Stethoscopes & Smarts: The Nursing IQ Test
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Which Vitamin Is Essential for Blood Clotting?
1
Vitamin C
2
Vitamin K
3
Vitamin A
4
Vitamin D
Vitamin K is critical in the synthesis of clotting factors in the liver and is a common practice for nurses.
What Is the Most Abundant Plasma Protein?
1
Hemoglobin
2
Fibrinogen
3
Albumin
4
Globulin
Albumin helps maintain oncotic pressure and transports various substances like hormones, drugs, and ions in the bloodstream.
Which Pulse Site Is Commonly Used During CPR on an Adult?
1
Radial
2
Brachial
3
Femoral
4
Carotid
The carotid artery is preferred during adult CPR because it's centrally located and has a strong pulse.
What Does PRN Mean on a Medication Order?
1
As needed
2
Before sleep
3
Every hour
4
After meals
PRN stands for “pro re nata” and refers to administering medication only when necessary or as needed.
Which Type of Precaution Is Required for Tuberculosis?
1
Standard
2
Contact
3
Airborne
4
Droplet
Airborne precautions protect against pathogens like tuberculosis that are transmitted through small airborne particles.
What Is the Normal Range for Adult Respiratory Rate?
1
16–24 breaths per minute
2
10–30 breaths per minute
3
8–14 breaths per minute
4
12–20 breaths per minute
A normal adult respiratory rate ranges from 12 to 20 breaths per minute at rest.
What Is the Universal Sign of Choking?
1
Grabbing the chest
2
Hands clutching the throat
3
Coughing
4
Pointing to the mouth
Hands clutched at the throat is the internationally recognized signal indicating airway obstruction or choking.
What Is the Primary Function of Red Blood Cells?
1
Regulate temperature
2
Transport oxygen
3
Fight infection
4
Clot blood
Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the body and remove carbon dioxide via hemoglobin.
What Is the Correct Needle Angle for Intramuscular Injection?
1
15 degrees
2
90 degrees
3
30 degrees
4
45 degrees
Intramuscular injections require a 90-degree angle to ensure medication is deposited into muscle tissue.
What Is Tachycardia Defined as?
1
Heart rate over 100 bpm
2
Heart rate under 60 bpm
3
Heart murmur
4
Irregular heart rhythm
Tachycardia refers to a heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute in an adult at rest.
What Is the Best Site for an Infant’s Temperature?
1
Rectal
2
Forehead
3
Oral
4
Axillary
Rectal temperatures are most accurate for infants and preferred in clinical practice for core body readings.
What Does SBAR Stand for in Nursing Communication?
1
Standards, Benefits, Accuracy, Risks
2
Safety, Balance, Alert, Response
3
Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation
4
Symptoms, Behavior, Action, Results
SBAR is a structured tool used for clear and concise communication in healthcare settings.
What Electrolyte Imbalance Causes Peaked T-Waves?
1
Hyperkalemia
2
Hyponatremia
3
Hypokalemia
4
Hypocalcemia
High potassium levels (hyperkalemia) affect cardiac conduction and often result in peaked T-waves on ECG.
Which Cranial Nerve Controls Facial Expressions?
1
Facial (VII)
2
Oculomotor (III)
3
Trigeminal (V)
4
Vagus (X)
The facial nerve (VII) innervates muscles responsible for facial expressions and some taste functions.
What Isolation Precaution Is Required for C. Diff?
1
Airborne
2
Reverse
3
Contact
4
Droplet
Clostridioides difficile requires contact precautions, including gloves and gowns, to prevent fecal-oral transmission.
Which Organ Produces Insulin?
1
Liver
2
Pancreas
3
Gallbladder
4
Kidneys
The pancreas secretes insulin from its beta cells in the islets of Langerhans to regulate blood sugar.
What Is the Antidote for Heparin Overdose?
1
Vitamin K
2
Protamine sulfate
3
Naloxone
4
Atropine
Protamine sulfate neutralizes heparin and is used during overdose or excessive bleeding.
What Does “stat” Mean in a Medication Order?
1
Twice daily
2
Once a day
3
Immediately
4
At bedtime
“Stat” is derived from Latin “statim,” meaning immediately, and is used for urgent interventions.
Which Site Is Preferred for Insulin Injections?
