Nursing MCQs

This comprehensive set of Nursing MCQs is designed to cover all essential topics required for success in nursing exams and licensure tests. Focused on key subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, patient care, medical-surgical nursing, and healthcare ethics, these MCQs are crafted to help nursing students build a strong foundation in clinical knowledge and skills.

Who should practice Nursing MCQs?

Nursing students preparing for entry-level exams, licensure tests (such as NCLEX), or other nursing certification exams.
Individuals aiming to strengthen their knowledge in areas like patient care, pharmacology, anatomy, and medical-surgical nursing.
Candidates preparing for nursing exams that assess clinical judgment, problem-solving, and healthcare management skills.
Learners focused on developing critical thinking and application-based understanding of nursing concepts.
Students aiming to enhance their understanding of nursing ethics, patient safety, and healthcare practices.
Suitable for all nursing students, including those seeking to improve their exam performance, boost problem-solving speed, and build exam confidence.

1. What is the primary role of a registered nurse (RN)?

A) Perform surgeries
B) Provide direct patient care
C) Write prescriptions
D) Conduct research

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2. Which vital sign is the best indicator of respiratory function?

A) Heart rate
B) Blood pressure
C) Respiratory rate
D) Temperature

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3. What term describes the body’s response to stress?

A) Homeostasis
B) Allostasis
C) Fight-or-flight response
D) Adaptation

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4. What does “aseptic technique” aim to achieve?

A) Method of wound care
B) Practice to prevent infection
C) Type of patient assessment
D) Medication administration route

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5. Which type of dressing is suitable for absorbing wound exudate?

A) Hydrocolloid
B) Transparent film
C) Gauze
D) Hydrogel

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6. Which medication classification is often prescribed for anxiety?

A) Antidepressants
B) Antihistamines
C) Benzodiazepines
D) Antipsychotics

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7. What is the correct method for taking an oral temperature?

A) Under the armpit
B) In the ear
C) Under the tongue
D) In the rectum

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8. Which of the following is a sign of dehydration?

A) Increased urine output
B) Dry mucous membranes
C) Clear skin
D) Normal blood pressure

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9. What type of infection is characterized by rapid onset of symptoms?

A) Chronic infection
B) Acute infection
C) Latent infection
D) Persistent infection

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10. What does the acronym “CPR” stand for?

A) Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation
B) Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
C) Cardiac pressure relief
D) Continuous pulse reading

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11. Which part of the body is mainly affected by osteoarthritis?

A) Skin
B) Joints
C) Muscles
D) Bones

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12. What is the primary purpose of anticoagulants?

A) Increase blood pressure
B) Prevent blood clot formation
C) Treat infections
D) Promote healing

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13. Which assessment tool is used for determining a patient’s level of consciousness?

A) Glasgow Coma Scale
B) Mini-Mental State Examination
C) Neurovascular assessment
D) Pain scale

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14. What is the normal range for an adult’s respiratory rate?

A) 10-20 breaths per minute
B) 20-30 breaths per minute
C) 30-40 breaths per minute
D) 40-50 breaths per minute

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15. Which dietary recommendation is appropriate for a patient with heart failure?

A) High carbohydrate
B) High sodium
C) Low sodium
D) High protein

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16. What is a common side effect of opioid medications?

A) Increased energy
B) Constipation
C) Insomnia
D) Hyperactivity

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17. What is the primary goal of patient education in nursing?

A) Promote compliance with treatment
B) Increase hospital revenue
C) Decrease patient satisfaction
D) Limit patient autonomy

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18. Which nursing diagnosis is appropriate for a patient with impaired skin integrity?

A) Risk for injury
B) Acute pain
C) Impaired skin integrity
D) Deficient knowledge

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19. What does “informed consent” mean?

A) Patient’s understanding of treatment risks and benefits
B) Agreement to a hospital stay
C) Acceptance of a nursing diagnosis
D) Decision to follow a diet

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20. What is the main purpose of the nursing process?

A) Evaluate lab results
B) Provide a framework for patient care
C) Manage healthcare costs
D) Conduct research

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21. What is the proper technique for hand hygiene?

