NUR155 / NUR 155 Exam 2 2026/2027
OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT - EXAM
NUR155 / NUR 155 Exam 2 (Latest
2026/2027): Foundations of Nursing - Galen
2026/2027
75 100% 2026/2027 80%
QUESTIONS VERIFIED ANSWERS EDITION PASSING SCORE
TOPICS COVERED
• Vital Signs & Assessment • Medication Administration
• Physical Assessment Techniques • Pharmacology Basics
• Health Promotion & Prevention • Dosage Calculations
• Infection Control & Safety • Hygiene & Comfort Measures
• Aseptic Technique & Sterility • Mobility & Skin Integrity
This examination contains 75 questions across 5 sections.
All questions include detailed rationales for correct and incorrect answers.
Galen College of Nursing | NUR 155 Foundations of Nursing
COVER PAGE - 1
, Section 1: Vital Signs, Physical Assessment & Health Promotion Section 1
QUESTION 1
A 72-year-old male is admitted to the medical-surgical unit with community-acquired pneumonia. The
nurse obtains his vital signs and records a temperature of 38.9°C (102.0°F), heart rate of 96 bpm,
respiratory rate of 24, blood pressure of 142/88 mmHg, and oxygen saturation of 92% on room air.
Which vital sign finding requires the most immediate nursing intervention?
A. Oxygen saturation of 92% indicating hypoxemia that may compromise tissue oxygenation
B. Blood pressure of 142/88 mmHg indicating stage 1 hypertension
C. Heart rate of 96 bpm indicating mild tachycardia
D. Temperature of 38.9°C indicating fever from infection
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
An oxygen saturation of 92% on room air indicates hypoxemia, which can lead to tissue hypoxia and organ dysfunction if
not addressed promptly. The nurse should apply supplemental oxygen and notify the provider. While fever and tachycardia
are concerning, hypoxemia poses the most immediate threat to patient safety.
QUESTION 2
A 45-year-old female with a history of hypertension presents to the clinic for a routine checkup. The
nurse measures her blood pressure using the proper technique and obtains a reading of 156/94 mmHg
in the right arm while the patient is seated with feet flat on the floor. The patient states her home
readings have been similar for the past month. Which classification best describes her blood pressure?
A. Stage 2 hypertension requiring lifestyle modifications and likely pharmacologic intervention
B. Stage 1 hypertension managed with lifestyle changes only
C. Elevated blood pressure requiring monitoring without immediate treatment
D. Hypertensive urgency requiring immediate emergency department referral
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
According to ACC/AHA guidelines, blood pressure of 156/94 mmHg meets criteria for Stage 2 hypertension (systolic
>=140 or diastolic >=90). Stage 2 hypertension typically requires both lifestyle modifications and pharmacologic therapy.
The reading was obtained using proper technique, and the consistency with home readings supports the diagnosis.
, QUESTION 3
A 28-year-old male marathon runner is being assessed during his annual physical. His resting heart
rate is 48 bpm, blood pressure is 108/64 mmHg, and respiratory rate is 12. He denies dizziness, fatigue,
or syncope. Which physiological explanation best accounts for his low resting heart rate?
A. Increased stroke volume from cardiac conditioning allows adequate cardiac output despite bradycardia
B. Pathological sinus node dysfunction requiring pacemaker evaluation
C. Medication-induced bradycardia from beta-blocker use
D. Hypothyroidism causing decreased metabolic rate and cardiac output
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Well-trained athletes develop physiological bradycardia due to increased vagal tone and enhanced stroke volume. The
heart can maintain adequate cardiac output (CO = HR x SV) with fewer beats because each beat ejects more blood. The
absence of symptoms and the context of athletic training support a benign physiological explanation rather than pathology.
QUESTION 4
A 65-year-old female with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is admitted with an exacerbation. The
nurse auscultates her lungs and hears prolonged expiratory phase, wheezing, and diminished breath
sounds bilaterally. Her respiratory rate is 28, and she is using accessory muscles. Which assessment
finding indicates the most severe airway obstruction?
