BSN Practice Test

Question 1

BSN Practice Test. Differentiation of hysterical fit from epileptic fit:

Occurs when people are watching.
Occurs during sleep.
Absence of any emotional triggering factor.
Tongue bite and incontinence.

Question 2

Which of the following is the feature of Alzheimer’s disease?

Recent memory loss.
Retrograde amnesia.
Preservation of personality.
Improvement in orientation.

Question 3

Which of the following therapies is based on ‘learning theory’?

Behavior therapy.
Psychoanalysis.
Group therapy.
Client-centered therapy.

Question 4

The nurse received new provider orders in the electronic health record. What order would require clarification with the provider by the nurse?

Aspirin 81.0 mg PO every day
Code status is DNR
Ambulate in halls with assistance TID
CXR STAT for pneumonia

Question 5

The charge nurse is observing staff for hand hygiene compliance. Which situation would require intervention due to inappropriate hand hygiene?

The nurse used an alcohol based hand rub prior to entering the room of a patient on C.Diff precautions.
The nurse applied an alcohol based hand rub after rubbing stool from their hands with a wipe.
The nurse washes their hands with an alcohol based hand rub upon leaving a MRSA contact isolation room.
The nurse uses an alcohol based hand rub prior to donning sterile gloves to insert a Foley catheter.

Question 6

The nurse just received a call from the microbiology department and was informed that their patient tested positive for tuberculosis. What is the priority action by the nurse?

Move the patient to a private, negative pressure room.
Apply a surgical mask when entering the patient’s room.
Educate the patient’s family about the isolation requirements.
Notify the patient’s provider about the microbiology report.

Question 7

The nurse is assessing four patients to determine who is at the greatest risk for developing an infection. Which patient should the nurse identify as being at the highest risk?

A 46 year-old with an indwelling urinary catheter and a history of diabetes mellitus.
A 57-year-old ten days post operatively with approximated edges to their incisions.
A 78-year-old with a history of HIV infection and a neutrophil level within the normal range.
A 60-year-old with a history of pneumonia who is up to date on all of their immunizations.

Question 8

The nurse has just admitted a 92-year-old client who demonstrates bilateral lower-extremity strength of 3/5, reports occasional dizziness when standing, and uses a cane at home. Which intervention should the nurse implement first to promote the client’s safety?

Place the client on bedrest until physical therapy completes an evaluation.
Elevate the head of the bed to 60 degrees while monitoring vital signs.
Assess for signs of infection and review the client’s white blood cell count.
Apply non-skid socks and ensure the call light is within reach.

Question 9

The nurse is reviewing the home medication list provided by the patient during a well check (see chart below). What information would be important to provide to the patient after reviewing this list?

“It is important to provide a list of medications to all of your providers at every visit.”
“It is okay to get your prescriptions filled by multiple pharmacies to get the cheapest cost.”
“You should use a medication calendar to keep track of your doses.”
“Be sure to take your blood pressure once a week.”

Question 10

When an infant is vomiting uncontrollably, it is important for the nurse to assess which complication?

Alkalosis.
Acidosis.
Hyperchloremia.
Hypernatremia.

Question 11

One tablet of chlorine is efficient to chlorinate how many litres of water?

10 Litres.
20 Litres.
30 Litres.
40 Litres.

Question 17

The nurse is discharging their patient and signing them up for the patient portal. The patient asked the nurse why they should use the portal. How should the nurse respond?

“The patient portal makes it easier to schedule appointments and communicate with providers.”
“The patient portal is great for emergency management and paying your hospital bills.”
“The patient portal allows your loved ones to manage your care and communicate with providers.”
“The patient portal makes it so you can stay safe and independent in your own home for a longer period of time.”

Question 18

The nurse is caring for a patient who has urinary retention. What intervention should be included in the plan of care?

Bladder scan every four hours
Limit oral fluids
Apply a condom catheter
Collect a urine specimen daily

Question 19

The nurse is developing a teaching plan for a patient who will have an indwelling urinary catheter for two weeks. What would be appropriate to include in the plan?

Gently wipe towards the meatus when cleaning the catheter.
Take showers instead of tub baths.
Change the catheter every 72 hours.
Dry perineal area thoroughly and apply body powder. BSN Practice Test

Question 20

A patient who recently began taking an iron supplement reports having hard stools every 2–3 days and straining during bowel movements. Which intervention should the nurse implement first to promote bowel elimination?

