NMC General Paper Past Question For Ghanaian Nursing Students

 Question 1

The nurse is preparing a client with cirrhosis for a paracentesis. How will the nurse position the client for this procedure?

a. Lying on the right side

b. Lying on the left side

c. Sitting position ✅

Rationale: Sitting allows fluid to pool in the lower abdomen, making it easier to aspirate.

Question 2

Aku, aged 25, was discharged from a Psychiatric Hospital 3 weeks ago. Her mother does not allow her to make decisions. The nurse advised the mother to allow her daughter to decide. This is based on which principle?

a. Non-maleficence

b. Justice

c. Autonomy ✅

Rationale: Autonomy emphasizes respecting a patient’s right to make personal decisions.

Question 3

Which exam is most reliable in diagnosing peptic ulcer disease?

a. Gastric analysis

b. Endoscopy ✅

c. Barium studies

Rationale: Endoscopy provides direct visualization of ulcers, making it the most reliable test.

Question 4

Which of the following should the nurse perform when giving medication via an NG tube?

a. Reconnect the tube to suction immediately after administration

b. Ascertain tube patency and placement ✅

c. Position the client dorsal recumbent

Rationale: Checking tube patency ensures correct placement and prevents complications.

Question 5

Which technique is correct for administration of ear drops to a 3-year-old?

a. Pull the pinna down and back ✅

b. Hold the child’s head up and extended

c. Place the head in chin tuck position

Rationale: In children under 3, the ear canal is straighter when the pinna is pulled down and back.

Question 6

Which of the following is correct about care for a patient who had undergone surgical repair for cleft lip?

a. Position the client prone

b. Position the client supine ✅

c. Give feeds with a spoon

Rationale: Supine positioning prevents trauma to the surgical site and promotes healing.

Question 7

The most appropriate way of feeding an unconscious client is:

a. Oral feeding

b. Intravenous feeding

c. Nasogastric feeding ✅

Rationale: NG feeding ensures safe delivery of nutrition without aspiration risk.

Question 8

A nursing mother asked about the advantages of colostrum. Which is the best response?

a. It provides immunity to the baby ✅

b. It delays weight loss

c. It increases breast size

Rationale: Colostrum is rich in antibodies that help protect the baby against infections.

Question 9

When planning care for a client with left-sided stroke, the nurse should:

a. Approach the client from the affected side

b. Place the call bell on the unaffected side ✅

c. Encourage client to use affected hand

Rationale: Placing the bell on the unaffected side increases safety and response.

Question 10

Which action should the nurse avoid when caring for a client with a chest tube?

a. Keep drainage bottle below chest level

b. Clamp the tube routinely ✅

c. Check for fluctuations in water seal

Rationale: Routine clamping can cause tension pneumothorax and is unsafe.

Question 11

The principle of asepsis means:

a. Absence of all microorganisms ✅

b. Destruction of spores

c. Destruction of pathogens only

Rationale: Asepsis means sterile — completely free from all microorganisms.

Question 12

Which action is most appropriate when a patient is having a seizure?

a. Insert a tongue depressor

b. Restrain the patient

c. Place a pillow under the head ✅

Rationale: Protecting the head prevents injury during seizure.

Question 13

The main purpose of nursing process is to:

a. Document patient care

b. Deliver individualized care ✅

c. Make nursing work easier

Rationale: Nursing process ensures patient-centered, individualized care.

Question 14

The correct sequence of the nursing process is:

a. Assessment → Planning → Diagnosis → Evaluation → Implementation

b. Assessment → Diagnosis → Planning → Implementation → Evaluation ✅

c. Diagnosis → Assessment → Planning → Evaluation → Implementation

Rationale: The standard sequence is ADPIE: Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation.

Question 15

Which of the following is the most reliable method of sterilization?

a. Boiling

b. Autoclaving ✅

c. Disinfection

Rationale: Autoclaving uses steam under pressure, which reliably kills all microorganisms including spores.

