Midterm Practice Exam 200 Questions and Answers with
Detailed Rationales
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This comprehensive practice exam is designed for students in the NR-229: Fundamentals – Skills
(Military to BSN Option) course. It covers essential nursing skills, including infection prevention,
vital signs, medication administration, patient safety, positioning, transfers, and clinical decision-
making. Each question includes the correct answer and a detailed rationale to reinforce
learning.
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SECTION 1: INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL (Questions 1-25)
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Question 1: Which step is most important to prevent the spread of infection when providing
patient care?
A) Wearing gloves
B) Performing hand hygiene
C) Wearing a mask
D) Using sterile drapes
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale: Hand hygiene is the single most effective method to prevent transmission of
microorganisms between patients and healthcare providers. It should be performed before and
after every patient contact, after contact with body fluids, and after removing gloves.
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Question 2: What is the primary purpose of using standard precautions in nursing care?
A) To protect only the patient
B) To protect both healthcare workers and patients from infection
C) To meet legal requirements
D) To comply with hospital policy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Standard precautions are designed to reduce the risk of transmission of pathogens
from both recognized and unrecognized sources to healthcare workers and patients. They apply
to all patients regardless of diagnosis.
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Question 3: Which is the most effective nursing action to prevent the spread of infection?
A) Wearing gloves with all patient contact
B) Performing hand hygiene before and after patient care
C) Wearing a gown in all patient rooms
,D) Using sterile gloves during dressing changes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hand hygiene is the single most important and effective method of infection
prevention. While gloves, gowns, and sterile technique have their place, hand hygiene is the
foundation of infection control.
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Question 4: When performing hand hygiene with alcohol-based hand rub, what is the correct
guideline?
A) Use if hands are visibly soiled
B) Use before and after patient contact when hands are not visibly soiled
C) Use only at the end of your shift
D) Use after removing gloves only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Alcohol-based hand rub is appropriate when hands are not visibly dirty and should be
used before and after patient contact to prevent the spread of infection. Soap and water should
be used if hands are visibly soiled or after caring for a patient with C. diff.
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Question 5: When performing hand hygiene with alcohol-based sanitizer, how long should the
nurse rub hands?
, A) 5 seconds
B) 10 seconds
C) 20 seconds
D) 30 seconds
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rubbing hands for at least 20 seconds ensures effective removal of pathogens. The
entire hand surface should be covered, including between fingers and under fingernails.
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Question 6: Which action by the nurse demonstrates proper use of standard precautions?
A) Wearing a mask when entering any patient room
B) Double gloving during procedures
C) Wearing gloves when contact with bodily fluids is anticipated
D) Changing gloves only after leaving the patient's room
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Standard precautions require gloves when there is a risk of contact with blood, body
fluids, secretions, excretions, or mucous membranes. Gloves should be changed between tasks
and removed before leaving the patient's room.
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