,NU 136/NU136 Exam 3 | Fundamentals of Nursing
(2026) Q&A | Galen College
1. Which phase of the nursing process involves collecting subjective and
objective data?
A) Diagnosis
B) Assessment
C) Planning
D) Implementation
Correct Answer: Assessment
Rationale: Assessment is the first step of the nursing process, during which the
nurse gathers both subjective (what the patient says) and objective
(measurable) data. Diagnosis follows analysis, planning sets goals, and
implementation carries out interventions.
2. A patient's potassium level is 3.0 mEq/L. The nurse identifies this as a
problem. This step is:
A) Assessment
B) Diagnosis
C) Planning
D) Evaluation
Correct Answer: Diagnosis
,Rationale: Diagnosis involves analyzing assessment data to identify actual or
potential health problems. A low potassium level is an electrolyte imbalance,
which is a nursing diagnosis.
3. A nurse sets a goal that a patient will walk 50 feet by discharge. This is:
A) Assessment
B) Diagnosis
C) Planning
D) Implementation
Correct Answer: Planning
Rationale: Planning involves setting patient-centered, measurable goals and
expected outcomes. The goal specifies what the patient will achieve and by
when.
4. After administering pain medication, the nurse asks the patient to rate their
pain. This is:
A) Assessment
B) Planning
C) Implementation
D) Evaluation
Correct Answer: Evaluation
, Rationale: Evaluation measures the patient's response to interventions and
determines if goals were met. Reassessing pain after medication is evaluation.
5. A nurse is caring for a patient who develops sudden shortness of breath.
What should the nurse do first?
A) Administer oxygen
B) Notify the provider
C) Assess respiratory status and vital signs
D) Document the symptoms
Correct Answer: Assess respiratory status and vital signs
Rationale: Assessment is always the first step. The nurse must gather data
(breath sounds, SpO2, respiratory rate) before intervening or notifying the
provider.
6. A patient's outcome statement includes "by discharge." Which component of
a goal does this represent?
A) Subject
B) Behavior
C) Condition
D) Time frame
Correct Answer: Time frame
(2026) Q&A | Galen College
1. Which phase of the nursing process involves collecting subjective and
objective data?
A) Diagnosis
B) Assessment
C) Planning
D) Implementation
Correct Answer: Assessment
Rationale: Assessment is the first step of the nursing process, during which the
nurse gathers both subjective (what the patient says) and objective
(measurable) data. Diagnosis follows analysis, planning sets goals, and
implementation carries out interventions.
2. A patient's potassium level is 3.0 mEq/L. The nurse identifies this as a
problem. This step is:
A) Assessment
B) Diagnosis
C) Planning
D) Evaluation
Correct Answer: Diagnosis
,Rationale: Diagnosis involves analyzing assessment data to identify actual or
potential health problems. A low potassium level is an electrolyte imbalance,
which is a nursing diagnosis.
3. A nurse sets a goal that a patient will walk 50 feet by discharge. This is:
A) Assessment
B) Diagnosis
C) Planning
D) Implementation
Correct Answer: Planning
Rationale: Planning involves setting patient-centered, measurable goals and
expected outcomes. The goal specifies what the patient will achieve and by
when.
4. After administering pain medication, the nurse asks the patient to rate their
pain. This is:
A) Assessment
B) Planning
C) Implementation
D) Evaluation
Correct Answer: Evaluation
, Rationale: Evaluation measures the patient's response to interventions and
determines if goals were met. Reassessing pain after medication is evaluation.
5. A nurse is caring for a patient who develops sudden shortness of breath.
What should the nurse do first?
A) Administer oxygen
B) Notify the provider
C) Assess respiratory status and vital signs
D) Document the symptoms
Correct Answer: Assess respiratory status and vital signs
Rationale: Assessment is always the first step. The nurse must gather data
(breath sounds, SpO2, respiratory rate) before intervening or notifying the
provider.
6. A patient's outcome statement includes "by discharge." Which component of
a goal does this represent?
A) Subject
B) Behavior
C) Condition
D) Time frame
Correct Answer: Time frame
