(Fire Safety)

1. You discover a fire in a patient's room. What is the priority action according to the RACE
acronym?

A. Confine the fire by closing doors and windows.

B. Activate the fire alarm system.

C. Rescue the patient from immediate danger. D. Extinguish the fire using the appropriate fire
extinguisher.

Correct Answer: C

• RACE stands for Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish.

• C: The immediate priority is always to protect human life.

• B: Activating the alarm summons help and initiates the fire response plan.

• A: Confining the fire prevents its spread.

• D: Attempting to extinguish the fire should only be done if it is safe to do so and you have
been trained in the use of fire extinguishers.

(Preventing Falls)

2. Which of the following interventions is most effective in preventing falls in a hospitalized

older adult with a history of falls?

A. Keeping all side rails up on the bed.

B. Placing the bed in the lowest position.

C. Using a bed alarm and providing frequent toileting assistance.

D. Restraining the patient to prevent them from getting out of bed.

Correct Answer: C

• A: Side rails can be a fall hazard for some patients.

• B: While lowering the bed is helpful, it might not be sufficient for a high-risk patient.

• C: A bed alarm alerts staff if the patient attempts to get out of bed, allowing for timely
assistance. Frequent toileting helps prevent falls related to urgency.

• D: Restraints should be avoided whenever possible, as they can lead to injuries and
other complications.

(Infection Control)

3. You are caring for a patient with Clostridium difficile infection (C. diff). Which of the
following interventions is most important to prevent the spread of infection?

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A. Wearing a surgical mask when entering the patient's room.

B. Using alcohol-based hand sanitizer after providing care.

C. Placing the patient in a private room with contact precautions.

D. Wearing a gown and gloves when providing direct care to the patient.

Correct Answer: D

• A: C. diff is spread through contact with contaminated feces, not through respiratory
droplets.

• B: Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is not effective against C. diff spores.

• C: Contact precautions help prevent the spread of infection through direct and indirect
contact.

• D: Wearing a gown and gloves prevents contamination of your clothing and hands with
C. diff spores.

(Hazardous Materials)

4. A nurse is accidentally exposed to a chemotherapy medication spill. What is the first

action the nurse should take?

A. Notify the physician.

B. Rinse the affected area with water for at least 15 minutes.

C. Complete an incident report.

D. Seek medical attention.

Correct Answer: B

• B: The priority is to remove the chemical from the skin to minimize absorption.

• A: Notifying the physician and completing an incident report are important but should
be done after decontamination.

• D: Medical attention might be necessary depending on the type and extent of exposure,
but immediate decontamination is the priority.

(Home Safety)

5. You are providing discharge instructions to an older adult patient who is going home
after a hip replacement. Which of the following recommendations is most important to
prevent falls in the home?

A. Remove throw rugs and clutter from walkways.

B. Install grab bars in the bathroom.

C. Ensure adequate lighting throughout the home.

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D. All of the above.

Correct Answer: D

• All of the options are important for preventing falls in the home environment.

o A: Throw rugs and clutter can be tripping hazards.

o B: Grab bars provide support and stability in the bathroom.

o C: Adequate lighting improves visibility and reduces the risk of falls.

(Surgical Asepsis)

6. You are preparing to assist with a sterile procedure at the bedside. Which of the
following actions violates the principles of surgical asepsis?

A. Opening sterile packages away from your body.

B. Keeping your hands above your waist at all times.

C. Turning your back to the sterile field to obtain a needed item.

D. Pouring sterile solutions without splashing.

Correct Answer: C

• A: Opening packages away from your body prevents contamination from your clothing.

• B: Keeping your hands above your waist ensures they remain within the sterile field.

• C: Turning your back to the sterile field breaks the visual field and increases the risk of
contamination.

• D: Splashing can contaminate the sterile field.

(Radiation Safety)

7. You are caring for a patient receiving internal radiation therapy. Which of the following
precautions is most important to protect yourself from radiation exposure?

