2026/2027
NU 136 Fundamentals of Nursing
2026/2027 Exam Prep Workbook
with Practice Quizzes, Core Nursing
Principles, and Clinical Skills Review
for Finals Success
Question 1:
A nurse is caring for a patient in the ICU being evaluated for a possible cerebral
aneurysm. The nurse is preparing the patient for diagnostic testing. This knowledge
reflects which aspect of nursing?
A. The art of nursing
B. The science of nursing
C. The caring aspect of nursing
D. The holistic approach to nursing
Correct Answer: B. The science of nursing
Rationale: The science of nursing refers to the evidence-based knowledge and
technical understanding required to perform clinical procedures and interpret
diagnostic tests. Preparing a patient for diagnostic imaging or investigations requires
scientific knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and diagnostic procedures. The art and
caring aspects focus more on emotional support and interpersonal skills, while holistic
care integrates all aspects of the patient but does not specifically refer to technical
knowledge.
Question 2:
A nurse is formulating a clinical question using the PICO format. What does the letter
“P” represent?
A. Comparison to another treatment
B. Focused literature review
C. Desired outcome
D. Population of interest
Correct Answer: D. Explicit description of the population of interest
Rationale: In the PICO framework, “P” stands for Population or Patient, which
defines the group being studied or treated. “I” is Intervention, “C” is Comparison, and
,2026/2027
“O” is Outcome. The population is the foundation of evidence-based practice
questions.
Question 3:
Which statement best describes insulin function in the body?
A. Breaks down fats into glucose
B. Removes excess glucose from blood and stores it as glycogen
C. Stimulates glucagon release
D. Increases blood glucose levels
Correct Answer: B. Removes excess glucose from blood and stores it as glycogen
Rationale: Insulin is a hormone produced by pancreatic beta cells that lowers blood
glucose by facilitating uptake into cells and promoting glycogen storage in the liver. It
does not increase blood glucose; that is the role of glucagon.
Question 4:
Which nurse is regarded as the founder of American nursing?
A. Clara Barton
B. Lillian Wald
C. Lavinia Dock
D. Florence Nightingale
Correct Answer: D. Florence Nightingale
Rationale: Florence Nightingale is recognized as the founder of modern nursing and
significantly influenced nursing education and practice. The other nurses contributed
to public health and nursing reform but are not considered the founders.
Question 5:
Which of the following are chronic illnesses? (Select all that apply)
A. Diabetes mellitus
B. Bronchial pneumonia
C. Rheumatoid arthritis
D. Cystic fibrosis
E. Fractured hip
F. Otitis media
Correct Answer: A, C, D
,2026/2027
Rationale: Chronic illnesses are long-term conditions that persist over time. Diabetes,
rheumatoid arthritis, and cystic fibrosis are chronic, while pneumonia, fractures, and
otitis media are acute conditions.
Question 6:
Which development occurred in nursing during World War II?
A. Decreased role of nurses
B. Reduced education emphasis
C. Broadened nursing roles
D. Oversupply of nurses
Correct Answer: C. Broadened nursing roles
Rationale: World War II expanded nursing responsibilities significantly, including
roles in military and emergency care. This period elevated the profession rather than
reducing its scope.
Question 7:
Which interventions reflect health restoration? (Select all that apply)
A. Drug rehabilitation counseling
B. Range-of-motion exercises
C. Teaching insulin administration
D. Yoga recommendation
E. Hospice care
F. Nutrition class teaching
Correct Answer: A, B, C
Rationale: Restoring health involves helping patients recover or manage illness.
Rehabilitation, physical therapy, and disease self-management directly support
restoration.
Question 8:
What is a normal postpartum urinary system adaptation?
A. Decreased GFR
B. Urinary retention
C. Postpartum diuresis
D. Decreased renal flow
Correct Answer: C. Postpartum diuresis
, 2026/2027
Rationale: After birth, increased renal filtration and fluid shifts cause increased urine
output. Loss of bladder sensation is also common temporarily.
Question 9:
Touching a newborn’s cheek causes the head to turn toward the stimulus. This is
called:
A. Babinski reflex
B. Rooting reflex
C. Moro reflex
D. Grasp reflex
Correct Answer: B. Rooting reflex
Rationale: The rooting reflex helps newborns locate food by turning toward
stimulation near the mouth or cheek.
Question 10:
What is the correct BMI classification for overweight?
A. <18.5
B. 18.5–24.9
C. 25–29.9
D. ≥30
Correct Answer: C. 25–29.9
Rationale: BMI 25–29.9 is classified as overweight. A BMI ≥30 indicates obesity.
Question 11:
How many patient identifiers are required for safe identification?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
Correct Answer: B. 2
Rationale: Two identifiers (usually name and date of birth) are required to ensure
patient safety and prevent errors.
