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

What does an automated external defibrillator (AED) do?

  1. AGives oxygen through a mask and measures how much the patient breathes
  2. BAnalyses the heart rhythm and delivers a shock if one is needed
  3. CMeasures the patient's blood pressure every minute
  4. DGives chest compressions automatically
2.Easy

What is the first step of the nursing process?

  1. APlanning
  2. BEvaluation
  3. CAssessment
  4. DImplementation
3.Easy

How are controlled drugs such as morphine stored on a ward?

  1. AOn an open shelf in the treatment room
  2. BIn a locked controlled-drug cupboard with a register of stock
  3. CIn the staff room fridge
  4. DIn the patient's bedside locker, so they can take them when needed
4.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. AHypoglycaemia only
  2. BDehydration from not drinking enough water only
  3. CNormal postoperative recovery
  4. DSepsis
5.Medium

Which part of the stethoscope is best for hearing low-pitched sounds such as some heart murmurs?

  1. AThe bell, placed lightly on the skin
  2. BThe bell, pressed firmly on the skin
  3. CThe earpieces turned backwards
  4. DThe diaphragm, pressed firmly on the skin
6.Medium

The skin along a peripheral IV cannula is red, painful and swollen. What is the appropriate action?

  1. AFlush the cannula harder to clear it
  2. BRemove the cannula and document it, then resite if still needed
  3. CIncrease the infusion rate
  4. DCover it with a fresh dressing and continue the infusion as prescribed
7.Hard

Five days after hip surgery, a patient suddenly becomes breathless with sharp chest pain and a fast heart rate. What should the nurse suspect?

  1. ANormal recovery after hip surgery
  2. BA chest infection developing slowly
  3. CAnxiety about going home
  4. DA pulmonary embolism
8.Hard

A patient has been taught breathing exercises before surgery. Which statement shows a need for further teaching?

  1. A"I'll avoid coughing so I don't hurt my stitches."
  2. B"I'll ask for pain relief if pain stops me breathing deeply."
  3. C"I'll take some slow deep breaths every hour."
  4. D"I'll hold a pillow over the wound when I cough."

Answer key

  1. 1. B · Analyses the heart rhythm and delivers a shock if one is needed
  2. 2. C · Assessment
  3. 3. B · In a locked controlled-drug cupboard with a register of stock
  4. 4. D · Sepsis
  5. 5. A · The bell, placed lightly on the skin
  6. 6. B · Remove the cannula and document it, then resite if still needed
  7. 7. D · A pulmonary embolism
  8. 8. A · "I'll avoid coughing so I don't hurt my stitches."

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