NACE Basic Care and Comfort 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A nurse is caring for a client with dysphagia. Which food consistency is MOST appropriate to prevent aspiration?
- Thin liquids with a straw
- Nectar-thickened liquids (Correct answer)
- Regular solid foods cut into small pieces
- Clear broth served hot
Correct answer: Nectar-thickened liquids
Nectar-thickened liquids slow the flow of fluid, reducing aspiration risk in clients with dysphagia.
Question 2: A bedridden client has a stage II pressure injury on the coccyx. Which intervention is the PRIORITY?
- Apply a heat lamp for 20 minutes twice daily
- Reposition the client every 2 hours (Correct answer)
- Massage the area to increase circulation
- Place a donut-shaped cushion under the coccyx
Correct answer: Reposition the client every 2 hours
Repositioning every 2 hours relieves pressure and is the cornerstone of pressure injury prevention and treatment.
Question 3: Which action by the nurse BEST promotes sleep hygiene for a hospitalized client?
- Administer a sedative hypnotic at bedtime routinely
- Cluster nursing care activities to minimize nighttime interruptions (Correct answer)
- Keep room lighting at a low level throughout the night
- Encourage the client to nap during the day to rest
Correct answer: Cluster nursing care activities to minimize nighttime interruptions
Clustering care reduces unnecessary awakenings, which is a key non-pharmacological strategy to promote sleep in hospitalized clients.
Question 4: A nurse is performing passive range-of-motion (PROM) exercises on a client's hip. Which movement involves moving the leg away from the midline of the body?
- Adduction
- Abduction (Correct answer)
- Flexion
- Internal rotation
Correct answer: Abduction
Abduction is the movement of a limb away from the midline of the body.
Question 5: A nurse is assisting a client who uses a cane. On which side should the cane be held?
- The affected (weaker) side
- The unaffected (stronger) side (Correct answer)
- Either side based on client preference
- Alternating sides with each step
Correct answer: The unaffected (stronger) side
The cane is held on the unaffected side so it bears weight simultaneously with the weaker leg, improving stability.
Question 6: A client reports constipation. Which non-pharmacological intervention should the nurse recommend FIRST?
- Administer a bisacodyl suppository
- Increase fluid intake to 2–3 liters per day (Correct answer)
- Recommend a low-fiber diet
- Suggest bed rest to conserve energy
Correct answer: Increase fluid intake to 2–3 liters per day
Increasing fluid intake softens stool and is the first-line non-pharmacological intervention for constipation.
Question 7: When providing oral care to an unconscious client, which position is MOST appropriate?
- Supine with head flat
- Side-lying with head turned to the side (Correct answer)
- High Fowler's (90 degrees)
- Prone with head to one side
Correct answer: Side-lying with head turned to the side
Side-lying with the head turned prevents aspiration of secretions during oral care in unconscious clients.
NACE Basic Care and Comfort 4
A nurse is caring for a client with dysphagia.
Which food consistency is MOST appropriate to prevent aspiration?