Nursing school can feel like drinking from a firehose. Information comes fast, expectations are high, and exams? They don’t just test memory — they test judgment. That’s exactly where the RN Fundamentals 2016 70 Questions exam comes in.
It’s not just another test. It’s your foundation. Think of it like building a house — if the base isn’t solid, everything else shakes. Let’s break it down step by step so you can walk in confident and walk out successful.
Introduction to RN Fundamentals 2016
What Is RN Fundamentals?
RN Fundamentals focuses on the essential building blocks of nursing practice. It covers safety, infection control, basic care, communication, and ethical practice — the skills you’ll use every single shift.
It’s less about memorizing rare diseases and more about mastering everyday clinical decisions.
Why the 70-Question Format Matters
Seventy questions may not sound like much. But don’t be fooled.
Each question is designed to test:
- Clinical reasoning
- Prioritization
- Patient safety awareness
- Application of theory into practice
You won’t just recall facts. You’ll apply them.
Who Should Use This Guide?
- First-year nursing students
- Students preparing for RN fundamentals exams
- Anyone needing a refresher on core nursing principles
If you want clarity instead of confusion, you’re in the right place.
Understanding the Structure of the RN Fundamentals 2016 Exam
Types of Questions You’ll Encounter
Multiple Choice Questions
These test direct knowledge and understanding. One correct answer. The key? Look for the safest and most patient-centered option.
Select All That Apply (SATA)
These are the “choose all correct answers” questions. They require precision.
Tip: Treat each option like a true or false statement. Don’t guess in groups.
Prioritization Questions
Who do you see first? Which task comes next?
This is where frameworks like ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) and Maslow’s hierarchy become your best friends.
Core Nursing Domains Covered
Expect content in:
- Infection control
- Patient hygiene
- Vital signs
- Medication safety
- Documentation
- Therapeutic communication
It’s comrehensive — but manageable with structure.
Core Nursing Concepts You Must Master
Patient Safety and Infection Control
This is the backbone of nursing.
Hand hygiene. PPE. Isolation precautions. Fall prevention. Medication checks.
If safety were a language, nurses would be fluent.
Remember: The safest answer is often the correct one.
Basic Care and Comfort
This includes:
- Hygiene
- Positioning
- Mobility
- Nutrition
- Elimination
These aren’t “basic” — they’re powerful. Small interventions prevent big complications.
Pharmacology Basics
You don’t need to memorize every drug. But you must understand:
- The 5 rights of medication administration
- Common side effects
- Safe dosage principles
Medication errors can be life-threatening. Always double-check.
Health Promotion and Maintenance
Education matters.
Teaching patients about diet, exercise, medication adherence, and disease prevention is part of your role.
You’re not just treating illness — you’re preventing it.
Psychosocial Integrity
Nursing isn’t just physical care.
It’s emotional support. Active listening. Cultural awareness. Compassion.
Sometimes your words heal more than your hands.
Critical Thinking and Clinical Judgment
Applying the Nursing Process (ADPIE)
Assessment
Diagnosis
Planning
Implementation
Evaluation
It’s systematic. It’s logical. And it works.
Every question on the exam ties back to this framework in some way.
Recognizing Priority Patients
If one patient has chest pain and another has a mild headache — who comes first?
Chest pain. Always.
Life-threatening conditions take priority.
Delegation and Scope of Practice
Know what can be delegated to:
- LPNs
- UAPs
RNs are responsible for assessment and evaluation. Never delegate critical thinking.
Top Study Strategies for the 70-Question Exam
Creating a Study Plan
Break topics into daily chunks. Don’t cram.
Consistency beats intensity.
Practice Question Techniques
After each question, ask:
- Why is this correct?
- Why are the others wrong?
Understanding beats memorizing.
Managing Test Anxiety
Deep breathing. Positive self-talk. Sleep well.
You’ve prepared. Trust yourself.
Common Mistakes Students Make
Overthinking Simple Questions
Sometimes the obvious answer is correct.
Don’t create complications that aren’t there.
Ignoring Keywords
Words like:
- First
- Best
- Immediate
- Priority
These change everything.
Poor Time Management
Seventy questions require pacing.
Don’t spend five minutes on one question. Move forward and return if needed.
Sample Question Breakdown
Example Scenario and Analysis
A patient reports shortness of breath. Oxygen saturation is 88%. What is the nurse’s first action?
You assess airway and breathing immediately.
Why the Correct Answer Is Right
Because airway and breathing are priorities.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Calling the physician first delays intervention. Documenting without acting is unsafe.
Act first.Report after stabilizing.
Final Preparation Tips Before Test Day
Night Before the Exam
- Review lightly
- Sleep at least 7 hours
- Prepare materials
Exam-Day Mindset
Walk in calm. Read carefully. Think safety.
You are capable.
Conclusion
The RN Fundamentals 2016 70 Questions exam isn’t designed to trick you. It’s designed to prepare you.
Master safety. Understand priorities. Think critically.
Nursing isn’t about perfection — it’s about sound judgment. And with focused preparation, you can absolutely succeed.
You’ve got this.