NU 136 Fundamentals of Nursing
2026/2027 Exam Prep Workbook
with Practice Quizzes, Core Nursing
Principles, and Clinical Skills Review
for Finals Success
Question 1:
A nurse is caring for a patient in the ICU being evaluated for a possible cerebral
aneurysm. The nurse is preparing the patient for diagnostic testing. This knowledge
reflects which aspect of nursing?
A. The art of nursing
B. The science of nursing
C. The caring aspect of nursing
D. The holistic approach to nursing
Correct Answer: B. The science of nursing
Rationale: The science of nursing refers to the evidence-based knowledge and
technical understanding required to perform clinical procedures and interpret
diagnostic tests. Preparing a patient for diagnostic imaging or investigations requires
scientific knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and diagnostic procedures. The art and
caring aspects focus more on emotional support and interpersonal skills, while holistic
care integrates all aspects of the patient but does not specifically refer to technical
knowledge.
Question 2:
A nurse is formulating a clinical question using the PICO format. What does the letter
“P” represent?
A. Comparison to another treatment
B. Focused literature review
C. Desired outcome
D. Population of interest
Correct Answer: D. Explicit description of the population of interest
Rationale: In the PICO framework, “P” stands for Population or Patient, which
defines the group being studied or treated. “I” is Intervention, “C” is Comparison, and
,2026/2027
“O” is Outcome. The population is the foundation of evidence-based practice
questions.
Question 3:
Which statement best describes insulin function in the body?
A. Breaks down fats into glucose
B. Removes excess glucose from blood and stores it as glycogen
C. Stimulates glucagon release
D. Increases blood glucose levels
Correct Answer: B. Removes excess glucose from blood and stores it as glycogen
Rationale: Insulin is a hormone produced by pancreatic beta cells that lowers blood
glucose by facilitating uptake into cells and promoting glycogen storage in the liver. It
does not increase blood glucose; that is the role of glucagon.
Question 4:
Which nurse is regarded as the founder of American nursing?
A. Clara Barton
B. Lillian Wald
C. Lavinia Dock
D. Florence Nightingale
Correct Answer: D. Florence Nightingale
Rationale: Florence Nightingale is recognized as the founder of modern nursing and
significantly influenced nursing education and practice. The other nurses contributed
to public health and nursing reform but are not considered the founders.
Question 5:
Which of the following are chronic illnesses? (Select all that apply)
A. Diabetes mellitus
B. Bronchial pneumonia
C. Rheumatoid arthritis
D. Cystic fibrosis
E. Fractured hip
F. Otitis media
Correct Answer: A, C, D
,2026/2027
Rationale: Chronic illnesses are long-term conditions that persist over time. Diabetes,
rheumatoid arthritis, and cystic fibrosis are chronic, while pneumonia, fractures, and
otitis media are acute conditions.
Question 6:
Which development occurred in nursing during World War II?
A. Decreased role of nurses
B. Reduced education emphasis
C. Broadened nursing roles
D. Oversupply of nurses
Correct Answer: C. Broadened nursing roles
Rationale: World War II expanded nursing responsibilities significantly, including
roles in military and emergency care. This period elevated the profession rather than
reducing its scope.
Question 7:
Which interventions reflect health restoration? (Select all that apply)
A. Drug rehabilitation counseling
B. Range-of-motion exercises
C. Teaching insulin administration
D. Yoga recommendation
E. Hospice care
F. Nutrition class teaching
Correct Answer: A, B, C
Rationale: Restoring health involves helping patients recover or manage illness.
Rehabilitation, physical therapy, and disease self-management directly support
restoration.
Question 8:
What is a normal postpartum urinary system adaptation?
A. Decreased GFR
B. Urinary retention
C. Postpartum diuresis
D. Decreased renal flow
Correct Answer: C. Postpartum diuresis
, 2026/2027
Rationale: After birth, increased renal filtration and fluid shifts cause increased urine
output. Loss of bladder sensation is also common temporarily.
Question 9:
Touching a newborn’s cheek causes the head to turn toward the stimulus. This is
called:
A. Babinski reflex
B. Rooting reflex
C. Moro reflex
D. Grasp reflex
Correct Answer: B. Rooting reflex
Rationale: The rooting reflex helps newborns locate food by turning toward
stimulation near the mouth or cheek.
Question 10:
What is the correct BMI classification for overweight?
A. <18.5
B. 18.5–24.9
C. 25–29.9
D. ≥30
Correct Answer: C. 25–29.9
Rationale: BMI 25–29.9 is classified as overweight. A BMI ≥30 indicates obesity.
Question 11:
How many patient identifiers are required for safe identification?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
Correct Answer: B. 2
Rationale: Two identifiers (usually name and date of birth) are required to ensure
patient safety and prevent errors.