Recommend limiting all high-fiber foods until the stool consistency improves.
Suggest that the patient drink a cup of warm soda each morning to stimulate peristalsis.
Encourage the patient to increase daily water intake to 2–3 liters as tolerated.
Advise the patient to take an over-the-counter stimulant laxative every evening.

Question 21

While the nurse is helping a patient eat, the patient begins clearing their throat often and makes gurgling sounds after swallowing each bite. What is the nurses best next action?

Encourage the patient to keep eating and finish the meal.
Offer the patient small sips of water to help clear the throat.
Stop the feeding and request a swallow evaluation.
Raise the head of the bed until the patient has finished eating.

Question 22

The nurse is caring for a patient who just arrived in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit. Moreover, the nurse notes increased wound drainage, restlessness, a decreasing blood pressure and an increase in pulse rate. The nurse interprets these findings as most likely indicating which one of the following?

Infection
Post operative pain
Hemorrhage
Allergic reaction

Question 23

The nurse is providing education about the incentive spirometer prior to the patient’s abdominal surgery. What statement by the patient indicates that they need further education about the incentive spirometer?

“I may need to splint my abdomen when using the incentive spirometer or coughing.”
“It is important to use the incentive spirometer to help reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolus.”
“The incentive spirometer will help to prevent pneumonia and improve my breathing.”
“I should seal my lips around the mouth piece and breath in slow and deep even if it hurts my stomach a bit.”

Question 24

The nurse has assessed a patient who was just admitted for an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. See assessment below:

General Status: Appears anxious. Sitting in a tri-pod position.
Vital Signs: BP: 122/86, HR: 98, RR: 24, O2 Sat: 88% on 2LNC.
Respiratory Assessment: Inspection: barrel chest. Auscultation: Wheezes noted to bilateral upper and lower lobes. Crackles noted to bilateral lower lobes.

Based on these findings, what is the priority intervention by the nurse?

Administer the first dose of albuterol, a bronchodilator, as prescribed.
Teach the patient how to cough and deep breathe.
Increase the oxygen via nasal cannula to 6L.
Encourage the use of the incentive spirometer.

Question 25

The nurse has implemented interventions for the nursing diagnosis of “impaired gas exchange due to pneumonia.” What re-assessment data would indicate that the identified problem is resolving? BSN Practice Test

A respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute.
Wheezes noted to bilateral lower lobes.
Sputum is clear and thin.
An oxygen saturation level of 96%.

Question 26

Which patient would benefit most from coughing and deep breathing exercises?

A patient with crackles noted to bilateral lungs.
A patient with clubbing to all ten fingers.
A patient with stridor noted.
A patient with a pulse oxygen saturation level of 94%.

Question 27

The student nurse is examining ways to prepare themselves for providing equitable care to vulnerable populations. What strategy will help develop the needed skills to combat health disparities?

Recognizing that access to care is not a major issue in vulnerable populations.
Discussing healthcare disparities with those that think and look like yourself.
Avoiding seeing color and differences in patient populations.
Learning and advocating for policies that address healthcare disparities.

Question 28

The nurse is providing care to a patient of a different culture. What is a way the nurse may demonstrate culturally respectful care?

Implementing strategies to avoid integrating cultural humility in the plan of care.
Ensuring that the patient’s care is compatible with their cultural health beliefs.
Avoiding integration of the patient’s cultural health beliefs into the care plan.
Request that the patient follow the plan of care as written by the provider.

Question 29

The nurse is teaching a patient recently diagnosed with HIV who has a CD4 count of 480 cells/mm3 and a detectable viral load. Which information is most important for the nurse to include in the teaching plan? (Normal CD4 count 500-1500 cells/mm3, risk for opportunistic infections at <200 cells/mm3)

Avoid all live vaccines until the CD4 count falls below 200 cells/mm3.
Report any mild fatigue or appetite changes to the healthcare provider right away.
Begin prophylactic antibiotics immediately to prevent opportunistic infections.
Take antiretroviral medications at the same time every day to prevent viral resistance.

Question 32

The patient has received a coronary stent and is ordered to receive clopidogrel 300mg PO STAT. The pharmacy sends the following medication (see photo):

How many tablets will the nurse provide to the patient for this dose? Do not include a unit of measure.

Question 33

The night shift nurse is caring for a patient who is preparing for bed. The patient requests a cup of black coffee because they are cold. What is the best response by the nurse?

