Fundamentals of Professional
Nursing Q&A with Rationale |
Rasmussen University
1. When a fire is discovered in a patient’s room, which action should the nurse take first
according to the RACE acronym?
A. Activate the fire alarm system
B. Rescue and remove the patient from the room
C. Confine the fire by closing the door
D. Extinguish the fire using a portable extinguisher
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The RACE acronym stands for Rescue, Alarm, Contain, and
Extinguish. The nurse’s immediate priority is to ensure the safety of the patient by
removing them from the area of danger. Only after the patient is safe should the alarm be
activated and the fire contained.
2. A nurse is preparing to lift a heavy object. Which principle of body mechanics should the
nurse apply to prevent injury?
A. Position the weight of the object close to the center of gravity
,B. Bend at the waist to reach the object
C. Keep the feet close together to maintain a narrow base of support
D. Avoid using the large muscles of the legs
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Keeping the weight close to the center of gravity reduces the strain
on the back and improves balance. The nurse should also maintain a wide base of support
by keeping the feet apart. Bending at the knees rather than the waist helps utilize stronger
leg muscles.
3. Which legal requirement must be met before a nurse can apply physical restraints to a
violent patient?
A. The patient’s family must provide written consent
B. The patient must be sedated prior to the application of restraints
C. The nurse must wait for a hospital administrator to approve the action
D. A healthcare provider’s order must be obtained within a specific timeframe
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Restraints are considered a restrictive intervention and require a
specific medical order from a licensed provider. In emergencies, the nurse may apply them
first but must obtain an order immediately afterward. The order must be time-limited and
specify the reason for use.
, 4. A patient is diagnosed with Clostridium difficile (C. diff). Which infection control measure is
mandatory for the nurse?
A. Wearing a surgical mask within 3 feet of the patient
B. Using an N95 respirator during patient care
C. Using alcohol-based hand rub after exiting the room
D. Performing hand hygiene with soap and water
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: C. difficile forms spores that are resistant to alcohol-based hand
sanitizers. Mechanical friction and soap are necessary to remove these spores from the
hands. This is a critical component of contact precautions for enteric pathogens.
5. The nurse is maintaining a sterile field for a dressing change. Which action would
contaminate the sterile field?
A. Keeping the sterile field above waist level
B. Discarding an item that fell onto the 1-inch border
C. Opening the outermost flap of the sterile kit away from the body
D. Reaching across the sterile field to pick up a supply
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Reaching over a sterile field introduces microorganisms from the
nurse’s clothes or skin, thus contaminating it. All sterile objects must be kept in sight and