Quality & Safety in Nursing Practice Q&A
with Rationale | Fortis College
1. When preparing to perform hand hygiene with an alcohol-based hand rub, which action
should the nurse take first?
A. Apply 3 to 5 mL of the product to the palm.
B. Rub hands together until the alcohol is dry.
C. Check the hands for visible soil or organic material.
D. Ensure that the product covers all surfaces of the hands.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The nurse must first assess the hands for visible dirt or organic
material because alcohol-based rubs are only effective when hands are not visibly soiled. If
soil is present, the nurse must use soap and water instead. This preliminary step ensures
that the sanitation process is appropriate for the current condition of the hands.
2. Which QSEN competency is a nurse demonstrating when they use a patient’s electronic
health record to track their blood glucose trends?
A. Informatics
B. Evidence-Based Practice
C. Quality Improvement
,D. Patient-Centered Care
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Informatics involves using information and technology to
communicate, manage knowledge, mitigate error, and support decision-making. By
accessing the electronic health record to review trends, the nurse is utilizing technological
tools to improve clinical outcomes. This application of data management is a core
component of the informatics competency in nursing.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient on contact precautions. Which of the following is the correct
sequence for donning Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?
A. Gloves, Gown, Mask, Goggles
B. Goggles, Mask, Gloves, Gown
C. Mask, Goggles, Gown, Gloves
D. Gown, Mask, Goggles, Gloves
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The standard sequence for donning PPE starts with the gown to
cover the body and clothing, followed by the mask or respirator. Next, the nurse applies
goggles or a face shield, and finally, the gloves are donned, ensuring they cover the cuffs of
the gown. Following this specific order minimizes the risk of self-contamination during the
process.
, 4. The nurse is assessing a patient’s radial pulse and notes it is irregular. What should the
nurse’s next action be?
A. Document the finding as normal for the patient.
B. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
C. Assess the apical pulse for one full minute.
D. Wait 15 minutes and re-check the radial pulse.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: When a peripheral pulse is found to be irregular, the apical pulse
must be assessed for a full 60 seconds to obtain the most accurate heart rate and rhythm.
This provides a direct measurement of the heart’s contraction and helps identify deficits or
arrhythmias. Relying on a peripheral pulse alone when it is irregular can lead to inaccurate
clinical data.
5. When moving a patient up in bed, which principle of body mechanics should the nurse
implement to prevent injury?
A. Keep the knees straight and bend at the waist.
B. Maintain a wide base of support and flex the knees.
C. Position the feet close together for stability.
D. Twist the torso while lifting to shift weight.
Correct Answer: B