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 does holistic nursing care mean?

  1. ACaring for the whole person: body, mind, social and spiritual needs
  2. BLeaving emotional needs to the patient's family
  3. CCaring only for the illness the patient was admitted to hospital with
  4. DGiving the same care to every patient on the ward
2.Easy

What is a nursing care plan?

  1. AThe hospital's plan for the year ahead
  2. BA record of the patient's visitors
  3. CA written plan of a patient's needs, goals and care
  4. DA list of the nurses working on each shift and their breaks
3.Easy

When is the recovery position used?

  1. AFor a patient with a suspected broken leg only
  2. BFor a patient in cardiac arrest
  3. CFor an unconscious patient who is breathing normally
  4. DFor a conscious patient with chest pain
4.Medium

When is a sputum sample for culture best collected?

  1. AAt any time, using saliva from the mouth
  2. BAfter the first few doses of antibiotics
  3. CIn the evening, after the patient has eaten and drunk
  4. DIn the morning, from a deep cough, before antibiotics start
5.Medium

A conscious patient with diabetes has low blood glucose and can swallow safely. What is the first step?

  1. AGive nothing until the doctor arrives
  2. BGive a large meal straight away and recheck the glucose the next morning
  3. CGive the next dose of insulin
  4. DGive a fast-acting carbohydrate by mouth and recheck the glucose
6.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. ANormal postoperative recovery
  2. BHypoglycaemia only
  3. CSepsis
  4. DDehydration from not drinking enough water only
7.Hard

A patient with delirium tries to leave the ward at night, saying they are going home, and would be at serious risk outside. What is correct (England and Wales)?

  1. AAssess capacity and, if it is lacking, act in their best interests
  2. BLet them leave, as all adults are free to go wherever they like
  3. CGive a sedative without asking anyone
  4. DLock them in a side room until the morning for their own safety
8.Hard

An older patient two days after surgery suddenly becomes confused and agitated at night. What is the priority?

  1. AGive a sedative and recheck in the morning
  2. BAssume it is new dementia and plan a care home move
  3. CRestrain the patient to the bed
  4. DLook for and treat underlying causes such as infection, pain, retention, constipation or medication

Answer key

  1. 1. A · Caring for the whole person: body, mind, social and spiritual needs
  2. 2. C · A written plan of a patient's needs, goals and care
  3. 3. C · For an unconscious patient who is breathing normally
  4. 4. D · In the morning, from a deep cough, before antibiotics start
  5. 5. D · Give a fast-acting carbohydrate by mouth and recheck the glucose
  6. 6. C · Sepsis
  7. 7. A · Assess capacity and, if it is lacking, act in their best interests
  8. 8. D · Look for and treat underlying causes such as infection, pain, retention, constipation or medication

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