During mouth care, an unconscious patient is best placed in the:

Lateral position with the head turned to one side

Supine position with the head flat

Fundamentals: nursing process, basic needs and procedures

35 Kerala PSC Staff Nurse Gr II practice questions on Fundamentals: nursing process, basic needs and procedures, part of Fundamentals of Nursing and First Aid. The first 25 are below; the first 5 with answers and explanations (tap Show answer after you have chosen), the rest in Learn with a free account.

Question 1 · Easy
The stiffening of skeletal muscles that begins a few hours after death is called:
1. ALivor mortis
2. BPutrefaction
3. CAlgor mortis
4. DRigor mortis
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Answer: D · Rigor mortis
Rigor mortis is stiffening of the muscles caused by loss of ATP after death. It usually starts in the small muscles of the face and jaw within 2-4 hours and spreads to the limbs. For this reason the body is positioned, the eyes closed and dentures put in soon after death during last-offices care. The stiffness later passes off as tissues break down.
- A: Livor mortis is the purplish discoloration in dependent parts as blood settles.
- B: Putrefaction is decomposition by bacteria, which comes later.
- C: Algor mortis is the gradual cooling of the body after death.
Question 2 · Medium
The nursing diagnosis 'Risk for falls' in an elderly patient on sedatives is an example of:
1. AA wellness nursing diagnosis
2. BAn actual nursing diagnosis
3. CA syndrome nursing diagnosis
4. DA risk nursing diagnosis
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Answer: D · A risk nursing diagnosis
A risk diagnosis names a problem that has not yet occurred but is likely because risk factors are present, here old age and sedation. It is written with the risk factors and has no defining signs and symptoms. An actual diagnosis describes a problem already present, with signs and symptoms. Nursing care for a risk diagnosis aims at prevention, such as bed rails, a call bell and assisted walking.
- A: A wellness diagnosis describes readiness to improve a healthy state.
- B: An actual diagnosis needs signs of a problem already present; no fall has occurred.
- C: A syndrome diagnosis groups several related diagnoses, such as disuse syndrome.
Question 3 · Easy
International Nurses Day, marking Florence Nightingale's birthday, is observed every year on:
1. A8 March
2. B1 December
3. C12 May
4. D7 April
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Answer: C · 12 May
International Nurses Day falls on 12 May, the birthday of Florence Nightingale (born 1820), the founder of modern nursing. The International Council of Nurses chooses a theme for it each year. Hospitals in Kerala and across India mark the day with recognition of nursing staff. Nightingale's work at Scutari in the Crimean War showed how hygiene and record keeping cut hospital deaths.
- A: 8 March is International Women's Day.
- B: 1 December is World AIDS Day.
- D: 7 April is World Health Day, marking the founding of WHO.
Question 4 · Medium
During a nasogastric feed and for 30-60 minutes after it, the head end is raised to at least 30 degrees mainly to prevent:
1. ABlockage of the tube
2. BDiarrhoea
3. CGastric distension
4. DAspiration pneumonia
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Answer: D · Aspiration pneumonia
Raising the head end uses gravity to keep feed in the stomach and reduces reflux into the oesophagus and airway. Aspiration of feed causes pneumonia, a dangerous complication in weak and unconscious patients. The position is kept during the feed and for 30-60 minutes afterwards. Tube position is checked before every feed.
- A: Flushing with water before and after the feed prevents blockage.
- B: Diarrhoea is linked to feed rate, strength and contamination, not posture.
- C: Distension is reduced by slow feeding, not mainly by posture.
Question 5 · Easy
During mouth care, an unconscious patient is best placed in the:
1. AHigh Fowler's position
2. BProne position
3. CSupine position with the head flat
4. DLateral position with the head turned to one side
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Answer: D · Lateral position with the head turned to one side
An unconscious patient cannot swallow or protect the airway, so fluid used in mouth care can be aspirated. Turning the patient to the side with the head turned lets fluid drain out of the mouth. Only a small amount of solution is used, with gauze-wrapped swabs and suction at hand. The mouth is cleaned at least every 2-4 hours because mouth breathing dries the mucosa.
- A: An unconscious patient cannot be safely held upright for this procedure.
- B: The prone position hides the face and makes mouth care impossible.
- C: Lying flat on the back lets fluid pool in the pharynx and be aspirated.
Question 6 · Medium
When a patient is shifted from the ICU to a ward, the transferring nurse must:
1. ARemove all IV lines before the patient is moved
2. BHand over the patient, records and a verbal report
3. CInform the relatives and leave the records behind
4. DSend the case sheet to the ward after 24 hours
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 7 · Easy
In 1860, Florence Nightingale opened the first organised training school for nurses at:
1. AScutari Barrack Hospital
2. BSt Thomas' Hospital, London
3. CGuy's Hospital, London
4. DKaiserswerth, Germany