1
Gluteus
2
Deltoid
3
Abdomen
4
Thigh
The abdomen allows consistent insulin absorption and is the preferred site for subcutaneous insulin injections.
What Is the Normal PH Range of Human Blood?
1
6.8–7.0
2
7.35–7.45
3
6.2–6.8
4
7.5–7.8
Blood pH must remain tightly regulated between 7.35 and 7.45 to maintain homeostasis and enzyme function.
What Is the Priority Nursing Action for a Patient With Shortness of Breath?
1
Raise the head of the bed
2
Notify dietary
3
Offer fluids
4
Administer pain meds
Raising the head promotes lung expansion and is the first step when addressing breathing difficulties.
What Is the Most Accurate Method for Identifying a Patient?
1
Use room number
2
Check clothing
3
Check wristband and ask name/DOB
4
Ask family for ID
Using two patient identifiers ensures proper treatment and reduces medication and procedural errors.
Which Lab Value Indicates Infection?
1
Low hemoglobin
2
High hematocrit
3
Elevated white blood cell count
4
Low platelet count
An increased white blood cell count typically suggests the body is fighting infection or inflammation.
What Type of Medication Is Furosemide?
1
Loop diuretic
2
Anticoagulant
3
ACE inhibitor
4
Beta blocker
Furosemide is a potent loop diuretic used to treat fluid overload in conditions like heart failure.
Which Sign Is Associated With Hypocalcemia?
1
Chvostek’s sign
2
Kernig’s sign
3
Murphy’s sign
4
Babinski reflex
Chvostek’s sign is facial muscle twitching in response to tapping and indicates calcium deficiency.
What Does Auscultation Involve?
1
Asking the patient questions
2
Listening with a stethoscope
3
Observing skin color
4
Touching the abdomen
Auscultation is a fundamental nursing skill used to assess heart, lung, and bowel sounds.
What Is the Antidote for Acetaminophen Overdose?
1
Flumazenil
2
Acetylcysteine
3
Atropine
4
Epinephrine
Acetylcysteine prevents liver damage from acetaminophen toxicity when given within a critical time frame.
What Does “void” Mean in Nursing Terms?
1
Cough
2
Defecate
3
Vomit
4
Urinate
“Void” refers to the passage of urine and is commonly charted in intake/output records.
Which Term Refers to Difficulty Swallowing?
1
Dysphasia
2
Bradykinesia
3
Apnea
4
Dysphagia
Dysphagia means difficulty swallowing and poses risks for aspiration pneumonia.
Which Side Should a Nurse Stand on When Helping a Stroke Patient Walk?
1
In front of patient
2
Unaffected side
3
Behind the patient
4
Affected side
Standing on the weak side improves support and prevents falls during ambulation.
What Is the Best Indicator of Kidney Function?
1
Liver enzymes
2
Calcium level
3
Blood glucose
4
Creatinine level
Serum creatinine reflects renal filtration and is a reliable indicator of kidney health.
What Is a Nosocomial Infection?
1
Hospital-acquired infection
2
Childhood illness
3
Infection from food poisoning
4
Fungal skin condition
Nosocomial infections are those acquired during a hospital stay, often preventable through hand hygiene and sterilization.
What Does “orthopnea” Mean?
1
Rapid breathing
2
Difficulty breathing while lying flat
3
Painful breathing
4
Breathing stops during sleep
Orthopnea is common in heart failure and requires elevation of the upper body to ease breathing.
Which Artery Is Palpated to Assess Circulation in the Foot?
1
Dorsalis pedis
2
Femoral
3
Carotid
4
Radial
The dorsalis pedis pulse is located on the top of the foot and checks lower extremity blood flow.
What Is the Term for a Blood Pressure That Drops Upon Standing?
1
Orthostatic hypotension
2
Hypertensive crisis
3
Essential hypertension
4
Pulse deficit
Orthostatic hypotension is a drop in blood pressure when standing, causing dizziness or fainting.
What Color Is Associated With Oxygen Tanks?
1
Blue
2
Red
3
Green
4
Yellow
Oxygen tanks are color-coded green in North America for quick visual identification.
What Does ADL Stand for?
1
Ambulatory Discharge Limit
2
Assisted Discharge List
3
Average Daily Loss
4
Activities of Daily Living
ADLs include tasks like bathing, dressing, and eating, which nurses often help patients maintain or regain.
