College of Nursing
3 MAXE SDNUF
★ ★
N Department of Health Sciences
SCIENTIA · CURA · COMPASSIO
EST. 1908
Fundamentals of Nursing — Examination 3
U R I N A R Y E L I M I N AT I O N · N U T R I T I O N · R E S P I R ATO R Y · C A R D I A C O U T P U T · B O W E L E L I M I N AT I O N
INSTITUTION College of Nursing COURSE CODE NURS 1101
PROGRAM Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) ACADEMIC YEAR
EXAM TITLE Fundamentals of Nursing Exam 3 TOTAL QUESTIONS 85+ Questions
COURSE TITLE Nursing Fundamentals FORMAT Multiple Choice & Short Answer — Study
Guide
EXAMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
▸ This comprehensive study guide covers urinary elimination, bowel elimination, nutrition, respiratory system, and cardiac
output.
▸ Each question includes the correct answer and a clinical rationale for NCLEX preparation.
▸ Normal lab value ranges and clinical calculations follow current nursing practice standards.
▸ Use this document for nursing fundamentals mastery and board examination review.
SECTION I — URINARY ELIMINATION & CATHETERIZATION Questions 1 – 28
1. What is the involuntary passing of urine or bed wetting?
CORRECT ANSWER Enuresis
RATIONALE Enuresis is involuntary urination, particularly at night (nocturnal enuresis). It is common in children and
may persist into adulthood. Causes include developmental delay, UTI, diabetes, and psychological factors.
2. What is the reduced volume of urine output?
CORRECT ANSWER Oliguria (typically <400 mL/day in adults or <30 mL/hr)
RATIONALE Oliguria indicates decreased urine production, often from dehydration, renal hypoperfusion, or acute
kidney injury. It is a key indicator of fluid status and renal function.
3. What is the loss of urine control during activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure? (e.g., coughing,
sneezing, laughing, or exercise)
CORRECT ANSWER Stress incontinence
RATIONALE Stress incontinence results from weakened pelvic floor muscles and urethral sphincter. Increased intra-
abdominal pressure overcomes urethral resistance. It is common after childbirth, with obesity, and in
postmenopausal women.
,4. What is the failure of the kidneys to produce or excrete urine? (More than 50–100 mL of urine in 24 hours; result of
any process that limits effective blood flow through the kidney)
CORRECT ANSWER Anuria
RATIONALE Anuria (<100 mL/24 hr) is a medical emergency indicating severe renal impairment, obstruction, or shock. It
requires immediate investigation and intervention to prevent irreversible kidney damage.
5. What is an excessive volume of urine formed and excreted each day? (2500 mL or more per day for an adult)
CORRECT ANSWER Polyuria
RATIONALE Polyuria (>2500 mL/day) is characteristic of diabetes mellitus (osmotic diuresis from hyperglycemia),
diabetes insipidus (ADH deficiency), diuretic use, and excessive fluid intake. It risks dehydration and
electrolyte imbalance.
6. What is blood in the urine?
CORRECT ANSWER Hematuria
RATIONALE Hematuria may be gross (visible) or microscopic. Causes include UTI, kidney stones, trauma,
glomerulonephritis, and bladder cancer. It always requires further diagnostic evaluation.
7. What involves a sudden strong urge to void, followed by a rapid bladder contraction?
CORRECT ANSWER Urge incontinence
RATIONALE Urge incontinence ("overactive bladder") is caused by detrusor muscle overactivity. The patient cannot
suppress the urge once it occurs. It is associated with neurological conditions, UTI, and bladder irritants.
8. What is painful urination?
CORRECT ANSWER Dysuria
RATIONALE Dysuria (painful or difficult urination) is most commonly caused by urinary tract infection. Other causes
include urethritis, prostatitis, and bladder irritation from chemicals or catheterization.
9. What is the inability to empty the bladder completely resulting in a constant dribble or increased frequency of
urination?
CORRECT ANSWER Overflow incontinence
RATIONALE Overflow incontinence occurs when the bladder is overdistended and cannot contract effectively. Urine
leaks out passively. Common causes include bladder outlet obstruction (BPH), neurogenic bladder, and
medications.
10. What is excessive urination at night?
CORRECT ANSWER Nocturia
RATIONALE Nocturia disrupts sleep and increases fall risk in older adults. Causes include excessive evening fluid intake,
diuretics, heart failure (fluid mobilization when lying down), BPH, and overactive bladder.
, 11. How much urine must an adult put out per hour?