“Let me go get you a cup of coffee right away. It will help you warm up.”
“Coffee is not allowed on the unit after 1900. I’ll get you a warm blanket instead.”
“You should really try to get some sleep instead of drinking coffee this late.”
“Would you like me to make that a decaf? Caffeine might make it difficult to sleep”

Question 34

The nurse is caring for the family of a client who is dying of cancer. Family members are tearful and express sorrow about the forthcoming loss of their loved one. Which nursing diagnosis is most appropriate for the nurse to include in the plan of care?

Risk for grieving related to the future loss of a family member as evidenced by crying and insomnia.
Dysfunctional grieving related to the future loss of a family member as evidenced by age regression among family members.
Anticipatory grieving related to the expected loss of a family member as evidenced by expressions of sorrow and crying.
Dysfunctional grieving related to the loss of a family member as evidenced by behaviors indicating anxiety.

Question 35

The student nurse is providing nightly care to an older patient who has difficulty sleeping at night while in the hospital. Which intervention should be implemented to improve sleep and rest?

Encourage complimentary therapies such as oral melatonin from home.
Avoid hourly rounding at night and tell the patient to use the call light instead.
Provide a light snack such as peanut butter crackers prior to bed.
Turn off alarms on items such as telemetry and IV pumps during the night.

Question 36

The nurse is caring for a patient who is unconscious. Which action by the nurse is appropriate?

Explain all procedures and care you are performing to the patient.
Request that family members avoid touching the patient.
Perform nursing tasks quickly to promote rest and decrease agitation.
Turn the television to a loud volume to help with sensory stimulation.

Question 37

A nurse who has worked night shift for five years is chronically fatigued. What safety risk is not associated with sleep deprivation in healthcare workers?

Lower rate of motor vehicle accidents
Reduced reaction time
Higher rates of substance use
Increase in medication errors

Question 38

The nurse is developing plans of care for the following patients. Which patient would be identified as having the highest risk for sensory deprivation?

A 71-year-old with peripheral neuropathy who can ambulate with assistance.
A 45-year-old on bed rest with daily extended visits from family and friends.
An 80-year-old in the PCU connected to multiple alarming machines.
A 60-year-old from a long-term care facility on isolation precautions.

Question 39

The nurse is preparing to administer the following medication order: metformin extended release 500 mg PO daily. The nurse looks up the medication in the drug guide, see entry below: [Drug: metformin extended release; Pharmacologic Class: anti-diabetics, biguanides; Safe Dose: 500 – 2,000 mg daily; Indications: management of type two diabetes mellitus; Side Effects: lactic acidosis, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea] The pharmacy sends metformin extended release 1,000 mg tablets to the nurse. What action should the nurse take next?

Administer the medication with a meal to avoid GI side effects.
Call pharmacy to request the 500 mg tablets.
Call the provider regarding the dose.
Split the pill and administer half of the pill. BSN Practice Test

Question 40

A nurse is making a home care visit to a patient with a hearing deficit. What can the nurse do to facilitate communication with the patient?

Ask for permission to turn off the television or radio during the visit.
Use written communication instead of verbal communication during the visit.
Reduce the time spent communicating with the client to decrease their frustration.
Speak loudly during the visit and ask the patient to repeat what you say.

Question 41

Which of the following actions should not be delegated to a qualified patient care technician?

Ambulating with a patient who requires a gait belt due to weakness and uses oxygen at home.
Obtaining vital signs and monitoring for transfusion reactions in a patient receiving blood.
Emptying the suprapubic catheter drainage bag and measuring its output at least once a shift.
Performing an hourly rounding check on a patient who is two days post appendectomy.

Dosage Calculation (from Image)

The provider prescribes methylprednisolone 62.5mg IV BID. The pharmacy sends the vial to you (see photo). How many mL will you give per dose? Do not include a unit of measure.

Question 43

A nurse is caring for a patient who is hemorrhaging from an abdominal wound. Another nurse and two patient care technicians have come in to help. What type of leadership style would be beneficial in this scenario to prevent further complications in the patient?

Transactional leadership
Democratic leadership
Autocratic leadership
Servant leadership

Question 44

The nurse is preparing to care for a client with limited economic resources. What intervention will promote respectful and equitable care?

Provide the same plan of care for all patients regardless of their financial status.
Encourage the patient to seek care only when it is absolutely necessary.
Recommend only low-cost treatment options to avoid burdening the patient.
Collaborate with the patient to identify community and financial support resources.

Question 45

The nurse is providing care to a client from a different cultural background. Which of the following statements made by the nurse would not be considered culturally competent? BSN Practice Test

“What practices in your culture would you like me to know about?”
“What remedies have you used to treat your symptoms recently?”
“Tell me about the kind of healing practices you use.”
“I know your culture doesn’t eat meat, so I have already notified the kitchen.”

