Fundamentals of Nursing: Basic Care and Comfort Practice Questions
Test yourself on Basic Care and Comfort with 13 original NCLEX-RN practice questions. Pick an answer to see instant feedback and a full explanation.
Free original practice questions for study purposes. Open Exam Prep is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the makers of NCLEX-RN.
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Answer the questions below — you get instant feedback and a full explanation for each.
1. A nurse is caring for an immobile client who is at risk for skin breakdown. Which intervention is most appropriate to reduce pressure injury risk?
Explanation. Regular repositioning and heel offloading reduce prolonged pressure on vulnerable tissue. Reddened areas should not be massaged because this can damage fragile capillaries. A high head-of-bed angle increases shear, and heavy powder can cake and irritate skin.
2. A nurse assists a client with dysphagia after a stroke. Which action best promotes safe swallowing during meals?
Explanation. An upright 90-degree position helps protect the airway and supports safer swallowing. Thin liquids and straws can increase aspiration risk for some clients, and talking while chewing or swallowing can interfere with airway protection.
3. A client reports constipation after taking opioid pain medication. Which nursing intervention is appropriate to include in the plan of care?
Explanation. Opioids slow gastrointestinal motility. Fluids, fiber when appropriate, activity, and prescribed stool softeners or laxatives can help prevent constipation. Withholding fluids or delaying toileting worsens constipation, and medication changes require provider direction.
4. A nurse is providing oral care for an unconscious client. Which action is safest?
Explanation. Side-lying positioning with the head turned allows secretions to drain and reduces aspiration risk. Pouring fluid into the mouth of an unconscious client is unsafe. Fingers should not be placed between the teeth because of bite injury risk.
5. A client has left-sided weakness after a stroke. When assisting the client to dress, which technique should the nurse use?
Explanation. When dressing a client with one-sided weakness, put clothing on the affected or weaker side first and remove it from the unaffected side first. This reduces pulling and makes the task easier while supporting independence safely.
6. A nurse is caring for a client with a new hearing aid. Which instruction should the nurse reinforce?
Explanation. Ear molds may be cleaned and dried thoroughly before reconnection according to device instructions. Moisture, hair products, and leaving batteries in unnecessarily can damage the device or shorten battery life.
7. A nurse is assisting a client to use a bedpan. Which action promotes comfort and normal elimination?
Explanation. Raising the head of the bed supports a more natural sitting position and promotes comfort if the client's condition allows it. Privacy should be provided, and prolonged time on a bedpan can increase pressure injury risk.
8. A client has urinary incontinence and intact skin. Which nursing action best protects skin integrity?
Explanation. Prompt gentle cleansing and a moisture barrier reduce irritation from urine and stool. Hot water and scrubbing damage skin, wet linens increase maceration, and broad fluid restriction can cause dehydration and does not address skin protection.
9. A nurse is teaching a client with low vision about the room setup. Which action is most helpful?
Explanation. Clear pathways and consistent placement of essential items reduce fall risk and support independence. Frequent rearrangement increases hazards. Lighting should be adjusted to the client's needs, and low vision does not mean the client has hearing loss.
10. A nurse is using a mechanical lift to transfer a client from bed to chair. Which action is required before lifting?
Explanation. The receiving chair should be locked, close, and ready before the lift begins. Mechanical lifts require the correct sling size and secure attachment points. Pulling under the arms can injure the client, and unsafe bed height or loose attachments increase fall risk.
11. A nurse is caring for a client who wears dentures. Which action is appropriate?
Explanation. Dentures should be stored in a labeled denture cup with water or solution as directed to prevent drying and loss. Tissue wrapping often leads to accidental disposal. Very hot water can warp dentures.
12. A client receiving palliative care reports pain rated 8 out of 10. Which response by the nurse is best?
Explanation. Pain control is a central comfort goal in palliative care. The nurse should follow the prescribed plan, use appropriate nonpharmacologic comfort measures as indicated, and reassess effectiveness and adverse effects. Pain does not need to be extreme before treatment.
13. A client who is bedbound has a dry mouth and cracked lips. Which intervention is appropriate for comfort?
Explanation. Frequent oral care and a water-soluble lip moisturizer relieve dryness and reduce cracking. Lemon-glycerin swabs can dry and irritate mucosa. Petroleum products inside the mouth can pose aspiration concerns and are not ideal for oral mucosa.
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FAQ
What topics are usually included in NCLEX Basic Care and Comfort?
Common areas include hygiene, positioning, mobility assistance, nutrition support, elimination, skin integrity, rest, sensory aids, and comfort-focused care. Many questions ask for the safest nursing action that preserves dignity and prevents complications.
How should I approach comfort-care questions on NCLEX?
Look for the least invasive, safest intervention that addresses the client's stated need. Prioritize airway and safety first, then comfort, privacy, independence, and skin protection. Reassess after interventions, especially pain or symptom-management actions.
What mistakes should I avoid on basic care questions?
Avoid answer choices that ignore safety, remove independence unnecessarily, use restraints too early, delay hygiene or toileting, or create aspiration and fall risks. Simple nursing actions such as positioning, call-light access, oral care, and skin protection are often the best answer.