Question 16

Which vitamin deficiency causes rickets in children?

a. Vitamin C

b. Vitamin D ✅

c. Vitamin K

Rationale: Vitamin D deficiency leads to defective bone mineralization, causing rickets.

Question 17

Which of the following is a vector-borne disease?

a. Malaria ✅

b. Cholera

c. Tuberculosis

Rationale: Malaria is transmitted by the female Anopheles mosquito.

Question 18

A nurse is teaching a mother on oral rehydration solution (ORS). Which instruction is correct?

a. Give ORS slowly in small sips ✅

b. Give ORS all at once

c. Dilute ORS with milk

Rationale: ORS should be given slowly in sips to prevent vomiting and ensure absorption.

Question 19

The main site of fertilization in the female reproductive system is:

a. Cervix

b. Fallopian tube ✅

c. Uterus

Rationale: Fertilization usually occurs in the ampulla of the fallopian tube.

Question 20

The most effective method of family planning is:

a. Condom

b. Oral contraceptives

c. Female sterilization ✅

Rationale: Sterilization is a permanent method, making it the most effective.

Question 21

Which is the most important nursing action after giving IM injection?

a. Massage the site

b. Document the medication given ✅

c. Apply warm compress

Rationale: Documentation ensures accountability and prevents medication errors.

Question 22

Which of the following is a symptom of hypoglycemia?

a. Polyuria

b. Tremors ✅

c. Bradycardia

Rationale: Hypoglycemia causes sweating, tremors, palpitations, and confusion.

Question 23

The most effective way of breaking the chain of infection is:

a. Isolation of patients

b. Hand washing ✅

c. Wearing gloves

Rationale: Proper hand hygiene is the single most effective infection control measure.

Question 24

Which of the following is a common complication of immobility?

a. Appendicitis

b. Pressure ulcer ✅

c. Asthma

Rationale: Prolonged immobility causes pressure ulcers due to sustained pressure on skin.

Question 25

When caring for a patient on oxygen therapy, the nurse should:

a. Allow open flames near the patient

b. Place “No smoking” sign near the bed ✅

c. Apply oil-based jelly to nostrils

Rationale: Oxygen supports combustion, so fire safety (no smoking) is critical.

Question 26

Which of the following is a sign of dehydration in a child?

a. Sunken eyes ✅

b. Increased urination

c. Moist tongue

Rationale: Dehydration in children often presents with sunken eyes, dry mouth, and decreased urine.

Question 27

Which of the following is a function of the placenta?

a. Production of urine

b. Exchange of nutrients and waste ✅

c. Digestion of food

Rationale: The placenta facilitates exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste between mother and fetus.

Question 28

The most reliable method of family planning for a breastfeeding mother is:

a. Lactational amenorrhea ✅

b. Withdrawal method

c. Safe period method

Rationale: Lactational amenorrhea provides natural protection against pregnancy in the first 6 months.

Question 29

Which of the following vaccines is given at birth?

a. Measles

b. BCG ✅

c. Yellow fever

Rationale: BCG, OPV-0, and Hepatitis B-0 are given at birth to protect the newborn.

Question 30

Which part of the body is most commonly affected by pulmonary tuberculosis?

a. Kidneys

b. Lungs ✅

c. Liver

Rationale: Pulmonary tuberculosis primarily affects the lungs, though it can spread elsewhere.

Question 31

The best position for a patient in shock is:

a. Supine with legs elevated ✅

b. Sitting upright

c. Left lateral

Rationale: Elevating the legs increases venous return, improving circulation in shock.

Question 32

The normal respiratory rate for an adult is:

a. 12–20 breaths per minute ✅

b. 25–35 breaths per minute

c. 6–10 breaths per minute

Rationale: The average adult respiratory rate is 12–20/min.

