NSG 521 Exam 1 – Foundations of Nursing
Practice and Health Assessment
Question 1
A nurse is preparing to assess a newly admitted patient. Which action demonstrates the correct first
step of the nursing process?
A. Implementing interventions B. Evaluating patient outcomes C. Collecting patient data D.
Establishing nursing diagnoses
Rationale: Assessment is the first phase of the nursing process and involves systematic collection of
subjective and objective data about the patient’s health status. Before diagnoses, planning,
implementation, or evaluation can occur, the nurse must gather complete information through
observation, interviews, physical examination, and review of records. This foundational step guides all
subsequent clinical decisions and ensures safe, individualized patient care.
Question 2
Which statement best describes evidence-based nursing practice?
A. Using interventions based only on physician preference B. Relying exclusively on traditional nursing
techniques C. Following hospital routines without questioning outcomes D. Integrating research
evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences
Rationale: Evidence-based practice combines the best available scientific evidence with clinical
judgment and patient values to improve outcomes. Nurses use current research findings, their own
expertise, and patient preferences to guide decision-making. This approach promotes quality care,
safety, consistency, and improved patient satisfaction while reducing ineffective or outdated practices.
Question 3
A nurse obtains a blood pressure reading of 160/94 mm Hg in an adult patient. This finding is
considered:
A. Normal B. Hypotension C. Prehypertension D. Hypertension
Rationale: A blood pressure reading of 160/94 mm Hg falls within the hypertensive range. Persistent
elevation in blood pressure increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, renal impairment, and
other complications. Nurses must recognize abnormal vital signs promptly, reassess when appropriate,
and communicate significant findings to the healthcare provider for timely management.
Question 4
Which communication technique is most therapeutic when interviewing a patient?
1
,A. Asking multiple questions at once B. Providing personal opinions C. Using active listening D.
Interrupting to clarify details frequently
Rationale: Active listening is a core therapeutic communication skill that involves full attention to the
patient, maintaining eye contact, observing nonverbal cues, and responding appropriately. It
encourages trust, facilitates accurate information gathering, and demonstrates respect and empathy.
Interrupting excessively or offering personal opinions can hinder communication and decrease patient
comfort.
Question 5
A nurse is documenting patient information in the medical record. Which documentation entry is most
appropriate?
A. Patient seems depressed today. B. Patient is difficult and uncooperative. C. Patient had a bad night.
D. Patient tearful during interview and stated, “I feel hopeless.”
Rationale: Accurate documentation should be objective, specific, and based on observable findings or
direct patient statements. The correct option includes measurable observations and a direct quote,
avoiding vague or judgmental language. Objective documentation improves communication among
healthcare providers and supports legal and ethical standards of nursing practice.
Question 6
Which infection-control practice is most effective in preventing the spread of healthcare-associated
infections?
A. Wearing gloves at all times B. Double-bagging contaminated linens C. Performing proper hand
hygiene D. Using sterile technique for all procedures
Rationale: Proper hand hygiene is the single most effective method for preventing transmission of
microorganisms in healthcare settings. Handwashing or alcohol-based hand sanitizers reduce the
spread of pathogens between patients, staff, and the environment. Although gloves and sterile
technique are important in certain situations, hand hygiene remains the cornerstone of infection
prevention.
Question 7
The nurse is assessing a patient’s pain level. Pain is considered:
A. Entirely objective B. Best measured by vital signs alone C. The same experience for all individuals D.
Whatever the patient says it is
Rationale: Pain is a subjective experience that can only truly be defined by the individual experiencing
it. Cultural, emotional, psychological, and physiological factors influence pain perception. Nurses must
rely on patient self-report whenever possible and avoid assuming pain severity based solely on
appearance or vital signs.
2
, Question 8
Which pulse site is commonly used during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in adults?
A. Radial B. Apical C. Pedal D. Carotid
Rationale: The carotid pulse is the preferred pulse site during adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation
because it is centrally located and remains palpable even when peripheral perfusion is poor.
Assessment of the carotid pulse helps determine whether circulation is present and guides emergency
interventions during cardiac arrest situations.
Question 9
A nurse is teaching a patient about informed consent. Which statement by the patient indicates
understanding?
A. “The nurse decides whether I should sign the form.” B. “I must sign the form even if I do not
understand.” C. “I have the right to ask questions before signing.” D. “Consent forms are only
needed for major surgeries.”
Rationale: Informed consent requires that patients receive adequate information regarding
procedures, risks, benefits, alternatives, and consequences before agreeing to treatment. Patients
have the right to ask questions and refuse procedures. Nurses verify that consent has been obtained
appropriately and witness signatures, but they do not obtain informed consent for providers.
Question 10
Which finding is considered objective data?
A. Patient reports nausea B. Patient states pain level is 8/10 C. Patient says they feel dizzy D.
Temperature of 101.2°F (38.4°C)
Rationale: Objective data are measurable and observable findings obtained through physical
examination, diagnostic testing, or direct observation. Temperature readings are quantifiable and
verifiable by others. Subjective data, in contrast, are symptoms or feelings reported by the patient and
cannot be directly measured by the nurse.
Question 11
Which nursing action demonstrates patient advocacy?
A. Following physician orders without question B. Avoiding involvement in patient decisions C.
Protecting the patient’s rights and preferences D. Sharing confidential information with family
members
Rationale: Advocacy involves protecting patients’ rights, ensuring informed decision-making, and
supporting patient autonomy. Nurses act as advocates by communicating patient wishes, promoting
safety, and ensuring ethical treatment. Breaching confidentiality or ignoring patient preferences
violates professional nursing responsibilities.
