NURS 103 | Fundamentals of Nursing | Hygiene, Mobility & Patient
Care Skills 2026 |WCU
1. A nurse is preparing to perform a complete bed bath for a patient with
limited mobility. Which action should the nurse take first to ensure patient
safety and comfort?
A. Wash the patient’s face with soap and water.
B. Lower the side rails on both sides of the bed.
C. Check the water temperature using a thermometer or the inner wrist.
D. Place the bed in the lowest position possible.
Answer: C
Rationale: Safety and comfort are priorities; checking water temperature prevents burns.
Soap is often avoided on the face to prevent irritation, and the bed should be at a working
height for the nurse.
2. When transferring a patient from a bed to a wheelchair, which action by the
nurse demonstrates proper body mechanics?
A. Twisting at the waist to align the patient with the chair.
B. Flexing the knees and hips while keeping the back straight.
C. Keeping the feet close together to maintain a narrow base of support.
D. Lifting the patient using the muscles of the lower back.
Answer: B
Rationale: Proper body mechanics involve using large muscle groups (legs) and
maintaining a wide base of support while avoiding twisting and back strain.
,3. An immobilized patient is at risk for developing contractures. Which nursing
intervention is most effective in preventing this complication?
A. Performing passive range-of-motion (ROM) exercises twice daily.
B. Massaging bony prominences every four hours.
C. Applying sequential compression devices (SCDs).
D. Increasing dietary calcium intake.
Answer: A
Rationale: Range-of-motion exercises maintain joint flexibility and prevent the shortening
of muscles (contractures). Massage is contraindicated for bony prominences due to
potential tissue damage.
4. A nurse is providing oral hygiene for an unconscious patient. What is the
priority nursing intervention to prevent aspiration?
A. Positioning the patient in a side-lying (lateral) position.
B. Using a small amount of water to rinse the mouth.
C. Using a firm toothbrush to remove plaque.
D. Applying petroleum jelly to the lips.
Answer: A
Rationale: The lateral position allows secretions to drain out of the mouth rather than into
the trachea, significantly reducing the risk of aspiration.
5. Which assessment finding should the nurse prioritize when evaluating a
patient’s risk for skin breakdown?
A. Occasional urinary incontinence.
B. A Braden Scale score of 12.
C. Dryness of the skin on the lower legs.
D. History of a healed surgical incision.
Answer: B
, Rationale: A Braden Scale score of 12 indicates a ‘high risk’ for pressure injury
development (scores range from 6 to 23; lower scores indicate higher risk).
6. A patient who has been on bed rest for one week stands up for the first time
and reports feeling dizzy and faint. What is the nurse’s immediate action?
A. Assist the patient back to a sitting or lying position.
B. Take the patient’s blood pressure immediately.
C. Tell the patient to take deep breaths and keep walking.
D. Call for a rapid response team.
Answer: A
Rationale: The patient is experiencing orthostatic hypotension. The priority is to ensure
safety by returning them to a recumbent position to prevent falls and restore cerebral
perfusion.
7. When providing perineal care for a female patient, in which direction should
the nurse wipe?
A. From the pubic bone toward the anus.
B. In a circular motion around the labia majora.
C. From the anus toward the pubic bone.
D. Back and forth until the area is clean.
Answer: A
Rationale: Wiping from front to back (pubis to anus) prevents the transfer of fecal
organisms to the urinary meatus, reducing the risk of urinary tract infections.
Care Skills 2026 |WCU
1. A nurse is preparing to perform a complete bed bath for a patient with
limited mobility. Which action should the nurse take first to ensure patient
safety and comfort?
A. Wash the patient’s face with soap and water.
B. Lower the side rails on both sides of the bed.
C. Check the water temperature using a thermometer or the inner wrist.
D. Place the bed in the lowest position possible.
Answer: C
Rationale: Safety and comfort are priorities; checking water temperature prevents burns.
Soap is often avoided on the face to prevent irritation, and the bed should be at a working
height for the nurse.
2. When transferring a patient from a bed to a wheelchair, which action by the
nurse demonstrates proper body mechanics?
A. Twisting at the waist to align the patient with the chair.
B. Flexing the knees and hips while keeping the back straight.
C. Keeping the feet close together to maintain a narrow base of support.
D. Lifting the patient using the muscles of the lower back.
Answer: B
Rationale: Proper body mechanics involve using large muscle groups (legs) and
maintaining a wide base of support while avoiding twisting and back strain.
,3. An immobilized patient is at risk for developing contractures. Which nursing
intervention is most effective in preventing this complication?
A. Performing passive range-of-motion (ROM) exercises twice daily.
B. Massaging bony prominences every four hours.
C. Applying sequential compression devices (SCDs).
D. Increasing dietary calcium intake.
Answer: A
Rationale: Range-of-motion exercises maintain joint flexibility and prevent the shortening
of muscles (contractures). Massage is contraindicated for bony prominences due to
potential tissue damage.
4. A nurse is providing oral hygiene for an unconscious patient. What is the
priority nursing intervention to prevent aspiration?
A. Positioning the patient in a side-lying (lateral) position.
B. Using a small amount of water to rinse the mouth.
C. Using a firm toothbrush to remove plaque.
D. Applying petroleum jelly to the lips.
Answer: A
Rationale: The lateral position allows secretions to drain out of the mouth rather than into
the trachea, significantly reducing the risk of aspiration.
5. Which assessment finding should the nurse prioritize when evaluating a
patient’s risk for skin breakdown?
A. Occasional urinary incontinence.
B. A Braden Scale score of 12.
C. Dryness of the skin on the lower legs.
D. History of a healed surgical incision.
Answer: B
, Rationale: A Braden Scale score of 12 indicates a ‘high risk’ for pressure injury
development (scores range from 6 to 23; lower scores indicate higher risk).
6. A patient who has been on bed rest for one week stands up for the first time
and reports feeling dizzy and faint. What is the nurse’s immediate action?
A. Assist the patient back to a sitting or lying position.
B. Take the patient’s blood pressure immediately.
C. Tell the patient to take deep breaths and keep walking.
D. Call for a rapid response team.
Answer: A
Rationale: The patient is experiencing orthostatic hypotension. The priority is to ensure
safety by returning them to a recumbent position to prevent falls and restore cerebral
perfusion.
7. When providing perineal care for a female patient, in which direction should
the nurse wipe?
A. From the pubic bone toward the anus.
B. In a circular motion around the labia majora.
C. From the anus toward the pubic bone.
D. Back and forth until the area is clean.
Answer: A
Rationale: Wiping from front to back (pubis to anus) prevents the transfer of fecal
organisms to the urinary meatus, reducing the risk of urinary tract infections.
