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 a neurological assessment, what does the abbreviation PERRLA describe?

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

Which of these is an open question?

  1. A"Are you in pain?"
  2. B"Did you sleep well?"
  3. C"How have you been feeling since yesterday?"
  4. D"Have you taken your tablets?"
3.Easy

What are black, sticky, tar-like stools called?

  1. AHaematuria
  2. BSteatorrhoea
  3. CMelaena
  4. DConstipation
4.Medium

How should a patient receiving tube feeding be positioned to reduce the risk of aspiration?

  1. AWith the head of the bed raised to about 30–45 degrees
  2. BLying completely flat
  3. CLying on the stomach
  4. DIn the head-down position
5.Medium

Which measure is appropriate for a patient with a fever who feels hot and uncomfortable?

  1. AAn ice bath until the patient shivers
  2. BRestricting fluids so the patient sweats less during the fever
  3. CLight bedclothes, plenty of fluids and a prescribed antipyretic
  4. DExtra blankets to make the patient sweat it out
6.Medium

A patient's hearing aid keeps whistling. What is the most likely cause?

  1. AThe volume is turned right down
  2. BThe battery is completely flat
  3. CThe patient's hearing has improved
  4. DIt is not fitted properly in the ear
7.Hard

A runner collapses on a hot day with a temperature of 40.5 °C and confusion. Why will paracetamol (acetaminophen) not help much?

  1. AThe heat comes from failed heat loss, not a raised set point
  2. BParacetamol only lowers temperature in children, not in adults
  3. CParacetamol needs a temperature below 37 °C to work
  4. DParacetamol makes the body produce more heat
8.Hard

A patient's notes record a penicillin allergy with a rash. The new prescription is for amoxicillin. What should the nurse do?

  1. AGive an antihistamine first, then the amoxicillin
  2. BGive the dose, as amoxicillin is a different drug from penicillin itself
  3. CWithhold it and contact the prescriber, as amoxicillin is a penicillin
  4. DGive half the dose and watch for a rash

Answer key

  1. 1. C · The pupils
  2. 2. C · "How have you been feeling since yesterday?"
  3. 3. C · Melaena
  4. 4. A · With the head of the bed raised to about 30–45 degrees
  5. 5. C · Light bedclothes, plenty of fluids and a prescribed antipyretic
  6. 6. D · It is not fitted properly in the ear
  7. 7. A · The heat comes from failed heat loss, not a raised set point
  8. 8. C · Withhold it and contact the prescriber, as amoxicillin is a penicillin

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