NUR155/NUR 155 Exam 1 V3 | Critical
Thinking for the Practical Nurse Q&A with
Rationale | Hondros College of Nursing
1. A nurse is caring for a client who reports feeling short of breath. Which of the following
actions by the nurse demonstrates the ‘Assessment’ phase of the nursing process?
A. Administering oxygen at 2 liters per minute via nasal cannula.
B. Documenting the nursing diagnosis of impaired gas exchange.
C. Evaluating if the client’s breathing improved after treatment.
D. Auscultating the client’s lung sounds and checking oxygen saturation.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Assessment is the first step of the nursing process and involves collecting data
about the client’s status. By auscultating lung sounds and checking oxygen saturation, the
nurse is gathering objective data to identify the problem. This data collection is essential
before any interventions or planning can occur.
2. Which critical thinking attitude is demonstrated when a nurse admits they do not know
how to operate a new PCA pump and seeks assistance?
A. Intellectual Humility
B. Intellectual Courage
C. Intellectual Empathy
,D. Intellectual Perseverance
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Intellectual humility involves recognizing the limits of one’s own knowledge
and abilities. By seeking help with the PCA pump, the nurse ensures patient safety and
avoids making errors due to pride. This attitude is a hallmark of a safe and effective
practical nurse.
3. The nurse is prioritizing care for four clients. According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs,
which client should the nurse see first?
A. A client with an arterial blood gas pH of 7.25 and labored breathing.
B. A client who needs to be repositioned to prevent skin breakdown.
C. A client who is lonely and requesting a visitor.
D. A client asking for a description of their upcoming surgical procedure.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Physiological needs, specifically those related to airway and breathing, are the
highest priority according to Maslow and the ABCs. A low pH and labored breathing
indicate a critical physiological crisis that takes precedence over safety, social, or
educational needs. The nurse must stabilize the patient’s respiratory status before
addressing other concerns.
, 4. A practical nurse (PN) is collecting data from a patient who states, ‘My head is throbbing
and I feel like I am going to vomit.’ How should the nurse classify this information?
A. Objective Data
B. Inference
C. Subjective Data
D. Secondary Source
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Subjective data consists of information provided by the patient that cannot be
directly measured by the nurse, such as pain or feelings. Symptoms like a throbbing
headache and nausea are personal perceptions shared by the client. The nurse must
document these exactly as stated by the patient.
5. Which of the following is an example of an LPN/PN’s role in the ‘Planning’ phase of the
nursing process?
A. Identifying that a patient has a risk for falls based on gait.
B. Checking the patient’s temperature two hours after giving Tylenol.
C. Assisting the RN in developing measurable goals for the patient.
D. Changing a sterile dressing on a post-operative wound.
Correct Answer: C
Thinking for the Practical Nurse Q&A with
Rationale | Hondros College of Nursing
1. A nurse is caring for a client who reports feeling short of breath. Which of the following
actions by the nurse demonstrates the ‘Assessment’ phase of the nursing process?
A. Administering oxygen at 2 liters per minute via nasal cannula.
B. Documenting the nursing diagnosis of impaired gas exchange.
C. Evaluating if the client’s breathing improved after treatment.
D. Auscultating the client’s lung sounds and checking oxygen saturation.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Assessment is the first step of the nursing process and involves collecting data
about the client’s status. By auscultating lung sounds and checking oxygen saturation, the
nurse is gathering objective data to identify the problem. This data collection is essential
before any interventions or planning can occur.
2. Which critical thinking attitude is demonstrated when a nurse admits they do not know
how to operate a new PCA pump and seeks assistance?
A. Intellectual Humility
B. Intellectual Courage
C. Intellectual Empathy
,D. Intellectual Perseverance
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Intellectual humility involves recognizing the limits of one’s own knowledge
and abilities. By seeking help with the PCA pump, the nurse ensures patient safety and
avoids making errors due to pride. This attitude is a hallmark of a safe and effective
practical nurse.
3. The nurse is prioritizing care for four clients. According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs,
which client should the nurse see first?
A. A client with an arterial blood gas pH of 7.25 and labored breathing.
B. A client who needs to be repositioned to prevent skin breakdown.
C. A client who is lonely and requesting a visitor.
D. A client asking for a description of their upcoming surgical procedure.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Physiological needs, specifically those related to airway and breathing, are the
highest priority according to Maslow and the ABCs. A low pH and labored breathing
indicate a critical physiological crisis that takes precedence over safety, social, or
educational needs. The nurse must stabilize the patient’s respiratory status before
addressing other concerns.
, 4. A practical nurse (PN) is collecting data from a patient who states, ‘My head is throbbing
and I feel like I am going to vomit.’ How should the nurse classify this information?
A. Objective Data
B. Inference
C. Subjective Data
D. Secondary Source
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Subjective data consists of information provided by the patient that cannot be
directly measured by the nurse, such as pain or feelings. Symptoms like a throbbing
headache and nausea are personal perceptions shared by the client. The nurse must
document these exactly as stated by the patient.
5. Which of the following is an example of an LPN/PN’s role in the ‘Planning’ phase of the
nursing process?
A. Identifying that a patient has a risk for falls based on gait.
B. Checking the patient’s temperature two hours after giving Tylenol.
C. Assisting the RN in developing measurable goals for the patient.
D. Changing a sterile dressing on a post-operative wound.
Correct Answer: C
