Community Health Nursing Study Guide PDF | Comprehensive
Public Health & Population-Based Nursing Notes |
Epidemiology, Health Promotion, Disease Prevention,
Community Assessment, Vulnerable Populations & Evidence-
Based Practice Exam Review Bundle
Question 1: Which step of the nursing process involves collecting comprehensive data pertinent to the
patient's health or situation?
A. Diagnosis
B. Planning
C. Assessment
D. Implementation
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Assessment
RATIONALE: Assessment is the first step of the nursing process where the nurse systematically collects,
validates, organizes, and documents patient data. This foundational step informs all subsequent nursing
actions and ensures care is individualized to the patient's specific needs.
Question 2: When administering medications, which "right" ensures the patient receives the drug via
the prescribed route?
A. Right patient
B. Right dose
C. Right route
D. Right time
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Right route
RATIONALE: The "right route" is one of the essential medication administration rights that verifies the
medication is given by the method prescribed (e.g., oral, intravenous, topical). Administering via an
incorrect route can alter drug absorption, efficacy, and patient safety.
Question 3: A nurse is preparing to perform hand hygiene. In which situation is alcohol-based hand
rub NOT recommended?
A. After removing gloves
B. Before patient contact
C. When hands are visibly soiled
D. After touching patient surroundings
CORRECT ANSWER: C. When hands are visibly soiled
RATIONALE: Alcohol-based hand rubs are ineffective when hands are visibly dirty or contaminated with
proteinaceous material. In such cases, soap and water must be used to mechanically remove debris and
pathogens, per CDC infection control guidelines.
Question 4: Which vital sign measurement is most indicative of a patient's pain level?
,A. Temperature
B. Pulse
C. Respirations
D. None of the above
CORRECT ANSWER: D. None of the above
RATIONALE: Pain is considered the fifth vital sign, but it is subjective and assessed via patient self-report
using validated scales (e.g., 0-10 numeric rating). Physiological vital signs may change with pain but are
not reliable standalone indicators due to individual variability and compensatory mechanisms.
Question 5: When documenting patient care, which principle ensures entries are legally defensible?
A. Using abbreviations to save time
B. Writing in pencil for easy correction
C. Recording facts objectively and timely
D. Documenting only abnormal findings
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Recording facts objectively and timely
RATIONALE: Accurate, objective, and timely documentation creates a legal record of care provided.
Entries should be factual, non-judgmental, completed as soon as possible after care, and never altered,
ensuring continuity of care and legal protection.
Question 6: A nurse is caring for a patient with a stage II pressure injury. Which intervention is
priority?
A. Apply a dry gauze dressing
B. Reposition the patient every 2 hours
C. Massage the reddened area
D. Use a donut-shaped cushion
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Reposition the patient every 2 hours
RATIONALE: Frequent repositioning relieves pressure on vulnerable skin areas, promoting perfusion and
preventing further tissue damage. Massage can cause shear injury, dry gauze may adhere to the wound,
and donut cushions increase pressure on surrounding tissue.
Question 7: Which action demonstrates therapeutic communication when a patient expresses anxiety
about surgery?
A. "Don't worry, everything will be fine."
B. "Tell me more about what concerns you."
C. "The surgeon is very experienced."
D. "Let's focus on something positive."
CORRECT ANSWER: B. "Tell me more about what concerns you."
RATIONALE: Open-ended questions encourage patients to express feelings and concerns, fostering trust
and allowing the nurse to address specific fears. Minimizing concerns or providing false reassurance
blocks therapeutic dialogue.
,Question 8: When measuring blood pressure, what error occurs if the cuff is too narrow for the
patient's arm?
A. Falsely low reading
B. Falsely high reading
C. No effect on reading
D. Inconsistent pulse detection
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Falsely high reading
RATIONALE: A cuff that is too narrow requires greater pressure to occlude the artery, resulting in an
erroneously elevated systolic and diastolic reading. Proper cuff selection (bladder width 40% of arm
circumference) ensures accuracy.
Question 9: Which finding indicates a patient is experiencing orthostatic hypotension?
A. Heart rate decreases upon standing
B. Systolic BP drops ≥20 mm Hg when moving from supine to standing
C. Diastolic BP increases by 10 mm Hg when sitting
D. Patient reports dizziness only when lying down
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Systolic BP drops ≥20 mm Hg when moving from supine to standing
RATIONALE: Orthostatic hypotension is defined as a systolic BP decrease of ≥20 mm Hg or diastolic
decrease of ≥10 mm Hg within 3 minutes of standing. This reflects impaired autonomic compensation
and increases fall risk.
Question 10: A nurse is teaching a patient about incentive spirometry. Which statement by the
patient indicates understanding?
A. "I should blow out as hard as I can."
B. "I will use it only when I feel short of breath."
C. "I should inhale slowly and hold my breath for 3-5 seconds."
D. "This device will cure my pneumonia."
CORRECT ANSWER: C. "I should inhale slowly and hold my breath for 3-5 seconds."