Question 33

Which of the following is a sign of pregnancy?

a. Amenorrhea ✅

b. Hypertension

c. Hypoglycemia

Rationale: Absence of menstruation (amenorrhea) is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy.

Question 34

Which of the following laboratory tests is used to confirm HIV infection?

a. ELISA ✅

b. Widal

c. Mantoux

Rationale: ELISA is the standard screening and confirmatory test for HIV.

Question 35

The universal recipient blood group is:

a. O negative

b. AB positive ✅

c. B negative

Rationale: AB positive individuals can receive blood from all other groups

Question 36

The normal body temperature of a healthy adult is:

a. 35°C

b. 36.5–37.5°C ✅

c. 39°C

Rationale: Normal adult body temperature ranges between 36.5–37.5°C.

Question 37

Which of the following is a method of health education?

a. Lecture ✅

b. Surgery

c. Laboratory test

Rationale: Health education can be delivered via lectures, discussions, role plays, and demonstrations.

Question 38

Which of the following is the most effective way to prevent tetanus?

a. Hand washing

b. Immunization ✅

c. Use of gloves

Rationale: Tetanus toxoid vaccination is the best preventive measure.

Question 39

Which of the following is a complication of hypertension?

a. Stroke ✅

b. Appendicitis

c. Asthma

Rationale: Hypertension increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease.

Question 40

The normal pulse rate for an adult is:

a. 60–100 beats per minute ✅

b. 30–50 beats per minute

c. 120–150 beats per minute

Rationale: The average adult pulse is between 60–100 bpm.

Question 41

Which of the following is a waterborne disease?

a. Cholera ✅

b. Malaria

c. Tuberculosis

Rationale: Cholera is spread through contaminated water and food.

Question 42

The first step in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is:

a. Give two rescue breaths

b. Check responsiveness ✅

c. Start chest compressions

Rationale: Always check if the patient is responsive before beginning CPR.

Question 43

The best source of vitamin C is:

a. Orange ✅

b. Fish

c. Meat

Rationale: Citrus fruits such as oranges are rich in vitamin C.

Question 44

The term hepatomegaly means:

a. Enlargement of the spleen

b. Enlargement of the liver ✅

c. Enlargement of the kidney

Rationale: “Hepato-” refers to liver, “-megaly” means enlargement.

Question 45

The most common site for measuring pulse in an adult is:

a. Carotid artery

b. Radial artery ✅

c. Femoral artery

Rationale: The radial artery at the wrist is the most common site for measuring pulse in adults.

Question 46

Which of the following is the primary source of energy in the body?

a. Proteins

b. Carbohydrates ✅

c. Vitamins

Rationale: Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for the body.

Question 47

Which of the following is an airborne disease?

a. Tuberculosis ✅

b. Typhoid

c. Cholera

Rationale: TB spreads through droplets in the air.

Question 48

Which of the following organs secretes insulin?

a. Liver

b. Pancreas ✅

c. Kidney

Rationale: The pancreas secretes insulin from the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans.

Question 49

Which of the following is a fat-soluble vitamin?

a. Vitamin C

b. Vitamin B

c. Vitamin A ✅

Rationale: Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble.

Question 50

The normal gestational period of a human pregnancy is:

a. 36 weeks

b. 40 weeks ✅

c. 44 weeks

Rationale: Full-term pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks.

Question 51

Which of the following is a clinical feature of kwashiorkor?

a. Wasting of muscles

b. Edema ✅

c. Dehydration

Rationale: Kwashiorkor is characterized by edema, hair changes, and hepatomegaly.

Question 52

Which of the following is an example of a communicable disease?

a. Diabetes mellitus

b. Hypertension

c. Measles ✅

Rationale: Measles spreads from person to person, making it communicable.

Question 53

The major cause of maternal mortality in developing countries is:

a. Hemorrhage ✅

b. Cancer

c. Diabetes

Rationale: Postpartum hemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal deaths worldwide.