A. Use of accessory muscles and prolonged expiratory phase indicating severe obstruction and air trapping
B. Wheezing on auscultation indicating turbulent airflow through narrowed bronchi
C. Respiratory rate of 28 indicating compensatory tachypnea
D. Diminished breath sounds indicating reduced air movement
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
The use of accessory muscles (sternocleidomastoid, scalenes, intercostals) and prolonged expiratory phase are signs of
severe respiratory distress and significant airway obstruction. These findings indicate the patient is working hard to
overcome obstruction and maintain ventilation. While wheezing indicates narrowed airways, the presence of accessory
muscle use signals impending respiratory failure.
, QUESTION 5
A 55-year-old male post-operative patient has an oral temperature of 35.8°C (96.4°F) two hours after
returning from the recovery room. He is shivering and reports feeling cold. The nurse notes his skin is
cool and pale. Which nursing intervention is the priority?
A. Apply warm blankets and monitor core temperature, as post-anesthetic hypothermia can cause
complications
B. Administer acetaminophen for fever reduction
C. Increase intravenous fluid rate to improve circulation
D. Notify the surgeon immediately for emergency intervention
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Post-operative hypothermia (temperature <36°C) is common due to anesthetic-induced vasodilation, impaired
thermoregulation, and exposure to cold operating room temperatures. The priority is rewarming with warm blankets,
forced-air warming devices, and warmed IV fluids. Hypothermia can cause coagulopathy, impaired wound healing, and
cardiac arrhythmias if not corrected.
QUESTION 6
A 38-year-old female is being assessed for pain following abdominal surgery. She rates her pain as 7/10
on the numeric rating scale, describes it as sharp and constant, and guards her incision when the
nurse attempts to palpate the abdomen. Her vital signs show HR 102, BP 138/82, RR 20. Which vital
sign change best correlates with her reported pain level?
A. Tachycardia with heart rate of 102 bpm reflecting sympathetic nervous system activation from pain
B. Blood pressure of 138/82 mmHg indicating mild elevation from anxiety
C. Respiratory rate of 20 within normal range showing adequate ventilation
D. Normal temperature indicating absence of infectious complication
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Pain activates the sympathetic nervous system, causing catecholamine release that increases heart rate, blood pressure,
and respiratory rate. Tachycardia is a reliable physiological indicator of moderate to severe pain. The nurse should
administer prescribed analgesics and reassess pain and vital signs within the appropriate timeframe.
OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT - EXAM
NUR155 / NUR 155 Exam 2 (Latest
2026/2027): Foundations of Nursing - Galen
2026/2027
75 100% 2026/2027 80%
QUESTIONS VERIFIED ANSWERS EDITION PASSING SCORE
TOPICS COVERED
• Vital Signs & Assessment • Medication Administration
• Physical Assessment Techniques • Pharmacology Basics
• Health Promotion & Prevention • Dosage Calculations
• Infection Control & Safety • Hygiene & Comfort Measures
• Aseptic Technique & Sterility • Mobility & Skin Integrity
This examination contains 75 questions across 5 sections.
All questions include detailed rationales for correct and incorrect answers.
Galen College of Nursing | NUR 155 Foundations of Nursing
COVER PAGE - 1
, Section 1: Vital Signs, Physical Assessment & Health Promotion Section 1
QUESTION 1
A 72-year-old male is admitted to the medical-surgical unit with community-acquired pneumonia. The
nurse obtains his vital signs and records a temperature of 38.9°C (102.0°F), heart rate of 96 bpm,
respiratory rate of 24, blood pressure of 142/88 mmHg, and oxygen saturation of 92% on room air.
Which vital sign finding requires the most immediate nursing intervention?
A. Oxygen saturation of 92% indicating hypoxemia that may compromise tissue oxygenation
B. Blood pressure of 142/88 mmHg indicating stage 1 hypertension
C. Heart rate of 96 bpm indicating mild tachycardia
D. Temperature of 38.9°C indicating fever from infection
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
An oxygen saturation of 92% on room air indicates hypoxemia, which can lead to tissue hypoxia and organ dysfunction if
not addressed promptly. The nurse should apply supplemental oxygen and notify the provider. While fever and tachycardia
are concerning, hypoxemia poses the most immediate threat to patient safety.
QUESTION 2
A 45-year-old female with a history of hypertension presents to the clinic for a routine checkup. The
nurse measures her blood pressure using the proper technique and obtains a reading of 156/94 mmHg
in the right arm while the patient is seated with feet flat on the floor. The patient states her home
readings have been similar for the past month. Which classification best describes her blood pressure?
