Basic Care and Comfort NCLEX: Questions & Strategies

The Basic Care and Comfort category makes up 6-12% of the NCLEX-RN exam, focusing on fundamental nursing skills that ensure patient well-being and quality of life. While these concepts may seem simple, they form the foundation of safe, effective nursing practice.

This guide covers essential Basic Care and Comfort NCLEX topics, provides high-yield practice questions, and shares proven test-taking strategies to help you succeed.

What Is Basic Care and Comfort on the NCLEX?

This NCLEX category tests your ability to:

• Assist with activities of daily living (ADLs)
• Provide non-pharmacological comfort interventions
• Ensure proper nutrition and hydration
• Implement mobility and positioning techniques
• Use assistive devices correctly

These questions assess whether you can deliver compassionate, competent care while maintaining patient dignity and safety.

Key Concepts in Basic Care and Comfort

1. Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

• Bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, and feeding
• Nursing priority: Maintain independence when possible
• Special considerations: Cultural preferences, physical limitations

2. Mobility and Positioning

• Proper body alignment to prevent pressure injuries
• Transfer techniques (gait belts, two-person lifts)
• ROM exercises for bedbound patients
• Repositioning schedule: Q2h for at-risk patients

3. Nutrition and Hydration

• NPO precautions (aspiration risk)
• Thickened liquids for dysphagia
• Feeding assistance techniques
• Signs of dehydration (poor skin turgor, dry mucous membranes)

4. Comfort Measures

• Pain management: Non-pharmacological methods (positioning, distraction)
• Rest and sleep promotion: Cluster care, minimize nighttime disruptions
• Therapeutic communication: Active listening, empathy

5. Assistive Devices

• Walkers, canes, crutches: Proper fitting and use
• Prosthetics and orthotics: Skin integrity monitoring
• Hearing aids and glasses: Cleaning and maintenance

Sample NCLEX Questions: Basic Care and Comfort

Question 1 (Mobility)

An 80-year-old patient with osteoporosis is being discharged. Which instruction is most important for preventing falls?
A. “Take calcium supplements daily”
B. “Remove throw rugs from your home”
C. “Drink 8 glasses of water daily”
D. “Sleep with 3 pillows under your head”

Answer: B (Environmental modifications are key fall prevention strategies for elderly patients.)

Question 2 (Nutrition)

A nurse is caring for a stroke patient with dysphagia. Which action takes priority?
A. Provide straws for easier drinking
B. Check gag reflex before offering food
C. Serve meals at room temperature
D. Encourage rapid eating to maintain strength

Answer: B (Assessing swallowing ability prevents aspiration – always priority with dysphagia.)

Question 3 (Comfort)

A postoperative patient reports pain at 6/10 but refuses medication. What should the nurse do first?
A. Document the refusal
B. Offer non-drug options like repositioning
C. Notify the provider
D. Insist the patient take analgesics

Answer: B (Always respect pain management preferences while providing alternative comfort measures.)

NCLEX Strategies for Basic Care and Comfort

1. Safety First: Choose options that prevent injury/infection
2. Promote Independence: Select answers that encourage self-care when possible
3. Comfort is Key: Prioritize interventions that relieve distress
4. Watch for Red Flags: Eliminate choices that compromise dignity or safety
5. ADL Mastery: Know standard procedures for bathing, feeding, and mobility

Final Tips for Success

• Practice prioritization in care scenarios
• Review proper body mechanics and transfer techniques
• Understand special nutritional needs across lifespans
• Master communication techniques for anxious patients

Need more practice? Focus on Basic Care and Comfort NCLEX questions through Nexus Nursing Institute. Remember – these “basic” skills form the foundation of excellent nursing care!