NCLEX Basic Care and Comfort Questions Answers

Last Updated on July 4, 2024

Prepare for the NCLEX with our Basic Care and Comfort under Psychosocial Integrity questions and answers featuring comprehensive rationales: access free practice tests, detailed explanations, and downloadable PDFs. Perfect for NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN candidates, our resources ensure you master essential nursing care. Boost your exam preparation with our expert study materials.

Physiological Integrity – Basic Care and Comfort questions compose 6 to 12 percent of the NCLEX-RN. These questions test your knowledge of assisting clients in daily living activities. They may address personal hygiene, oral hydration, nutrition, elimination, assistive devices, mobility, sleep, and non-pharmacological comfort interventions.

NCLEX Basic Care and Comfort Questions Answers

Q1. A nurse is providing oral care to an unconscious client. Which action is most important to prevent aspiration?

(A) Placing the client in a supine position
(B) Using a large amount of water to rinse the mouth
(C) Positioning the client on their side
(D) Avoiding the use of mouthwash

View Answer

Answer: (C)
Rationale: Positioning the client on their side helps prevent aspiration by allowing secretions to drain out of the mouth.

Q2. A nurse is assisting a client with limited mobility to use a bedpan. What is the best position for the client?

(A) Supine with knees flexed
(B) Semi-Fowler’s position
(C) Prone with a pillow under the abdomen
(D) Trendelenburg position

View Answer

Answer: (B)
Rationale: Placing the client in a Semi-Fowler’s position facilitates the use of the bedpan and promotes comfort.

Q3. A nurse is providing care for a client with an indwelling urinary catheter. Which intervention is most important to prevent infection?

(A) Changing the catheter every 48 hours
(B) Keeping the catheter bag above the level of the bladder
(C) Maintaining a closed drainage system
(D) Irrigating the catheter daily

View Answer

Answer: (C)
Rationale: Maintaining a closed drainage system reduces the risk of introducing pathogens and helps prevent infection.

Q4. A nurse is caring for a client who is at risk for developing pressure ulcers. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

(A) Repositioning the client every 4 hours
(B) Using a donut-shaped cushion
(C) Applying a moisture barrier cream to the skin
(D) Encouraging the client to remain in one position

View Answer

Answer: (C)
Rationale: Applying a moisture barrier cream helps protect the skin from moisture and reduces the risk of pressure ulcers.

Q5. A nurse is assisting a client with dysphagia to eat. Which intervention is most appropriate?

(A) Offering thin liquids
(B) Encouraging the client to eat quickly
(C) Placing the client in an upright position
(D) Using a straw for all liquids

View Answer

Answer: (C)
Rationale: Placing the client in an upright position helps prevent aspiration and facilitates safer swallowing.

Q6. A nurse is teaching a client with diabetes about foot care. Which statement indicates a need for further teaching?

(A) “I will inspect my feet daily for cuts and sores.”
(B) “I should soak my feet in hot water every day.”
(C) “I will wear well-fitting shoes to protect my feet.”
(D) “I should keep my feet clean and dry.”

View Answer

Answer: (B)
Rationale: Soaking feet in hot water can cause burns and should be avoided; warm water should be used instead.

Q7. A nurse is caring for a client with limited mobility. Which intervention is most important to prevent contractures?

(A) Applying warm compresses to joints
(B) Performing range-of-motion exercises regularly
(C) Keeping the client in bed at all times
(D) Using restraints to prevent movement

View Answer

Answer: (B)
Rationale: Performing range-of-motion exercises helps maintain joint flexibility and prevent contractures.

Q8. A nurse is providing perineal care to a female client. Which technique is most appropriate?

(A) Cleaning from back to front
(B) Using a circular motion to clean
(C) Cleaning from front to back
(D) Using the same washcloth for the entire perineal area

View Answer

Answer: (C)
Rationale: Cleaning from front to back helps prevent the spread of bacteria from the anal area to the urethra and vagina.

Q9. A nurse is assisting a client with ambulation using a walker. Which instruction should the nurse provide?

(A) “Move the walker and your weak leg forward simultaneously.”
(B) “Use the walker only when you feel unsteady.”
(C) “Push the walker far ahead and then step forward.”
(D) “Move the walker forward, then step with your strong leg first.”

View Answer

Answer: (A)
Rationale: Moving the walker and the weak leg forward simultaneously provides stability and balance during ambulation.

Q10. A nurse is providing care to a client with chronic pain. Which non-pharmacological intervention is most appropriate to include in the care plan?

(A) Administering acetaminophen as needed
(B) Encouraging frequent position changes
(C) Using heat or cold therapy as appropriate
(D) Providing a high-protein diet

View Answer

Answer: (C)
Rationale: Heat or cold therapy can help alleviate pain and provide comfort without the use of medications.

Q11. A nurse is caring for a client who is on a clear liquid diet. Which item is appropriate to include on the client’s meal tray?

(A) Apple juice
(B) Milk
(C) Cream soup
(D) Mashed potatoes

View Answer

Answer: (A)
Rationale: Apple juice is a clear liquid and is appropriate for a clear liquid diet.

Q12. A nurse is providing education to a client about proper body mechanics. Which instruction should the nurse include?

(A) “Bend at the waist when lifting heavy objects.”
(B) “Keep objects close to your body when lifting.”
(C) “Twist your torso when moving heavy objects.”
(D) “Lift with your back muscles.”

View Answer

Answer: (B)
Rationale: Keeping objects close to the body when lifting helps maintain balance and reduces the risk of injury.

