Safe equipment use NCLEX-RN Practice Questions

Safe equipment use NCLEX-RN Practice Questions help you build the reflexes every nurse needs to protect patients, colleagues, and themselves. This topic sits at the heart of Safety & Infection Control: verifying device settings, preventing equipment-related injuries, managing alarms, ensuring correct PPE and isolation practices, and cleaning or disposing of devices to break chains of infection. In the NCLEX-RN, expect scenario-based decisions about infusion pumps, oxygen systems, suction and ventilators, mobility aids, restraints, sharps, and sterile fields. The questions below reflect real clinical complexity—prioritizing actions, recognizing contraindications, and applying manufacturer and facility guidelines. Use them to sharpen your judgment, reduce adverse events, and strengthen safe, evidence-aligned practice.

Q1. An infusion pump for a peripheral IV begins alarming “occlusion.” What is the nurse’s priority action?

• Increase the pump pressure setting and continue the infusion
• Inspect the tubing for kinks and assess the IV site for infiltration
• Silence the alarm and wait 5 minutes to see if it resumes
• Remove the catheter and start a new IV without assessment

Correct Answer: Inspect the tubing for kinks and assess the IV site for infiltration

Q2. A post-operative opioid-naïve adult is prescribed a PCA morphine infusion. Which order requires clarification to ensure safe equipment use?

• Demand dose with lockout interval programmed per order
• Basal continuous infusion rate in an opioid-naïve client
• Dual nurse verification of PCA settings before initiation
• Dedicated IV line for PCA with appropriately labeled tubing

Correct Answer: Basal continuous infusion rate in an opioid-naïve client

Q3. The nurse teaches home oxygen safety. Which client statement indicates correct understanding?

• I will secure the oxygen cylinder upright in a stable holder
• I can use petroleum jelly to treat nasal dryness with oxygen
• I can store the tank next to the gas stove if the valve is off
• I will drape the tubing under area rugs to prevent tripping

Correct Answer: I will secure the oxygen cylinder upright in a stable holder

Q4. Preparing to suction an adult with a tracheostomy, which action ensures safe equipment use?

• Apply suction while inserting the catheter to minimize secretions
• Use 100% oxygen for 30 seconds pre- and post-suctioning as ordered
• Apply suction while withdrawing for no longer than 10 seconds at 100–120 mmHg
• Use continuous suction at 200 mmHg to remove thick secretions

Correct Answer: Apply suction while withdrawing for no longer than 10 seconds at 100–120 mmHg

Q5. A confused client is pulling at lines. Which action reflects safe application of soft wrist restraints?

• Secure the restraint to side rails for rapid release
• Tie the restraint to the bed frame with a quick-release knot
• Apply restraints without a provider order in all cases
• Use the same restraint size regardless of client anatomy

Correct Answer: Tie the restraint to the bed frame with a quick-release knot

Q6. Which situation is considered the use of a restraint and requires an order and monitoring?

• Raising the two upper side rails for a drowsy post-op client
• Raising all four side rails for an alert and oriented adult
• Using a bed alarm for a high fall-risk client
• Positioning pillows to maintain side-lying posture

Correct Answer: Raising all four side rails for an alert and oriented adult

Q7. The nurse prepares to transfer a client from bed to wheelchair. Which action is essential for safety?

• Adjust the bed to its highest position before transfer
• Lock wheelchair brakes and raise footplates before transfer
• Place the wheelchair directly behind the client
• Remove the gait belt if the client is cooperative

Correct Answer: Lock wheelchair brakes and raise footplates before transfer

Q8. A bariatric client requires transfer with a mechanical lift. Which action is safest?

• Use one staff member to guide the lift and sling
• Select the largest sling available regardless of client size
• Use the manufacturer-specified sling and have two trained staff operate the lift
• Push the client’s bed with the lift attached to save time

Correct Answer: Use the manufacturer-specified sling and have two trained staff operate the lift

Q9. The nurse teaches crutch use after a lower leg injury. Which statement shows correct technique?