A) Use soap and water only when visibly dirty
B) Rub hands together for at least 20 seconds
C) Only use hand sanitizer
D) Rinse hands quickly

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22. Which type of medication is typically used to manage hypertension?

A) Antidepressants
B) Antihistamines
C) Antihypertensives
D) Anticoagulants

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23. What is the primary symptom of congestive heart failure?

A) Sudden weight loss
B) Shortness of breath
C) Increased appetite
D) Elevated temperature

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24. What should a nurse do for a patient experiencing a seizure?

A) Restrain the patient
B) Place a pillow under the patient’s head
C) Give oral medications
D) Leave the patient alone

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25. What term refers to the loss of muscle mass and strength?

A) Hypertrophy
B) Atrophy
C) Dystrophy
D) Sclerosis

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26. What is the primary focus of palliative care?

A) Cure diseases
B) Provide comfort and improve quality of life
C) Extend life at all costs
D) Conduct research

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27. Which of the following is a common sign of infection?

A) Weight gain
B) Elevated white blood cell count
C) Normal temperature
D) Decreased pulse

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28. What position is best for a patient having difficulty breathing?

A) Supine
B) Prone
C) Fowlers
D) Trendelenburg

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29. Which nursing intervention is appropriate for a patient with hypoxia?

A) Encourage deep breathing
B) Administer oxygen therapy
C) Increase physical activity
D) Provide sedatives

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30. What is the term for the pressure exerted by blood on blood vessel walls?

A) Blood volume
B) Blood pressure
C) Cardiac output
D) Stroke volume

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31. What is the primary function of the immune system?

A) Regulate body temperature
B) Protect against infection and disease
C) Maintain fluid balance
D) Aid in digestion

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32. Which type of therapy is aimed at restoring function after injury?

A) Occupational therapy
B) Speech therapy
C) Physical therapy
D) Recreational therapy

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33. What is the recommended treatment for a minor burn?

A) Apply ice directly to the burn
B) Cover with a sterile dressing
C) Break blisters
D) Use ointment immediately

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34. Which nursing action is essential during medication administration?

A) Verify patient identity
B) Skip the hand hygiene step
C) Rush the process
D) Administer without checking allergies

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35. What is a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate treatment?

A) Anaphylaxis
B) Asthma
C) Eczema
D) Urticaria

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36. What is the purpose of a skin assessment?

A) Evaluate dietary intake
B) Determine patient’s mobility
C) Identify skin integrity issues
D) Assess pain levels

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37. Which is a non-invasive method to monitor heart activity?

A) Chest X-ray
B) Electrocardiogram (ECG)
C) Blood pressure cuff
D) Echocardiogram

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38. What is the first action a nurse should take during a fire emergency?

A) Try to put out the fire
B) Evacuate patients
C) Call for help
D) Secure personal belongings

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39. Which assessment technique involves listening to body sounds?

A) Palpation
B) Inspection
C) Percussion
D) Auscultation

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40. What does the acronym “QRS” refer to in an electrocardiogram?

A) Ventricular contraction
B) Atrial contraction
C) Blood pressure reading
D) Heart rate

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41. Which of the following is a common side effect of antihistamines?

A) Drowsiness
B) Increased heart rate
C) Dry skin
D) Nausea

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42. What is the term for a sudden increase in blood sugar levels?

A) Hyperglycemia
B) Hypoglycemia
C) Normoglycemia
D) Glucosuria

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43. What is the normal range for an adult’s heart rate?

A) 40-60 beats per minute
B) 60-100 beats per minute
C) 100-120 beats per minute
D) 120-140 beats per minute

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44. Which is a characteristic of chronic pain?

A) Short duration
B) Constant presence
C) Easily treatable
D) Always associated with injury

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45. What is a key symptom of diabetes mellitus?

A) Increased energy
B) Excessive thirst
C) Weight gain
D) Decreased urination

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46. What type of mask is used for patients requiring airborne precautions?

A) Surgical mask
B) N95 respirator
C) Cloth mask
D) Face shield

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47. What is the recommended position for a patient receiving a lumbar puncture?