Question 46

A 52-year-old client reports irregular menstrual cycles, hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes. The nurse should recognize these findings as most consistent with which condition?

Menopause
Polycystic ovarian disease
Uterine fibroids
Endometriosis

Question 49

The nurse is caring for a patient who has been diagnosed as having a terminal illness. Which statement by the patient is the best example of the first stage of grief described by Kubler-Ross?

Shutterstock

“I know I am depressed and I can’t stop crying.”
“I am very angry and mad. This is not fair.”
“If I could just live long enough to attend my son’s graduation, I would be satisfied.”
“I believe there has been a mistake. I should have gotten a second opinion.”

Question 50

The nurse is assigning tasks to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Which action by the nurse demonstrates correct application of the five rights of delegation?

Directing the UAP to teach the client how to perform incentive spirometer exercises.
Asking the UAP to evaluate whether the client’s care goals have been achieved.
Assigning the UAP to obtain vital signs for a stable postoperative client and report them.
Instructing the UAP to assess the client’s pain level before medication administration.

Question 51

After positioning a client with shortness of breath in high Fowler’s position, the nurse reassesses the client. Which finding indicates that the nursing intervention was effective?

The client reports feeling more comfortable and less anxious.
The client’s respiratory rate increases from 22 to 28 breaths per minute.
The client’s skin color remains pale but warm to the touch.
The client’s oxygen saturation increases from 88% to 95% on room air.

Question 52

The nurse is caring for a patient who has an infected surgical wound. What action would demonstrate patient-centered care?

Taking a HIPAA compliant photograph for the patient chart to document healing progress.
Consulting the wound care team to provide instruction on dressing changes.
Involving the patient and family in scheduling dressing changes and wound care.
Looking up best practices for wound care from the National Institute of Health. BSN Practice Test

Question 53

Which of the following actions by the nurse demonstrates that they are upholding the ethical principle of nonmaleficence in their patient care?

Allowing the patient to refuse a treatment after explaining the possible risks and benefits.
Keeping the patient’s medical information confidential when family members ask for details.
Ensuring that all patients receive the same level of care regardless of their insurance status.
Triple-checking a medication label and ordered dose before administering it to the patient.

Question 54

A lawsuit has been brought against a nurse for malpractice. The client fell and suffered a skull fracture resulting in a longer hospital stay and need for rehabilitation. What does the description of the client and his injuries represent as proof of malpractice?

Damages
Breach of Duty
Causation
Duty

Question 55

The patient care technician has reported the following vital signs: BP 92/56, HR 108, RR 20, Temp 99.0F, O2 Sat 92% on RA. What is priority action by the nurse?

Notify the provider and charge nurse.
Review the medication administration record.
Reassess the patient’s vital signs manually.
Ask the patient care technician to retake the blood pressure.

Question 56

The nurse is caring for the following patients. What patient would be identified as having a high risk for fluid volume deficit?

A 75-year-old with chronic renal failure and an elevated serum creatinine level.
A 30-year-old with cirrhosis, one day post paracentesis, reporting ascites.
A 90-year-old with crackles in all lung fields and +1 edema bilaterally.
A 63-year-old with dysphagia on a honey thick full liquid diet.

Question 57

The nurse has assessed the patient admitted with end stage renal disease. Findings include palpitations, irregular beat, 3+ edema, and 4/5 muscle weakness. What laboratory value would the nurse be most concerned about related to the findings above?

Sodium 134 mEq/L (normal 135-145 mEq/L)
Calcium 8.1 mEq/L (normal 8.6-10.2 mEq/L)
Phosphate 5.7 mEq/L (normal 2.5-4.5 mEq/L)
Potassium 6.9 mEq/L (normal 3.5-5 mEq/L)

Question 58

A client reports awakening throughout the night and does not feel as though restful sleep is achieved. The nurse reviews the medications the client is prescribed and identifies one of the medications that the client takes that may have an effect on sleep patterns. Which medication will the nurse discuss with the client?

Prednisone (drug class: corticosteroid)
Aspirin (drug class: anti-platelet)
Melatonin (drug class: hormone)
Pantoprazole (drug class: proton pump inhibitor)

Question 59

A patient was flagged as having presbycusis. What intervention technique would improve communication with this patient?

Reorient the patient to their environment.
Speaking with a clear, low tone of voice.
Provide large print menus for meal selection.
Clean the ears to remove impacted cerumen.

