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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1.Easy

In a patient lying on their back, which two areas most often develop pressure ulcers?

  1. AThe elbows and the ears
  2. BThe shoulders and the chest
  3. CThe sacrum and the heels
  4. DThe knees and the shins
2.Easy

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

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

In a neurological assessment, what does the abbreviation PERRLA describe?

  1. AThe speech
  2. BThe pupils
  3. CThe limbs
  4. DThe reflexes
4.Medium

How is a 24-hour urine collection started?

  1. AA sample is taken every four hours and the rest discarded
  2. BOnly urine passed at night is collected
  3. CThe first urine of the morning is discarded and the time noted, then all urine is kept
  4. DThe first urine of the morning is kept and the rest of the day's urine is discarded
5.Medium

What is the correct order of techniques when assessing the abdomen?

  1. AAuscultation, palpation, inspection, percussion
  2. BInspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation
  3. CPalpation, inspection, auscultation, percussion
  4. DInspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation
6.Medium

In which direction should a female patient's perineum be cleaned?

  1. AEither way, as long as soap is used
  2. BIn circles starting at the anus
  3. CFrom front to back
  4. DFrom back to front
7.Hard

An 82-year-old takes nine regular medicines and has had two falls this month. What is the most useful next step?

  1. AAdvise the patient to stay in bed
  2. BAdd a sedative to help them rest
  3. CAsk for a full medication review
  4. DStop all the medicines straight away
8.Hard

For a patient at risk of pressure ulcers, why is the head of the bed usually kept at 30 degrees or less if their condition allows?

  1. AHigher angles always cause breathing problems in patients who are bedbound
  2. BLower angles stop the patient from getting out of bed
  3. CHigher angles make the patient slide down, causing shear over the sacrum
  4. DLower angles increase blood flow to the heels

Answer key

  1. 1. C · The sacrum and the heels
  2. 2. A · To reduce the risk of inhaling stomach contents
  3. 3. B · The pupils
  4. 4. C · The first urine of the morning is discarded and the time noted, then all urine is kept
  5. 5. D · Inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation
  6. 6. C · From front to back
  7. 7. C · Ask for a full medication review
  8. 8. C · Higher angles make the patient slide down, causing shear over the sacrum

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