Fundamentals of Nursing MCQs with Answers and Explanations (100 Questions) for BSN, GNM, ANM, Staff Nurse & NCLEX

Part 1: Fundamental of Nursing MCQs (1–50)

Preparing for BSN, GNM, ANM, Staff Nurse, Nursing Officer, NCLEX-RN, NCLEX-PN, PNC, DHA, Prometric, or other nursing exams? This Nursing MCQ practice set is designed to help nursing students and professionals strengthen their knowledge through important multiple-choice questions with answers and explanations. These MCQs cover key nursing subjects including Fundamentals of Nursing, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Pharmacology, Community Health Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Obstetric Nursing, Anatomy & Physiology, and Mental Health Nursing. Whether you are preparing for nursing school exams, competitive nursing tests, licensing exams, or staff nurse recruitment exams, these practice questions will help improve your concepts, critical thinking, and exam performance.

Nursing student studying Fundamentals of Nursing MCQs with nursing books, stethoscope, notes, and NCLEX exam preparation materials on a study desk
Practice Fundamentals of Nursing MCQs with answers and explanations for BSN, GNM, ANM, Staff Nurse, Nursing Officer, and NCLEX exam preparation

1. What is the normal body temperature in an adult?

A. 35°C
B. 37°C
C. 39°C
D. 40°C

Show Answer
Answer: B. 37°C

Explanation: The average normal body temperature in adults is approximately 37°C (98.6°F), although slight variations may occur.

2. Which pulse site is commonly used during CPR?

A. Radial
B. Brachial
C. Carotid
D. Temporal

Show Answer
Answer: C. Carotid

Explanation: The carotid artery is the preferred pulse site in adults during CPR because it is a major central artery.

3. The normal adult pulse rate is:

A. 40–60 bpm
B. 60–100 bpm
C. 100–120 bpm
D. 120–140 bpm

Show Answer
Answer: B. 60–100 bpm

Explanation: A healthy adult typically has a resting pulse rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute.

4. The normal respiratory rate in adults is:

A. 8–12/min
B. 12–20/min
C. 20–30/min
D. 30–40/min

Show Answer
Answer: B. 12–20/min

Explanation: Normal adult respiratory rate ranges from 12 to 20 breaths per minute.

5. Which position is used for examining the rectum?

A. Supine
B. Prone
C. Sims' Position
D. Fowler's Position

Show Answer
Answer: C. Sims' Position

Explanation: Sims' position provides better access to the rectal area for examination and procedures.

6. Hand washing is the most effective method to prevent:

A. Fractures
B. Infection
C. Anemia
D. Dehydration

Show Answer
Answer: B. Infection

Explanation: Proper hand hygiene is the most important measure for preventing healthcare-associated infections.

7. Which is the largest organ of the body?

A. Liver
B. Heart
C. Skin
D. Lung

Show Answer
Answer: C. Skin

Explanation: The skin is the largest organ and serves as a protective barrier for the body.

8. The first step in the nursing process is:

A. Planning
B. Assessment
C. Evaluation
D. Implementation

Show Answer
Answer: B. Assessment

Explanation: Assessment is the first step of ADPIE and involves collecting patient information.

9. Blood pressure is measured using:

A. Thermometer
B. Stethoscope only
C. Sphygmomanometer
D. Otoscope

Show Answer
Answer: C. Sphygmomanometer

Explanation: A sphygmomanometer is the standard instrument used to measure blood pressure.

10. Normal blood pressure in adults is approximately:

A. 90/60 mmHg
B. 120/80 mmHg
C. 140/100 mmHg
D. 160/110 mmHg

Show Answer
Answer: B. 120/80 mmHg

Explanation: A blood pressure around 120/80 mmHg is generally considered normal for healthy adults.

11. The abbreviation "PRN" means:

A. Daily
B. Before meals
C. As needed
D. Twice daily

Show Answer
Answer: C. As needed

Explanation: PRN (pro re nata) means the medication is given only when needed.

12. The abbreviation "NPO" means:

A. No oral intake
B. No pain observed
C. New patient order
D. Night procedure only

Show Answer
Answer: A. No oral intake

Explanation: NPO means nothing by mouth and is used before surgery or procedures.

13. Which route of medication administration is the fastest?

A. Oral
B. Subcutaneous
C. Intramuscular
D. Intravenous

Show Answer
Answer: D. Intravenous

Explanation: IV medications enter the bloodstream directly, producing the fastest effect.

