QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES
(VERIFIED ANSWERS)
Question 1
What is the single most important means of controlling and preventing the spread of infections?
A. Wearing goggles
B. Hand washing
C. Wearing gloves
D. Wearing gown
Correct Answer: B) Hand washing
Rationale: Hand washing is the most effective action to reduce the transmission of
microorganisms and prevent healthcare-associated infections.
Question 2
What observation should you report to the registered nurse when caring for a patient with a
peritoneal dialysis catheter?
A. Purulent drainage
B. Tubing visible under skin
C. Absorbent gauze over site
D. Clamped catheter
Correct Answer: A) Purulent drainage
Rationale: Purulent (pus-like) drainage is a sign of infection at the catheter site, which can
lead to serious complications like peritonitis and must be reported immediately.
Question 3
Which of the following is the route of administration for a drug that is placed under the tongue?
A. Buccal
B. Transdermal
C. Topical
D. Sublingual
Correct Answer: D) Sublingual
Rationale: Sublingual administration involves placing a drug under the tongue to dissolve
and be absorbed into the bloodstream through the rich network of capillaries there.
,Question 4
When a hard-of-hearing patient provides an unclear written pain score, what is the best
alternative communication technique?
A. Confirm what was written with the family member at the bedside
B. Request a medical interpreter
C. Document the last recorded pain number
D. Ask the patient to point to their pain level on a scale
Correct Answer: D) Ask the patient to point to their pain level on a scale
Rationale: Using a visual aid like a numeric or faces pain scale allows the patient to
communicate their pain level non-verbally and clearly, overcoming both hearing and
writing difficulties.
Question 5
For a patient with acute pancreatitis who is experiencing severe abdominal pain, what diet order
is expected in the plan of care?
A. Nasogastric tube flushes
B. Clear liquid diet
C. Nothing by mouth (NPO)
D. Out of bed to chair with meals
Correct Answer: C) Nothing by mouth (NPO)
Rationale: To allow the pancreas to rest and reduce the stimulation of pancreatic enzymes,
which worsens pain and inflammation, patients with acute pancreatitis are made NPO.
Question 6
A CNA reports that a nonverbal patient has a grimacing facial expression. What is the nurse's
first action?
A. Tell the CNA to make sure the patient is repositioned and their brief is dry
B. Tell the CNA that's just how the patient looks
C. Immediately go check on the patient
D. Wait for the next medication pass to check the patient
Correct Answer: C) Immediately go check on the patient
,Rationale: Grimacing is a nonverbal sign of pain or distress. The nurse must immediately
perform a personal assessment to determine the cause and intervene appropriately.
Question 7
What is the most common sign of hypoxia?
A. Elevated blood pressure
B. Low blood glucose
C. Cyanotic lips and fingernails
D. Increased shivering
Correct Answer: C) Cyanotic lips and fingernails
Rationale: Cyanosis, a bluish discoloration of the skin, lips, and nail beds, is a classic and
common sign of hypoxia, indicating that deoxygenated blood is circulating in the arteries.
Question 8
Your patient has suddenly developed slurred speech and right-sided weakness. What is the
FIRST priority?
A. Call for help
B. Sit the head of their bed upright
C. Contact their family
D. Request an order for a soft diet
Correct Answer: A) Call for help
Rationale: These are classic signs of a stroke, which is a medical emergency. The first and
most critical action is to activate the emergency response system or call for immediate
assistance to initiate rapid assessment and treatment.
Question 9
An elderly patient appears dehydrated and fatigued, reporting that his caretaker feeds him only
once a day and limits fluids. This is suspected to be:
A. Neglect
B. Sexual abuse
C. Abandonment
D. Physical abuse
Correct Answer: A) Neglect
, Rationale: Neglect is the failure of a caregiver to provide the goods or services necessary to
avoid physical harm, mental anguish, or mental illness. Withholding adequate food and
fluid constitutes neglect.
Question 10
A 65-year-old smoker with a history of high blood pressure presents with eye complaints and
facial paralysis. Which vital sign is MOST alarming?
A. Oxygen saturation of 94%
B. Temperature of 99.6°F
C. Blood pressure of 200/100 mmHg
D. Resting heart rate of 95 bpm
Correct Answer: C) Blood pressure of 200/100 mmHg
Rationale: A blood pressure of 200/100 mmHg indicates a hypertensive crisis, which is a
medical emergency that can lead to stroke, heart attack, or other organ damage, especially
in a patient with neurological symptoms.
Question 11
Older patients are at an increased risk for which of the following physiological changes?
A. Increased gastric motility
B. Increased pain threshold
C. Increased skin elasticity
D. Increased cardiac output
Correct Answer: B) Increased pain threshold
Rationale: Due to age-related changes in the nervous system, older adults may have an
increased pain threshold (requiring a stronger stimulus to feel pain) and a decreased
tolerance for pain, which can complicate pain assessment.
Question 12
A middle-aged patient is irritable and moody during medication pass. What is the best approach
to improve the interaction?
A. Instruct the patient to calm down and raise your voice if necessary
B. Tell the patient to have a better attitude
C. Smile and introduce yourself when entering the room