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 is atelectasis?

  1. ACollapse of part of the lung so the air sacs do not fill
  2. BNarrowing of the airways caused by asthma or an allergy
  3. CInfection and inflammation of the pleura around the lung
  4. DA blood clot blocking an artery in the lung
2.Easy

According to WHO guidance, how long should a full alcohol hand rub take?

  1. AAbout 5 minutes
  2. BAbout 5 seconds
  3. CAbout 2 minutes
  4. DAbout 20–30 seconds
3.Easy

Which physical assessment technique means listening to body sounds with a stethoscope?

  1. AInspection
  2. BAuscultation
  3. CPercussion
  4. DPalpation
4.Medium

Which adverse effect is a particular risk with NSAIDs such as ibuprofen?

  1. ASevere constipation that lasts for weeks
  2. BLow blood sugar
  3. CBreathing slowing down
  4. DStomach irritation and bleeding
5.Medium

How is a pulse deficit measured?

  1. ATwo nurses count the apical and radial pulse at the same time for one minute
  2. BOne nurse counts the radial pulse twice and compares the two counts
  3. COne nurse counts the apical pulse for 15 seconds and multiplies by four
  4. DThe pulse oximeter rate is compared with the blood pressure reading
6.Medium

Using Maslow's hierarchy, which patient need should the nurse address first?

  1. AA patient who wants advice on returning to work
  2. BA patient who is short of breath after walking to the toilet
  3. CA patient who is worried about how the wound will look
  4. DA patient who feels lonely because no visitors have come
7.Hard

When is a "clean" (non-sterile) technique acceptable instead of an aseptic technique?

  1. AFor dressing a fresh surgical wound in theatre, provided that non-sterile gloves are worn throughout
  2. BFor inserting a central venous catheter
  3. CFor inserting a urinary catheter
  4. DFor procedures that do not enter sterile body areas, such as giving an oral medicine
8.Hard

According to current European (ERC) and 2025 American Heart Association guidelines, what is the first action for a conscious adult who is choking and cannot cough effectively?

  1. AGive up to 5 back blows
  2. BGive a glass of water
  3. CGive 5 rescue breaths
  4. DStart chest compressions at once

Answer key

  1. 1. A · Collapse of part of the lung so the air sacs do not fill
  2. 2. D · About 20–30 seconds
  3. 3. B · Auscultation
  4. 4. D · Stomach irritation and bleeding
  5. 5. A · Two nurses count the apical and radial pulse at the same time for one minute
  6. 6. B · A patient who is short of breath after walking to the toilet
  7. 7. D · For procedures that do not enter sterile body areas, such as giving an oral medicine
  8. 8. A · Give up to 5 back blows

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