BFrom the surrounding skin towards the incision with one swab
  3. CBack and forth along the incision with the same swab
  4. DIn circles from the outside in, reusing the swab
5.Medium

Why do nurses often count the respiratory rate while still appearing to take the pulse?

  1. AThe pulse and breathing rates are always the same number
  2. BCounting breaths is only accurate when the wrist is held
  3. CPatients who know their breathing is watched tend to change it
  4. DIt is not allowed to tell patients that breathing is measured
6.Medium

How should a patient walk with a standard (non-wheeled) walking frame?

  1. ALean forward on the frame and slide the feet
  2. BLift the frame forward, then step into it
  3. CPush the frame along the floor while walking quickly
  4. DStep forward first, then pull the frame after
7.Hard

A patient has acute diarrhoea and is suspected of having Clostridioides difficile. Which combination of measures is correct?

  1. AWait for the lab result before taking any precautions
  2. BWear a respirator mask only and no gloves
  3. CUse alcohol hand rub only, and keep the patient in a shared bay with the curtains drawn
  4. DIsolate the patient, use gloves and apron, and wash hands with soap and water
8.Hard

Why should only the patient press the button of a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump?

  1. AA drowsy patient stops pressing, which helps prevent overdose
  2. BThe pump only works with the patient's fingerprint
  3. CVisitors might damage the pump or change its settings if they touch it
  4. DNurses are not allowed to give opioids

Answer key

  1. 1. A · Physiological needs such as air, food and water
  2. 2. D · Leakage of an irritant (vesicant) drug into the tissue around the vein
  3. 3. D · An itchy, raised rash (hives)
  4. 4. A · From the incision outwards, using a new swab for each stroke
  5. 5. C · Patients who know their breathing is watched tend to change it
  6. 6. B · Lift the frame forward, then step into it
  7. 7. D · Isolate the patient, use gloves and apron, and wash hands with soap and water
  8. 8. A · A drowsy patient stops pressing, which helps prevent overdose

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