NACE FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING EXAM PRACTICE TEST (2026 EDITION) | VERIFIED QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS & DETAILED RATIONALES | FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING SUCCESS GUIDE | HIGH-YIELD PDF

NACE FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING EXAM
PRACTICE TEST (2026 EDITION) | VERIFIED
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS &
DETAILED RATIONALES | FUNDAMENTALS
OF NURSING SUCCESS GUIDE | HIGH-YIELD
PDF
• This practice test features 200 high-yield NACE Foundations of Nursing questions
with verified correct answers and detailed EXPERT RATIONALE designed to
maximize your exam readiness and boost your confidence.

• Study tip: Attempt each question independently before checking the answer, then
read the EXPERT RATIONALE carefully to reinforce understanding and close any
knowledge gaps.

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NACE FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING EXAM PRACTICE TEST 2026 EDITION | 200
QUESTIONS WITH EXPERT RATIONALE

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1. A nurse is preparing to administer a medication and notices the label reads
a different dose than what was prescribed. What is the nurse's FIRST action?

A. Administer the dose available and document the discrepancy

B. Contact the pharmacy and request the correct dose

C. Withhold the medication and notify the prescriber

D. Ask a colleague to verify and proceed if they agree

E. Document the error and administer anyway

✓ Correct Answer: C. Withhold the medication and notify the prescriber

EXPERT RATIONALE: Patient safety is the priority. When a discrepancy exists
between the label and prescription, the nurse must withhold the medication and
contact the prescriber before administration to prevent a medication error.

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2. Which of the following is the MOST important step when performing hand
hygiene before a sterile procedure?

A. Use alcohol-based hand rub for 10 seconds

B. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, scrubbing all surfaces

C. Rinse hands with warm water only

D. Wipe hands with an antiseptic wipe

E. Use gloves without prior hand hygiene

✓ Correct Answer: B. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds,
scrubbing all surfaces

EXPERT RATIONALE: The CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water
for at least 20 seconds, covering all surfaces including between fingers and under
nails, to effectively remove pathogens before sterile procedures.

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3. A client with heart failure is positioned in high Fowler's position. What is
the PRIMARY EXPERT RATIONALE for this positioning?

A. To promote urinary drainage

B. To reduce pressure on the sacrum

C. To improve lung expansion and ease breathing

D. To facilitate nasogastric tube insertion

E. To decrease venous return to the heart

✓ Correct Answer: C. To improve lung expansion and ease breathing

,EXPERT RATIONALE: High Fowler's position (60–90°) allows the diaphragm to drop
and lungs to expand fully, relieving dyspnea associated with heart failure by
reducing the pressure of abdominal organs on the diaphragm.

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4. The nurse is caring for a client on contact precautions. Which personal
protective equipment (PPE) must be donned FIRST when entering the room?

A. Gloves

B. Mask

C. Gown

D. Goggles

E. Shoe covers

✓ Correct Answer: C. Gown

EXPERT RATIONALE: When donning PPE for contact precautions, the gown is put
on first to protect clothing and skin. This is followed by a mask, goggles, and then
gloves. The gown provides a barrier for the largest body surface area.

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5. A client refuses a blood transfusion due to religious beliefs. The nurse
should:

A. Administer the transfusion because it is a medical emergency

B. Ask the family to convince the client

C. Document the refusal and respect the client's decision

D. Notify security and proceed with the transfusion

E. Transfer care to another nurse who will give the transfusion

, ✓ Correct Answer: C. Document the refusal and respect the client's decision

EXPERT RATIONALE: Adult clients with decision-making capacity have the legal and
ethical right to refuse any medical treatment, including blood transfusions,
regardless of the reason. The nurse must document the refusal, ensure informed
refusal was obtained, and notify the provider.

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6. Which assessment finding would require IMMEDIATE intervention in a post-
operative client?

A. Temperature of 37.4°C (99.3°F)

B. Blood pressure of 118/76 mmHg

C. Oxygen saturation of 88% on room air

D. Respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute

E. Heart rate of 78 beats per minute

✓ Correct Answer: C. Oxygen saturation of 88% on room air

EXPERT RATIONALE: An oxygen saturation of 88% is below the acceptable range of
95–100% and indicates hypoxemia. This is a life-threatening finding that requires
immediate intervention such as supplemental oxygen and notifying the provider.

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7. A nurse is teaching a client about a low-sodium diet. Which food should the
client be instructed to AVOID?

A. Fresh fruits

B. Canned soups

C. Steamed vegetables