Can You Get More Than 11 Right on This Difficult Nursing Quiz?

By: Kale Havervold
Estimated Completion Time
5 min
Can You Get More Than 11 Right on This Difficult Nursing Quiz?
Image: FatCamera / E+ / Getty Images

About This Quiz

While doctors often get a lot of praise and attention, nurses are just as important when it comes to helping patients. They are responsible for doing several things at hospitals and medical centers. Everything from paperwork, to patient care often falls on the shoulders of nurses. They are the unsung heroes of the hospital and need to be very kind, intelligent and willing to work hard and potentially get their hands dirty. Whether they are checking the vital signs of a patient or helping them use the washroom, a nurse plays an incredibly vital role in the healthcare setting.

But how much of what they do and need to know are you aware of? Do you know the symptoms of pneumonia? How about the best time to get an accurate weight of a patient? If so, or you simply want to learn more about nursing, this is the right quiz for you. We will look at a range of things such as the duties of a nurse, nursing stats, medical knowledge that nurses need to know and more.

Without any further ado, put your scrubs on and wash your hands as you prepare yourself to challenge our difficult quiz on all things nursing.

blood pressure
Siri Stafford / The Image Bank / Getty Images
What is a normal blood pressure for a healthy adult?
Below 120 over below 80
140 over 90
210 over 180
Above 150 over above 120
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Blood pressure is a very important and vital part of our lives. It's a measurement of how well blood moves throughout our body. A normal blood pressure is below 120 over below 80.

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Tachycardia_ECG_paper
Wiki Commons by Madhero88
What is tachycardia?
A rapid heart rate
When your heart rate slows
When blood starts pumping faster
The medical term for someone with a concussion
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Tachycardia is when the heart rate of an individual is sped up, Heart rate is controlled by electrical signals, and when an abnormality in the heart occurs that speeds up these signals, the heart rate also increases rapidly.

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nurse's cap
George Marks / Retrofile RF / Getty Images
Back in the day, what was the purpose of the nurse's cap?
Just for looks
To keep hair in place
Used to identify different nurses
Keep their heads cooler
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The nurse's cap was introduced early in the history of nursing, as a way for a nurse to keep their hair in place and help contribute to a modern appearance. Many nursing schools have a "cap ceremony", where new nurses are given their caps.

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right ventricle
Callista Images / Image Source / Getty Images
In the heart, what is the role of the right ventricle?
It doesn't do anything.
It pumps out oxygen-rich blood to the body.
It protects the heart from disease.
It pumps oxygen-depleted blood to the lungs.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The right ventricle is one of the four different chambers of the human heart. The role of the right ventricle is to assist in pumping oxygen-depleted blood into the lungs of the body.

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Third-degree burn
ollo / E+ / Getty Images
A patient comes in with a "full-thickness" burn. Which degree of burn is it?
Zero-degree burn
First-degree burn
Second-degree burn
Third-degree burn
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While all burns can potentially be serious, a third-degree burn can be horrible. Characteristics of a third-degree burn include black, brown or yellow skin, destroyed nerve endings and multiple layers of skin will be destroyed.

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Just shy of 3 million
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately how many nurses are working in the USA?
Around 1.5 million
Just shy of 3 million
About 200,000
Over 10 million
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Nursing is a very common job and, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are around 2.95 million registered nurses working in the USA. Most work in the states of California, Texas, New York and Florida.

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Say you will find out and report back
David Sacks / The Image Bank / Getty Images
If a patient asks a nurse a question that they don't know the answer to, what should they do?
Make something up
Say they will find out and report back
Just ignore it
Tell them to look it up
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If a nurse is asked a question that they don't know the answer to, it is a good idea for them to say they don't know, but will find out. Asking around the unit can often get them the answer they need to report back to the patient.

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Angina
Moyo Studio / E+ / Getty Images
What is the medical term for chest pain?
Angina
Hypertension
Strained sternum
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The medical term for chest pain is angina. It can cause uncomfortable pressure or a feeling of fullness in the middle of the chest. It often happens when a heart muscle simply fails to get enough blood.

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Fowler
Hispanolistic / E+ / Getty Images
When a patient is seated in between a 45- and 60-degree angle, which position are they sitting in?
High Fowler
Low Fowler
Semi-Fowler
Fowler
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In medicine, the Fowler's position describes the position a patient is sitting in. If a patient is sitting between 45 and 60 degrees, it is the standard Fowler position. The name of the position changes as the degree does.

