Fundamentals of Nursing MCQs

100 practice questions covering Fundamentals of Nursing, with a dedicated set on Vital Signs. Every question includes a written explanation. Pick a topic below, or try the samples first.

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Vital Signs

30 questions with answers

Sample questions

Q1
easy
An important nursing responsibility during discharge is:
  1. A Ignoring follow-up
  2. B Teaching the patient about post-discharge care
  3. C Prescribing medication
  4. D Performing surgery
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B - Teaching the patient about post-discharge care

Teaching the patient about care after discharge is a central nursing responsibility, covering medicines, wound care, warning signs and when to seek help. Prescribing is a different role.
Q2
medium
A common gastrointestinal complication of immobility is:
  1. A Increased appetite
  2. B Diarrhea
  3. C Vomiting
  4. D Constipation
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: D - Constipation

Constipation is the common gastrointestinal effect, since reduced activity slows peristalsis and the patient often takes less fluid and fibre while in bed. Appetite typically falls rather than rises.
Q3
easy
The normal adult respiratory rate at rest is approximately:
  1. A 30–40 breaths/minute
  2. B 25–35 breaths/minute
  3. C 4–8 breaths/minute
  4. D 12–20 breaths/minute
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: D - 12–20 breaths/minute

A resting adult breathes about 12 to 20 times per minute. Below 12 is bradypnea and above 20 is tachypnea, so the rates given in the other choices describe abnormal breathing rather than the normal range.
Q4
medium
A permanent tightening or shortening of a muscle is called:
  1. A Contracture
  2. B Rotation
  3. C Extension
  4. D Mobility
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A - Contracture

A contracture is permanent shortening and tightening of a muscle, tendon or other tissue, which fixes a joint and limits its range of motion. It is a known complication of prolonged immobility and is prevented by regular movement.
Q5
medium
In a blood pressure reading of 120/80 mmHg, 80 represents the:
  1. A Pulse pressure
  2. B Pulse rate
  3. C Diastolic pressure
  4. D Systolic pressure
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Correct answer: C - Diastolic pressure

In 120/80 mmHg the lower figure, 80, is the diastolic pressure: the pressure remaining in the arteries while the heart relaxes and refills. The upper figure is the systolic pressure produced when the heart contracts.
Q6
hard
Stage III pressure ulcer involves:
  1. A Intact skin only
  2. B Full-thickness skin loss with damage to subcutaneous tissue
  3. C Partial-thickness skin loss only
  4. D Only superficial redness
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B - Full-thickness skin loss with damage to subcutaneous tissue

Stage III is full-thickness skin loss extending into the subcutaneous tissue, but not through the underlying fascia to muscle or bone. That deeper destruction would make it Stage IV.

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