Question 54

Which of the following is used for sterilization of sharp instruments?

a. Autoclaving

b. Boiling

c. Dry heat (hot air oven) ✅

Rationale: Sharp instruments like scalpels are sterilized using dry heat in a hot air oven.

Question 55

The normal weight of a newborn baby is:

a. 1.5–2.0 kg

b. 2.5–4.0 kg ✅

c. 4.5–5.0 kg

Rationale: Average birth weight is between 2.5 and 4 kg.

Question 56

Which of the following is the most common site for intramuscular injection in adults?

a. Deltoid muscle

b. Gluteal muscle ✅

c. Biceps muscle

Rationale: The gluteal muscle (ventrogluteal or dorsogluteal) is commonly used for IM injections in adults.

Question 57

The main function of red blood cells is:

a. Defense against infection

b. Transport of oxygen ✅

c. Blood clotting

Rationale: RBCs contain hemoglobin which carries oxygen to tissues.

Question 58

Which of the following is a pulse site used during CPR in adults?

a. Radial artery

b. Carotid artery ✅

c. Brachial artery

Rationale: Carotid pulse is checked during CPR in adults as it’s easily accessible.

Question 59

The first milk secreted after childbirth is called:

a. Colostrum ✅

b. Transitional milk

c. Mature milk

Rationale: Colostrum is the yellowish, antibody-rich milk produced in the first few days postpartum.

Question 60

Which of the following is a natural method of family planning?

a. Condom

b. Withdrawal method ✅

c. Injectable contraceptives

Rationale: Withdrawal and calendar methods are natural ways of family planning.

Question 61

The incubation period of measles is:

a. 2–4 days

b. 10–14 days ✅

c. 21–28 days

Rationale: Measles incubation period is usually 10–14 days.

Question 62

Which of the following is the main symptom of diabetes mellitus?

a. Polyuria ✅

b. Weight gain

c. Edema

Rationale: Polyuria (excess urination) is one of the classical features of diabetes, along with polydipsia and polyphagia.

Question 63

Which part of the digestive system is responsible for absorption of nutrients?

a. Stomach

b. Small intestine ✅

c. Large intestine

Rationale: Most nutrient absorption occurs in the small intestine (jejunum & ileum).

Question 64

The main function of the kidney is:

a. Secretion of insulin

b. Filtration of blood ✅

c. Production of bile

Rationale: Kidneys filter waste products from the blood and regulate fluid balance.

Question 65

Which of the following is a symptom of pneumonia?

a. Diarrhea

b. Cough with sputum ✅

c. Skin rash

Rationale: Pneumonia typically presents with fever, cough with sputum, and difficulty breathing.

Question 66

Which vitamin is necessary for blood clotting?

a. Vitamin A

b. Vitamin D

c. Vitamin K ✅

Rationale: Vitamin K is required for synthesis of clotting factors in the liver.

Question 67

The commonest site for measuring blood pressure is:

a. Radial artery

b. Brachial artery ✅

c. Carotid artery

Rationale: BP is usually measured using the brachial artery in the upper arm.

Question 68

Which of the following vaccines is given at 9 months of age?

a. Measles ✅

b. BCG

c. Polio

Rationale: Measles vaccine is routinely given at 9 months.

Question 69

The main mode of transmission of HIV is:

a. Airborne

b. Unprotected sexual intercourse ✅

c. Mosquito bite

Rationale: HIV spreads mainly through unprotected sexual contact, contaminated blood, and mother-to-child transmission.

Question 70

Which of the following is the normal range of hemoglobin in adult females?

a. 8–10 g/dl

b. 12–16 g/dl ✅

c. 18–22 g/dl

Rationale: Normal Hb for adult women is 12–16 g/dl.

Question 71

The most common complication of diabetes mellitus is:

a. Retinopathy ✅

b. Malaria

c. Tuberculosis

Rationale: Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common lo

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