A) Supine
B) Prone
C) Sitting with a forward bend
D) Fowlers

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48. Which assessment finding is indicative of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

A) Cool skin temperature
B) Pitting edema
C) Warmth and redness in the affected leg
D) Decreased heart rate

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49. What is the main function of red blood cells?

A) Fight infections
B) Carry oxygen
C) Clot blood
D) Regulate body temperature

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50. Which of the following conditions is commonly associated with asthma?

A) Hyperglycemia
B) Hypertension
C) Bronchoconstriction
D) Hypothermia

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51. What does the term “bradycardia” refer to?

A) Slow heart rate
B) Fast heart rate
C) Irregular heart rate
D) Normal heart rate

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52. Which type of injection is administered directly into the muscle?

A) Intravenous
B) Subcutaneous
C) Intramuscular
D) Intradermal

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53. What is the primary risk factor for coronary artery disease?

A) High fiber diet
B) Regular exercise
C) Smoking
D) Low cholesterol levels

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54. Which laboratory test is commonly used to assess kidney function?

A) Complete blood count
B) Liver function test
C) Serum creatinine
D) Electrolytes

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55. What is the recommended action for a nurse if a medication error occurs?

A) Ignore it
B) Notify the physician and document the error
C) Blame the pharmacy
D) Wait until the patient complains

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56. Which type of insulin is considered long-acting?

A) Insulin lispro
B) Insulin aspart
C) Insulin glargine
D) Regular insulin

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57. What does a pulse oximeter measure?

A) Blood pressure
B) Oxygen saturation
C) Heart rate
D) Blood glucose

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58. Which hormone regulates blood sugar levels?

A) Insulin
B) Cortisol
C) Adrenaline
D) Thyroxine

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59. What is the most common site for venipuncture?

A) Femoral vein
B) Jugular vein
C) Median cubital vein
D) Cephalic vein

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60. Which nursing diagnosis is appropriate for a patient with a high risk of falls?

A) Risk for impaired skin integrity
B) Impaired mobility
C) Risk for injury
D) Acute pain

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61. What is the primary goal of rehabilitation nursing?

A) Prevent disease
B) Restore optimal function
C) Provide end-of-life care
D) Reduce hospital stays

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62. Which vital sign is typically assessed first in an emergency situation?

A) Temperature
B) Blood pressure
C) Heart rate
D) Respiratory rate

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63. What does the term “tachycardia” refer to?

A) Normal heart rate
B) Slow heart rate
C) Rapid heart rate
D) Irregular heart rate

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64. What is the most effective method for preventing the spread of infection?

A) Using gloves
B) Hand hygiene
C) Wearing masks
D) Cleaning surfaces

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65. Which of the following conditions may require the use of a cane for ambulation?

A) Arthritis
B) Fracture recovery
C) Neuropathy
D) All of the above

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66. What is the primary purpose of a urinalysis?

A) Assess kidney function
B) Evaluate blood pressure
C) Determine oxygen levels
D) Diagnose infections

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67. Which condition is characterized by high blood pressure?

A) Hypotension
B) Hypertension
C) Hyperglycemia
D) Bradycardia

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68. What does the acronym “BMI” stand for?

A) Body Mass Index
B) Basic Metabolic Rate
C) Body Muscle Indicator
D) Blood Metabolism Index

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69. What is the common abbreviation for a stroke?

A) CVA
B) MI
C) TIA
D) CHF

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70. Which medication is often used to treat hypertension?

A) Metformin
B) Lisinopril
C) Levothyroxine
D) Ibuprofen

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71. Which method is used to assess a patient’s pain level?

A) Numeric pain scale
B) Body mass index
C) Vital signs
D) Blood tests

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72. What is the primary effect of diuretics?

A) Increase blood pressure
B) Decrease fluid retention
C) Increase heart rate
D) Improve appetite

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73. What is the most common cause of hospital-acquired infections?

A) Contaminated equipment
B) Surgical procedures
C) Catheter use
D) Improper hand hygiene

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74. Which is a risk factor for developing pressure ulcers?

A) Regular movement
B) High protein diet
C) Immobility
D) Hydration

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75. What is the primary use of a sphygmomanometer?