RATIONALE: Incentive spirometry promotes lung expansion by encouraging slow, deep inhalation
followed by a brief breath hold to maximize alveolar ventilation. It is used prophylactically
postoperatively, not just during symptoms, and does not cure infection.
Question 11: Which principle of body mechanics should a nurse use when assisting a patient to
transfer from bed to chair?
A. Keep feet close together for stability
B. Twist at the waist to pivot the patient
C. Bend at the knees and keep the back straight
D. Pull the patient rather than push
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Bend at the knees and keep the back straight
, RATIONALE: Proper body mechanics involve using large muscle groups, maintaining a wide base of
support, and avoiding twisting to prevent nurse injury. Bending at the knees with a straight back
leverages leg strength and protects the spine.
Question 12: When obtaining a sterile gloved hand, which action contaminates the glove?
A. Touching the inside of the glove with bare fingers
B. Holding the glove by the folded cuff edge
C. Sliding fingers under the cuff to adjust
D. Interlacing gloved fingers to secure fit
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Sliding fingers under the cuff to adjust
RATIONALE: The outside of sterile gloves must remain sterile; the cuff edge is considered non-sterile.
Sliding fingers under the cuff contacts non-sterile skin with the sterile outer surface, contaminating the
glove.
Question 13: A patient has a prescription for 500 mg of a medication. The available tablets are 250 mg
each. How many tablets should the nurse administer?
A. 1 tablet
B. 2 tablets
C. 3 tablets
D. 4 tablets
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 2 tablets
RATIONALE: Using ratio and proportion: 250 mg/1 tablet = 500 mg/X tablets. Solving for X yields 2
tablets. Accurate dosage calculation prevents under- or overdosing and is a critical nursing
responsibility.
Question 14: Which action is priority when a patient experiences an allergic reaction during an IV
medication infusion?
A. Notify the provider immediately
B. Stop the infusion
C. Administer epinephrine
D. Document the reaction
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Stop the infusion
RATIONALE: The immediate priority is to stop the infusion to prevent further exposure to the allergen.
Subsequent actions include maintaining IV access with normal saline, assessing the patient, notifying the
provider, and administering prescribed emergency medications.
Question 15: When assessing a patient's respiratory status, which finding is abnormal?
A. Respiratory rate of 16 breaths/min
B. Use of accessory muscles at rest
C. Symmetrical chest expansion
D. Quiet, effortless breathing
Public Health & Population-Based Nursing Notes |
Epidemiology, Health Promotion, Disease Prevention,
Community Assessment, Vulnerable Populations & Evidence-
Based Practice Exam Review Bundle
Question 1: Which step of the nursing process involves collecting comprehensive data pertinent to the
patient's health or situation?
A. Diagnosis
B. Planning
C. Assessment
D. Implementation
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Assessment
RATIONALE: Assessment is the first step of the nursing process where the nurse systematically collects,
validates, organizes, and documents patient data. This foundational step informs all subsequent nursing
actions and ensures care is individualized to the patient's specific needs.
Question 2: When administering medications, which "right" ensures the patient receives the drug via
the prescribed route?
A. Right patient
B. Right dose
C. Right route
D. Right time
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Right route
RATIONALE: The "right route" is one of the essential medication administration rights that verifies the
medication is given by the method prescribed (e.g., oral, intravenous, topical). Administering via an
incorrect route can alter drug absorption, efficacy, and patient safety.
Question 3: A nurse is preparing to perform hand hygiene. In which situation is alcohol-based hand
rub NOT recommended?
A. After removing gloves
B. Before patient contact
C. When hands are visibly soiled
D. After touching patient surroundings
CORRECT ANSWER: C. When hands are visibly soiled
RATIONALE: Alcohol-based hand rubs are ineffective when hands are visibly dirty or contaminated with
proteinaceous material. In such cases, soap and water must be used to mechanically remove debris and
pathogens, per CDC infection control guidelines.
Question 4: Which vital sign measurement is most indicative of a patient's pain level?
,A. Temperature
B. Pulse
C. Respirations
D. None of the above
CORRECT ANSWER: D. None of the above
RATIONALE: Pain is considered the fifth vital sign, but it is subjective and assessed via patient self-report
using validated scales (e.g., 0-10 numeric rating). Physiological vital signs may change with pain but are
not reliable standalone indicators due to individual variability and compensatory mechanisms.
Question 5: When documenting patient care, which principle ensures entries are legally defensible?
A. Using abbreviations to save time
B. Writing in pencil for easy correction
C. Recording facts objectively and timely
D. Documenting only abnormal findings
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Recording facts objectively and timely
RATIONALE: Accurate, objective, and timely documentation creates a legal record of care provided.
Entries should be factual, non-judgmental, completed as soon as possible after care, and never altered,
ensuring continuity of care and legal protection.
