Free PSB-RN Reading Comprehension Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read the following passage and answer the question: 'Hand hygiene is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings. The WHO recommends washing hands for at least 20 seconds, covering all surfaces. Alcohol-based sanitizers may be used when soap and water are unavailable.' What is the main purpose of this passage?
- To advertise hand sanitizers
- To emphasize the importance of proper hand hygiene (Correct answer)
- To compare soap and sanitizers
- To list WHO regulations
Correct answer: To emphasize the importance of proper hand hygiene
The passage begins by stating that 'Hand hygiene is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infections,' immediately highlighting its critical importance. The subsequent sentences provide details and recommendations that reinforce this central message, making the overall purpose to emphasize the significance of proper hand hygiene in preventing infection.
Question 2: Based on the passage: 'Normal adult blood pressure is typically 120/80 mmHg. Hypertension is diagnosed when readings consistently exceed 140/90 mmHg. Left untreated, it can lead to heart disease or stroke.' What is considered hypertensive?
- 110/70 mmHg
- 120/80 mmHg
- 130/85 mmHg
- 145/95 mmHg (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 145/95 mmHg
The passage explicitly states that 'Hypertension is diagnosed when readings consistently exceed 140/90 mmHg.' Among the given options, 145/95 mmHg is the only reading that exceeds both the systolic (140) and diastolic (90) thresholds mentioned for hypertension. The other options fall within or below the normal or pre-hypertensive ranges.
Question 3: Interpret this medication instruction: 'Take 1 tablet PO q6h PRN for pain, not to exceed 4 doses daily.' When should this medication be taken?
- Every 6 hours as needed for pain (Correct answer)
- 6 times daily with food
- Once daily at bedtime
- 4 times weekly
Correct answer: Every 6 hours as needed for pain
The instruction 'q6h' means 'every 6 hours', and 'PRN for pain' means 'as needed for pain'. The phrase 'not to exceed 4 doses daily' sets a maximum limit, but the primary timing is dictated by the 'q6h PRN' components. Therefore, the medication should be taken every six hours, but only when pain is present, up to the daily maximum.
Question 4: From the passage: 'Diabetic patients should monitor their blood glucose levels before meals and at bedtime. Rapid-acting insulin is administered 15 minutes before eating.' What is the inference about insulin timing?
- It should match food intake timing (Correct answer)
- It's only needed at bedtime
- It replaces glucose monitoring
- It works immediately after injection
Correct answer: It should match food intake timing
The passage states, 'Rapid-acting insulin is administered 15 minutes before eating.' This directly links the timing of insulin administration to the act of eating. Therefore, the inference is that insulin timing should be coordinated with food intake to be most effective.
Question 5: Read the patient chart note: 'Pt c/o SOB and fatigue ×2 days. O2 sat 92% on RA. Lungs clear bilaterally.' What does 'c/o' indicate?
- Care of
- Complains of (Correct answer)
- Check out
- Carries on
Correct answer: Complains of
In medical charting, 'c/o' is a common abbreviation that stands for 'complains of'. It is used to document the symptoms or concerns that a patient reports to the healthcare provider. In this context, the patient is reporting shortness of breath and fatigue.
Question 6: Based on the research abstract: 'The study found 62% of falls occurred during shift changes. Recommendations include increasing staff during transitions.' What is the implied cause of falls?
- Poor lighting
- Inadequate staffing during transitions (Correct answer)
- Medication errors
- Patient non-compliance
Correct answer: Inadequate staffing during transitions
The abstract explicitly states that '62% of falls occurred during shift changes' and then recommends 'increasing staff during transitions.' This direct correlation and recommendation strongly imply that inadequate staffing during these critical transition periods is the underlying cause of the increased fall rate.
Question 7: From the policy manual: 'All narcotics must be counted by two licensed staff members at shift change. Discrepancies must be reported immediately.' What is the purpose of this policy?
- To increase paperwork
- To ensure medication security (Correct answer)
- To reduce staff breaks
- To limit narcotic use
Correct answer: To ensure medication security
The policy requiring two licensed staff members to count narcotics and report discrepancies immediately is a critical control measure. Its primary purpose is to prevent diversion, ensure accountability, and maintain the security of controlled substances, thereby minimizing the risk of misuse or theft.
Question 8: Interpret this lab result: 'WBC 15,000/mm3 (normal range: 4,500-11,000/mm3)'. What does this suggest?
- Possible infection (Correct answer)
- Anemia
- Dehydration
- Normal finding
Correct answer: Possible infection
A White Blood Cell (WBC) count of 15,000/mm3 is significantly higher than the normal range of 4,500-11,000/mm3. An elevated WBC count, known as leukocytosis, is a common physiological response to infection, inflammation, or stress, as the body produces more white blood cells to fight off pathogens.
Question 9: Read the discharge instructions: 'Change dressing q48h, keep wound dry. Call MD if redness, swelling, or fever develops.' What action should be taken if the wound becomes warm to touch?
- Wait until next dressing change
- Call the physician (Correct answer)
- Apply antibiotic ointment
- Soak in warm water
Correct answer: Call the physician
The discharge instructions explicitly state, 'Call MD if redness, swelling, or fever develops.' Warmth to touch is a classic sign of inflammation or potential infection, often accompanying redness and swelling. Therefore, this symptom warrants contacting the physician for further assessment.
Free PSB-RN Reading Comprehension Questions and Answers
Read the following passage and answer the question: 'Hand hygiene is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings.
The WHO recommends washing hands for at least 20 seconds, covering all surfaces.
Alcohol-based sanitizers may be used when soap and water are unavailable.' What is the main purpose of this passage?