What’s the Term for Surgical Removal of the Gallbladder?
1
Appendectomy
2
Cholecystectomy
3
Nephrectomy
4
Gastrectomy
Cholecystectomy removes the gallbladder and is commonly performed due to gallstones or inflammation.
Which Position Helps Prevent Aspiration in Unconscious Patients?
1
Supine
2
Prone
3
Lateral
4
Trendelenburg
The lateral or side-lying position helps keep the airway open and reduces the risk of aspiration.
Which PPE Is Essential for Contact Precautions?
1
Mask and goggles
2
Gloves and gown
3
Surgical cap
4
N95 respirator
Contact precautions require gloves and a gown to prevent spread through direct or indirect patient contact.
Which Lab Test Monitors Warfarin Therapy?
1
INR
2
BUN
3
aPTT
4
Hemoglobin
The International Normalized Ratio (INR) is used to assess blood clotting in patients on warfarin.
What Does “cyanosis” Refer to?
1
Swollen lymph nodes
2
Rapid heart rate
3
Yellowing of the eyes
4
Bluish skin discoloration
Cyanosis is a bluish tint in skin or lips due to poor oxygenation or impaired circulation.
What Is a Priority Assessment for a Post-Op Patient?
1
Skin dryness
2
Appetite
3
Airway patency
4
Sleep quality
Airway, breathing, and circulation are always top priorities in post-operative nursing assessment.
Which Organ Is Most Affected by Cirrhosis?
1
Heart
2
Kidneys
3
Liver
4
Pancreas
Cirrhosis is the scarring of liver tissue due to chronic disease, often from alcohol or hepatitis.
What Is the Normal Range for Adult Heart Rate?
1
60–100 bpm
2
100–130 bpm
3
110–140 bpm
4
30–50 bpm
The normal adult heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute at rest.
What’s the Common Route for Nitroglycerin Administration in Angina?
1
Rectal
2
Sublingual
3
Intradermal
4
Intramuscular
Nitroglycerin is given under the tongue to treat chest pain because it absorbs rapidly into circulation.
What Is a Common Symptom of Hypoglycemia?
1
Flushed skin
2
Dry mouth
3
Sweating and shakiness
4
Frequent urination
Low blood sugar causes tremors, confusion, hunger, and sweating — a medical emergency if untreated.
What Kind of Precaution Is Used for Influenza Patients?
1
Droplet
2
Reverse isolation
3
Contact
4
Airborne
Droplet precautions prevent transmission through coughing and sneezing, requiring surgical masks and proper room signage.
What Is the Glasgow Coma Scale Used for?
1
Diagnosing pneumonia
2
Calculating BMI
3
Evaluating infection
4
Assessing consciousness
The GCS evaluates eye, verbal, and motor responses to determine neurologic status in trauma or ICU settings.
What’s the Maximum Volume for a Single IM Injection in the Deltoid?
1
3 mL
2
2 mL
3
1 mL
4
5 mL
The deltoid muscle typically accommodates up to 1 mL to prevent tissue damage or poor absorption.
What Does “tachypnea” Mean in Clinical Assessment?
1
Irregular heartbeat
2
Abnormally rapid breathing
3
Shallow breathing
4
Slow heart rate
Tachypnea refers to a respiratory rate higher than normal and is often an early sign of respiratory distress.
What Injection Method Is Used for TB Screening?
1
Subcutaneous
2
Intramuscular
3
Sublingual
4
Intradermal
The intradermal route is used in tuberculosis screening because it delivers the antigen just beneath the skin surface.
What’s the Primary Goal of Hospice Care?
1
Rehabilitation
2
Diagnostic testing
3
Aggressive treatment
4
Comfort and quality of life
Hospice care focuses on managing symptoms and providing comfort to terminal patients, rather than curing disease.
Which Nutrient Is Essential for Wound Healing?
1
Vitamin D
2
Calcium
3
Protein
4
Iron
Protein supports tissue repair and immune response, making it critical for proper wound healing and recovery.
What Is the Most Accurate Route for Core Body Temperature?
1
Rectal
2
Tympanic
3
Axillary
4
Oral
Rectal temperatures most closely reflect core body temperature, especially in critically ill or pediatric patients.