A. Stage 2 hypertension requiring lifestyle modifications and likely pharmacologic intervention
B. Stage 1 hypertension managed with lifestyle changes only
C. Elevated blood pressure requiring monitoring without immediate treatment
D. Hypertensive urgency requiring immediate emergency department referral
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
According to ACC/AHA guidelines, blood pressure of 156/94 mmHg meets criteria for Stage 2 hypertension (systolic
>=140 or diastolic >=90). Stage 2 hypertension typically requires both lifestyle modifications and pharmacologic therapy.
The reading was obtained using proper technique, and the consistency with home readings supports the diagnosis.
, QUESTION 3
A 28-year-old male marathon runner is being assessed during his annual physical. His resting heart
rate is 48 bpm, blood pressure is 108/64 mmHg, and respiratory rate is 12. He denies dizziness, fatigue,
or syncope. Which physiological explanation best accounts for his low resting heart rate?
A. Increased stroke volume from cardiac conditioning allows adequate cardiac output despite bradycardia
B. Pathological sinus node dysfunction requiring pacemaker evaluation
C. Medication-induced bradycardia from beta-blocker use
D. Hypothyroidism causing decreased metabolic rate and cardiac output
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Well-trained athletes develop physiological bradycardia due to increased vagal tone and enhanced stroke volume. The
heart can maintain adequate cardiac output (CO = HR x SV) with fewer beats because each beat ejects more blood. The
absence of symptoms and the context of athletic training support a benign physiological explanation rather than pathology.
QUESTION 4
A 65-year-old female with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is admitted with an exacerbation. The
nurse auscultates her lungs and hears prolonged expiratory phase, wheezing, and diminished breath
sounds bilaterally. Her respiratory rate is 28, and she is using accessory muscles. Which assessment
finding indicates the most severe airway obstruction?
A. Use of accessory muscles and prolonged expiratory phase indicating severe obstruction and air trapping
B. Wheezing on auscultation indicating turbulent airflow through narrowed bronchi
C. Respiratory rate of 28 indicating compensatory tachypnea
D. Diminished breath sounds indicating reduced air movement
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
The use of accessory muscles (sternocleidomastoid, scalenes, intercostals) and prolonged expiratory phase are signs of
severe respiratory distress and significant airway obstruction. These findings indicate the patient is working hard to
overcome obstruction and maintain ventilation. While wheezing indicates narrowed airways, the presence of accessory
muscle use signals impending respiratory failure.
, QUESTION 5
A 55-year-old male post-operative patient has an oral temperature of 35.8°C (96.4°F) two hours after
returning from the recovery room. He is shivering and reports feeling cold. The nurse notes his skin is
cool and pale. Which nursing intervention is the priority?
A. Apply warm blankets and monitor core temperature, as post-anesthetic hypothermia can cause
complications
B. Administer acetaminophen for fever reduction
C. Increase intravenous fluid rate to improve circulation
D. Notify the surgeon immediately for emergency intervention
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Post-operative hypothermia (temperature <36°C) is common due to anesthetic-induced vasodilation, impaired
thermoregulation, and exposure to cold operating room temperatures. The priority is rewarming with warm blankets,
forced-air warming devices, and warmed IV fluids. Hypothermia can cause coagulopathy, impaired wound healing, and
cardiac arrhythmias if not corrected.
QUESTION 6
A 38-year-old female is being assessed for pain following abdominal surgery. She rates her pain as 7/10
on the numeric rating scale, describes it as sharp and constant, and guards her incision when the
nurse attempts to palpate the abdomen. Her vital signs show HR 102, BP 138/82, RR 20. Which vital
sign change best correlates with her reported pain level?
A. Tachycardia with heart rate of 102 bpm reflecting sympathetic nervous system activation from pain
B. Blood pressure of 138/82 mmHg indicating mild elevation from anxiety
C. Respiratory rate of 20 within normal range showing adequate ventilation
D. Normal temperature indicating absence of infectious complication
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Pain activates the sympathetic nervous system, causing catecholamine release that increases heart rate, blood pressure,
and respiratory rate. Tachycardia is a reliable physiological indicator of moderate to severe pain. The nurse should
administer prescribed analgesics and reassess pain and vital signs within the appropriate timeframe.
