Nursing foundation mcq series set -01 (basic)

To help students understand, retain, and apply concepts through MCQs — not just memorize them.
Each MCQ should become a mini learning point in itself.

1. YOGITA VERMA MSC(N)

! NURSING FOUNDATION – MCQ SERIES (SET 1)
(Basic to moderate level with explanation)

! 1. The main purpose of nursing is:
A. To follow doctor’s orders
✅ B. To provide holistic care to the patient
C. To administer medicines
D. To maintain hospital records
" Explanation: Nursing aims to provide physical, emotional, social, and spiritual care —
a holistic approachbeyond mere treatment.

! 2. The process of nursing includes:
A. Planning only
B. Implementation only
✅ C. Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation
D. Documentation only
# Explanation: Known as the Nursing Process, it’s a systematic framework (ADPIE)
used for individualized patient care.

! 3. The “Father of Modern Nursing” is:
A. Edward Jenner
✅ B. Florence Nightingale
C. Louis Pasteur
D. Clara Barton
$ Explanation: Florence Nightingale pioneered modern nursing practices and established
the first nursing school in 1860.

2. ! 4. The first step in the nursing process is:
✅ A. Assessment
B. Planning
C. Implementation
D. Evaluation
% Explanation: Assessment involves collecting subjective and objective data about the
patient to identify problems.

! 5. The normal body temperature (oral) is:
A. 36°C
✅ B. 37°C (98.6°F)
C. 38°C
D. 35°C
& Explanation: The average oral temperature is 37°C; rectal is slightly higher, and
axillary is slightly lower.

! 6. Which of the following is a subjective symptom?
✅ A. Pain
B. Pulse rate
C. Blood pressure
D. Temperature
" Explanation: Subjective data are felt or reported by the patient, like pain or nausea.

! 7. Which is the best site to check the pulse in an unconscious adult?
A. Radial artery
✅ B. Carotid artery
C. Brachial artery
D. Femoral artery
# Explanation: Carotid pulse is strong and easily palpable in emergencies.

! 8. The normal respiratory rate in adults is:

3. A. 8–12/min
✅ B. 12–20/min
C. 20–30/min
D. 30–40/min
% Explanation: Adult normal respiratory rate ranges from 12 to 20 breaths per minute.

! 9. Infection acquired in hospital is called:
✅ A. Nosocomial infection
B. Opportunistic infection
C. Primary infection
D. Secondary infection
& Explanation: Nosocomial infections occur after hospital admission, often due to
unsterile practices.

! 10. The best method of sterilization for surgical instruments is:
A. Boiling
✅ B. Autoclaving
C. Sun drying
D. Chemical disinfection
$ Explanation: Autoclaving uses steam under pressure (121°C for 15–20 mins) for
effective sterilization.

! 11. The purpose of handwashing is to:
✅ A. Prevent cross infection
B. Moisturize the skin
C. Maintain blood flow
D. Improve grip
# Explanation: Handwashing removes transient microorganisms, preventing cross-
contamination.

! 12. The normal pulse rate in adults is:

4. A. 40–60/min
✅ B. 60–100/min
C. 100–120/min
D. 120–140/min
' Explanation: Normal pulse rate is 60–100 bpm, controlled by the sinoatrial node.

! 13. Fowler’s position is used in:
✅ A. Respiratory distress
B. Shock
C. Spinal surgery
D. Unconscious patient
& Explanation: Fowler’s position (45–60° elevation) promotes lung expansion and
comfort during breathing difficulty.

! 14. Which pulse site is used for blood pressure measurement?
✅ A. Brachial artery
B. Radial artery
C. Femoral artery
D. Carotid artery
% Explanation: The brachial artery is compressed by the cuff during BP measurement.

! 15. The chemical used for disinfection of floors in hospitals:
✅ A. Lysol
B. Ether
C. Chloroform
D. Acetone
# Explanation: Lysol (phenolic compound) is commonly used for surface disinfection in
hospitals.

! 16. Which organ regulates body temperature?

5. ✅ A. Hypothalamus
B. Thalamus
C. Cerebellum
D. Medulla
' Explanation: The hypothalamus acts as the thermoregulatory center of the brain.

! 17. The universal precaution includes:
✅ A. Using gloves for every patient
B. Only isolation for infected patients
C. Avoiding use of gloves
D. Washing hands only at day end
$ Explanation: Universal precautions treat all body fluids as infectious to ensure safety.

! 18. The safest method of waste disposal for infected materials:
✅ A. Incineration
B. Open burning
C. Burying
D. Autoclaving
% Explanation: Incineration completely destroys pathogens in biomedical waste.

! 19. The first aid for bleeding wound is:
✅ A. Apply direct pressure
B. Apply ice
C. Wash with alcohol
D. Apply ointment
& Explanation: Direct pressure stops bleeding by aiding clot formation.

! 20. The color of the biomedical waste bin for infectious waste is:
✅ A. Yellow
B. Red

6. C. Blue
D. Black
# Explanation: Yellow bin is for infectious and anatomical waste (body parts, dressings,
etc.).

! 21. Which type of bed is prepared for a patient arriving on a stretcher?
✅ A. Emergency bed
B. Occupied bed
C. Surgical bed
D. Cardiac bed
' Explanation: Emergency bed is specially arranged for immediate admission of
critically ill patients.

! 22. The main aim of nursing documentation is:
✅ A. Communication and continuity of care
B. To satisfy legal needs only
C. For academic purpose
D. For insurance claim
$ Explanation: Documentation ensures accurate communication and legal record of care.

! 23. A pulse rate above 100/min in adults is called:
✅ A. Tachycardia
B. Bradycardia
C. Arrhythmia
D. Cyanosis
% Explanation: Tachycardia = HR > 100 bpm; may occur due to fever, anxiety, or
hypovolemia.

! 24. The first nursing school was established at:
✅ A. St. Thomas Hospital, London
B. New York

7. C. Paris
D. Berlin
# Explanation: Florence Nightingale founded the first nursing school in 1860 at St.
Thomas Hospital.

! 25. Oral hygiene should be given:
✅ A. Twice a day
B. Once a day
C. Weekly
D. Monthly
& Explanation: Proper oral care prevents infection, improves comfort, and maintains
hygiene.

! 26. The best method to check body hydration:
✅ A. Skin turgor
B. Temperature
C. Respiration
D. BP
' Explanation: Skin turgor test shows elasticity loss due to dehydration.

! 27. The average normal blood pressure in adults:
✅ A. 120/80 mmHg
B. 140/90 mmHg
C. 100/60 mmHg
D. 130/100 mmHg
% Explanation: Normal BP = 120/80 mmHg; maintained by cardiac output and vascular
resistance.

! 28. Pulse oximetry measures:
✅ A. Oxygen saturation (SpO₂)
B. Blood pressure

8. C. Cardiac output
D. Lung volume
# Explanation: Pulse oximeter is a non-invasive device to measure oxygen saturation in
the blood.

! 29. The nurse–patient relationship is based on:
✅ A. Trust and empathy
B. Friendship
C. Fear
D. Superiority
$ Explanation: Therapeutic communication builds trust, empathy, and respect.

! 30. The first stage of infection is:
✅ A. Incubation period
B. Prodromal period
C. Illness period
D. Convalescence
& Explanation: Incubation period is the time between entry of pathogen and first
symptom appearance.