CORRECT ANSWER 30 mL per hour (minimum)
RATIONALE Adequate urine output is ≥30 mL/hr (≥0.5 mL/kg/hr). Output below this threshold indicates oliguria and
requires immediate assessment of renal perfusion and fluid status.
12. What is another word for urinate?
CORRECT ANSWER Micturate (or void)
RATIONALE Micturition is the medical term for urination. It involves coordinated relaxation of the urethral sphincter and
contraction of the detrusor muscle of the bladder.
13. What type of catheter is left in the bladder continuously, usually connected to a collection bag, and stays in place
for hours, days, or longer?
CORRECT ANSWER Indwelling catheter (Foley catheter)
RATIONALE An indwelling catheter has a balloon that is inflated in the bladder to keep it in place. It allows continuous
drainage and is used for urinary retention, accurate I&O monitoring, and certain surgical procedures.
14. Which type of catheter is inserted into the bladder to drain urine temporarily and then removed immediately, and
can be done several times a day?
CORRECT ANSWER Intermittent catheter (straight catheter)
RATIONALE Intermittent catheterization is preferred over indwelling when possible because it reduces infection risk. It is
used for neurogenic bladder and to obtain sterile urine specimens.
15. What is the exit point for a gastrointestinal opening, and what should it look like?
CORRECT ANSWER Stoma — should be red and puffy (moist, beefy red)
RATIONALE A healthy stoma is moist, red/pink, and slightly elevated. Dark, dusky, or black coloration indicates ischemia
and requires immediate intervention. The stoma has no nerve endings, so it is not painful to touch.
16. What is the normal bladder capacity for men and for women?
CORRECT ANSWER Men: ~700 mL; Women: ~500 mL
RATIONALE Bladder capacity varies. The urge to void typically occurs at 250–400 mL. The male bladder has slightly
larger capacity due to anatomical differences in pelvic structure.
17. What is just the inability to empty the bladder?
CORRECT ANSWER Urinary retention
RATIONALE Urinary retention is the inability to voluntarily empty the bladder. It may be acute (sudden, painful) or
chronic (gradual, often with overflow). Post-void residual >100 mL is significant.
18. How long is short-term catheterization?
CORRECT ANSWER Up to 7 days
RATIONALE Short-term catheterization (<7 days) is common post-operatively. The risk of catheter-associated UTI
(CAUTI) increases with each day of catheterization. Catheters should be removed as soon as clinically
possible.
3 MAXE SDNUF
★ ★
N Department of Health Sciences
SCIENTIA · CURA · COMPASSIO
EST. 1908
Fundamentals of Nursing — Examination 3
U R I N A R Y E L I M I N AT I O N · N U T R I T I O N · R E S P I R ATO R Y · C A R D I A C O U T P U T · B O W E L E L I M I N AT I O N
INSTITUTION College of Nursing COURSE CODE NURS 1101
PROGRAM Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) ACADEMIC YEAR
EXAM TITLE Fundamentals of Nursing Exam 3 TOTAL QUESTIONS 85+ Questions
COURSE TITLE Nursing Fundamentals FORMAT Multiple Choice & Short Answer — Study
Guide
EXAMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
▸ This comprehensive study guide covers urinary elimination, bowel elimination, nutrition, respiratory system, and cardiac
output.
▸ Each question includes the correct answer and a clinical rationale for NCLEX preparation.
▸ Normal lab value ranges and clinical calculations follow current nursing practice standards.
▸ Use this document for nursing fundamentals mastery and board examination review.
SECTION I — URINARY ELIMINATION & CATHETERIZATION Questions 1 – 28
1. What is the involuntary passing of urine or bed wetting?
CORRECT ANSWER Enuresis
RATIONALE Enuresis is involuntary urination, particularly at night (nocturnal enuresis). It is common in children and
may persist into adulthood. Causes include developmental delay, UTI, diabetes, and psychological factors.
2. What is the reduced volume of urine output?
CORRECT ANSWER Oliguria (typically <400 mL/day in adults or <30 mL/hr)
RATIONALE Oliguria indicates decreased urine production, often from dehydration, renal hypoperfusion, or acute
kidney injury. It is a key indicator of fluid status and renal function.
3. What is the loss of urine control during activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure? (e.g., coughing,
sneezing, laughing, or exercise)
CORRECT ANSWER Stress incontinence
RATIONALE Stress incontinence results from weakened pelvic floor muscles and urethral sphincter. Increased intra-
abdominal pressure overcomes urethral resistance. It is common after childbirth, with obesity, and in
postmenopausal women.