• I should bear my full weight on my armpits to reduce arm fatigue
• The crutch pads should press firmly into my axilla for stability
• There should be 2–3 finger widths between my axilla and the crutch pad
• I should stand with the crutch tips directly under my shoulders

Correct Answer: There should be 2–3 finger widths between my axilla and the crutch pad

Q10. Applying anti-embolism stockings (TED hose), which action is correct?

• Apply without measuring to ensure tight compression
• Apply in the morning before the client gets out of bed after measuring size
• Roll the top band to keep the stocking from slipping
• Leave wrinkles; they improve venous return

Correct Answer: Apply in the morning before the client gets out of bed after measuring size

Q11. Which order should the nurse question regarding sequential compression devices (SCDs)?

• Apply SCDs after confirming proper fit and intact skin
• Apply SCDs for a client with new unilateral calf pain, warmth, and swelling
• Remove SCDs to inspect skin at regular intervals
• Use SCDs post-operatively per protocol

Correct Answer: Apply SCDs for a client with new unilateral calf pain, warmth, and swelling

Q12. For a client receiving continuous tube feeding via pump, which action is a priority to reduce aspiration risk?

• Keep the head of bed at least 30–45 degrees during and for 1 hour after feeding
• Lay the client flat for comfort and gastric emptying
• Flush the tube only at the end of shift
• Advance the tube blindly if coughing begins

Correct Answer: Keep the head of bed at least 30–45 degrees during and for 1 hour after feeding

Q13. Regarding point-of-care blood glucose testing, which action maintains safety and infection control?

• Reuse the lancet for the same client within the shift
• Use a single-use, auto-disabling lancet and discard immediately in a sharps container
• Wipe the meter with water between clients
• Share lancing devices among roommates after wiping with alcohol

Correct Answer: Use a single-use, auto-disabling lancet and discard immediately in a sharps container

Q14. Setting up a sterile field to insert a catheter, which action is correct?

• Reach over the sterile field to grab missing items
• Consider the outer 1 inch of the field contaminated
• Turn your back to the field while opening sterile solution
• Hold sterile items below waist level for visibility

Correct Answer: Consider the outer 1 inch of the field contaminated

Q15. Caring for a client with a chest tube to a closed drainage system, which action is safe?

• Clamp the chest tube during routine transport to prevent air entry
• Keep the collection system below the level of the client’s chest
• Place the system on the bed during ambulation to prevent tipping
• Empty the water-seal chamber every shift

Correct Answer: Keep the collection system below the level of the client’s chest

Q16. Which action promotes safe use of a closed urinary drainage system?

• Hang the drainage bag on the side rail for easy access
• Ensure the drainage bag remains below bladder level
• Disconnect the catheter to obtain a urine specimen
• Place dependent loops in tubing to collect sediment

Correct Answer: Ensure the drainage bag remains below bladder level

Q17. After administering an injection, which action demonstrates safe sharps handling?

• Recap the needle using a two-handed technique
• Bend the needle before disposal to prevent reuse
• Activate the needle’s safety device and dispose in a puncture-resistant container
• Place the needle in a biohazard bag for transport

Correct Answer: Activate the needle’s safety device and dispose in a puncture-resistant container

Q18. A portable IV pump emits smoke. What is the nurse’s immediate priority regarding equipment safety?

• Pour water on the device to cool it
• Continue use while calling biomedical engineering
• Unplug if safe, remove from service, and tag for inspection per policy
• Place it in a soiled utility room for later evaluation

Correct Answer: Unplug if safe, remove from service, and tag for inspection per policy

Q19. During a portable chest X-ray at the bedside, which action is safest for the nurse?

• Stand at the bedside holding the cassette to ensure proper images
• Stand at least 6 feet away behind a lead shield during exposure
• Remain between the X-ray source and client to reassure them
• Hold the client upright without a lead apron

Correct Answer: Stand at least 6 feet away behind a lead shield during exposure

Q20. Teaching safe use of a heating pad for chronic back pain, which instruction is correct?

• Place the heating pad directly on skin and use while sleeping
• Set to high heat for at least 60 minutes each use
• Place a thin towel between skin and pad and limit sessions to 15–20 minutes
• Use on areas of reduced sensation for deeper heat

Correct Answer: Place a thin towel between skin and pad and limit sessions to 15–20 minutes

Q21. Caring for a newborn under a radiant warmer, which action ensures safe equipment use?