A. Wearing a lead apron when providing direct care to the patient.

B. Limiting the time spent in the patient's room.

C. Maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet from the patient.

D. All of the above.

Correct Answer: D

• All of the options are important for reducing radiation exposure.

o A: Lead aprons shield the body from radiation.

o B: Minimizing time spent near the radiation source reduces exposure.

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 o C: Increasing distance from the radiation source decreases exposure intensity.

(Preventing Needlestick Injuries)

8. Which of the following actions is most important in preventing needlestick injuries?

A. Recapping needles after use.

B. Using safety needles and needleless systems whenever possible.

C. Disposing of used needles in a puncture-resistant container.

D. Wearing gloves when handling needles.

Correct Answer: B

• A: Recapping needles increases the risk of needlestick injuries.

• B: Safety needles and needleless systems help prevent accidental needlesticks.

• C: Proper disposal is important but does not prevent the initial injury.

• D: Gloves provide some protection but do not eliminate the risk of needlesticks.

(Infection Prevention)

9. A patient is admitted with suspected tuberculosis (TB). Which type of isolation

precautions is most appropriate for this patient?

A. Contact precautions

B. Droplet precautions

C. Airborne precautions

D. Protective isolation

Correct Answer: C

• A: Contact precautions are for infections spread by direct contact.

• B: Droplet precautions are for infections spread by large droplets.

• C: Airborne precautions are necessary for infections spread by small droplets that can
remain suspended in the air, such as TB.

• D: Protective isolation is for patients with weakened immune systems.

(Ergonomic Principles)

10. Which of the following actions demonstrates proper body mechanics when lifting a
heavy object?

A. Bending at the waist to lift the object.

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B. Twisting the torso while lifting.

C. Holding the object close to the body.

D. Lifting with the back muscles.

Correct Answer: C

• A: Bending at the waist strains the back.

• B: Twisting can cause back injuries.

• C: Holding the object close to the body reduces strain on the back.

• D: Leg muscles should be used for lifting.

(Patient Identification)

11. You are preparing to administer medication to a patient. What are the two most
important patient identifiers to use before administering the medication?

A. Patient's room number and bed assignment

B. Patient's name and date of birth

C. Patient's medical record number and allergies

D. Patient's diagnosis and attending physician

Correct Answer: B

• B: The patient's name and date of birth are the standard identifiers used in healthcare
settings to ensure the right patient receives the medication.

• A, C, and D: While this information is important, it does not confirm the patient's identity
for safe medication administration.

(Seizure Precautions)

12. You are caring for a patient with a history of seizures. Which of the following
interventions is most important to implement for this patient?

A. Place the patient in a room close to the nurses' station.

B. Keep the bed in the lowest position with side rails padded.

C. Ensure suction equipment and oxygen are readily available at the bedside.

D. Educate the patient about the importance of medication compliance.

Correct Answer: C

• A: While proximity to the nurses' station is helpful, it is not the most critical intervention.

• B: Lowering the bed and padding side rails can help prevent injury during a seizure, but
airway management is the priority.

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 • C: Suctioning might be needed to clear secretions, and oxygen can help maintain
oxygenation during a seizure.

• D: Medication compliance is important for long-term seizure management but does not
address immediate safety needs.

(Hand Hygiene)

13. When is it most important to perform hand hygiene using soap and water instead of
alcohol-based hand sanitizer?

A. Before and after patient contact.

B. After removing gloves.

C. When hands are visibly soiled.

D. Before entering a patient's room.

Correct Answer: C

• A, B, and D: Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is generally effective in these situations.

• C: When hands are visibly soiled or contaminated with bodily fluids, soap and water are
necessary for effective cleaning.

(Preventing Pressure Injuries)

14. Which of the following interventions is most effective in preventing pressure injuries in a
bedridden patient?

A. Massaging the patient's bony prominences.

B. Applying lotion to the patient's skin.

C. Repositioning the patient every 2 hours.

D. Using a donut-shaped cushion for pressure relief.

Correct Answer: C

• A: Massaging bony prominences can cause tissue damage.

• B: Lotion can help moisturize the skin but does not prevent pressure injuries.

