CGFNS QUALIFYING EXAM – QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS |
VERIFIED AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS
RATIONALES BE IN ITALICS| GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST
EXAM UPDATE
• CORE DOMAINS*
•
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Maternal and Newborn Nursing
- Pediatric Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- Pharmacology and Medication Administration
- Nursing Ethics and Professional Standards
- Infection Prevention and Control
- Patient Safety and Quality Care
- Health Assessment and Clinical Decision-Making
- Leadership, Delegation, and Legal Responsibilities
• INTRODUCTION*
•
The CGFNS Qualifying Exam evaluates the knowledge, clinical judgment, and professional
competencies expected of internationally educated nurses seeking nursing practice opportunities.
The examination assesses foundational nursing principles, patient care management,
pharmacology, safety standards, ethical practice, communication, and clinical decision-making.
Questions include traditional multiple-choice items and scenario-based situations that reflect real-
world nursing responsibilities. Candidates are expected to apply theoretical knowledge to patient-
centered care while demonstrating sound judgment, prioritization skills, and adherence to
professional and legal standards. Success requires critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and
the ability to provide safe, effective nursing care across diverse healthcare settings.
SECTION ONE (QUESTIONS 1–10)
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a postoperative patient who suddenly develops shortness of breath, chest
pain, and tachycardia. Which complication should the nurse suspect first?
A. Pulmonary embolism
B. Atelectasis
C. Pneumonia
D. Heart failure
Correct Answer: A. Pulmonary embolism
Explanation: Sudden chest pain, dyspnea, and tachycardia after surgery are classic signs of
pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate intervention.
,Question 2
Which action is most effective in preventing healthcare-associated infections?
A. Wearing gloves for all procedures
B. Performing proper hand hygiene
C. Using sterile dressings daily
D. Administering prophylactic antibiotics
Correct Answer: B. Performing proper hand hygiene
Explanation: Hand hygiene remains the single most effective measure for preventing the
transmission of infectious organisms in healthcare settings.
Question 3
A nurse is caring for a patient receiving warfarin therapy. Which laboratory value should be
monitored regularly?
A. Hemoglobin
B. White blood cell count
C. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
D. Platelet count
Correct Answer: C. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
Explanation: INR measures the effectiveness of warfarin therapy and helps determine whether
dosage adjustments are necessary.
Question 4
A patient states, “I do not want this surgery.” Which nursing action is most appropriate?
A. Notify security
B. Ask family members to convince the patient
C. Explain that refusal is not allowed
D. Respect the patient's decision and notify the provider
Correct Answer: D. Respect the patient's decision and notify the provider
Explanation: Competent adults have the legal right to refuse treatment. The nurse must
respect autonomy and communicate the decision appropriately.
Question 5
Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Blood pressure 128/78 mmHg
B. Temperature 37.4°C (99.3°F)
, C. Oxygen saturation 86% on room air
D. Heart rate 88 beats/minute
Correct Answer: C. Oxygen saturation 86% on room air
Explanation: An oxygen saturation of 86% indicates significant hypoxemia and requires prompt
assessment and intervention.
Question 6
A nurse is educating a patient about insulin administration. Which injection site has the fastest
absorption?
A. Abdomen
B. Buttocks
C. Thigh
D. Upper arm
Correct Answer: A. Abdomen
Explanation: Insulin is absorbed most rapidly from the abdominal area because of its rich blood
supply.
Question 7
A mother brings her 2-year-old child for a wellness visit. Which developmental milestone is
expected?
A. Writing short sentences
B. Riding a bicycle independently
C. Using two-word phrases
D. Reading simple books
Correct Answer: C. Using two-word phrases
Explanation: Most 2-year-old children can combine words into simple two-word phrases and
follow basic commands.