14. The normal oxygen saturation is:

A. 70–80%
B. 80–90%
C. 95–100%
D. 60–70%

Show Answer
Answer: C. 95–100%

Explanation: Healthy individuals usually have oxygen saturation between 95% and 100%.

15. Which vitamin helps in blood clotting?

A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin C
C. Vitamin D
D. Vitamin K

Show Answer
Answer: D. Vitamin K

Explanation: Vitamin K is essential for the production of clotting factors.

16. The medical term for high blood pressure is:

A. Hypotension
B. Hypertension
C. Hypoxia
D. Hyperglycemia

Show Answer
Answer: B. Hypertension

Explanation: Hypertension refers to persistently elevated blood pressure.

17. Which chamber pumps blood to the body?

A. Right atrium
B. Left atrium
C. Right ventricle
D. Left ventricle

Show Answer
Answer: D. Left ventricle

Explanation: The left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood into the systemic circulation.

18. The universal donor blood group is:

A. A
B. B
C. AB
D. O Negative

Show Answer
Answer: D. O Negative

Explanation: O negative blood can generally be given to patients of any blood group.

19. The universal recipient blood group is:

A. O
B. A
C. AB Positive
D. B

Show Answer
Answer: C. AB Positive

Explanation: AB positive individuals can receive blood from all ABO and Rh groups.

20. A fever is known as:

A. Hypothermia
B. Pyrexia
C. Dyspnea
D. Bradycardia

Show Answer
Answer: B. Pyrexia

Explanation: Pyrexia is the medical term for fever or elevated body temperature.

21. Difficulty breathing is called:

A. Dysuria
B. Dyspnea
C. Dysphagia
D. Diplopia

Show Answer
Answer: B. Dyspnea

Explanation: Dyspnea is the medical term for shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

22. Painful urination is:

A. Dysuria
B. Hematuria
C. Polyuria
D. Oliguria

Show Answer
Answer: A. Dysuria

Explanation: Dysuria refers to pain or discomfort while passing urine.

23. Which needle is commonly used for intramuscular injections?

A. 16–18 G
B. 21–23 G
C. 25–27 G
D. 30 G

Show Answer
Answer: B. 21–23 G

Explanation: A 21–23 gauge needle is commonly used for adult IM injections.

24. Glasgow Coma Scale assesses:

A. Nutrition
B. Pain
C. Level of consciousness
D. Respiration

Show Answer
Answer: C. Level of consciousness

Explanation: GCS evaluates eye, verbal, and motor responses.

25. The normal urine output in adults is:

A. 100–200 mL/day
B. 500–1500 mL/day
C. 2000–3000 mL/day
D. 4000 mL/day

Show Answer
Answer: B. 500–1500 mL/day

Explanation: Average urine output in healthy adults is around 800–2000 mL/day.

26. Bradycardia means:

A. Fast pulse
B. Slow pulse
C. Fast breathing
D. Slow breathing

Show Answer
Answer: B. Slow pulse

Explanation: Bradycardia is a heart rate below 60 beats per minute in adults.

27. Tachycardia means:

A. Slow pulse
B. Fast pulse
C. Irregular pulse
D. Weak pulse

Show Answer
Answer: B. Fast pulse

Explanation: Tachycardia refers to a heart rate above 100 beats per minute.

28. Which position helps breathing difficulties?

A. Trendelenburg
B. Sims'
C. Fowler's
D. Lithotomy

Show Answer
Answer: C. Fowler's

Explanation: Fowler's position improves lung expansion and breathing.

29. The normal pH of blood is:

A. 6.5–7.0
B. 7.35–7.45
C. 7.8–8.5
D. 5.5–6.5

Show Answer
Answer: B. 7.35–7.45

Explanation: Normal blood pH is tightly maintained within this range.

30. Which electrolyte is mainly responsible for cardiac rhythm?

A. Sodium
B. Potassium
C. Calcium
D. Magnesium

Show Answer
Answer: B. Potassium

Explanation: Potassium plays a major role in maintaining normal cardiac electrical activity.

31. Sterilization destroys:

A. Some microorganisms
B. Only bacteria
C. All microorganisms
D. Only viruses

Show Answer
Answer: C. All microorganisms

Explanation: Sterilization eliminates all forms of microbial life including spores.

32. The normal newborn heart rate is:

A. 40–60/min
B. 60–80/min
C. 120–160/min
D. 180–200/min

Show Answer
Answer: C. 120–160/min

Explanation: Newborns normally have a higher heart rate than adults.