• C: Frequent repositioning helps relieve pressure on bony prominences and improve

blood circulation.

• D: Donut-shaped cushions can actually increase pressure on surrounding tissues.

(Environmental Safety)

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 15. You are caring for a patient with confusion and a high risk for falls. Which environmental
intervention is most important to implement?

A. Place a "fall risk" sign on the patient's door.

B. Use a bed alarm to alert staff when the patient gets out of bed.

C. Keep the patient's room dimly lit to promote relaxation.

D. Remove clutter and obstacles from the patient's room.

Correct Answer: D

• A: A sign is a reminder but does not actively prevent falls.

• B: A bed alarm can be helpful but does not address environmental hazards.

• C: Dim lighting can increase the risk of falls by impairing visibility.

• D: Removing clutter and obstacles creates a safer environment and reduces tripping
hazards.

(Medication Safety)

16. You are preparing to administer a medication, but the medication label is illegible. What
is the most appropriate action to take?

A. Administer the medication, as you are familiar with the patient's medication regimen.

B. Ask a colleague to verify the medication based on their knowledge of the patient.

C. Discard the medication and obtain a new dose with a clear label.

D. Attempt to decipher the label using your best judgment.

Correct Answer: C

• A and B: Never administer a medication with an illegible label, as this increases the risk
of a medication error.

• C: Discarding the medication and obtaining a new dose with a clear label ensures safe
medication administration.

• D: Attempting to decipher the label is risky and could lead to a medication error.

(Preventing Surgical Site Infections)

17. Which of the following interventions is most important in preventing surgical site
infections (SSIs)?

A. Administering prophylactic antibiotics after the surgical procedure.

B. Changing the surgical dressing every day.

C. Maintaining strict aseptic technique during the surgical procedure.

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D. Encouraging the patient to cough and deep breathe after surgery.

Correct Answer: C

• A: Prophylactic antibiotics are typically administered before the surgical procedure.

• B: Dressing changes should be performed based on the surgeon's orders and wound
assessment, not necessarily every day.

• C: Aseptic technique during surgery is crucial for preventing the introduction of

microorganisms into the surgical site.

• D: Coughing and deep breathing help prevent respiratory complications but do not
directly prevent SSIs.

(Food Safety)

18. You are educating a patient about food safety practices at home. Which of the following
statements by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?

A. "I should wash my hands thoroughly before and after handling food."

B. "I can leave cooked food at room temperature for up to 4 hours."

C. "I should use separate cutting boards for raw meat and vegetables."

D. "I need to cook poultry to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)."

Correct Answer: B

• A, C, and D: These are correct food safety practices.

• B: Cooked food should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent
bacterial growth.

(Environmental Hazards)

19. You are working on a unit that is undergoing renovations. Which of the following actions
is most important to ensure patient safety during the construction process?

A. Provide patients with earplugs to reduce noise levels.

B. Relocate patients to another unit away from the construction area.

C. Cover patients' belongings to protect them from dust.

D. Post signs to alert staff and visitors of the ongoing construction.

Correct Answer: B

• A, C, and D: These actions can help minimize disruptions and protect patient
belongings, but relocating patients is the most effective way to ensure their safety.

• B: Relocating patients minimizes their exposure to dust, noise, and other potential
hazards associated with construction.

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(Disaster Preparedness)

20. You are participating in a disaster drill at the hospital. A simulated mass casualty event
occurs, and you are assigned to triage patients. Which of the following patients should
be triaged as the lowest priority?

A. A patient with a sucking chest wound and respiratory distress.

B. A patient with a fractured femur and severe pain.

C. A patient with multiple abrasions and anxiety.

D. A patient with a head injury and loss of consciousness.

Correct Answer: C

• A and D: These patients have life-threatening injuries requiring immediate attention.

• B: A fractured femur is a serious injury that needs prompt treatment.

• C: While abrasions and anxiety require care, they are not as immediately life-
threatening as the other injuries.

(Home Oxygen Safety)

21. You are providing discharge teaching to a patient who will be using oxygen therapy at
home. Which of the following instructions is most important to emphasize?

