Basic Nursing Skills Practice Test
9 questions on basic nursing skills. Each answer explains the reasoning and links to the federal regulation or official health guidance behind it.
- 9 questions
- Answers explained
- Sources checked November 3, 2026
Study test, not the real exam. The All CNA Classes Editorial Team wrote these questions based on official federal standards (42 CFR Part 483), CDC safety guidance, and MedlinePlus. This set focuses on basic nursing skills: Vital signs (temperature, pulse, breathing, blood pressure) and preventing pressure sores..
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- What is the normal resting heart rate for an adult?
Answer: 60 to 100 beats a minute. MedlinePlus gives 60 to 100 beats a minute as the normal resting heart rate for adults, including seniors. Report a reading outside the usual range to the nurse. MedlinePlus: Pulse. - Where do you usually feel for a pulse at the wrist?
Answer: On the palm side of the wrist, on the thumb side. MedlinePlus says to place your index and middle fingers on the underside of the wrist, below the base of the thumb, and count for a full minute (or 30 seconds and double it). MedlinePlus: Pulse. - In a blood pressure reading of 118/76 mm Hg, what is 118?
Answer: The systolic (top) number. The top number is the systolic pressure and the bottom number is the diastolic pressure. MedlinePlus says a normal reading is lower than 120/80 most of the time. MedlinePlus: High blood pressure. - Which reading is in the normal range, according to MedlinePlus?
Answer: 112/74 mm Hg. MedlinePlus says normal blood pressure is lower than 120/80 mm Hg most of the time. Only 112/74 is below both numbers. MedlinePlus: High blood pressure. - What is the generally recognized normal average oral body temperature for a healthy adult?
Answer: 98.6°F (37.0°C). MedlinePlus recognizes 98.6°F (37°C) as the standard average normal oral temperature, though normal resting body temperature can fluctuate by 1°F throughout the day. MedlinePlus: Body temperature norms. - How does a temperature measured under the arm (axillary) compare to an oral temperature reading?
Answer: It is typically about 0.5°F to 1.0°F lower than an oral reading. MedlinePlus says an armpit temperature is most often 0.5°F (0.3°C) to 1°F (0.6°C) lower than an oral temperature. MedlinePlus: Temperature measurement. - What is the normal resting respiratory rate for a healthy adult?
Answer: 12 to 20 breaths per minute. MedlinePlus states a normal adult respiratory rate at rest is 12 to 20 breaths per minute. Rates outside this range should be reported to the supervising nurse. MedlinePlus: Respiratory rate. - A resident who can't move on her own stays in bed all day. How often does MedlinePlus advise changing position in bed to prevent pressure sores?
Answer: Every 1 to 2 hours. MedlinePlus advises changing position every 1 to 2 hours to keep pressure off any one spot, and keeping skin clean, dry and checked daily. MedlinePlus: Preventing pressure ulcers. - A resident sits in a wheelchair most of the day. How often does MedlinePlus suggest shifting weight to relieve pressure?
Answer: Every 15 to 20 minutes. MedlinePlus says people in a wheelchair should shift their weight, leaning forward, left and right, every 15 to 20 minutes to relieve pressure. MedlinePlus: Preventing pressure ulcers.