,4. What is the failure of the kidneys to produce or excrete urine? (More than 50–100 mL of urine in 24 hours; result of
any process that limits effective blood flow through the kidney)
CORRECT ANSWER Anuria
RATIONALE Anuria (<100 mL/24 hr) is a medical emergency indicating severe renal impairment, obstruction, or shock. It
requires immediate investigation and intervention to prevent irreversible kidney damage.
5. What is an excessive volume of urine formed and excreted each day? (2500 mL or more per day for an adult)
CORRECT ANSWER Polyuria
RATIONALE Polyuria (>2500 mL/day) is characteristic of diabetes mellitus (osmotic diuresis from hyperglycemia),
diabetes insipidus (ADH deficiency), diuretic use, and excessive fluid intake. It risks dehydration and
electrolyte imbalance.
6. What is blood in the urine?
CORRECT ANSWER Hematuria
RATIONALE Hematuria may be gross (visible) or microscopic. Causes include UTI, kidney stones, trauma,
glomerulonephritis, and bladder cancer. It always requires further diagnostic evaluation.
7. What involves a sudden strong urge to void, followed by a rapid bladder contraction?
CORRECT ANSWER Urge incontinence
RATIONALE Urge incontinence ("overactive bladder") is caused by detrusor muscle overactivity. The patient cannot
suppress the urge once it occurs. It is associated with neurological conditions, UTI, and bladder irritants.
8. What is painful urination?
CORRECT ANSWER Dysuria
RATIONALE Dysuria (painful or difficult urination) is most commonly caused by urinary tract infection. Other causes
include urethritis, prostatitis, and bladder irritation from chemicals or catheterization.
9. What is the inability to empty the bladder completely resulting in a constant dribble or increased frequency of
urination?
CORRECT ANSWER Overflow incontinence
RATIONALE Overflow incontinence occurs when the bladder is overdistended and cannot contract effectively. Urine
leaks out passively. Common causes include bladder outlet obstruction (BPH), neurogenic bladder, and
medications.
10. What is excessive urination at night?
CORRECT ANSWER Nocturia
RATIONALE Nocturia disrupts sleep and increases fall risk in older adults. Causes include excessive evening fluid intake,
diuretics, heart failure (fluid mobilization when lying down), BPH, and overactive bladder.
, 11. How much urine must an adult put out per hour?
CORRECT ANSWER 30 mL per hour (minimum)
RATIONALE Adequate urine output is ≥30 mL/hr (≥0.5 mL/kg/hr). Output below this threshold indicates oliguria and
requires immediate assessment of renal perfusion and fluid status.
12. What is another word for urinate?
CORRECT ANSWER Micturate (or void)
RATIONALE Micturition is the medical term for urination. It involves coordinated relaxation of the urethral sphincter and
contraction of the detrusor muscle of the bladder.
13. What type of catheter is left in the bladder continuously, usually connected to a collection bag, and stays in place
for hours, days, or longer?
CORRECT ANSWER Indwelling catheter (Foley catheter)
RATIONALE An indwelling catheter has a balloon that is inflated in the bladder to keep it in place. It allows continuous
drainage and is used for urinary retention, accurate I&O monitoring, and certain surgical procedures.
14. Which type of catheter is inserted into the bladder to drain urine temporarily and then removed immediately, and
can be done several times a day?
CORRECT ANSWER Intermittent catheter (straight catheter)
RATIONALE Intermittent catheterization is preferred over indwelling when possible because it reduces infection risk. It is
used for neurogenic bladder and to obtain sterile urine specimens.
15. What is the exit point for a gastrointestinal opening, and what should it look like?
CORRECT ANSWER Stoma — should be red and puffy (moist, beefy red)
RATIONALE A healthy stoma is moist, red/pink, and slightly elevated. Dark, dusky, or black coloration indicates ischemia
and requires immediate intervention. The stoma has no nerve endings, so it is not painful to touch.
16. What is the normal bladder capacity for men and for women?
CORRECT ANSWER Men: ~700 mL; Women: ~500 mL
RATIONALE Bladder capacity varies. The urge to void typically occurs at 250–400 mL. The male bladder has slightly
larger capacity due to anatomical differences in pelvic structure.
17. What is just the inability to empty the bladder?
CORRECT ANSWER Urinary retention
RATIONALE Urinary retention is the inability to voluntarily empty the bladder. It may be acute (sudden, painful) or
chronic (gradual, often with overflow). Post-void residual >100 mL is significant.
18. How long is short-term catheterization?
CORRECT ANSWER Up to 7 days
RATIONALE Short-term catheterization (<7 days) is common post-operatively. The risk of catheter-associated UTI
(CAUTI) increases with each day of catheterization. Catheters should be removed as soon as clinically
possible.