A. "You can smoke cigarettes as long as you are at least 10 feet away from the oxygen tank."

B. "You should use petroleum jelly to lubricate your nasal cannula."

C. "You should store your oxygen tanks in a well-ventilated area away from heat sources."

D. "You can adjust your oxygen flow rate as needed to relieve shortness of breath."

Correct Answer: C

• A: Smoking is strictly prohibited near oxygen, as it is highly flammable.

• B: Petroleum jelly is flammable and should not be used with oxygen therapy.

• C: Oxygen tanks should be stored safely to prevent fire hazards.

• D: Oxygen flow rate should only be adjusted by a healthcare professional.

(Preventing Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTIs))

22. Which of the following interventions is most effective in preventing CAUTIs?

A. Inserting urinary catheters only when absolutely necessary.

B. Irrigating urinary catheters daily with sterile saline.

C. Changing urinary catheters every 72 hours.

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D. Cleaning the perineal area with antiseptic wipes every shift.

Correct Answer: A

• A: Avoiding unnecessary catheterization is the most effective way to prevent CAUTIs.

• B: Routine irrigation is not recommended and can increase the risk of infection.

• C: Catheters should be removed as soon as they are no longer needed, not routinely
changed.

• D: Perineal care is important but does not replace the need to minimize catheter use.

(Personal Protective Equipment (PPE))

23. You are caring for a patient with influenza. Which PPE is most important to wear when
entering the patient's room?

A. Gown

B. Gloves

C. Mask

D. Goggles

Correct Answer: C

• A: A gown is not typically needed for influenza unless significant contact with bodily
fluids is anticipated.

• B: Gloves are important for contact with the patient or contaminated surfaces.

• C: A mask is essential to prevent the spread of influenza through respiratory droplets.

• D: Goggles are usually not necessary unless splashing or spraying of bodily fluids is
anticipated.

(Safe Patient Handling)

24. Which of the following techniques is most important when transferring a patient from
the bed to a chair?

A. Using a transfer belt to assist with lifting.

B. Asking the patient to hold onto your neck for support.

C. Lifting the patient by yourself to demonstrate efficiency.

D. Positioning the chair close to the bed and facing the patient.

Correct Answer: A

• A: A transfer belt provides a secure grip and helps prevent back injuries for both the
nurse and the patient.

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 • B: Holding onto the nurse's neck can cause injury to the nurse.

• C: Lifting a patient alone can lead to back injuries.

• D: Proper positioning is important but not the most critical aspect of safe patient
handling.

(MRSA Infection Control)

25. You are caring for a patient with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
infection. Which type of isolation precautions is most appropriate for this patient?

A. Standard precautions

B. Contact precautions

C. Droplet precautions

D. Airborne precautions

Correct Answer: B

• A: Standard precautions are used for all patients, but additional precautions are needed
for MRSA.

• B: Contact precautions help prevent the spread of MRSA through direct and indirect
contact.

• C: Droplet precautions are not necessary for MRSA, as it is not primarily spread through
respiratory droplets.

• D: Airborne precautions are not needed for MRSA.

(Incident Reporting)

26. A nurse accidentally administers the wrong medication to a patient. What is the first
action the nurse should take?

A. Complete an incident report.

B. Notify the healthcare provider.

C. Assess the patient for any adverse reactions.

D. Inform the charge nurse of the error.

Correct Answer: C

• C: The priority is to assess the patient's condition and ensure their safety.

• A, B, and D: Notifying the provider, charge nurse, and completing an incident report are
important steps, but the immediate focus should be on the patient's well-being.

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(Safety for Patients with Dementia)

27. Which of the following interventions is most important for ensuring the safety of a
hospitalized patient with dementia who has a history of wandering?

A. Place the patient in a room close to the nurses' station.

B. Use a bed alarm to alert staff when the patient gets out of bed.

C. Apply restraints to prevent the patient from wandering.

D. Provide frequent reorientation and engage the patient in meaningful activities.

Correct Answer: B

• A: Proximity to the nurses' station can be helpful, but a bed alarm provides a more
immediate alert.

