Basic Nursing Skills # MCQs Practice set

Q.1 Which of the following is the correct sequence for handwashing?

Wet hands, apply soap, scrub, rinse, dry
Apply soap, wet hands, scrub, rinse, dry
Rinse hands, wet hands, scrub, apply soap, dry
Wet hands, scrub, apply soap, rinse, dry
Explanation - Proper handwashing involves wetting hands first, applying soap, scrubbing all surfaces, rinsing thoroughly, and drying with a clean towel.
Correct answer is: Wet hands, apply soap, scrub, rinse, dry

Q.2 Which of the following is an example of a sterile procedure?

Measuring blood pressure
Dressing a surgical wound
Taking temperature
Assisting with oral care
Explanation - Sterile procedures involve maintaining asepsis to prevent infection, such as dressing a surgical wound.
Correct answer is: Dressing a surgical wound

Q.3 What is the correct position to place a patient for nasogastric tube insertion?

Supine with head flat
Prone
High Fowler's position
Trendelenburg position
Explanation - High Fowler's position (sitting upright at 60-90°) helps prevent aspiration and facilitates nasogastric tube insertion.
Correct answer is: High Fowler's position

Q.4 Which of the following is an appropriate method for oral hygiene in an unconscious patient?

Toothbrush and toothpaste only
Sponge swab moistened with water
Mouthwash only
No oral care is needed
Explanation - Unconscious patients are at risk of aspiration, so oral hygiene is provided using a moistened sponge swab to clean the mouth safely.
Correct answer is: Sponge swab moistened with water

Q.5 Which of the following is the correct angle for intramuscular injections?

15 degrees
45 degrees
90 degrees
30 degrees
Explanation - Intramuscular injections are administered at a 90-degree angle to ensure the medication is delivered into the muscle tissue.
Correct answer is: 90 degrees

Q.6 Which device is used to measure oxygen saturation in a patient?

Sphygmomanometer
Pulse oximeter
Thermometer
Stethoscope
Explanation - A pulse oximeter measures the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in the blood noninvasively.
Correct answer is: Pulse oximeter

Q.7 What is the purpose of applying a bandage with uniform pressure?

To reduce sensation
To immobilize a joint
To control bleeding and support tissues
To increase circulation
Explanation - A properly applied bandage exerts uniform pressure to control bleeding, provide support, and prevent swelling.
Correct answer is: To control bleeding and support tissues

Q.8 When should gloves be changed during patient care?

After every procedure or when contaminated
Only at the start of shift
Only when hands are visibly dirty
Every 4 hours regardless of contamination
Explanation - Gloves should be changed immediately after any procedure to prevent cross-contamination.
Correct answer is: After every procedure or when contaminated

Q.9 What is the most important reason for elevating a limb with a fracture?

To reduce pain
To reduce swelling
To improve circulation
To prevent dislocation
Explanation - Elevation of a fractured limb above heart level helps reduce edema by promoting venous return.
Correct answer is: To reduce swelling

Q.10 Which of the following is the first step in performing CPR?

Give rescue breaths
Check responsiveness and breathing
Start chest compressions
Call for help after 5 compressions
Explanation - CPR begins with checking the patient’s responsiveness and breathing to determine the need for resuscitation.
Correct answer is: Check responsiveness and breathing

Q.11 What is the primary purpose of applying a cold compress?

Increase blood flow
Reduce pain and inflammation
Promote muscle relaxation
Increase temperature of the area
Explanation - Cold therapy helps reduce swelling, pain, and local inflammation by constricting blood vessels.
Correct answer is: Reduce pain and inflammation

Q.12 Which site is preferred for subcutaneous injection?

Deltoid
Vastus lateralis
Abdomen
Dorsogluteal
Explanation - The abdomen is commonly used for subcutaneous injections due to adequate fat layer and consistent absorption.
Correct answer is: Abdomen

Q.13 Which technique reduces the risk of infection when inserting a urinary catheter?

Sterile technique
Clean technique
Hand hygiene only
Using gloves only
Explanation - Insertion of urinary catheters requires a sterile technique to prevent introducing pathogens into the urinary tract.
Correct answer is: Sterile technique

Q.14 When should a patient’s position be changed in bed?

Every 2 hours
Once a day
Only if patient requests
Every 12 hours
Explanation - Frequent repositioning prevents pressure ulcers and improves circulation for bedridden patients.
Correct answer is: Every 2 hours

Q.15 Which of the following is a sign of infection at an IV site?

Cool skin
Redness, swelling, and warmth
No pain or discomfort
Paleness around the site
Explanation - Local infection signs include redness, swelling, warmth, and sometimes purulent drainage at the site.
Correct answer is: Redness, swelling, and warmth

Q.16 What is the correct way to measure a patient’s pulse rate?

Count beats for 10 seconds and multiply by 4
Count beats for 30 seconds and multiply by 2
Count beats for 60 seconds
All of the above methods are correct
Explanation - Pulse can be measured by counting for 10, 30, or 60 seconds and adjusting mathematically to obtain beats per minute.
Correct answer is: All of the above methods are correct

Q.17 Which of the following is an appropriate way to prevent cross-contamination during wound care?

Using the same dressing for multiple wounds
Using sterile gloves and equipment for each wound
Cleaning wound with tap water only
Covering the wound loosely with cloth
Explanation - Using sterile gloves and equipment prevents introducing pathogens from one wound to another.
Correct answer is: Using sterile gloves and equipment for each wound

Q.18 Which type of bath is recommended for patients who are bedridden?

Sitz bath
Complete bed bath
Shower
Tub bath
Explanation - A complete bed bath allows thorough cleaning of bedridden patients who cannot move to a shower or tub.
Correct answer is: Complete bed bath

Q.19 Which of the following is the first step in preparing a sterile field?

Open the sterile package carefully without touching the inside
Pour sterile solution
Put sterile instruments on the field
Wash hands
Explanation - Hand hygiene is the first essential step before handling any sterile supplies to prevent contamination.
Correct answer is: Wash hands

Q.20 Which action helps prevent pressure ulcers in immobile patients?

Turning every 2 hours
Applying lotion once daily
Feeding the patient adequately
Keeping the patient in one position
Explanation - Repositioning every 2 hours reduces pressure on bony prominences and prevents skin breakdown.
Correct answer is: Turning every 2 hours

Q.21 Which of the following is a proper technique for oral suctioning?

Continuous suction while inserting catheter
Suction intermittently while withdrawing catheter
Suction only at the back of throat
No suctioning is needed if patient can swallow
Explanation - Intermittent suctioning while withdrawing prevents mucosal trauma and maintains airway clearance.
Correct answer is: Suction intermittently while withdrawing catheter

Q.22 Which method is appropriate for measuring fluid intake and output?

Estimating visually
Using a graduated container
Asking patient to guess
Recording only total daily intake
Explanation - Accurate fluid balance measurement requires precise measurement with a graduated container.
Correct answer is: Using a graduated container

Q.23 What is the recommended site for intradermal injection?

Upper arm, inner surface
Thigh muscle
Abdomen
Buttocks
Explanation - Intradermal injections are commonly administered on the inner forearm for skin testing, ensuring proper absorption and easy observation.
Correct answer is: Upper arm, inner surface

Q.24 Which is a correct principle of aseptic technique?

Touch sterile items only with sterile gloves
Sterile items can touch non-sterile surfaces if necessary
Sterile field can be left unattended for short periods
Only sterilized gloves are required, not hands
Explanation - Maintaining asepsis requires that sterile items only contact other sterile items to prevent contamination.
Correct answer is: Touch sterile items only with sterile gloves