150+ of the most common Fundamentals of Nursing Questions with Elaborated Answers seen on the NCLEX® The Complete NCLEX Fundamentals of Nursing Bundle Flashcards Updated 2025 Version.

Common Abbreviations & "DO NOT use list" Q1: What does the abbreviation "NPO" stand for? A) Nothing by mouth B) Nutrition provided orally C) No past orders D) Normal patient output Answer: A) Nothing by mouth Elaboration: NPO is a medical abbreviation meaning the patient should not take anything by mouth, often used before surgery or certain medical procedures. Priority Questions Q2: In a triage situation, which patient should the nurse assess first? A) A patient with a sprained ankle B) A patient with chest pain and shortness of breath C) A patient with a laceration on the arm D) A patient with a headache Answer: B) A patient with chest pain and shortness of breath Elaboration: In triage, patients presenting with symptoms of a potential heart attack or respiratory distress are prioritized due to the immediate threat to life. The Nursing Process Q3: Which phase of the nursing process involves gathering information about a patient’s health status? A) Diagnosis B) Planning C) Implementation D) Assessment Answer: D) Assessment Elaboration: The assessment phase involves collecting data about the patient’s physical, emotional, and social health to inform nursing diagnoses and care plans. How to answer Priority Questions Q4: When answering priority questions, which of the following strategies should a nurse use? A) Consider the patient's physical needs first B) Address psychosocial issues before physical needs C) Focus on the most complex patient D) Always follow hospital policies Answer: A) Consider the patient's physical needs first Elaboration: In priority questions, nurses should assess physiological needs (such as airway, breathing, circulation) before psychosocial needs, following Maslow's hierarchy. Maslow's Hierarchy of Basic Needs Q5: Which need is at the base of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs? A) Safety needs B) Esteem needs C) Physiological needs D) Self-actualization needs Answer: C) Physiological needs Elaboration: Physiological needs, such as food, water, and shelter, are the most fundamental requirements for survival and must be met before higher-level needs can be addressed. Nursing Ethics & Law Q6: What is the primary principle of beneficence in nursing ethics? A) To do no harm B) To respect patient autonomy C) To provide care that benefits the patient D) To maintain confidentiality Answer: C) To provide care that benefits the patient Elaboration: Beneficence involves acting in the best interest of the patient by promoting their well-being and ensuring that care provided is beneficial. Maintaining Safety & Transmission-Based Precautions Q7: Which type of precaution should be implemented for a patient diagnosed with tuberculosis? A) Standard precautions B) Contact precautions C) Droplet precautions D) Airborne precautions Answer: D) Airborne precautions Elaboration: Tuberculosis is transmitted through airborne droplets, so airborne precautions are necessary to prevent infection spread. Infection Control (PPE, Stages of infection, Transmission-Based Precautions) Q8: What is the correct order for donning personal protective equipment (PPE)? A) Gown, mask, gloves B) Gloves, gown, mask C) Mask, gown, gloves D) Gown, gloves, mask Answer: A) Gown, mask, gloves Elaboration: The correct order for donning PPE is to first put on the gown, followed by the mask, and finally the gloves to ensure proper protection. Fluid & Electrolyte Imbalances (Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium) Q9: What is the normal range for serum potassium levels? A) 3.5-5.0 mEq/L B) 4.0-6.0 mEq/L C) 2.5-4.5 mEq/L D) 5.5-7.0 mEq/L Answer: A) 3.5-5.0 mEq/L Elaboration: Normal serum potassium levels are critical for proper cardiac and muscle function; levels outside this range can lead to significant health issues. IV Therapy Q10: What is the primary purpose of intravenous (IV) therapy? A) To administer medications only B) To provide nutrition only C) To deliver fluids, electrolytes, and medications directly into the bloodstream D) To monitor blood pressure Answer: C) To deliver fluids, electrolytes, and medications directly into the bloodstream Elaboration: IV therapy is used to ensure rapid administration of fluids and medications, critical in many medical situations. Types of IV Solutions Q11: Which IV solution is hypotonic and can be used to treat dehydration? A) Normal saline B) D5W (5% dextrose in water) C) Lactated Ringer's solution D) 0.9% sodium chloride Answer: B) D5W (5% dextrose in water) Elaboration: D5W is considered hypotonic and helps rehydrate cells by providing fluid without significant electrolytes. IV Therapy Complications Q12: What is a common complication associated with IV therapy? A) Dehydration B) Phlebitis C) Anemia D) Hypertension Answer: B) Phlebitis Elaboration: Phlebitis, or inflammation of the vein, is a common complication of IV therapy, often presenting with redness, swelling, and discomfort. Blood Transfusions Q13: Which blood component is most commonly transfused? A) Whole blood B) Plasma C) Red blood cells D) Platelets Answer: C) Red blood cells Elaboration: Red blood cell transfusions are the most common and are used to treat anemia and significant blood loss. Pharmacokinetics Q14: What does "pharmacokinetics" refer to? A) The study of drug effects on the body B) The study of how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted C) The therapeutic uses of medications D) The potential side effects of drugs Answer: B) The study of how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted Elaboration: Pharmacokinetics is crucial for understanding drug action and determining appropriate dosages. Medication Administration Q15: Which route of medication administration has the fastest onset of action? A) Oral B) Intravenous C) Intramuscular D) Subcutaneous Answer: B) Intravenous Elaboration: IV administration delivers medications directly into the bloodstream, providing the fastest therapeutic effect. Parental Administration Q16: What is the primary reason for using parental administration of medications? A) To avoid side effects B) To ensure rapid absorption C) To administer larger volumes D) To provide comfort Answer: B) To ensure rapid absorption Elaboration: Parenteral routes, such as IV and IM, allow for quick delivery of medications, essential in emergencies. Non-Parenteral Administration Q17: Which of the following is an example of non-parenteral medication administration? A) IV push B) Subcutaneous injection C) Oral tablets D) Intramuscular injection Answer: C) Oral tablets Elaboration: Non-parenteral routes include oral, topical, and inhalation methods, contrasting with parenteral routes like injections. Pressure Injuries (Ulcers) Q18: What is the most common cause of pressure injuries? A) Inadequate nutrition B) Prolonged pressure on the skin C) Moisture D) Infection Answer: B) Prolonged pressure on the skin Elaboration: Pressure injuries occur when sustained pressure restricts blood flow to the skin, leading to tissue damage. Hypovolemia vs. Hypervolemia Q19: Which of the following symptoms is associated with hypervolemia? A) Dry mucous membranes B) Edema C) Decreased blood pressure D) Tachycardia Answer: B) Edema Elaboration: Hypervolemia leads to excess fluid in the body, often resulting in swelling (edema) due to fluid accumulation in tissues. Scope of Practice Q20: What does the scope of practice for nurses define? A) The financial aspects of nursing B) The responsibilities and tasks nurses are trained and authorized to perform C) The patient population a nurse can manage D) The types of medications a nurse can prescribe Answer: B) The responsibilities and tasks nurses are trained and authorized to perform Elaboration: The scope of practice ensures that nurses work within their competencies, enhancing patient safety and care quality.