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1873 (photo from 1904)
Wiki Commons by Melbourne District Nursing Society
Which year was the first-ever nursing diploma earned in the USA?
1921
1799
1873
1945
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While nursing dates back to the Roman Empire, there wasn't a nursing diploma given out in the USA until 1873. It was given out to Linda Richards, who eventually went on to establish many nursing programs.

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nurse wears gloves
Fuse / Corbis / Getty Images
In which of the following situations would a nurse need to wear gloves?
When bringing food to the patient
When talking to the patient
When providing some kind of oral care
When handing the patient information papers
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Gloves can play an important role in nursing as they can prevent the spread of diseases both ways. However, while important, the only situation of the listed here that would require gloves is providing some kind of oral care to a patient.

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sundowning
SolStock / E+ / Getty Images
If someone is "sundowning," what does that mean?
They sleep all day and are up all night.
They get depressed when the sun comes up.
They get confused in the late day.
Refers to when a patient moves from one floor to another
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Sundowning is when a patient enters a state of confusion in the late afternoon which continues into the evening. This confusion can also include anger, anxiety and aggression. It is often observed in some people with certain kinds of dementia.

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pneumonia
asiandelight / Moment / Getty Images
Of the following symptoms, which is not associated with someone having pneumonia?
Cough
Fever
Very slow breathing
Shaking or shivers
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Pneumonia is a potentially deadly illness in which germs are allowed to enter and multiply in your lungs. All of the aforementioned symptoms are accurate, except for slow breathing. Most with pneumonia will actually have very fast breathing.

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acute illness
Luis Alvarez / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Which of the following best describes an acute illness?
An illness with no known origin
An illness that lasts for weeks or months
An illness that comes and goes very quickly
An illness with a high mortality rate
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

An acute illness is one with a very sudden onset, and will often run its course very quickly. It is often seen as the opposite of a chronic illness, which can continue to affect a patient for a longer period of time.

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60 to 100 bears per minute
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What is a normal resting heart rate for an adult?
20 to 40 beats per minute
60 to 100 beats per minute
120-150 beats per minute
175-215 beats per minute
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

According to experts in the space, a normal resting heart rate for a healthy adult is anywhere between 60-100 beats per minute. The actual rate will depend on age, health and a number of other factors.

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ulcer
Peter Dazeley / The Image Bank / Getty Images
An ulcer is a fairly common ailment that many people struggle with. But what exactly is an ulcer?
Open sore that is slow to heal
A hard substance on a bone
A rip on your Achilles tendon
A bad cough
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

An ulcer is an open sore that either keep coming back or takes very long to heal. There are a variety of different kinds, and they can happen on both the outside of the body and the inside.

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electrolytes
Mr_Jamsey / E+ / Getty Images
Which of the following is not an electrolyte?
Sodium
Calcium
Magnesium
Folate
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

All of the aforementioned are electrolytes, except for folate. Electrolytes, in medicine, are often needed to replenish an individual who has been experiencing diarrhea or vomiting for long periods of time.

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sutures
asiandelight / Moment Open / Getty Images
How long should it take before surgery staples or sutures are removed after an operation?
Around 3 days
Around 1-2 weeks
Around a month
Around a week at most
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When surgeries take place, staples or sutures are often used to close the wound and ensure it stays closes. After a surgery, it will normally take about 1 to 2 weeks before they are able to be removed.

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Almost 90%
Charday Penn / E+ / Getty Images
What percentage of nurses are women?
Almost 50%
About 65%
Almost 90%
About 25%
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

According to stats from Data USA, the overwhelming majority of nurses in the USA are women. In total, just shy of 90% of all nurses in the country are women. However, more and more men are beginning to become interested in the space.

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high blood pressure
triloks / E+ / Getty Images
Which of the following can contribute to high blood pressure?
Obesity
Diabetes
Stress
All of the above
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

High blood pressure is an unfortunately common ailment that affects many people all over the world. Of the provided factors, all of them can help to contribute to high blood pressure.

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Helps the body create DNA and RNA
Yuichiro Chino / Moment / Getty Images
In the body, what is folate responsible for doing?
Helps the body create DNA and RNA
Regulating temperature
Creating white blood cells
Removing germs
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Folate is very important to our bodies, as it is essential for making both RNA and DNA. Also, folate is responsible for assisting in metabolizing certain amino acids to make the division of cells possible.

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Give the patient a needle
fstop123 / E+ / Getty Images
If a nurse is about to give a patient a flu vaccine, what are they about to do?
Give a patient a pill
Give the patient an injection
Rub cream on the patient
Give the patient a drink
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While there are many ways for a nurse or doctors to administer drugs, a flu vaccine is done with a needle. The needle is often done on the non-dominant arm in case of pain or tenderness.