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 8 · Easy
An enema meant to stay in the bowel for some time, such as an oil enema to soften hard stool, is called a:
1. ASoap-water enema
2. BCleansing enema
3. CReturn-flow enema
4. DRetention enema
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 9 · Easy
Head lice infestation (pediculosis capitis) is commonly treated with a lotion containing:
1. AClotrimazole
2. BPermethrin 1%
3. CGentian violet
4. DSilver sulfadiazine
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 10 · Medium
A nurse tells a patient she will return with his pain medicine in 30 minutes and makes sure she does. Which ethical principle is she following?
1. AFidelity
2. BJustice
3. CBeneficence
4. DVeracity
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 11 · Medium
Discharge planning for a hospital patient should ideally begin:
1. AWhen the patient asks to go home
2. BWhen the doctor writes the discharge order
3. CAt the time of admission
4. DOn the morning of discharge
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 12 · Medium
All of the following are correct principles of body mechanics when lifting EXCEPT:
1. AWiden the base of support with the feet
2. BBend at the hips and knees
3. CTwist the trunk to turn with the load
4. DKeep the load close to the body
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 13 · Medium
In an unconscious patient whose blink reflex is lost, eye care is given mainly to prevent:
1. ADetachment of the retina
2. BCataract formation
3. CCorneal ulceration from drying
4. DRaised pressure inside the eyeball
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 14 · Easy
Which sense is believed to be the last to be lost in a dying patient?
1. AEyesight
2. BHearing
3. CTouch
4. DSmell
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 15 · Easy
In a hospital ward, the Kardex is mainly used as:
1. AA register of ward linen and equipment
2. BThe permanent discharge summary
3. CThe legal record of every drug given
4. DA quick-reference summary of each patient's care
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 16 · Hard
A bedridden 78-year-old has passed no formed stool for 6 days. She now leaks small amounts of liquid stool many times a day and has lower abdominal discomfort. The most likely cause is:
1. AIrritable bowel syndrome
2. BFaecal impaction with overflow
3. CAcute infective gastroenteritis
4. DLactose intolerance
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 17 · Easy
In an adult, oliguria is usually defined as a 24-hour urine output below about:
1. A1,500 mL
2. B100 mL
3. C1,000 mL
4. D400 mL
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 18 · Hard
A care plan goal reads: 'Patient will walk 50 m with a walker by day 3.' On day 3, the patient walks 20 m. What should the nurse do next?
1. AContinue the same plan without any review
2. BStop the walking and keep the patient in bed
3. CRecord the goal as partly met and revise the plan
4. DRecord the goal as met and close the plan
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 19 · Hard
A patient's 24-hour chart shows intake: IV fluid 1,500 mL, oral 600 mL, nasogastric feed 400 mL; output: urine 1,800 mL, vomitus 200 mL, nasogastric aspirate 300 mL. What is the fluid balance?
1. A+200 mL
2. B+500 mL
3. C+700 mL
4. D-200 mL
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 20 · Hard
An unconscious patient lying supine on the ward suddenly begins to vomit. What should the nurse do first?
1. ATurn him onto his side and suction the mouth
2. BGive the prescribed antiemetic injection
3. CCall the doctor and measure the vomitus
4. DRaise the head end of the bed to 90 degrees
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 21 · Hard
A head-injured patient opens his eyes when spoken to, uses inappropriate words and localises a painful stimulus. What is his Glasgow Coma Scale score?
1. A11
2. B12
3. C9
4. D10
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 22 · Medium
Using Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which problem of a post-operative patient is addressed first?
1. AWorry about losing his job
2. BFear about the operation's result
3. CWish to see the family
4. DIneffective airway clearance
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 23 · Medium
Turning a bedridden patient every 2 hours prevents pressure ulcers mainly because it:
1. AIncreases the patient's appetite and protein intake
2. BRelieves pressure that cuts off capillary blood flow
3. CStrengthens the muscles over bony points
4. DKeeps the skin dry and free from sweat
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 24 · Hard
A cancer patient under Kerala's home palliative care has pain of 5/10 despite paracetamol 1 g four times daily. Using the WHO three-step analgesic ladder, what is the next step?
1. AAdd a weak opioid such as tramadol
2. BReplace paracetamol with a placebo
3. CStart a continuous IV morphine infusion
4. DDouble the dose of paracetamol
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 25 · Medium
A man has not passed urine for 6 hours after a hernia repair and is allowed out of bed. What should the nurse try first?
1. ARestrict his oral fluid intake
2. BInsert a urinary catheter immediately
3. CApply an ice pack over the lower abdomen
4. DPrivacy, standing and running tap water
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account

