NUR 101 | NUR 101 Nursing Fundamentals Exam 1
Version 2 Questions with Correct Answers and
Expert Explanation for Each Question
1. When performing hand hygiene with soap and water, what is the minimum
duration the nurse should rub their hands together?
A. 5 seconds
B. 20 seconds
C. 15 seconds
D. 10 seconds
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent the spread
of microorganisms in the healthcare setting. Nurses should rub their hands together
for at least 20 seconds when using soap and water. This process creates friction
which helps physically remove pathogens from the skin surface. Alcohol-based hand
rubs can be used if hands are not visibly soiled by blood or body fluids. Following
proper technique ensures patient safety and reduces the risk of healthcare-
associated infections.
2. To prevent back injury when lifting a heavy object, which principle of body
mechanics should the nurse apply?
A. Bend at the waist to reach the object.
,B. Keep the knees straight and use the back muscles.
C. Twist the torso while lifting the weight.
D. Keep the object close to the body’s center of gravity.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Maintaining a wide base of support and keeping the weight
close to the center of gravity reduces strain. The nurse should bend at the knees
rather than the waist to utilize stronger leg muscles. Proper alignment helps protect
the spine from excessive stress during manual handling. It is critical to avoid
twisting the torso while lifting to prevent disc injuries. These body mechanics
principles are essential for long-term musculoskeletal health in nursing practice.
3. Which position is most appropriate for a patient experiencing acute respiratory
distress to promote lung expansion?
A. High-Fowler’s position
B. Supine position
C. Sims’ position
D. Prone position
Correct Answer: A
,Expert Explanation: High-Fowler’s involves elevating the head of the bed to 60 to
90 degrees. This position allows the diaphragm to drop, providing maximum space
for lung expansion. Gravity helps pull the abdominal organs down, reducing
pressure against the lungs. It is the preferred position for patients having difficulty
breathing or receiving respiratory treatments. Ensuring the patient is comfortable
in this position can significantly improve oxygen saturation levels.
4. When providing perineal care for a female patient, in which direction should the
nurse wipe to prevent infection?
A. Back to front
B. Front to back
C. Side to side
D. Circular motion
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Wiping from front to back is essential for female patients to
prevent urinary tract infections. This technique avoids dragging fecal matter and
bacteria from the anal area into the urethra. The nurse should use a clean area of the
washcloth for each stroke to maintain hygiene. Perineal care should be performed
daily or more frequently if the patient is incontinent. Proper education on this
technique helps the patient maintain skin integrity and prevent complications.
, 5. A patient uses a cane for left-sided weakness. On which side should the nurse
instruct the patient to hold the cane?
A. The left side
B. Whichever side the patient prefers
C. The right side
D. Both sides alternatively
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The cane should always be held on the unaffected or stronger
side of the body. Holding the cane on the right side provides balance for a patient
with left-sided weakness. The cane and the weak leg should move forward together
to provide a stable base. This method redistributes weight and reduces the load on
the injured or weak limb. Correct cane use is a vital part of fall prevention and
mobility training.
6. In the event of a fire in a patient’s room, what is the nurse’s first priority according
to the RACE acronym?
A. Activate the fire alarm system.
B. Rescue the patient from immediate danger.
C. Confine the fire by closing doors.
Version 2 Questions with Correct Answers and
Expert Explanation for Each Question
1. When performing hand hygiene with soap and water, what is the minimum
duration the nurse should rub their hands together?
A. 5 seconds
B. 20 seconds
C. 15 seconds
D. 10 seconds
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent the spread
of microorganisms in the healthcare setting. Nurses should rub their hands together
for at least 20 seconds when using soap and water. This process creates friction
which helps physically remove pathogens from the skin surface. Alcohol-based hand
rubs can be used if hands are not visibly soiled by blood or body fluids. Following
proper technique ensures patient safety and reduces the risk of healthcare-
associated infections.
2. To prevent back injury when lifting a heavy object, which principle of body
mechanics should the nurse apply?
A. Bend at the waist to reach the object.
,B. Keep the knees straight and use the back muscles.
C. Twist the torso while lifting the weight.
D. Keep the object close to the body’s center of gravity.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Maintaining a wide base of support and keeping the weight
close to the center of gravity reduces strain. The nurse should bend at the knees
rather than the waist to utilize stronger leg muscles. Proper alignment helps protect
the spine from excessive stress during manual handling. It is critical to avoid
twisting the torso while lifting to prevent disc injuries. These body mechanics
principles are essential for long-term musculoskeletal health in nursing practice.
3. Which position is most appropriate for a patient experiencing acute respiratory
distress to promote lung expansion?
A. High-Fowler’s position
B. Supine position
C. Sims’ position
D. Prone position
Correct Answer: A
,Expert Explanation: High-Fowler’s involves elevating the head of the bed to 60 to
90 degrees. This position allows the diaphragm to drop, providing maximum space
for lung expansion. Gravity helps pull the abdominal organs down, reducing
pressure against the lungs. It is the preferred position for patients having difficulty
breathing or receiving respiratory treatments. Ensuring the patient is comfortable
in this position can significantly improve oxygen saturation levels.
4. When providing perineal care for a female patient, in which direction should the
nurse wipe to prevent infection?
A. Back to front
B. Front to back
C. Side to side
D. Circular motion
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Wiping from front to back is essential for female patients to
prevent urinary tract infections. This technique avoids dragging fecal matter and
bacteria from the anal area into the urethra. The nurse should use a clean area of the
washcloth for each stroke to maintain hygiene. Perineal care should be performed
daily or more frequently if the patient is incontinent. Proper education on this
technique helps the patient maintain skin integrity and prevent complications.
, 5. A patient uses a cane for left-sided weakness. On which side should the nurse
instruct the patient to hold the cane?
A. The left side
B. Whichever side the patient prefers
C. The right side
D. Both sides alternatively
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The cane should always be held on the unaffected or stronger
side of the body. Holding the cane on the right side provides balance for a patient
with left-sided weakness. The cane and the weak leg should move forward together
to provide a stable base. This method redistributes weight and reduces the load on
the injured or weak limb. Correct cane use is a vital part of fall prevention and
mobility training.
6. In the event of a fire in a patient’s room, what is the nurse’s first priority according
to the RACE acronym?
A. Activate the fire alarm system.
B. Rescue the patient from immediate danger.
C. Confine the fire by closing doors.
