General Nursing — Complete Exercise Solutions
Key Concepts Quick Recap
| Parameter | Normal Adult Range |
|---|
| Temperature | 36.5 – 37.5°C (oral); 37°C average |
| Pulse rate | 60 – 100 beats/minute |
| Respiratory rate | 12 – 20 breaths/minute |
| Blood pressure | 120/80 mmHg |
| SpO₂ (oxygen saturation) | ≥ 95% |
I. Choose the Best Answer (MCQs)
1. Normal body temperature (oral) in an adult is: (a) 35-36°C (b) 36.5-37.5°C (c) 38-39°C (d) 39-40°C
Answer(b) 36.5-37.5°C Fever = temperature >38°C. Hyperthermia >40°C (heat stroke). Hypothermia <35°C.
2. The pulse is most commonly assessed at the: (a) Femoral artery (b) Radial artery (c) Brachial artery (d) Carotid artery
Answer(b) Radial artery Radial pulse: at the wrist (lateral side). Other sites: carotid (neck — emergency), brachial (BP measurement/infant CPR), femoral (groin), apical (heart — stethoscope).
3. Standard precautions in infection control include: (a) Using gloves only when in contact with blood (b) Treating all patients as potentially infectious and using appropriate PPE (c) No special precautions needed in general wards (d) Only hand washing
Answer(b) Treating all patients as potentially infectious and using appropriate PPE Standard precautions: hand hygiene, gloves when touching body fluids, mask for respiratory exposure, gown, safe sharps disposal, proper waste management.
4. The first aid for a burn injury is: (a) Apply butter or oil (b) Break the blisters (c) Cool with running cold water for 10-20 minutes (d) Cover with tight bandage immediately
Answer(c) Cool with running cold water for 10-20 minutes First aid for burns: cool running water (10-20 min) → reduces pain and limits damage. Do NOT: use ice, butter, toothpaste, or break blisters. Cover with clean non-fluffy dressing.
5. The correct sequence for donning (putting on) PPE is: (a) Gloves → Gown → Mask → Eye protection (b) Gown → Mask/Respirator → Eye protection → Gloves (c) Mask → Gloves → Gown → Eye protection (d) Eye protection → Gloves → Mask → Gown
Answer(b) Gown → Mask/Respirator → Eye protection → Gloves Donning: Gown → Mask → Eye protection (goggles/shield) → Gloves (last, over gown cuffs). Doffing (removal): Gloves (first) → Eye protection → Gown → Mask (last) — most contaminated to least.
6. Bedsores (pressure ulcers) are best prevented by: (a) Keeping the patient in one position (b) Frequent repositioning (every 2 hours), pressure relief, and skin care (c) Applying tight bandages (d) Increasing fluid intake only
Answer(b) Frequent repositioning (every 2 hours), pressure relief, and skin care Pressure ulcers (decubitus ulcers): caused by prolonged pressure on skin. Prevention: reposition every 2 hours, use pressure-relief mattresses, keep skin clean and dry, adequate nutrition.
7. The antidote for paracetamol (acetaminophen) overdose is: (a) Vitamin C (b) N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) (c) Atropine (d) Flumazenil
Answer(b) N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) NAC replenishes glutathione stores in the liver → prevents hepatotoxicity from paracetamol overdose. Atropine: for organophosphate poisoning. Flumazenil: for benzodiazepine overdose.
II. Short Answer Questions
Q1. Explain the RICE method of first aid for sprains.
Answer
RICE: standard first aid for soft tissue injuries (sprains, strains).
- R — Rest: Stop activity immediately; avoid weight bearing.
- I — Ice: Apply ice pack wrapped in cloth (not directly) for 20 min every 2-3 hours for 48-72 hours. Reduces swelling and pain.
- C — Compression: Wrap with elastic bandage to reduce swelling. Not too tight (check circulation).
- E — Elevation: Raise injured limb above heart level → reduces swelling.
Q2. Describe the chain of infection and how to break it.
Answer
Chain of infection: 6 links that must all be present for infection to spread.
1. Infectious agent (pathogen: bacteria, virus) → Break by: sterilisation, disinfection. 2. Reservoir (source: person, animal, environment) → Break by: treatment, isolation. 3. Portal of exit (how pathogen leaves: respiratory, GI, skin) → Break by: covering coughs, proper wound care. 4. Mode of transmission (contact, droplet, airborne, vector) → Break by: hand hygiene, PPE, isolation. 5. Portal of entry (how pathogen enters: mucous membrane, skin break) → Break by: intact skin, not touching face. 6. Susceptible host → Break by: vaccination, good nutrition, proper hygiene.
Exam Checklist
- Vital signs: T 36.5-37.5°C, P 60-100/min, RR 12-20/min, BP 120/80 mmHg.
- Radial pulse: most common site; carotid: emergency.
- Burns first aid: cool running water 10-20 min (NOT butter, ice, or tight bandage).
- Standard precautions: hand hygiene + PPE for all patients.
- Pressure ulcers: reposition every 2 hours, pressure relief mattress.
- RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (for sprains).
- Chain of infection: 6 links; break any link to prevent spread.