Question 8
A nurse receives a prescription that appears unsafe. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Administer the medication as ordered
B. Clarify the prescription with the provider
C. Ask another nurse for approval
D. Delay administration indefinitely
Correct Answer: B. Clarify the prescription with the provider
VERIFIED AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS
RATIONALES BE IN ITALICS| GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST
EXAM UPDATE
• CORE DOMAINS*
•
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Maternal and Newborn Nursing
- Pediatric Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- Pharmacology and Medication Administration
- Nursing Ethics and Professional Standards
- Infection Prevention and Control
- Patient Safety and Quality Care
- Health Assessment and Clinical Decision-Making
- Leadership, Delegation, and Legal Responsibilities
• INTRODUCTION*
•
The CGFNS Qualifying Exam evaluates the knowledge, clinical judgment, and professional
competencies expected of internationally educated nurses seeking nursing practice opportunities.
The examination assesses foundational nursing principles, patient care management,
pharmacology, safety standards, ethical practice, communication, and clinical decision-making.
Questions include traditional multiple-choice items and scenario-based situations that reflect real-
world nursing responsibilities. Candidates are expected to apply theoretical knowledge to patient-
centered care while demonstrating sound judgment, prioritization skills, and adherence to
professional and legal standards. Success requires critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and
the ability to provide safe, effective nursing care across diverse healthcare settings.
SECTION ONE (QUESTIONS 1–10)
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a postoperative patient who suddenly develops shortness of breath, chest
pain, and tachycardia. Which complication should the nurse suspect first?
A. Pulmonary embolism
B. Atelectasis
C. Pneumonia
D. Heart failure
Correct Answer: A. Pulmonary embolism
Explanation: Sudden chest pain, dyspnea, and tachycardia after surgery are classic signs of
pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate intervention.
,Question 2
Which action is most effective in preventing healthcare-associated infections?
A. Wearing gloves for all procedures
B. Performing proper hand hygiene
C. Using sterile dressings daily
D. Administering prophylactic antibiotics
Correct Answer: B. Performing proper hand hygiene
Explanation: Hand hygiene remains the single most effective measure for preventing the
transmission of infectious organisms in healthcare settings.
Question 3
A nurse is caring for a patient receiving warfarin therapy. Which laboratory value should be
monitored regularly?
A. Hemoglobin
B. White blood cell count
C. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
D. Platelet count
Correct Answer: C. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
Explanation: INR measures the effectiveness of warfarin therapy and helps determine whether
dosage adjustments are necessary.
Question 4
A patient states, “I do not want this surgery.” Which nursing action is most appropriate?
A. Notify security
B. Ask family members to convince the patient
C. Explain that refusal is not allowed
D. Respect the patient's decision and notify the provider
Correct Answer: D. Respect the patient's decision and notify the provider
Explanation: Competent adults have the legal right to refuse treatment. The nurse must
respect autonomy and communicate the decision appropriately.
Question 5
Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Blood pressure 128/78 mmHg
B. Temperature 37.4°C (99.3°F)
, C. Oxygen saturation 86% on room air
D. Heart rate 88 beats/minute
Correct Answer: C. Oxygen saturation 86% on room air
Explanation: An oxygen saturation of 86% indicates significant hypoxemia and requires prompt
assessment and intervention.
Question 6
A nurse is educating a patient about insulin administration. Which injection site has the fastest
absorption?
A. Abdomen
B. Buttocks
C. Thigh
D. Upper arm
Correct Answer: A. Abdomen
Explanation: Insulin is absorbed most rapidly from the abdominal area because of its rich blood
supply.
Question 7
A mother brings her 2-year-old child for a wellness visit. Which developmental milestone is
expected?
A. Writing short sentences
B. Riding a bicycle independently
C. Using two-word phrases
D. Reading simple books
Correct Answer: C. Using two-word phrases
Explanation: Most 2-year-old children can combine words into simple two-word phrases and
follow basic commands.
Question 8
A nurse receives a prescription that appears unsafe. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Administer the medication as ordered
B. Clarify the prescription with the provider
C. Ask another nurse for approval
D. Delay administration indefinitely
Correct Answer: B. Clarify the prescription with the provider