A) Measure temperature
B) Measure blood pressure
C) Assess heart rate
D) Evaluate respiratory rate

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76. Which dietary component is essential for wound healing?

A) Carbohydrates
B) Proteins
C) Fats
D) Sugars

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77. What is the primary symptom of a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

A) Back pain
B) Nausea
C) Frequent urination
D) Headache

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78. What is the primary purpose of immunizations?

A) Treat existing diseases
B) Prevent infections
C) Cure chronic conditions
D) Control pain

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79. Which electrolyte imbalance can cause cardiac arrhythmias?

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

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80. What is the primary treatment for anaphylactic shock?

A) Corticosteroids
B) Antihistamines
C) Epinephrine
D) Oxygen therapy

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81. Which of the following is a sign of hypoglycemia?

A) Increased thirst
B) Sweating and shaking
C) Blurred vision
D) Rapid weight gain

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82. What is the primary goal of infection control in healthcare settings?

A) Increase hospital stays
B) Reduce transmission of pathogens
C) Minimize healthcare costs
D) Provide more treatment options

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83. Which of the following is a nonverbal indicator of pain?

A) Verbal complaints
B) Facial grimacing
C) Increased appetite
D) High energy levels

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84. What is the primary purpose of patient advocacy in nursing?

A) Promote personal interests
B) Ensure patient rights and preferences are respected
C) Increase hospital revenue
D) Decrease patient satisfaction

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85. Which is a common nursing intervention for a patient with hypertension?

A) Encourage high salt intake
B) Promote weight loss and exercise
C) Increase caffeine consumption
D) Limit fluid intake

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86. What is the term for a severe and sudden headache, often described as a “thunderclap”?

A) Tension headache
B) Cluster headache
C) Migraine
D) Subarachnoid hemorrhage

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87. What is a primary symptom of pneumonia?

A) Dry cough
B) Productive cough with sputum
C) Itchy skin
D) Fever

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88. Which of the following is a primary action of beta-blockers?

A) Increase heart rate
B) Decrease heart rate
C) Lower blood sugar
D) Promote vasodilation

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89. What is the most appropriate nursing action for a patient experiencing chest pain?

A) Reassure the patient
B) Administer oxygen if ordered
C) Dismiss the complaint
D) Wait for the doctor to arrive

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90. What is the primary function of the liver?

A) Produce insulin
B) Filter blood and metabolize substances
C) Regulate body temperature
D) Control digestion

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91. What does “Triage” mean in nursing practice?

A) Assigning levels of urgency to patients
B) Prescribing medication
C) Administering treatment
D) Performing surgery

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92. Which laboratory value is commonly monitored for patients on anticoagulants?

A) Platelet count
B) Prothrombin time (PT)
C) Hemoglobin
D) Blood glucose

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93. What is the normal range for fasting blood glucose?

A) 70-100 mg/dL
B) 100-130 mg/dL
C) 130-150 mg/dL
D) 150-180 mg/dL

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94. What does the term “tachypnea” refer to?

A) Slow breathing
B) Rapid breathing
C) Normal breathing
D) Irregular breathing

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95. Which medication class is used to lower cholesterol levels?

A) Antihypertensives
B) Anticoagulants
C) Statins
D) Diuretics

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96. What is the role of the kidneys in the body?

A) Produce hormones
B) Filter waste from the blood
C) Aid in digestion
D) Regulate body temperature

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97. What is a common sign of hyperkalemia?

A) Muscle weakness
B) Increased energy
C) Hypotension
D) High fever

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98. What does the term “isolation” mean in a healthcare setting?

A) Keeping a patient confined to their home
B) Preventing contact with potentially infectious patients
C) Restricting access to medications
D) Segregating patients by diagnosis

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99. Which type of health care professional typically prescribes medications?

A) Registered Nurse
B) Licensed Practical Nurse
C) Physician
D) Nurse Practitioner

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100. What is the primary focus of community health nursing?

A) Provide hospital-based care
B) Promote wellness and prevent disease in the community
C) Conduct laboratory tests
D) Manage patient paperwork

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