This comprehensive nurse trivia guide includes fascinating questions and answers about nursing history, responsibilities, medical knowledge, and more—perfect for students, professionals, and trivia lovers.
Nursing is one of the most respected and vital professions in the healthcare system. From Florence Nightingale to the modern-day ICU nurse, this profession is full of dedication, compassion, and knowledge. To celebrate the incredible contributions of nurses worldwide, we’ve compiled a full-length, human-readable, Google-optimized article packed with nurse trivia questions and answers. This trivia isn’t just entertaining—it’s also educational for nursing students, professionals, and anyone interested in healthcare.
Nurse Trivia Questions and Answers
Nursing Basics
These questions cover fundamental knowledge about nursing and the profession.
Q: Who is considered the founder of modern nursing?
A: Florence Nightingale
Q: What is the primary role of a registered nurse (RN)?
A: To provide patient care and coordinate treatment
Q: What does LPN stand for?
A: Licensed Practical Nurse
Q: What is the primary purpose of a nurse’s assessment?
A: To evaluate a patient’s health status
Q: Which nursing intervention involves checking vital signs?
A: Patient monitoring
Q: What is the normal adult body temperature range in Celsius?
A: 36.1°C to 37.2°C
Q: What is the main difference between an RN and a CNA?
A: RN can perform complex medical tasks; CNA provides basic care
Q: What nursing tool is used to listen to heart and lung sounds?
A: Stethoscope
Q: What does the abbreviation “BP” stand for in nursing charts?
A: Blood Pressure
Q: Which professional organization represents registered nurses in the U.S.?
A: American Nurses Association (ANA)
Nursing Specialties
Questions about different areas of nursing practice.
Q: Which nurse specializes in heart and vascular care?
A: Cardiac nurse
Q: What type of nurse works primarily with newborns?
A: Neonatal nurse
Q: Which nurse provides care for patients with mental health issues?
A: Psychiatric nurse
Q: What kind of nurse assists in surgery?
A: Operating Room (OR) nurse or Surgical nurse
Q: Which nurse focuses on older adults?
A: Geriatric nurse
Q: Who provides care for women during pregnancy and childbirth?
A: Obstetric nurse
Q: Which nurse works with cancer patients?
A: Oncology nurse
Q: What type of nurse provides care for patients at home?
A: Home health nurse
Q: Who specializes in emergency and trauma care?
A: ER nurse
Q: What is the role of a nurse anesthetist?
A: To administer anesthesia and monitor patients during surgery
Medical Terminology
These questions test knowledge of medical and nursing terms.
Q: What does “IV” stand for in nursing?
A: Intravenous
Q: What does “PRN” mean on a prescription?
A: As needed
Q: What is a “code blue” in a hospital?
A: Medical emergency for cardiac arrest
Q: What does “BP” measure?
A: Blood pressure
Q: What does “O2” refer to in patient care?
A: Oxygen
Q: What is a “vital sign”?
A: Measurements of essential body functions like temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure
Q: What does “stat” mean in a medical order?
A: Immediately
Q: What does “CBC” stand for?
A: Complete Blood Count
Q: What is “aseptic technique”?
A: Practices used to prevent infection
Q: What does “IVP” stand for?
A: Intravenous push
Nursing Procedures
Questions about common nursing procedures and practices.
Q: What is the first step in administering an injection?
A: Wash hands and prepare equipment
Q: How often should vital signs be checked for a stable patient?
A: As prescribed by the doctor or facility policy
Q: What angle is typically used for an intramuscular injection?
A: 90 degrees
Q: What is the process of cleaning a wound called?
A: Wound care or debridement
Q: What is the purpose of hand hygiene in nursing?
A: To prevent infection
Q: What does a nurse do before giving medication?
A: Verify the five rights: right patient, drug, dose, route, and time
Q: How should a nurse position a patient for a bed bath?
A: Ensure comfort, privacy, and safety
Q: What device measures a patient’s oxygen saturation?
A: Pulse oximeter
Q: What is the correct method for taking a rectal temperature?
A: Use a lubricated thermometer and follow standard precautions
Q: What is used to remove fluids from a patient’s airway?
A: Suction device
Nursing History
Questions about important milestones and figures in nursing.
Q: Who was known as the “Lady with the Lamp”?
A: Florence Nightingale
Q: What war brought significant advances in modern nursing?
A: Crimean War
Q: Who established the first professional nursing school?
A: Florence Nightingale
Q: Which nurse became famous for her work during the American Civil War?
A: Clara Barton
Q: What organization did Clara Barton found?
A: American Red Cross
Q: Who is recognized for introducing evidence-based nursing?
A: Florence Nightingale
Q: What is the oldest nursing organization in the world?
A: International Council of Nurses (ICN)
Q: In which century did modern nursing begin?
A: 19th century
Q: Which nurse wrote “Notes on Nursing”?
A: Florence Nightingale
Q: Who is known for nursing reforms in hospitals and public health?
A: Florence Nightingale
Patient Care
Questions about patient safety, comfort, and care.
Q: What is the primary goal of patient-centered care?
A: To respect and respond to individual patient needs
Q: How often should a nurse turn a bedridden patient?
A: Every 2 hours
Q: What is the first action a nurse should take when a patient falls?