Question 6: A nurse is caring for a patient with a stage II pressure injury. Which intervention is
priority?
A. Apply a dry gauze dressing
B. Reposition the patient every 2 hours
C. Massage the reddened area
D. Use a donut-shaped cushion
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Reposition the patient every 2 hours
RATIONALE: Frequent repositioning relieves pressure on vulnerable skin areas, promoting perfusion and
preventing further tissue damage. Massage can cause shear injury, dry gauze may adhere to the wound,
and donut cushions increase pressure on surrounding tissue.
Question 7: Which action demonstrates therapeutic communication when a patient expresses anxiety
about surgery?
A. "Don't worry, everything will be fine."
B. "Tell me more about what concerns you."
C. "The surgeon is very experienced."
D. "Let's focus on something positive."
CORRECT ANSWER: B. "Tell me more about what concerns you."
RATIONALE: Open-ended questions encourage patients to express feelings and concerns, fostering trust
and allowing the nurse to address specific fears. Minimizing concerns or providing false reassurance
blocks therapeutic dialogue.
,Question 8: When measuring blood pressure, what error occurs if the cuff is too narrow for the
patient's arm?
A. Falsely low reading
B. Falsely high reading
C. No effect on reading
D. Inconsistent pulse detection
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Falsely high reading
RATIONALE: A cuff that is too narrow requires greater pressure to occlude the artery, resulting in an
erroneously elevated systolic and diastolic reading. Proper cuff selection (bladder width 40% of arm
circumference) ensures accuracy.
Question 9: Which finding indicates a patient is experiencing orthostatic hypotension?
A. Heart rate decreases upon standing
B. Systolic BP drops ≥20 mm Hg when moving from supine to standing
C. Diastolic BP increases by 10 mm Hg when sitting
D. Patient reports dizziness only when lying down
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Systolic BP drops ≥20 mm Hg when moving from supine to standing
RATIONALE: Orthostatic hypotension is defined as a systolic BP decrease of ≥20 mm Hg or diastolic
decrease of ≥10 mm Hg within 3 minutes of standing. This reflects impaired autonomic compensation
and increases fall risk.
Question 10: A nurse is teaching a patient about incentive spirometry. Which statement by the
patient indicates understanding?
A. "I should blow out as hard as I can."
B. "I will use it only when I feel short of breath."
C. "I should inhale slowly and hold my breath for 3-5 seconds."
D. "This device will cure my pneumonia."
CORRECT ANSWER: C. "I should inhale slowly and hold my breath for 3-5 seconds."
RATIONALE: Incentive spirometry promotes lung expansion by encouraging slow, deep inhalation
followed by a brief breath hold to maximize alveolar ventilation. It is used prophylactically
postoperatively, not just during symptoms, and does not cure infection.
Question 11: Which principle of body mechanics should a nurse use when assisting a patient to
transfer from bed to chair?
A. Keep feet close together for stability
B. Twist at the waist to pivot the patient
C. Bend at the knees and keep the back straight
D. Pull the patient rather than push
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Bend at the knees and keep the back straight
, RATIONALE: Proper body mechanics involve using large muscle groups, maintaining a wide base of
support, and avoiding twisting to prevent nurse injury. Bending at the knees with a straight back
leverages leg strength and protects the spine.
Question 12: When obtaining a sterile gloved hand, which action contaminates the glove?
A. Touching the inside of the glove with bare fingers
B. Holding the glove by the folded cuff edge
C. Sliding fingers under the cuff to adjust
D. Interlacing gloved fingers to secure fit
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Sliding fingers under the cuff to adjust
RATIONALE: The outside of sterile gloves must remain sterile; the cuff edge is considered non-sterile.
Sliding fingers under the cuff contacts non-sterile skin with the sterile outer surface, contaminating the
glove.
Question 13: A patient has a prescription for 500 mg of a medication. The available tablets are 250 mg
each. How many tablets should the nurse administer?
A. 1 tablet
B. 2 tablets
C. 3 tablets
D. 4 tablets
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 2 tablets
RATIONALE: Using ratio and proportion: 250 mg/1 tablet = 500 mg/X tablets. Solving for X yields 2
tablets. Accurate dosage calculation prevents under- or overdosing and is a critical nursing
responsibility.
Question 14: Which action is priority when a patient experiences an allergic reaction during an IV
medication infusion?
A. Notify the provider immediately
B. Stop the infusion
C. Administer epinephrine
D. Document the reaction
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Stop the infusion
RATIONALE: The immediate priority is to stop the infusion to prevent further exposure to the allergen.
Subsequent actions include maintaining IV access with normal saline, assessing the patient, notifying the
provider, and administering prescribed emergency medications.
Question 15: When assessing a patient's respiratory status, which finding is abnormal?
A. Respiratory rate of 16 breaths/min
B. Use of accessory muscles at rest
C. Symmetrical chest expansion
D. Quiet, effortless breathing
