FREE PSB-RN Reading Comprehension 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?

Accepted Answer

To emphasize the importance of proper hand hygiene

Answer

To advertise hand sanitizers

Answer

To compare soap and sanitizers

Answer

To list WHO regulations

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?

Accepted Answer

145/95 mmHg

Answer

110/70 mmHg

Answer

120/80 mmHg

Answer

130/85 mmHg

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?

Accepted Answer

Every 6 hours as needed for pain

Answer

6 times daily with food

Answer

Once daily at bedtime

Answer

4 times weekly

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?

Accepted Answer

It should match food intake timing

Answer

It's only needed at bedtime

Answer

It replaces glucose monitoring

Answer

It works immediately after injection

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?

Accepted Answer

Complains of

Answer

Care of

Answer

Check out

Answer

Carries on

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?

Accepted Answer

Inadequate staffing during transitions

Answer

Poor lighting

Answer

Medication errors

Answer

Patient non-compliance

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?

Accepted Answer

To ensure medication security

Answer

To increase paperwork

Answer

To reduce staff breaks

Answer

To limit narcotic use

Question 8

Interpret this lab result: 'WBC 15,000/mm3 (normal range: 4,500-11,000/mm3)'. What does this suggest?

Accepted Answer

Possible infection

Answer

Anemia

Answer

Dehydration

Answer

Normal finding

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?

Accepted Answer

Call the physician

Answer

Wait until next dressing change

Answer

Apply antibiotic ointment

Answer

Soak in warm water