A: Ensure patient safety and assess for injuries
Q: What does “pain assessment” involve?
A: Evaluating the type, location, and severity of pain
Q: Why is hydration important in nursing care?
A: To maintain body functions and prevent complications
Q: What is the purpose of monitoring intake and output (I&O)?
A: To assess fluid balance
Q: How should a nurse handle a patient’s medication refusal?
A: Document and notify the healthcare provider
Q: What is the term for helping patients maintain hygiene?
A: Personal care or ADLs (Activities of Daily Living)
Q: What should a nurse check before transferring a patient?
A: Mobility, strength, and safety precautions
Q: How is patient confidentiality maintained?
A: By keeping medical information private and secure
Infection Control
Questions about preventing and controlling infections.
Q: What is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infection?
A: Hand washing
Q: What does PPE stand for?
A: Personal Protective Equipment
Q: Name a common type of nosocomial infection.
A: Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Q: What is the term for germs that cause infection?
A: Pathogens
Q: What is the difference between sterilization and disinfection?
A: Sterilization kills all microorganisms; disinfection reduces them
Q: What type of isolation is required for airborne diseases?
A: Airborne isolation
Q: How often should gloves be changed?
A: Between patients and procedures
Q: What is the term for washing hands with soap and water versus sanitizer?
A: Soap and water: handwashing; sanitizer: hand antisepsis
Q: What is a common infection control precaution in hospitals?
A: Standard precautions
Q: What does “asepsis” mean?
A: Absence of disease-causing microorganisms
Medications and Pharmacology
Questions about administering and understanding medications.
Q: What is the “five rights” of medication administration?
A: Right patient, drug, dose, route, and time
Q: What is the term for a drug given under the tongue?
A: Sublingual
Q: What is an analgesic?
A: A pain-relieving medication
Q: What does NSAID stand for?
A: Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug
Q: What is the route of medication through a vein called?
A: Intravenous (IV)
Q: Which medication is used to treat high blood pressure?
A: Antihypertensive
Q: What does PRN indicate on a medication order?
A: As needed
Q: What type of insulin works rapidly after injection?
A: Rapid-acting insulin
Q: What is the term for medication given by injection into a muscle?
A: Intramuscular (IM)
Q: What should a nurse always check before giving a medication?
A: Patient allergies
Pediatric Nursing
Questions about nursing care for children.
Q: What is the normal heart rate for a newborn?
A: 120–160 beats per minute
Q: What is the main focus of pediatric nursing?
A: Caring for children and supporting families
Q: What is a common method to calm a crying infant?
A: Swaddling or gentle rocking
Q: Which vaccine is given to infants to prevent hepatitis B?
A: Hepatitis B vaccine
Q: What growth chart is used for pediatric patients?
A: WHO or CDC growth charts
Q: What is the safe sleep position for infants?
A: On their back
Q: Which pediatric condition requires monitoring blood glucose?
A: Juvenile diabetes
Q: What is the term for a nurse specialized in children’s care?
A: Pediatric nurse
Q: How often should vital signs be monitored in a hospitalized child?
A: As prescribed, often more frequently than adults
Q: What is the term for educating children and families about health?
A: Health promotion or patient education
Advanced Nursing Knowledge
Questions about advanced nursing practices and concepts.
Q: What is the purpose of a nursing care plan?
A: To outline patient goals and interventions
Q: What does evidence-based practice mean?
A: Using research and clinical expertise to guide care
Q: What is the role of a nurse in palliative care?
A: To provide comfort and support to terminal patients
Q: What is the difference between acute and chronic care?
A: Acute care is short-term, chronic care is long-term management
Q: What is triage in nursing?
A: Prioritizing patients based on severity of condition
Q: What does a nurse do during patient discharge planning?
A: Provides instructions and resources for continued care
Q: What is the importance of patient advocacy in nursing?
A: To protect patient rights and ensure quality care
Q: What is a common method of pain assessment in nonverbal patients?
A: Using behavioral or facial expression scales
Q: What is the role of a nurse researcher?
A: Conduct studies to improve patient care
Q: What is the importance of interprofessional collaboration in nursing?
A: To provide comprehensive patient care with multiple healthcare providers
❓FAQs About Nurse Trivia Questions and Answers
Q: What are the top areas covered in nurse trivia?
A: History, clinical knowledge, ethics, anatomy, and nursing specialties.
Q: Can these trivia questions help in nursing school?
A: Yes, they’re great for review and improving memory recall.
Q: How do I use nurse trivia for training?
A: Incorporate trivia into daily learning or team activities to keep learning fun.
Q: Are there printable nurse trivia games available?
A: Yes, many educational websites offer free downloadable nursing trivia quizzes.
Q: Is nurse trivia suitable for non-medical professionals?
A: Absolutely! It’s informative for anyone interested in healthcare.
🏁 Conclusion: Celebrating Nurses Through Knowledge
Nurses are everyday heroes whose work requires dedication, intelligence, and heart. This nurse trivia guide not only honors their role but also serves as a powerful educational tool for both professionals and curious minds. Whether you’re preparing for exams, hosting a trivia night, or simply want to learn more about healthcare, nurse trivia is both enlightening and enjoyable.
Let’s continue to appreciate and support nurses—one trivia question at a time.