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Fundamentals: nursing process, basic needs and procedures

The stiffening of skeletal muscles that begins a few hours after death is called:

The nursing diagnosis 'Risk for falls' in an elderly patient on sedatives is an example of:

International Nurses Day, marking Florence Nightingale's birthday, is observed every year on:

During a nasogastric feed and for 30-60 minutes after it, the head end is raised to at least 30 degrees mainly to prevent:

During mouth care, an unconscious patient is best placed in the:

When a patient is shifted from the ICU to a ward, the transferring nurse must:

In 1860, Florence Nightingale opened the first organised training school for nurses at:

An enema meant to stay in the bowel for some time, such as an oil enema to soften hard stool, is called a:

Head lice infestation (pediculosis capitis) is commonly treated with a lotion containing:

A nurse tells a patient she will return with his pain medicine in 30 minutes and makes sure she does. Which ethical principle is she following?

Discharge planning for a hospital patient should ideally begin:

All of the following are correct principles of body mechanics when lifting EXCEPT:

In an unconscious patient whose blink reflex is lost, eye care is given mainly to prevent:

Which sense is believed to be the last to be lost in a dying patient?

In a hospital ward, the Kardex is mainly used as:

A bedridden 78-year-old has passed no formed stool for 6 days. She now leaks small amounts of liquid stool many times a day and has lower abdominal discomfort. The most likely cause is:

In an adult, oliguria is usually defined as a 24-hour urine output below about:

A care plan goal reads: 'Patient will walk 50 m with a walker by day 3.' On day 3, the patient walks 20 m. What should the nurse do next?

A patient's 24-hour chart shows intake: IV fluid 1,500 mL, oral 600 mL, nasogastric feed 400 mL; output: urine 1,800 mL, vomitus 200 mL, nasogastric aspirate 300 mL. What is the fluid balance?

An unconscious patient lying supine on the ward suddenly begins to vomit. What should the nurse do first?

A head-injured patient opens his eyes when spoken to, uses inappropriate words and localises a painful stimulus. What is his Glasgow Coma Scale score?

Using Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which problem of a post-operative patient is addressed first?

Turning a bedridden patient every 2 hours prevents pressure ulcers mainly because it:

A cancer patient under Kerala's home palliative care has pain of 5/10 despite paracetamol 1 g four times daily. Using the WHO three-step analgesic ladder, what is the next step?

A man has not passed urine for 6 hours after a hernia repair and is allowed out of bed. What should the nurse try first?