CJE Benchmark Exam 1: Patient Care Fundamentals Practice
Exam 2026 | Complete Study Guide | Verified Questions & Answers
Prepare for the CJE Benchmark Exam 1: Patient Care Fundamentals with this comprehensive
practice test featuring verified questions, answers, and detailed explanations. This study guide
covers essential topics including patient safety, infection prevention, vital signs, mobility and
positioning, communication techniques, documentation, basic nursing skills, ethical
considerations, and quality patient care principles. Designed to reinforce foundational healthcare
concepts and improve exam readiness, the material reflects the key competencies commonly
assessed on patient care fundamentals examinations. Ideal for nursing, allied health, and
healthcare students seeking a reliable resource to strengthen their knowledge and achieve success
on exam day.
Question 1
A nurse is preparing to administer an enteral feeding via a nasogastric (NG) tube.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take to confirm correct tube placement
prior to feeding?
A) Inject 30 mL of air into the tube and listen for a whooshing sound.
B) Test the pH of aspirated gastric contents.
C) Check the markings on the tube against the initial insertion document.
D) Aspirate for residual volume and check the color.
Correct Answer: B) Test the pH of aspirated gastric contents.
Rationale: Testing the pH of gastric aspirate (which should be 0 to 5) is the most reliable
bedside method to verify tube placement. Auscultating air is an outdated, unsafe
practice because a whooshing sound can be heard even if the tube is in the lungs.
Checking markings and observing fluid color provide helpful data but are not definitive
bedside verification methods.
Question 2
A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for a surgical procedure. The client
states, "I change my mind, I don't want to do this surgery anymore." Which of the
following actions should the nurse take?
,A) Inform the client that they already signed the consent form and must proceed.
B) Reassure the client that the surgeon is highly skilled to ease their anxiety.
C) Notify the provider and document the client's refusal of the procedure.
D) Ask a family member to speak with the client to convince them.
Correct Answer: C) Notify the provider and document the client's refusal of the
procedure.
Rationale: The ethical principle of autonomy dictates that a competent client has the
legal right to refuse treatment at any time, even after consent has been signed. The
nurse must respect this right, immediately notify the healthcare provider, and thoroughly
document the client’s statements.
Question 3
A nurse is assessing a client who has a suspected deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) in the
right calf. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A) Massage the affected calf to relieve local muscle cramping.
B) Place the client on strict bed rest and elevate the right leg.
C) Apply a cold compress to the right calf to reduce local swelling.
D) Instruct the client to perform vigorous active range-of-motion exercises.
Correct Answer: B) Place the client on strict bed rest and elevate the right leg.
Rationale: Elevating the affected leg promotes venous return and reduces swelling,
while temporary bed rest prevents a confirmed or highly suspected clot from dislodging.
Massaging or vigorously exercising the calf is strictly contraindicated because it can
cause the thrombus to break free and travel to the lungs, resulting in a fatal pulmonary
embolism. Warm, not cold, moist compresses are typically prescribed to reduce
inflammation.
Question 4
A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving continuous oxygen therapy via a nasal
cannula at 3 L/min. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the
plan of care?
,A) Apply an oil-based petroleum jelly to the client's nares.
B) Limit fluid intake to prevent pulmonary fluid overload.
C) Ensure a humidification bottle is attached to the oxygen source.
D) Maintain the client in a completely flat, supine position.
Correct Answer: C) Ensure a humidification bottle is attached to the oxygen
source.
Rationale: Oxygen therapy at flow rates greater than 2 to 4 L/min can dry out and irritate
oral and nasal mucosa; adding humidification prevents tissue cracking and epistaxis.
Oil-based lubricants like petroleum jelly are highly flammable and must never be used
with oxygen. Fluid restriction is unnecessary for standard oxygen use, and a flat position
can compromise respiratory expansion.
Question 5
A nurse is measuring a client's core body temperature. Which of the following routes
should the nurse select to obtain the most accurate core temperature measurement?