• B: A bed alarm allows staff to respond quickly if the patient attempts to get out of bed
unattended.

• C: Restraints should be avoided whenever possible, as they can cause injuries and
worsen agitation.

• D: Reorientation and activities can help reduce agitation and wandering, but a bed
alarm provides an added layer of safety.

(Preventing Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs))

28. Which of the following actions is most effective in preventing HAIs?

A. Isolating all patients with infectious diseases.

B. Administering prophylactic antibiotics to all hospitalized patients.

C. Performing hand hygiene before and after patient contact.

D. Wearing a mask when entering all patient rooms.

Correct Answer: C

• A: Isolation is important for specific infections but not necessary for all patients.

• B: Prophylactic antibiotics are only used in specific situations and can contribute to
antibiotic resistance.

• C: Hand hygiene is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of HAIs.

• D: Masks are necessary for certain infections but not routinely for all patients.

(Use of Restraints)

29. A physician orders restraints for a patient who is pulling at their intravenous line. What
is your most important responsibility as the nurse?

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A. Apply the restraints according to the physician's order.

B. Monitor the patient closely for skin breakdown and circulation issues.

C. Ensure that the restraints are the least restrictive type necessary and that alternative
interventions have been attempted.

D. Document the reason for the restraints and the patient's response.

Correct Answer: C

• A, B, and D: These are important aspects of restraint use, but the priority is to ensure
that restraints are used safely and appropriately.

• C: Restraints should only be used as a last resort after all other interventions have been
exhausted. The least restrictive type of restraint should be used, and the patient's
condition should be monitored closely.

(Sharps Safety)

30. What is the proper way to dispose of a used syringe?

A. Recap the needle before discarding it in the trash.

B. Discard the syringe without recapping in a sharps container.

C. Break the needle off the syringe before discarding it.

D. Flush the syringe with water before discarding it.

Correct Answer: B

• A: Recapping needles increases the risk of needlestick injuries.

• B: Used syringes should be discarded immediately in a designated sharps container

without recapping.

• C: Breaking the needle is unnecessary and can create sharps hazards.

• D: Flushing the syringe is not necessary for disposal.

(Carbon Monoxide Poisoning)

31. Which of the following is the most important intervention for a patient suspected of
carbon monoxide poisoning?

A. Administering 100% oxygen via a non-rebreather mask.

B. Monitoring the patient's cardiac rhythm and blood pressure.

C. Obtaining a blood sample for carboxyhemoglobin levels.

D. Assessing the patient's neurological status and level of consciousness.

Correct Answer: A

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 • A: Administering high-flow oxygen is the priority intervention to displace carbon
monoxide from hemoglobin and improve tissue oxygenation.

• B, C, and D: These are important assessments and interventions, but the priority is to
address the hypoxemia caused by carbon monoxide poisoning.

(Preventing Falls in the Elderly)

32. Which of the following factors most significantly increases the risk of falls in older
adults?

A. Decreased visual acuity

B. History of previous falls

C. Use of multiple medications

D. All of the above

Answer: D

• All of the options are significant risk factors for falls in older adults.

o A: Decreased vision can impair depth perception and balance.

o B: A history of falls increases the likelihood of future falls.

o C: Polypharmacy can lead to side effects such as dizziness and confusion,

increasing fall risk.

(Standard Precautions)

33. Which of the following practices is an element of standard precautions?

A. Wearing a mask when caring for all patients.

B. Using gloves when handling blood and body fluids.

C. Placing all patients in private rooms.

D. Wearing a gown when providing personal care to patients.

Correct Answer: B

• A: Masks are required for specific infections but not routinely for all patients under
standard precautions.

• B: Gloves are used to prevent contact with blood and body fluids, which is a key
component of standard precautions.

• C: Private rooms are necessary for certain types of isolation but not for all patients.

• D: Gowns are used when contact with bodily fluids is anticipated.