Question 60

A 68-year-old patient with end-stage small cell lung cancer was admitted for management of respiratory failure. The patient told the provider, “Do whatever you can to keep me alive.” No advance directive is present. The nurse finds the patient unresponsive, apneic, and pulseless. What is the most appropriate nursing action?

Activate the code blue team and begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Notify the family to confirm if they wish for resuscitation to be started.
Delay resuscitative efforts because the prognosis for survival is poor.
Document the event and call the provider to initiate a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order.

Question 61

The provider prescribes furosemide 60 mg IV daily. The pyxis contains vials labeled 40 mg/4 mL (10 mg/mL). How many mL should the nurse administer?

Question 62

The provider orders nitroglycerin 0.4 mg SL PRN chest pain. The patient asks why they must put the pill under their tongue. What is the best response by the nurse?

“Putting the pill under your tongue prevents adverse effects because it is not absorbed systemically.”
“Pills are only given this way if you are not permitted to swallow.”
“Medication that can be given under the tongue is absorbed more rapidly.”
“It is best for you to put the pill under your tongue, but if you swallow it, that is okay.”

Question 63

The provider prescribes oxcarbazepine 20 mg/kg per day in two equal doses by mouth. The patient is 75 pounds. The pharmacy sends you the bottle (see photo). How many mL should the nurse administer for one dose? Round to the nearest tenth. Do not include a unit of measure.

5.7

Question 64

The student nurse is preparing to administer medications to their patient with the clinical instructor. The student verified three checks appropriately and provided the cup of pills to the patient to take and stated, “Here are your pills. You have pantoprazole for acid reflex, aspirin to prevent heart attacks, and vancomycin for your infection. What right was violated during medication administration?

Right time
Right medication
Right patient
Right education

Question 65

A patient has recently been placed in Hospice Care with a “comfort measures only” order due to advanced stages of cancer. What goal would be appropriate for the nurse to include in the patient’s plan of care?

The patient’s pain level will managed to their goal of less than 4 out 10 though out this shift.
The patient will remain free of any uncomfortable symptoms throughout their dying process.
The patient will continue with life-sustaining treatments to allow for more time to be spent with loved ones.
The nurse will ensure death is free from avoidable distress regardless of clinical, cultural, and ethical standards.

Question 66

The nurse is providing postmortem care for a patient who has recently died. The family is requesting an autopsy. Which of the following interventions should be avoided in providing postmortem care to this patient?

Ask the family if they wish to bathe the patient.
Attach identification tags on the shroud and patient’s ankle.
Remove all tubes and lines that are in place.
Place the patient in anatomic position.

Question 67

A patient with terminal pancreatic cancer tells the nurse, “I’m tired of fighting this disease. I just want it to be over.” The patient is alert, oriented, and tearful. Which response by the nurse best supports the patient’s needs? BSN Practice Test

“You have the right to decide how to spend your remaining time and what medical treatment you want, including life-sustaining measures.”
“Your family comes every day and obviously cares deeply for you. You should keep fighting to give them more time to spend with you.”
“It sounds like you’re discouraged, but you should focus on staying positive and hopeful because there are still treatment options available.”
“A ‘Do Not Resuscitate’ order will list the treatment options you want to continue even when you can no longer speak for yourself.”

Question 68

The nurse is providing care for a hospice patient who has a “do not resuscitate” order. The family calls the nurse into the room to check on the patient. The nurse notes the following findings on assessment: (see chart below: Temp 96.0F, BP 84/40, HR 24 irregular, RR 6 shallow/irregular, Somnolent, Mottling). What is the next best action by the nurse?

Initiate a rapid response or emergency medical intervention call.
Prepare for post-mortem care by placing needed items in the room.
Prepare the family for the patient’s imminent death.
Administer naloxone immediately for signs of opioid overdose.

Question 69

A patient reports a recent change in bowel habits, stating, “I used to have a bowel movement every morning, but now I only go every 3-4 days, and the stool is small and pellet-like.” Which intervention should the nurse implement to best promote healthy bowel elimination?

Advise the patient to avoid eating fruits and vegetables until the stool becomes more formed.
Encourage the patient to increase dietary fiber intake gradually over the next several days.
Instruct the patient to remain on bed rest until bowel patterns return to normal.
Suggest that the patient limit physical activity to conserve energy and avoid cramping.

Question 70 (Levothyroxine)

The provider prescribes levothyroxine 0.075 mg PO daily. The pharmacy sends you the following bottle (see photo: 50 mcg tablets). How many pills should you administer? Do not include a unit of measure.

1.5

BSN Practice Test, Nursing Fundamentals

Isaura K

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