Which Type of Insulin Has the Fastest Onset?
1
Long-acting
2
Short-acting
3
Rapid-acting
4
Intermediate-acting
Rapid-acting insulin starts working within 15 minutes and is taken just before meals to manage postprandial glucose spikes.
What’s the Correct Method to Verify Placement of an NG Tube?
1
Inject air and listen
2
Pull the tube slightly
3
Ask the patient
4
Aspirate stomach contents
Aspirating gastric contents and checking pH helps confirm proper tube placement in the stomach.
What Is an Early Sign of Hypoxia?
1
Restlessness
2
Bradycardia
3
Vomiting
4
Facial flushing
Restlessness and confusion are early signs of inadequate oxygenation before other symptoms like cyanosis appear.
Which Electrolyte Imbalance Causes Muscle Cramping and Tetany?
1
Hyperkalemia
2
Hypernatremia
3
Hypocalcemia
4
Hypoglycemia
Low calcium levels increase neuromuscular excitability, leading to cramping, tetany, and sometimes seizures.
What Is the Purpose of Incentive Spirometry?
1
Reduce fever
2
Check oxygen levels
3
Prevent lung collapse
4
Control blood pressure
Incentive spirometry encourages deep breathing to expand the lungs and prevent atelectasis post-surgery or during illness.
What Does “NPO” Mean in a Physician’s Order?
1
Nursing priority only
2
Nothing by mouth
3
No pain observed
4
No physical output
NPO stands for “nil per os,” instructing that the patient should not consume food or drink orally.
Which Infection Control Method Kills All Microorganisms, Including Spores?
1
Sterilization
2
Cleaning
3
Disinfection
4
Antisepsis
Sterilization destroys all microorganisms and spores, ensuring surgical instruments are completely free of pathogens.
Which Patient Is at Highest Risk for Pressure Ulcers?
1
Pregnant woman
2
Post-op child
3
Immobile elderly patient
4
Teenager with sprain
Lack of mobility and aging skin make elderly, immobile patients more vulnerable to pressure ulcers.
What Does a Positive Babinski Reflex Indicate in Adults?
1
Liver disease
2
Normal response
3
Neurologic dysfunction
4
Muscle fatigue
A positive Babinski sign in adults suggests central nervous system damage or upper motor neuron lesions.
What Is the Term for Difficulty Speaking or Impaired Language Ability?
1
Dysphonia
2
Aphasia
3
Dysarthria
4
Apraxia
Aphasia refers to a language disorder affecting the ability to speak, understand, read, or write.
What PPE Is Required for Caring for a COVID-19 Patient?
1
N95 respirator, gown, gloves, eye protection
2
Hairnet and boot covers
3
Double gloves and face shield
4
Surgical mask only
Full airborne and contact precautions, including N95 masks and goggles, are required when caring for COVID-19 patients.
What Is the Priority Intervention During a Seizure?
1
Hold the patient down
2
Insert oral airway
3
Protect the airway and prevent injury
4
Offer fluids
Protecting the head and ensuring a clear airway are the nurse’s top priorities during a seizure.
What Is the Preferred IM Injection Site for Infants Under 1 Year?
1
Biceps
2
Deltoid
3
Gluteus maximus
4
Vastus lateralis
The vastus lateralis muscle in the thigh is best for infants due to its size and safety.
Which Lab Value Is Elevated in Pancreatitis?
1
Amylase
2
CRP
3
Troponin
4
BUN
Serum amylase levels increase significantly during acute pancreatitis and help confirm the diagnosis.
Which Sign Indicates Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?
1
Sudden diarrhea
2
Facial pallor
3
Abdominal bloating
4
Unilateral leg swelling and pain
DVT commonly presents with swelling, warmth, and pain in one leg due to a blood clot.
What Is the Term for Slow Heart Rate?
1
Palpitation
2
Arrhythmia
3
Tachycardia
4
Bradycardia
Bradycardia is defined as a heart rate below 60 bpm and can occur naturally or with medication.
What Is the Primary Risk of Administering Potassium IV Too Quickly?
1
Hypertension
2
Fever
3
Cardiac arrest
4
Kidney failure
Rapid IV potassium can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias and must be administered slowly and diluted.
What Does “informed Consent” Mean in Nursing?
