Exam Bank
SAUNDERS NCLEX-PN HYGIENE & COMFORT: 50 HIGH-YIELD
PRACTICE QUESTIONS WITH RATIONALES – 9TH EDITION TEST
BANK
Author: Linda Anne Silvestri PhD RN ANEF FAAN
Hygiene & Comfort – Questions 1–50
1. Which of the following is the primary purpose of patient hygiene?
A. To satisfy hospital policy
B. To maintain skin integrity and prevent infection ✅
C. To allow patients to rest longer
D. To improve appetite
Rationale: Hygiene helps prevent skin breakdown, infection, and promotes overall health.
2. How often should a dependent patient receive a full bath?
A. Daily
B. Every 2–3 days ✅
C. Once a week
D. Only when visibly soiled
Rationale: Full baths every 2–3 days maintain cleanliness while preventing skin dryness.
3. Which of the following areas should be washed first during a bed bath?
A. Feet
B. Face ✅
C. Perineal area
D. Back
Rationale: Washing the face first avoids spreading bacteria from other areas and maintains
comfort.
4. A patient with dementia is resistant to bathing. The nurse should:
A. Force the patient to comply immediately
B. Schedule bath during a calm, familiar time ✅
, Exam Bank
C. Skip the bath entirely
D. Leave the patient unsupervised
Rationale: Using a calm, predictable routine promotes cooperation and comfort for patients with
cognitive impairment.
5. Which type of bath is appropriate for a patient confined to bed who needs hygiene but
cannot tolerate a full bath?
A. Shower
B. Tub bath
C. Partial bath ✅
D. Spa bath
Rationale: Partial baths clean key areas while minimizing fatigue and discomfort.
6. What is the correct method for cleaning eyes during a bed bath?
A. Use the same corner of the cloth for both eyes
B. Wipe from outer to inner canthus
C. Wipe from inner to outer canthus ✅
D. Use soap and water directly in eyes
Rationale: Wiping from inner to outer canthus prevents introduction of microorganisms into the
tear duct.
7. How should the nurse provide perineal care to a female patient?
A. Wipe from back to front
B. Wipe from front to back ✅
C. Use the same part of the washcloth repeatedly
D. Avoid rinsing
Rationale: Wiping front to back prevents urinary tract infections by reducing bacterial
contamination.
8. The nurse notices a patient has a foul odor from the mouth. Which action is most
appropriate?
A. Provide oral care and assess for oral or systemic causes ✅
B. Ignore it
SAUNDERS NCLEX-PN HYGIENE & COMFORT: 50 HIGH-YIELD
PRACTICE QUESTIONS WITH RATIONALES – 9TH EDITION TEST
BANK
Author: Linda Anne Silvestri PhD RN ANEF FAAN
Hygiene & Comfort – Questions 1–50
1. Which of the following is the primary purpose of patient hygiene?
A. To satisfy hospital policy
B. To maintain skin integrity and prevent infection ✅
C. To allow patients to rest longer
D. To improve appetite
Rationale: Hygiene helps prevent skin breakdown, infection, and promotes overall health.
2. How often should a dependent patient receive a full bath?
A. Daily
B. Every 2–3 days ✅
C. Once a week
D. Only when visibly soiled
Rationale: Full baths every 2–3 days maintain cleanliness while preventing skin dryness.
3. Which of the following areas should be washed first during a bed bath?
A. Feet
B. Face ✅
C. Perineal area
D. Back
Rationale: Washing the face first avoids spreading bacteria from other areas and maintains
comfort.
4. A patient with dementia is resistant to bathing. The nurse should:
A. Force the patient to comply immediately
B. Schedule bath during a calm, familiar time ✅
, Exam Bank
C. Skip the bath entirely
D. Leave the patient unsupervised
Rationale: Using a calm, predictable routine promotes cooperation and comfort for patients with
cognitive impairment.
5. Which type of bath is appropriate for a patient confined to bed who needs hygiene but
cannot tolerate a full bath?
A. Shower
B. Tub bath
C. Partial bath ✅
D. Spa bath
Rationale: Partial baths clean key areas while minimizing fatigue and discomfort.
6. What is the correct method for cleaning eyes during a bed bath?
A. Use the same corner of the cloth for both eyes
B. Wipe from outer to inner canthus
C. Wipe from inner to outer canthus ✅
D. Use soap and water directly in eyes
Rationale: Wiping from inner to outer canthus prevents introduction of microorganisms into the
tear duct.
7. How should the nurse provide perineal care to a female patient?
A. Wipe from back to front
B. Wipe from front to back ✅
C. Use the same part of the washcloth repeatedly
D. Avoid rinsing
Rationale: Wiping front to back prevents urinary tract infections by reducing bacterial
contamination.
8. The nurse notices a patient has a foul odor from the mouth. Which action is most
appropriate?
A. Provide oral care and assess for oral or systemic causes ✅
B. Ignore it
