Free Nursing Fundamentals Q&A Study
Guide
Description:
Ace your Nursing Fundamentals exam with our comprehensive VNSG 1423 midterm review.
This free practice test features 50+ unique questions and detailed explanations directly aligned
with 2025/2026 curriculum standards. Master vital signs, asepsis, physical assessment, pain
management, and critical nursing skills. We've paraphrased and updated all content to ensure
clarity and relevance, removing outdated information to give you the most effective study tool.
Stop stressing and start mastering the material—download your free study guide now and walk
into your exam with confidence!
, VNSG 1423 Midterm Review: Questions & Answers (2026 Guide)
Instructions: Please read each question carefully. Select the best answer for multiple-choice
questions. For other question types, provide a concise and accurate response.
1. Which of the following is NOT considered one of the six standard vital signs assessed by
nurses?
a) Blood Pressure
b) Oxygen Saturation
c) Pain
d) Blood Glucose Level
Answer: d) Blood Glucose Level
Explanation: While blood glucose is a critical parameter for many patients, especially those
with diabetes, the six universally recognized vital signs are Temperature, Pulse, Respirations,
Blood Pressure, Oxygen Saturation, and Pain. Blood glucose is an additional assessment.
2. A patient's oral temperature is recorded as 98.9°F (37.2°C). How should the nurse interpret
this finding?
a) Hypothermia
b) Febrile
c) Within normal expected range
d) Hyperthermic crisis
Answer: c) Within normal expected range
Explanation: The generally accepted normal range for adult body temperature is 97°F to 99°F
(36.1°C to 37.2°C). A reading of 98.9°F falls within this range and is considered normal.
3. When preparing to assess a patient's apical pulse, the nurse should place the stethoscope at
which anatomical location?
a) The second intercostal space, right sternal border
b) The fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line
, c) The left lower sternal border
d) The point of maximal impulse at the xiphoid process
Answer: b) The fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line
Explanation: The apical pulse represents the pulsation of the heart's apex and is most accurately
auscultated at the fifth intercostal space at the left midclavicular line, which is the location of the
point of maximal impulse (PMI).
4. A nurse hears a high-pitched, musical sound during a patient's expiration. This breath sound is
best documented as:
a) Rhonchi
b) Crackles
c) Stridor
d) Wheezes
Answer: d) Wheezes
Explanation: Wheezes are continuous, high-pitched musical sounds caused by air moving
through narrowed airways. They are commonly heard in conditions like asthma and can occur
during inspiration, expiration, or both.
5. The most reliable method for sterilizing surgical instruments that can tolerate heat and
moisture is:
a) Chemical disinfection
b) Boiling for 10 minutes
c) Gaseous disinfection
d) Autoclaving
Answer: d) Autoclaving
Explanation: Autoclaving uses steam under pressure to achieve temperatures high enough to
destroy all microbial life, including spores. It is the gold standard for sterilizing heat- and
moisture-stable items.