PNR 104/PNR104 Exam 1 V1 | Basic Skills,
Quality & Safety in Nursing Practice Q&A
with Rationale | Fortis College
1. A nursing student is performing hand hygiene. What is the minimum duration
recommended by the CDC for scrubbing hands with soap and water to ensure mechanical
removal of microorganisms?
A. 10 seconds
B. 5 minutes
C. 60 seconds
D. 20 seconds
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The CDC recommends scrubbing hands for at least 20 seconds to
effectively remove transient flora. This process involves friction, which is the most
important component of handwashing. Adhering to this timeframe significantly reduces the
risk of healthcare-associated infections.
2. Which QSEN competency focuses on involving patients in their care and respecting their
preferences, values, and needs?
A. Informatics
B. Quality Improvement
,C. Patient-Centered Care
D. Evidence-Based Practice
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Patient-centered care recognizes the patient as the source of control
and full partner in providing compassionate and coordinated care. This competency
ensures that the nurse considers the patient’s cultural background and individual choices.
It is a fundamental shift from the traditional model where the healthcare provider makes
all decisions.
3. When assessing a patient’s radial pulse, the nurse notes the rhythm is irregular. What is
the most appropriate next action by the nurse?
A. Wait 30 minutes and recheck the radial pulse.
B. Record the irregular rhythm and notify the physician immediately.
C. Document the findings as normal variations for an adult.
D. Assess the apical pulse for a full 60 seconds.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Assessing the apical pulse for one full minute is the gold standard
when an irregular peripheral pulse is detected. This allows the nurse to accurately count
the heart rate and identify potential deficits between the heart’s contraction and peripheral
perfusion. It provides a more comprehensive baseline for cardiac assessment.
, 4. A nurse is moving a heavy patient up in bed. To prevent back injury, which principle of
body mechanics should the nurse apply?
A. Keep the knees straight and bend at the waist.
B. Keep the feet close together to maintain a narrow base of support.
C. Lift with the back muscles rather than the leg muscles.
D. Maintain a wide base of support and bend at the knees.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Maintaining a wide base of support provides better stability and
balance during heavy lifting. Bending at the knees utilizes the strong muscles of the legs
rather than the weaker muscles of the lower back. This practice significantly reduces the
risk of musculoskeletal injuries among nursing staff.
5. Which of the following is an example of objective data?
A. The patient reports feeling nauseated.
B. The patient states their pain is a 7 out of 10.
C. The nurse observes a blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg.
D. The patient mentions they are feeling anxious about surgery.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Objective data are measurable and observable findings obtained
through physical assessment or diagnostic tests. Blood pressure readings are concrete
Quality & Safety in Nursing Practice Q&A
with Rationale | Fortis College
1. A nursing student is performing hand hygiene. What is the minimum duration
recommended by the CDC for scrubbing hands with soap and water to ensure mechanical
removal of microorganisms?
A. 10 seconds
B. 5 minutes
C. 60 seconds
D. 20 seconds
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The CDC recommends scrubbing hands for at least 20 seconds to
effectively remove transient flora. This process involves friction, which is the most
important component of handwashing. Adhering to this timeframe significantly reduces the
risk of healthcare-associated infections.
2. Which QSEN competency focuses on involving patients in their care and respecting their
preferences, values, and needs?
A. Informatics
B. Quality Improvement
,C. Patient-Centered Care
D. Evidence-Based Practice
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Patient-centered care recognizes the patient as the source of control
and full partner in providing compassionate and coordinated care. This competency
ensures that the nurse considers the patient’s cultural background and individual choices.
It is a fundamental shift from the traditional model where the healthcare provider makes
all decisions.
3. When assessing a patient’s radial pulse, the nurse notes the rhythm is irregular. What is
the most appropriate next action by the nurse?
A. Wait 30 minutes and recheck the radial pulse.
B. Record the irregular rhythm and notify the physician immediately.
C. Document the findings as normal variations for an adult.
D. Assess the apical pulse for a full 60 seconds.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Assessing the apical pulse for one full minute is the gold standard
when an irregular peripheral pulse is detected. This allows the nurse to accurately count
the heart rate and identify potential deficits between the heart’s contraction and peripheral
perfusion. It provides a more comprehensive baseline for cardiac assessment.
, 4. A nurse is moving a heavy patient up in bed. To prevent back injury, which principle of
body mechanics should the nurse apply?
A. Keep the knees straight and bend at the waist.
B. Keep the feet close together to maintain a narrow base of support.
C. Lift with the back muscles rather than the leg muscles.
D. Maintain a wide base of support and bend at the knees.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Maintaining a wide base of support provides better stability and
balance during heavy lifting. Bending at the knees utilizes the strong muscles of the legs
rather than the weaker muscles of the lower back. This practice significantly reduces the
risk of musculoskeletal injuries among nursing staff.
5. Which of the following is an example of objective data?
A. The patient reports feeling nauseated.
B. The patient states their pain is a 7 out of 10.
C. The nurse observes a blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg.
D. The patient mentions they are feeling anxious about surgery.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Objective data are measurable and observable findings obtained
through physical assessment or diagnostic tests. Blood pressure readings are concrete