Q13. A nurse is caring for a client who is bedridden. Which intervention is most important to prevent respiratory complications?

(A) Encouraging the client to drink plenty of fluids
(B) Turning the client every 4 hours
(C) Performing chest physiotherapy
(D) Using an incentive spirometer regularly

View Answer

Answer: (D)
Rationale: Using an incentive spirometer helps promote lung expansion and prevent respiratory complications such as pneumonia.

Q14. A nurse is assisting a client with Alzheimer’s disease to dress. Which approach is most effective?

(A) Allowing the client to choose their outfit independently
(B) Providing step-by-step instructions and assistance
(C) Dressing the client quickly to minimize stress
(D) Using complicated and detailed instructions

View Answer

Answer: (B)
Rationale: Providing step-by-step instructions and assistance helps the client maintain independence and reduces confusion.

Q15. A nurse is educating a client about the importance of hydration. Which statement indicates the client understands the teaching?

(A) “I should drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.”
(B) “I only need to drink when I feel thirsty.”
(C) “I should limit my fluid intake to prevent frequent urination.”
(D) “I can meet my hydration needs with caffeinated beverages.”

View Answer

Answer: (A)
Rationale: Drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day helps maintain proper hydration and overall health.

Q16. A nurse is providing care to a client with limited mobility. Which intervention is most important to prevent muscle atrophy?

(A) Encouraging fluid intake
(B) Providing a high-protein diet
(C) Performing passive range-of-motion exercises
(D) Applying heat to muscles

View Answer

Answer: (C)
Rationale: Performing passive range-of-motion exercises helps maintain muscle strength and prevent atrophy.

Q17. A nurse is caring for a client who has difficulty sleeping. Which non-pharmacological intervention is most appropriate?

(A) Encouraging daytime napping
(B) Establishing a regular bedtime routine
(C) Providing a high-caffeine beverage before bed
(D) Increasing physical activity before bedtime

View Answer

Answer: (B)
Rationale: Establishing a regular bedtime routine helps promote better sleep hygiene and improve sleep quality.

Q18. A nurse is teaching a client about the use of a cane. Which instruction should the nurse provide?

(A) “Hold the cane on your weaker side.”
(B) “Move the cane and your weaker leg forward at the same time.”
(C) “Move the cane forward first, then your stronger leg.”
(D) “Use the cane only when walking on uneven surfaces.”

View Answer

Answer: (B)
Rationale: Moving the cane and the weaker leg forward at the same time provides support and stability while walking.

Q19. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving enteral nutrition via a nasogastric tube. Which intervention is most important to prevent aspiration?

(A) Keeping the client in a supine position
(B) Elevating the head of the bed to at least 30 degrees
(C) Administering feedings quickly
(D) Checking tube placement only once a day

View Answer

Answer: (B)
Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed to at least 30 degrees helps prevent aspiration during enteral feedings.

Q20. A nurse is providing oral hydration to a client with dysphagia. Which technique is most appropriate?

(A) Offering small sips of water
(B) Using a straw for all liquids
(C) Providing thickened liquids
(D) Encouraging the client to drink quickly

View Answer

Answer: (C)
Rationale: Providing thickened liquids reduces the risk of aspiration in clients with dysphagia.

Q21. A nurse is providing care for a client with a cast. Which intervention is most important to prevent complications?

(A) Keeping the cast covered with plastic
(B) Elevating the casted limb above heart level
(C) Applying lotion under the cast
(D) Encouraging the client to scratch under the cast with a sharp object

View Answer

Answer: (B)
Rationale: Elevating the casted limb above heart level helps reduce swelling and prevent complications such as compartment syndrome.

Q22. A nurse is caring for a client with a nasogastric tube. Which intervention is most important to ensure patency of the tube?

(A) Irrigating the tube with water every 4 hours
(B) Clamping the tube between feedings
(C) Positioning the client flat in bed
(D) Removing the tube daily for cleaning

View Answer

Answer: (A)
Rationale: Irrigating the nasogastric tube with water every 4 hours helps maintain patency and prevent blockages.

Q23. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving oxygen therapy via nasal cannula. Which intervention is most important to prevent skin breakdown?

(A) Using adhesive tape to secure the cannula
(B) Applying a water-based lubricant to the nares
(C) Tightening the cannula to prevent movement
(D) Keeping the flow rate above 4 liters per minute

View Answer

Answer: (B)
Rationale: Applying a water-based lubricant to the nares helps prevent dryness and skin breakdown caused by the nasal cannula.

Q24. A nurse is caring for a client with constipation. Which dietary recommendation is most appropriate?

(A) Increasing intake of high-fiber foods
(B) Reducing fluid intake
(C) Avoiding fruits and vegetables
(D) Increasing intake of processed foods

View Answer

Answer: (A)
Rationale: Increasing intake of high-fiber foods helps promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation.

Q25. A nurse is assisting a client with bathing. Which action is most appropriate to promote client comfort and independence?

(A) Completing the entire bath for the client
(B) Encouraging the client to wash their face and hands
(C) Using cold water for the bath
(D) Bathing the client only once a week

View Answer

Answer: (B)
Rationale: Encouraging the client to wash their face and hands promotes independence and comfort during bathing.

See also:

Free NCLEX Practice Test with Study Guide [UPDATED 2024-25]

Safe and Effective Care Environment

Health Promotion and Maintenance

Health Promotion and Maintenance Questions

Psychosocial Integrity