33. Which injection is given into fatty tissue?

A. IV
B. IM
C. SC (Subcutaneous)
D. ID

Show Answer
Answer: C. SC (Subcutaneous)

Explanation: Subcutaneous injections are administered into the fatty tissue beneath the skin.

34. Intradermal injections are commonly used for:

A. Vaccination
B. TB test
C. Blood transfusion
D. IV therapy

Show Answer
Answer: B. TB test

Explanation: The Mantoux tuberculin skin test is given intradermally.

35. Which instrument measures body temperature?

A. Otoscope
B. Thermometer
C. Endoscope
D. ECG

Show Answer
Answer: B. Thermometer

Explanation: A thermometer is used to measure body temperature.

36. The abbreviation BID means:

A. Once daily
B. Twice daily
C. Three times daily
D. Four times daily

Show Answer
Answer: B. Twice daily

Explanation: BID comes from Latin and means two times a day.

37. The abbreviation TID means:

A. Once daily
B. Twice daily
C. Three times daily
D. Four times daily

Show Answer
Answer: C. Three times daily

Explanation: TID means a medication should be taken three times daily.

38. The abbreviation QID means:

A. Four times daily
B. Three times daily
C. Twice daily
D. Once daily

Show Answer
Answer: A. Four times daily

Explanation: QID indicates medication administration four times per day.

39. A patient unable to swallow should receive medication by:

A. Oral route
B. Alternative route as prescribed
C. Sublingual only
D. None

Show Answer
Answer: B. Alternative route as prescribed

Explanation: The route should be changed according to the physician's order and patient condition.

40. Cyanosis indicates:

A. Increased oxygen
B. Poor oxygenation
C. Fever
D. Dehydration

Show Answer
Answer: B. Poor oxygenation

Explanation: Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration caused by inadequate oxygen in the blood.

41. The best site for pulse assessment in infants is:

A. Radial
B. Temporal
C. Apical
D. Femoral

Show Answer
Answer: C. Apical

Explanation: The apical pulse provides the most accurate heart rate in infants.

42. The normal fasting blood glucose level is:

A. 20–50 mg/dL
B. 70–99 mg/dL
C. 150–200 mg/dL
D. 250–300 mg/dL

Show Answer
Answer: B. 70–99 mg/dL

Explanation: Normal fasting blood sugar is generally below 100 mg/dL.

43. Which nutrient is the body's main energy source?

A. Protein
B. Carbohydrates
C. Vitamins
D. Minerals

Show Answer
Answer: B. Carbohydrates

Explanation: Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy for the body.

44. The first heart sound (S1) is produced by closure of:

A. Aortic valve
B. Pulmonary valve
C. Mitral and Tricuspid valves
D. None

Show Answer
Answer: C. Mitral and Tricuspid valves

Explanation: Closure of the atrioventricular valves produces the S1 heart sound.

45. The pulse deficit is the difference between:

A. Apical and radial pulse
B. Temperature and pulse
C. BP and pulse
D. Respiratory rate and pulse

Show Answer
Answer: A. Apical and radial pulse

Explanation: Pulse deficit occurs when the apical pulse exceeds the radial pulse.

46. Anuria means urine output less than:

A. 50 mL/day
B. 500 mL/day
C. 1000 mL/day
D. 1500 mL/day

Show Answer
Answer: A. 50 mL/day

Explanation: Anuria refers to extremely low or absent urine production.

47. Which solution is commonly used for hand hygiene?

A. Saline
B. Alcohol-based hand rub
C. Distilled water
D. Glucose water

Show Answer
Answer: B. Alcohol-based hand rub

Explanation: Alcohol-based hand rubs effectively reduce microorganisms on the hands.

48. The normal adult body mass index (BMI) is:

A. <18.5
B. 18.5–24.9
C. 25–29.9
D. >30

Show Answer
Answer: B. 18.5–24.9

Explanation: A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered normal weight.

49. The final step of the nursing process is:

A. Assessment
B. Planning
C. Evaluation
D. Diagnosis

Show Answer
Answer: C. Evaluation

Explanation: Evaluation determines whether patient goals have been achieved.

50. The nurse's primary responsibility is:

A. Prescribing drugs
B. Diagnosing disease
C. Providing safe patient care
D. Performing surgery

Show Answer
Answer: C. Providing safe patient care

Explanation: The nurse's foremost duty is to provide safe, effective, and compassionate patient care.

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