NURS 120 Fundamentals of Nursing – Complete Final Exam
Preparation
Introduction
This document outlines the structure of the NURS 120 Fundamentals of Nursing exam, detailing the
format, types of questions, and key topic distribution. It clarifies how theoretical knowledge and clinical
reasoning are assessed, including multiple-choice questions, case-based scenarios, and practical skill
components where applicable. This overview helps students understand what to expect and how to
prepare effectively for
SECTION 1: FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING PRACTICE
1. A nurse is reviewing evidence-based practice (EBP) principles with a group of nursing students. Which
statement best demonstrates the application of EBP in clinical decision-making?
A. "I follow hospital policies exactly as written because they represent the standard of care." B. "I base
my nursing interventions on research evidence combined with clinical expertise and patient
preferences." C. "I rely primarily on my clinical experience since research studies often contradict each
other." D. "I use the most recent research findings published in nursing journals regardless of the study
quality."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Evidence-based practice integrates the best available research evidence with clinical
expertise and patient values/preferences to guide clinical decision-making. This triad ensures that care is
scientifically sound, clinically appropriate, and aligned with individual patient needs.
2. During a quality improvement initiative, a nurse identifies that patient falls have increased on the
medical-surgical unit. According to the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle, which action represents the
"Study" phase?
A. Implementing bed alarms on all high-risk patient beds B. Analyzing fall data to determine if the
intervention reduced fall rates C. Developing a standardized fall risk assessment tool D. Making the bed
alarm protocol permanent hospital policy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The "Study" phase of the PDSA cycle involves analyzing data and outcomes to evaluate
whether the implemented change (intervention) produced the desired results. This phase determines if
the plan was successful or requires modification before acting on a larger scale.
, 3. A nurse is caring for a patient with newly diagnosed heart failure. Which critical thinking skill is
demonstrated when the nurse recognizes that the patient's sudden weight gain of 3 pounds in 24 hours
indicates fluid retention rather than dietary indiscretion?
A. Analysis B. Interpretation C. Evaluation D. Inference
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Inference involves drawing conclusions from available data by recognizing patterns and
relationships. The nurse inferred the clinical significance of sudden weight gain by connecting it to the
pathophysiology of heart failure, distinguishing it from normal weight fluctuations.
SECTION 2: LEGAL & ETHICAL ISSUES
4. A 17-year-old patient presents to the emergency department requesting treatment for a sexually
transmitted infection but refuses to inform their parents. Which legal principle supports the nurse's
ability to provide care without parental consent?
A. Emancipated minor doctrine B. Mature minor doctrine C. In loco parentis D. Substituted judgment
standard
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The mature minor doctrine allows minors who demonstrate sufficient maturity and
understanding to consent to medical treatment for specific conditions (including STI treatment,
substance abuse, and mental health services) without parental notification, depending on state law.
5. A nurse witnesses a colleague documenting vital signs that were never actually obtained. According to
the Code of Ethics for Nurses, which action demonstrates the nurse's ethical obligation?
A. Confront the colleague privately and suggest corrective action B. Report the incident to the nurse
manager immediately C. Document the observation in the patient's medical record D. Ignore the
incident unless patient harm occurs
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Falsification of documentation constitutes professional misconduct that jeopardizes patient
safety and trust. Provision 3.5 of the ANA Code of Ethics (2026) obligates nurses to protect patients by
reporting impaired, incompetent, or unethical practice through appropriate channels.
6. A patient with terminal cancer has a living will stating they refuse mechanical ventilation. The
patient's adult child demands that the healthcare team "do everything possible" to keep the parent
alive. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Explain to the child that the living will is legally binding and cannot be overridden B. Contact the
hospital ethics committee to mediate the conflict C. Review the advance directive with the healthcare
Preparation
Introduction
This document outlines the structure of the NURS 120 Fundamentals of Nursing exam, detailing the
format, types of questions, and key topic distribution. It clarifies how theoretical knowledge and clinical
reasoning are assessed, including multiple-choice questions, case-based scenarios, and practical skill
components where applicable. This overview helps students understand what to expect and how to
prepare effectively for
SECTION 1: FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING PRACTICE
1. A nurse is reviewing evidence-based practice (EBP) principles with a group of nursing students. Which
statement best demonstrates the application of EBP in clinical decision-making?
A. "I follow hospital policies exactly as written because they represent the standard of care." B. "I base
my nursing interventions on research evidence combined with clinical expertise and patient
preferences." C. "I rely primarily on my clinical experience since research studies often contradict each
other." D. "I use the most recent research findings published in nursing journals regardless of the study
quality."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Evidence-based practice integrates the best available research evidence with clinical
expertise and patient values/preferences to guide clinical decision-making. This triad ensures that care is
scientifically sound, clinically appropriate, and aligned with individual patient needs.
2. During a quality improvement initiative, a nurse identifies that patient falls have increased on the
medical-surgical unit. According to the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle, which action represents the
"Study" phase?
A. Implementing bed alarms on all high-risk patient beds B. Analyzing fall data to determine if the
intervention reduced fall rates C. Developing a standardized fall risk assessment tool D. Making the bed
alarm protocol permanent hospital policy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The "Study" phase of the PDSA cycle involves analyzing data and outcomes to evaluate
whether the implemented change (intervention) produced the desired results. This phase determines if
the plan was successful or requires modification before acting on a larger scale.
, 3. A nurse is caring for a patient with newly diagnosed heart failure. Which critical thinking skill is
demonstrated when the nurse recognizes that the patient's sudden weight gain of 3 pounds in 24 hours
indicates fluid retention rather than dietary indiscretion?
A. Analysis B. Interpretation C. Evaluation D. Inference
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Inference involves drawing conclusions from available data by recognizing patterns and
relationships. The nurse inferred the clinical significance of sudden weight gain by connecting it to the
pathophysiology of heart failure, distinguishing it from normal weight fluctuations.
SECTION 2: LEGAL & ETHICAL ISSUES
4. A 17-year-old patient presents to the emergency department requesting treatment for a sexually
transmitted infection but refuses to inform their parents. Which legal principle supports the nurse's
ability to provide care without parental consent?
A. Emancipated minor doctrine B. Mature minor doctrine C. In loco parentis D. Substituted judgment
standard
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The mature minor doctrine allows minors who demonstrate sufficient maturity and
understanding to consent to medical treatment for specific conditions (including STI treatment,
substance abuse, and mental health services) without parental notification, depending on state law.
5. A nurse witnesses a colleague documenting vital signs that were never actually obtained. According to
the Code of Ethics for Nurses, which action demonstrates the nurse's ethical obligation?
A. Confront the colleague privately and suggest corrective action B. Report the incident to the nurse
manager immediately C. Document the observation in the patient's medical record D. Ignore the
incident unless patient harm occurs
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Falsification of documentation constitutes professional misconduct that jeopardizes patient
safety and trust. Provision 3.5 of the ANA Code of Ethics (2026) obligates nurses to protect patients by
reporting impaired, incompetent, or unethical practice through appropriate channels.
6. A patient with terminal cancer has a living will stating they refuse mechanical ventilation. The
patient's adult child demands that the healthcare team "do everything possible" to keep the parent
alive. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Explain to the child that the living will is legally binding and cannot be overridden B. Contact the
hospital ethics committee to mediate the conflict C. Review the advance directive with the healthcare