A) Axillary
B) Oral
C) Tympanic
D) Temporal artery
Correct Answer: C) Tympanic
Rationale: The tympanic membrane shares its blood supply with the hypothalamus,
making it an excellent reflection of core body temperature. Axillary and oral routes are
easily influenced by ambient air, recent food/fluid consumption, or breathing patterns,
making them less precise core indicators.
Question 6
A nurse is changing the linens for a client who is bedridden. Which of the following
actions should the nurse take to prevent self-injury?
A) Keep the bed at its lowest position during the change.
B) Twist the torso when reaching for the clean top sheet.
, C) Raise the bed to a comfortable working height at the waist level.
D) Lean forward with a rounded upper back when pulling old linens.
Correct Answer: C) Raise the bed to a comfortable working height at the waist
level.
Rationale: Adjusting the bed to waist height prevents unnecessary bending and
straining of the back muscles, protecting the nurse from musculoskeletal strain.
Caregivers should avoid twisting their torsos, keep their backs straight, and bend at the
knees to maintain proper body mechanics.
Question 7
A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has urinary incontinence. Which of the
following skin care interventions should the nurse implement?
A) Apply a thick layer of cornstarch to the perineal area.
B) Cleanse the skin with warm water and a moisture barrier cream.
C) Wash the perineal skin with harsh antibacterial bar soap.
D) Keep a disposable underpad directly against the skin without changing it for 12
hours.
Correct Answer: B) Cleanse the skin with warm water and a moisture barrier
cream.
Rationale: Incontinence-associated dermatitis is prevented by keeping the skin clean
and dry, using gentle cleansers, and applying a moisture barrier cream to shield delicate
skin from urine. Cornstarch can clump and promote fungal growth. Underpads must be
changed immediately upon soiling to prevent prolonged moisture exposure.
Question 8
A nurse is collecting data from a client who has a major wound infection. Which of the
following findings should the nurse expect as a systemic manifestation of infection?
A) Localized erythema around the wound edge
B) Incisional pain rated as a 4 on a scale of 0 to 10
Exam 2026 | Complete Study Guide | Verified Questions & Answers
Prepare for the CJE Benchmark Exam 1: Patient Care Fundamentals with this comprehensive
practice test featuring verified questions, answers, and detailed explanations. This study guide
covers essential topics including patient safety, infection prevention, vital signs, mobility and
positioning, communication techniques, documentation, basic nursing skills, ethical
considerations, and quality patient care principles. Designed to reinforce foundational healthcare
concepts and improve exam readiness, the material reflects the key competencies commonly
assessed on patient care fundamentals examinations. Ideal for nursing, allied health, and
healthcare students seeking a reliable resource to strengthen their knowledge and achieve success
on exam day.
Question 1
A nurse is preparing to administer an enteral feeding via a nasogastric (NG) tube.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take to confirm correct tube placement
prior to feeding?
A) Inject 30 mL of air into the tube and listen for a whooshing sound.
B) Test the pH of aspirated gastric contents.
C) Check the markings on the tube against the initial insertion document.
D) Aspirate for residual volume and check the color.
Correct Answer: B) Test the pH of aspirated gastric contents.
Rationale: Testing the pH of gastric aspirate (which should be 0 to 5) is the most reliable
bedside method to verify tube placement. Auscultating air is an outdated, unsafe
practice because a whooshing sound can be heard even if the tube is in the lungs.
Checking markings and observing fluid color provide helpful data but are not definitive
bedside verification methods.
Question 2
A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for a surgical procedure. The client
states, "I change my mind, I don't want to do this surgery anymore." Which of the
following actions should the nurse take?
,A) Inform the client that they already signed the consent form and must proceed.
B) Reassure the client that the surgeon is highly skilled to ease their anxiety.
C) Notify the provider and document the client's refusal of the procedure.
D) Ask a family member to speak with the client to convince them.
Correct Answer: C) Notify the provider and document the client's refusal of the
procedure.
