Basic Nursing Skills Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield Basic Nursing Skills facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which position is most appropriate when placing a patient on a bedpan? → Semi-Fowler's or elevated head-of-bed position
2. The term 'oliguria' is defined as urine output of: → Less than 400 mL/day
3. When is an apical-radial pulse deficit assessment performed? → To identify cardiac dysrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation
4. A patient receiving enteral tube feedings develops abdominal distension, nausea, and high gastric residual volumes. The nurse should: → Hold the feeding and notify the provider
5. When collecting a clean-catch midstream urine specimen from a female patient, the nurse should instruct the patient to: → Cleanse the urethral area front to back, then collect midstream urine
6. What is the recommended knee angle when a patient is seated in a wheelchair to prevent pressure injury on the ischial tuberosities? → Approximately 90 degrees of flexion
7. A patient using a walker should be instructed to: → Move the walker forward, then step into it
8. The nurse is using a mechanical lift (Hoyer lift) to transfer a patient. What is the priority safety check before the lift? → Check the weight limit of the lift and verify correct sling size
9. When providing mouth care for an unconscious patient, the CNA should: → Turn the patient's head to the side and use minimal liquid
10. The correct position for administering a tap water enema is: → Left Sims' position
11. A patient using a walker for the first time. The nurse should instruct the patient to: → Move the walker forward, then step the weaker leg first, then the stronger
12. Which site is most commonly used to assess an adult's pulse? → Radial artery
13. Signs and symptoms of dehydration include all of the following EXCEPT: → Bounding pulse
14. When is soap and water preferred over alcohol-based hand rub for hand hygiene? → When caring for patients with Clostridium difficile infection
15. Before administering any medication, the nurse must verify patient identity using: → At least two patient identifiers
16. The Trendelenburg position involves: → Supine with feet elevated higher than the head
17. Which food is highest in potassium and beneficial for a patient with hypokalemia? → Bananas and oranges
18. Which type of dressing maintains a moist wound environment and is used for partial-thickness wounds and minor burns? → Hydrocolloid dressing
19. When assessing a patient's bowel function, bright red blood in the stool most likely indicates bleeding from the: → Lower colon or rectum
20. Which vitamin is essential for collagen synthesis and wound healing? → Vitamin C
21. Which nursing action is performed when monitoring for orthostatic hypotension? → Take BP lying, sitting, and standing
22. What does PRN mean in a medication order? → As needed
23. What is the normal adult resting heart rate range? → 60–100 bpm
24. The nurse is turning a patient every 2 hours. The primary purpose of this intervention is to: → Prevent pressure injuries by relieving pressure on bony prominences
25. The normal range for urine specific gravity is: → 1.005–1.030
26. What is the proper method for measuring urine output from a urinary catheter? → Empty the drainage bag completely and measure the total
27. A nurse is caring for a patient in restraints. How often should restraints be assessed and released? → Every 2 hours
28. The nurse is assessing a Stage 2 pressure injury. What does it look like? → Partial-thickness skin loss with exposed dermis
29. Which site is preferred for IM injections in most adults? → Ventrogluteal
30. When transferring a patient from bed to wheelchair, what is the most important safety consideration? → Ensuring the wheelchair brakes are locked and footrests are moved aside