• Use manual mode only and check temperature once per shift
• Place the skin temperature probe on the abdomen and use servo-controlled mode
• Place the probe over a bony prominence for accuracy
• Cover the probe with thick gauze to prevent detachment

Correct Answer: Place the skin temperature probe on the abdomen and use servo-controlled mode

Q22. During defibrillation of a client in ventricular fibrillation, which action ensures team safety?

• Deliver the shock while oxygen flows across the chest
• Announce “clear,” verify no one touches the client or bed, then shock
• Allow one person to maintain a pulse check during the shock
• Place hands on pads to ensure contact during discharge

Correct Answer: Announce “clear,” verify no one touches the client or bed, then shock

Q23. Caring for a client in skeletal traction, which equipment-related action is correct?

• Support the weights on the floor during repositioning
• Remove weights temporarily to provide hygiene
• Ensure traction weights hang freely and are not resting on the bed or floor
• Lift the client by the traction bar to change linens

Correct Answer: Ensure traction weights hang freely and are not resting on the bed or floor

Q24. Transporting a client with an oxygen cylinder, which action is safe?

• Lay the cylinder on the client’s bed secured with blankets
• Secure the cylinder upright in an approved carrier during transport
• Carry the cylinder by the valve to avoid dropping
• Use adhesive tape to attach the tank to the stretcher frame

Correct Answer: Secure the cylinder upright in an approved carrier during transport

Q25. A client has a documented latex allergy. Which equipment selection is appropriate?

• Use powdered latex gloves to reduce friction
• Use vinyl or nitrile gloves and latex-free catheters and tubing
• Use latex catheters if pre-lubricated
• Use latex tourniquet wrapped in gauze

Correct Answer: Use vinyl or nitrile gloves and latex-free catheters and tubing

Q26. Before accessing a central venous catheter port, which action is required?

• Loosen the cap and attach a syringe immediately to prevent air entry
• Vigorously scrub the hub with alcohol or chlorhexidine for at least 15 seconds and allow to dry
• Wear clean gloves without disinfection if the cap looks intact
• Use betadine to scrub the hub for 5 seconds

Correct Answer: Vigorously scrub the hub with alcohol or chlorhexidine for at least 15 seconds and allow to dry

Q27. A client with suspected tuberculosis is in airborne isolation. Which equipment practice is correct?

• Use a shared stethoscope cleaned weekly
• Keep the door open to encourage airflow
• Place dedicated equipment (e.g., stethoscope) in the client’s room
• Wear a surgical mask when performing aerosol-generating procedures

Correct Answer: Place dedicated equipment (e.g., stethoscope) in the client’s room

Q28. Between clients, how should a glucometer be disinfected to ensure safety?

• Wipe with tap water and air dry
• Use an EPA-registered disinfectant per manufacturer’s instructions and contact time
• Use alcohol swabs for 3 seconds and reuse immediately
• Disinfection is unnecessary if used with gloves

Correct Answer: Use an EPA-registered disinfectant per manufacturer’s instructions and contact time

Q29. Preparing a bag-valve-mask (BVM) device for an apneic adult, which setup is correct?

• Leave the oxygen disconnected to avoid barotrauma
• Connect to 15 L/min oxygen and ensure the reservoir bag is inflated
• Use a pediatric mask for a tighter seal
• Deliver one breath every 2 seconds to maximize oxygenation

Correct Answer: Connect to 15 L/min oxygen and ensure the reservoir bag is inflated

Q30. A pulse oximeter cable begins to smoke at the bedside. What is the correct initial response sequence?

• Attempt to extinguish first, then call for help, then remove the client
• Rescue the client, activate the alarm, contain the fire by closing doors, then extinguish if safe (RACE)
• Pull the fire alarm and evacuate the entire unit immediately
• Unplug the device and continue providing care in the same room

Correct Answer: Rescue the client, activate the alarm, contain the fire by closing doors, then extinguish if safe (RACE)

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