3
Practice and Health Assessment
Question 1
A nurse is preparing to assess a newly admitted patient. Which action demonstrates the correct first
step of the nursing process?
A. Implementing interventions B. Evaluating patient outcomes C. Collecting patient data D.
Establishing nursing diagnoses
Rationale: Assessment is the first phase of the nursing process and involves systematic collection of
subjective and objective data about the patient’s health status. Before diagnoses, planning,
implementation, or evaluation can occur, the nurse must gather complete information through
observation, interviews, physical examination, and review of records. This foundational step guides all
subsequent clinical decisions and ensures safe, individualized patient care.
Question 2
Which statement best describes evidence-based nursing practice?
A. Using interventions based only on physician preference B. Relying exclusively on traditional nursing
techniques C. Following hospital routines without questioning outcomes D. Integrating research
evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences
Rationale: Evidence-based practice combines the best available scientific evidence with clinical
judgment and patient values to improve outcomes. Nurses use current research findings, their own
expertise, and patient preferences to guide decision-making. This approach promotes quality care,
safety, consistency, and improved patient satisfaction while reducing ineffective or outdated practices.
Question 3
A nurse obtains a blood pressure reading of 160/94 mm Hg in an adult patient. This finding is
considered:
A. Normal B. Hypotension C. Prehypertension D. Hypertension
Rationale: A blood pressure reading of 160/94 mm Hg falls within the hypertensive range. Persistent
elevation in blood pressure increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, renal impairment, and
other complications. Nurses must recognize abnormal vital signs promptly, reassess when appropriate,
and communicate significant findings to the healthcare provider for timely management.
Question 4
Which communication technique is most therapeutic when interviewing a patient?
1
,A. Asking multiple questions at once B. Providing personal opinions C. Using active listening D.
Interrupting to clarify details frequently
Rationale: Active listening is a core therapeutic communication skill that involves full attention to the
patient, maintaining eye contact, observing nonverbal cues, and responding appropriately. It
encourages trust, facilitates accurate information gathering, and demonstrates respect and empathy.
Interrupting excessively or offering personal opinions can hinder communication and decrease patient
comfort.
Question 5
A nurse is documenting patient information in the medical record. Which documentation entry is most
appropriate?
A. Patient seems depressed today. B. Patient is difficult and uncooperative. C. Patient had a bad night.
D. Patient tearful during interview and stated, “I feel hopeless.”
Rationale: Accurate documentation should be objective, specific, and based on observable findings or
direct patient statements. The correct option includes measurable observations and a direct quote,
avoiding vague or judgmental language. Objective documentation improves communication among
healthcare providers and supports legal and ethical standards of nursing practice.
Question 6
Which infection-control practice is most effective in preventing the spread of healthcare-associated
infections?
A. Wearing gloves at all times B. Double-bagging contaminated linens C. Performing proper hand
hygiene D. Using sterile technique for all procedures
Rationale: Proper hand hygiene is the single most effective method for preventing transmission of
microorganisms in healthcare settings. Handwashing or alcohol-based hand sanitizers reduce the
spread of pathogens between patients, staff, and the environment. Although gloves and sterile
technique are important in certain situations, hand hygiene remains the cornerstone of infection
prevention.
Question 7
The nurse is assessing a patient’s pain level. Pain is considered:
A. Entirely objective B. Best measured by vital signs alone C. The same experience for all individuals D.
Whatever the patient says it is
Rationale: Pain is a subjective experience that can only truly be defined by the individual experiencing
it. Cultural, emotional, psychological, and physiological factors influence pain perception. Nurses must
rely on patient self-report whenever possible and avoid assuming pain severity based solely on
appearance or vital signs.
2
, Question 8
Which pulse site is commonly used during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in adults?
A. Radial B. Apical C. Pedal D. Carotid
Rationale: The carotid pulse is the preferred pulse site during adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation
because it is centrally located and remains palpable even when peripheral perfusion is poor.
Assessment of the carotid pulse helps determine whether circulation is present and guides emergency
interventions during cardiac arrest situations.
Question 9
A nurse is teaching a patient about informed consent. Which statement by the patient indicates
understanding?
A. “The nurse decides whether I should sign the form.” B. “I must sign the form even if I do not
understand.” C. “I have the right to ask questions before signing.” D. “Consent forms are only
needed for major surgeries.”
Rationale: Informed consent requires that patients receive adequate information regarding
procedures, risks, benefits, alternatives, and consequences before agreeing to treatment. Patients
have the right to ask questions and refuse procedures. Nurses verify that consent has been obtained
appropriately and witness signatures, but they do not obtain informed consent for providers.
Question 10
Which finding is considered objective data?
A. Patient reports nausea B. Patient states pain level is 8/10 C. Patient says they feel dizzy D.
Temperature of 101.2°F (38.4°C)
Rationale: Objective data are measurable and observable findings obtained through physical
examination, diagnostic testing, or direct observation. Temperature readings are quantifiable and
verifiable by others. Subjective data, in contrast, are symptoms or feelings reported by the patient and
cannot be directly measured by the nurse.
Question 11
Which nursing action demonstrates patient advocacy?
A. Following physician orders without question B. Avoiding involvement in patient decisions C.
Protecting the patient’s rights and preferences D. Sharing confidential information with family
members
Rationale: Advocacy involves protecting patients’ rights, ensuring informed decision-making, and
supporting patient autonomy. Nurses act as advocates by communicating patient wishes, promoting
safety, and ensuring ethical treatment. Breaching confidentiality or ignoring patient preferences
violates professional nursing responsibilities.
3