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12-20 breaths a minute
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How many breaths a minute should a healthy adult be taking?
6-10 breaths a minute
12-20 breaths a minute
40-60 breaths a minute
Around 100 breaths a minute
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The average and normal respiratory rate for individuals is between 12 and 20 breaths a minute. This rate ensures that carbon dioxide in the lungs exits the the body at the same pace as it is created.

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patient advocate
FatCamera / E+ / Getty Images
What is the responsibility of a nurse if they are acting as a patient advocate?
Be their sole provider of care
Working for free
Protecting patient rights and helping them out
Selecting the doctors who care for the patient
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Patient advocacy is all about helping or guiding someone through their experience with the healthcare system. This includes protecting their rights, helping them communicate and a range of other things.

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accurate weight
Ariel Skelley / Photodisc / Getty Images
When is the best time for a nurse to gain an accurate weight on a patient?
After eating
Right before bed
In the morning
It doesn't matter.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The weight of a person will fluctuate throughout the day, going up and down. The best time to weigh a patient for accurate result is right in the morning as you haven't had time to lose or gain weight throughout your daily activities.

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Remain calm
Yellow Dog Productions / The Image Bank / Getty Images
If a patient is growing aggressive or angry with a nurse, what is the nurse supposed to do?
Answer with aggression
Remain calm
Ignore it completely
Threaten them
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In the face of an aggressive patient, a nurse should look to remain calm and defuse the situation. However, if things continue to escalate, the nurse should leave the room and consider calling for security.

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perform CPR
ER Productions Limited / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Which of these following situations would not require CPR on a patient?
Someone has suffered from cardiac arrest.
When someone has passed out and is completely unresponsive
Someone is unconscious after a car accident.
All are good reasons to perform CPR.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

CPR is an extremely valuable life-saving maneuver that aims to get people to begin breathing again artificially. If a person is not actually in cardiac arrest, they will likely respond to the CPR efforts.

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palliative care
Xesai / E+ / Getty Images
What is the goal of palliative care from a nurse's standpoint?
Caring for senior citizens
Getting the patient home from the hospital
Improving the quality of life of a patient
To get a patient to see a specialist
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The goal of palliative care is to improve the quality of life of a patient, often one who has a life-threatening disease or illness. It is about reducing symptoms and providing relief.

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broken clavicle
Cyndi Monaghan / Moment / Getty Images
If a patient comes in with a broken clavicle, what part of their body is injured?
Collarbone
Leg
Elbow
Back
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If someone has broken their clavicle, it means that they have broken their collarbone. A collarbone is one of the most common bones for people to break and it can require a fairly long recovery.

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blood transfusion
Jochen Sands / DigitalVision / Getty Images
What is a blood transfusion?
When blood doesn't have enough red blood cells
Transferring new blood into a person's bloodstream
When blood exits a wound
Testing blood during a physical
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Blood transfusion is done when blood is transferred into the circulation of an individual. This is done to those whose bodies are not making enough blood, or in those who have lost a lot of blood.

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Four primary vital signs
Ariel Skelley / DigitalVision / Getty Images
How many main or primary vital signs are there?
One
Two
Three
Four
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In total, there are four primary and main vital signs that doctors and nurses will often check in an individual. These are heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure and the temperature of the body.

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normal temperature
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Measuring temperature is common for nurses. When measuring, what temperature is considered normal for an individual?
75-80F
97-99F
102-106F
89-91F
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

You may have often heard that the normal body temperature is 98.6F, but this is only an average estimate. In general, it can be around a degree higher or lower and still be within the normal range, which is why 97-99F is normal.

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Wrist
LaylaBird / E+ / Getty Images
Where is the preferred place for checking the pulse of an adult who is conscious?
Wrist
Neck
Foot
Elbow
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Checking the pulse of an individual can be done in many different places. However, one of the easiest and most preferred places is on the wrist, More specifically, the radial artery is checked.

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Epinephrine
Peter Dazeley / The Image Bank / Getty Images
Which hormone is included in an EpiPen?
Epinephrine
Cortisol
Testosterone
Melatonin
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

An EpiPen, which is used for treating a number of different conditions, is full of epinephrine. Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, can help stop a severe allergic reaction from continuing.

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Using blood
Andrew Brookes / Cultura / Getty Images
What is the most common way that the blood sugar levels of a person are tested?
Using blood
Using saliva
Using urine
Using skin samples
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The way to check the blood sugar levels of an individual is, of course, by using blood. In particular, drawing blood or using a glucometer for those who need to test every day are the most common.

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You Got:
/35
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