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(Child Safety)

34. Which of the following is the most important safety measure to prevent choking in
toddlers?

A. Cutting food into small, bite-sized pieces.

B. Supervising children closely during mealtimes.

C. Avoiding giving children hard candies and grapes.

D. All of the above.

Correct Answer: D

• All of the options are important for preventing choking in toddlers.

o A: Small pieces of food are easier to swallow and less likely to cause choking.

o B: Supervision helps ensure that children eat safely and that intervention can be
provided if choking occurs.

o C: Hard candies and grapes are common choking hazards for young children.

(Infection Control in the Home)

35. You are providing home care instructions to a family member caring for a patient with a
wound infection. Which of the following statements indicates a need for further
teaching?

A. "I should wash my hands before and after changing the dressing."

B. "I can use any clean cloth to clean the wound."

C. "I should dispose of the used dressings in a sealed plastic bag."

D. "I should wear gloves when changing the dressing."

Correct Answer: B

• A, C, and D: These are correct infection control practices.

• B: Sterile dressings or clean gauze should be used to clean the wound to prevent
contamination.

(Workplace Violence)

36. A patient becomes verbally abusive and threatens to physically harm you. What is the
most appropriate action to take?

A. Attempt to de-escalate the situation by speaking calmly and offering assistance.

B. Restrain the patient to prevent them from harming you or others.

C. Leave the room immediately and notify security personnel.

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D. Ignore the patient's behavior and continue providing care.

Correct Answer: C

• A: While de-escalation techniques are valuable, your safety is the priority in this
situation.

• B: Restraints should be a last resort and may escalate aggression further.

• C: Removing yourself from immediate danger and seeking assistance is the most
appropriate action when faced with a potentially violent patient.

• D: Ignoring the behavior puts you at risk for injury.

(Electrical Safety)

37. Which of the following actions is most important when using electrical equipment in a
patient care area?

A. Using extension cords whenever necessary.

B. Inspecting equipment for frayed cords or damaged plugs.

C. Using multiple electrical devices in the same outlet.

D. Placing electrical cords under rugs to prevent tripping hazards.

Correct Answer: B

• A: Extension cords should be used cautiously and only when necessary.

• B: Regular inspection of equipment helps identify potential electrical hazards.

• C: Overloading outlets can cause electrical fires.

• D: Cords under rugs can overheat and cause fires.

(Preventing Medication Errors)

38. Which of the following strategies is most effective in preventing medication errors?

A. Relying on your memory to recall medication dosages.

B. Using abbreviations and acronyms when documenting medications.

C. Verifying medication orders with another nurse before administration.

D. Preparing medications for multiple patients at the same time.

Correct Answer: C

• A: Relying on memory increases the risk of errors. Always refer to the medication order.

• B: Abbreviations and acronyms can be misinterpreted and lead to errors.

• C: Independent verification by another nurse helps catch potential errors.

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 • D: Preparing multiple medications simultaneously increases the risk of confusion and
errors.

(Latex Allergy)

39. You are caring for a patient with a known latex allergy. Which of the following
interventions is most important?

A. Wearing latex gloves when providing care to the patient.

B. Using latex-free equipment and supplies.

C. Placing the patient in a private room.

D. Informing the patient about the signs and symptoms of a latex allergy reaction.

Correct Answer: B

• A: Latex gloves should be avoided for patients with latex allergies.

• B: Using latex-free products prevents exposure and allergic reactions.

• C: A private room is not necessary for latex allergy management.

• D: While patient education is important, preventing exposure is the priority.

(Chemical Spills)

40. You discover a small chemical spill in the medication room. What is the first action you
should take?

A. Clean up the spill immediately using paper towels.

B. Notify the housekeeping department to clean the spill.

C. Identify the chemical and consult the material safety data sheet (MSDS) for proper cleanup
procedures.

D. Evacuate the area and notify the safety officer.

Correct Answer: C

• A: Cleaning up the spill without knowing the chemical and proper procedures can be
dangerous.

• B: Housekeeping might not have the expertise to handle certain chemical spills.

• C: The MSDS provides information on the chemical's hazards and safe handling
procedures.

• D: Evacuation might be necessary for large or hazardous spills, but for a small spill,
consulting the MSDS is the first step.

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