Rationale: The ethical principle of autonomy dictates that a competent client has the
legal right to refuse treatment at any time, even after consent has been signed. The
nurse must respect this right, immediately notify the healthcare provider, and thoroughly
document the client’s statements.
Question 3
A nurse is assessing a client who has a suspected deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) in the
right calf. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A) Massage the affected calf to relieve local muscle cramping.
B) Place the client on strict bed rest and elevate the right leg.
C) Apply a cold compress to the right calf to reduce local swelling.
D) Instruct the client to perform vigorous active range-of-motion exercises.
Correct Answer: B) Place the client on strict bed rest and elevate the right leg.
Rationale: Elevating the affected leg promotes venous return and reduces swelling,
while temporary bed rest prevents a confirmed or highly suspected clot from dislodging.
Massaging or vigorously exercising the calf is strictly contraindicated because it can
cause the thrombus to break free and travel to the lungs, resulting in a fatal pulmonary
embolism. Warm, not cold, moist compresses are typically prescribed to reduce
inflammation.
Question 4
A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving continuous oxygen therapy via a nasal
cannula at 3 L/min. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the
plan of care?
,A) Apply an oil-based petroleum jelly to the client's nares.
B) Limit fluid intake to prevent pulmonary fluid overload.
C) Ensure a humidification bottle is attached to the oxygen source.
D) Maintain the client in a completely flat, supine position.
Correct Answer: C) Ensure a humidification bottle is attached to the oxygen
source.
Rationale: Oxygen therapy at flow rates greater than 2 to 4 L/min can dry out and irritate
oral and nasal mucosa; adding humidification prevents tissue cracking and epistaxis.
Oil-based lubricants like petroleum jelly are highly flammable and must never be used
with oxygen. Fluid restriction is unnecessary for standard oxygen use, and a flat position
can compromise respiratory expansion.
Question 5
A nurse is measuring a client's core body temperature. Which of the following routes
should the nurse select to obtain the most accurate core temperature measurement?
A) Axillary
B) Oral
C) Tympanic
D) Temporal artery
Correct Answer: C) Tympanic
Rationale: The tympanic membrane shares its blood supply with the hypothalamus,
making it an excellent reflection of core body temperature. Axillary and oral routes are
easily influenced by ambient air, recent food/fluid consumption, or breathing patterns,
making them less precise core indicators.
Question 6
A nurse is changing the linens for a client who is bedridden. Which of the following
actions should the nurse take to prevent self-injury?
A) Keep the bed at its lowest position during the change.
B) Twist the torso when reaching for the clean top sheet.
, C) Raise the bed to a comfortable working height at the waist level.
D) Lean forward with a rounded upper back when pulling old linens.
Correct Answer: C) Raise the bed to a comfortable working height at the waist
level.
Rationale: Adjusting the bed to waist height prevents unnecessary bending and
straining of the back muscles, protecting the nurse from musculoskeletal strain.
Caregivers should avoid twisting their torsos, keep their backs straight, and bend at the
knees to maintain proper body mechanics.
Question 7
A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has urinary incontinence. Which of the
following skin care interventions should the nurse implement?
A) Apply a thick layer of cornstarch to the perineal area.
B) Cleanse the skin with warm water and a moisture barrier cream.
C) Wash the perineal skin with harsh antibacterial bar soap.
D) Keep a disposable underpad directly against the skin without changing it for 12
hours.
Correct Answer: B) Cleanse the skin with warm water and a moisture barrier
cream.
Rationale: Incontinence-associated dermatitis is prevented by keeping the skin clean
and dry, using gentle cleansers, and applying a moisture barrier cream to shield delicate
skin from urine. Cornstarch can clump and promote fungal growth. Underpads must be
changed immediately upon soiling to prevent prolonged moisture exposure.
Question 8
A nurse is collecting data from a client who has a major wound infection. Which of the
following findings should the nurse expect as a systemic manifestation of infection?
A) Localized erythema around the wound edge
B) Incisional pain rated as a 4 on a scale of 0 to 10