1
Patient understands procedure risks and agrees
2
Legal waiver form only
3
Doctor signs off treatment
4
Nurse agrees to perform task
Informed consent ensures the patient is fully aware of the risks, benefits, and alternatives before any procedure.
Which Condition Is Characterized by Chronic Airway Inflammation and Bronchospasms?
1
Pulmonary embolism
2
Tuberculosis
3
Asthma
4
Pneumonia
Asthma causes airway hyperreactivity, swelling, and obstruction, often triggered by allergens or irritants.
What Does “edema” Refer to?
1
Swelling from fluid accumulation
2
Red, itchy rash
3
Low oxygen in tissues
4
Fever with chills
Edema is soft tissue swelling caused by fluid retention, often seen in heart or kidney failure.
Which Electrolyte Abnormality Is Most Dangerous to Cardiac Rhythm?
1
Hyperkalemia
2
Hypermagnesemia
3
Hypocalcemia
4
Hyponatremia
Excess potassium disrupts cardiac electrical conduction and can cause lethal arrhythmias or heart block.
What Is the Normal Range for Blood Glucose (fasting)?
1
100–140 mg/dL
2
70–99 mg/dL
3
150–180 mg/dL
4
50–70 mg/dL
Normal fasting blood glucose should be under 100 mg/dL to indicate healthy metabolic function.
What Type of Transmission-Based Precautions Require a Negative Pressure Room?
1
Airborne
2
Droplet
3
Contact
4
Standard
Aerobic isolation, used for diseases like tuberculosis or measles, requires a special negative pressure room setup.
What Is the Initial Action When a Medication Error Is Discovered?
1
Report it immediately
2
Ignore if patient is okay
3
Tell another nurse later
4
Document it next shift
Nurses must promptly report and document any medication error to ensure patient safety and transparency.
Which Structure Is Assessed When Checking Pupillary Response?
1
Temporal lobe
2
Inner ear
3
Pupil/cranial nerve III
4
Thalamus
The oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve III) controls pupil size and reaction to light.
What Is “hematuria”?
1
High blood pressure
2
Rapid heartbeat
3
Blood in urine
4
Blood in stool
Hematuria is the presence of blood in the urine and may indicate infection, stones, or trauma.
What Position Helps Patients Breathe More Easily With COPD?
1
Supine
2
Lithotomy
3
Prone
4
High Fowler’s
The upright High Fowler’s position expands the chest and makes breathing easier for COPD patients
What Organ Does Hepatitis Primarily Affect?
1
Liver
2
Kidneys
3
Pancreas
4
Lungs
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, usually caused by viruses, alcohol, or toxic drugs.
What Is a Code Blue?
1
Infection outbreak
2
Severe allergic reaction
3
Fire alert
4
Cardiac/respiratory arrest
Code blue signifies a medical emergency requiring immediate resuscitation for cardiac or respiratory arrest.
Which Term Refers to Surgical Removal of the Uterus?
1
Appendectomy
2
Hysterectomy
3
Oophorectomy
4
Mastectomy
Hysterectomy is the complete or partial removal of the uterus, often due to cancer or fibroids.
What Does PPE Stand for?
1
Personal Protective Equipment
2
Post Procedure Evaluation
3
Patient Position Evaluation
4
Professional Practice Exam
PPE refers to gloves, masks, gowns, and other equipment used to protect healthcare workers from exposure.
What Is a Normal Adult Body Temperature in Celsius?
1
38.5–39.5°C
2
37.8–38.9°C
3
36.5–37.5°C
4
35.0–35.5°C
Normal core body temperature in adults falls within the range of 36.5 to 37.5 degrees Celsius.
What Does a Pulse Oximeter Measure?
1
Lung sounds
2
Oxygen saturation
3
Cholesterol level
4
Blood sugar
A pulse oximeter measures the percentage of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen in peripheral blood.
What Is the First Step in Donning PPE?
1
Put on gloves
2
Apply gown
3
Wear mask
4
Hand hygiene
Performing hand hygiene first prevents contamination and ensures proper PPE use.
What Nursing Action Helps Prevent Postoperative Pneumonia?
1
Keeping patient in bed
2
Restricting fluids
3
Increasing pain meds
4
Encouraging deep breathing and coughing
incentive spirometry, coughing, and deep breathing promote lung expansion and clear secretions postoperatively.
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