Nursing Practice I Galen College of Nursing – 2026/2027
Update
Complete -Question Test Bank | 100% Verified Questions &
Answers | Grade A
Question 1:
A nurse is assessing a patient's blood pressure and obtains a reading of
142/88 mm Hg. The patient asks, "Is my blood pressure okay?" The nurse's
best response is:
A) "Your blood pressure is normal, don't worry."
B) "Your systolic is elevated, which falls into the Stage 1 hypertension
range."
C) "Your diastolic is the only concern; your systolic is fine."
D) "You have Stage 2 hypertension and need immediate treatment."
Answer: B
Rationale: According to ACC/AHA 2017 guidelines, Stage 1 hypertension is
defined as systolic 130-139 or diastolic 80-89. A reading of 142/88 mm Hg
has an elevated systolic (142), placing the patient in Stage 1 hypertension
(the diastolic of 88 also falls in Stage 1 range). This requires lifestyle
modifications and possibly medication depending on cardiovascular risk.
,Question 2:
A nurse is preparing to measure a patient's temperature using an oral
thermometer. Which of the following actions is correct?
A) Place the thermometer under the patient's tongue in the posterior
sublingual pocket
B) Instruct the patient to breathe through their mouth during measurement
C) Have the patient drink hot coffee immediately before measurement
D) Place the thermometer against the patient's cheek
Answer: A
Rationale: The oral thermometer should be placed in the posterior sublingual
pocket under the tongue, where the blood supply is rich, providing an
accurate reflection of core temperature. The patient should keep their mouth
closed and breathe through the nose. Hot or cold beverages should be
avoided for at least 15 minutes before measurement.
Question 3:
A nurse is assessing a patient's radial pulse. The pulse is irregular, with
some beats being weaker than others. The nurse should document this as:
A) Normal pulse
B) Bounding pulse
C) Weak, thready pulse
D) Dysrhythmic pulse
Answer: D
Rationale: A dysrhythmic (or arrhythmic) pulse is irregular in rhythm. The
nurse should count the pulse for a full 60 seconds to accurately assess the
rate and identify the pattern. A bounding pulse is strong and full, while a
weak/thready pulse is difficult to palpate.
,Question 4:
A nurse is caring for a patient with a fever of 39.5°C (103.1°F). The nurse
should implement which intervention first?
A) Administer antipyretic medication as ordered
B) Apply a cooling blanket
C) Remove excess blankets and clothing
D) Provide a cool sponge bath
Answer: A
Rationale: The priority intervention for a febrile patient is to administer
antipyretic medication (e.g., acetaminophen or ibuprofen) as ordered to
reduce fever. Cooling blankets and sponge baths may cause shivering, which
increases metabolic demand. Removing excess blankets helps promote heat
loss but should be done after medication is given.
Question 5:
A nurse is assessing a patient's oxygen saturation using a pulse oximeter.
The reading is 91%. Which of the following is the nurse's priority action?
A) Document the finding as normal
B) Assess the patient's respiratory status and notify the provider
C) Increase the patient's oxygen immediately
D) Reposition the pulse oximeter probe
Answer: B
Rationale: A SpO2 of 91% is below the normal range of 95-100% and
indicates hypoxemia. The nurse should first assess the patient's respiratory
status (rate, depth, effort, breath sounds) and then notify the provider.
Repositioning the probe may be done if the reading is questionable, but
clinical assessment is the priority.
, Question 6:
A nurse is preparing to administer a medication that is available as 250 mg
per 5 mL. The provider orders 375 mg. How many milliliters should the
nurse administer?
A) 5 mL
B) 7.5 mL
C) 10 mL
D) 12.5 mL
Answer: B
Rationale: Using the formula: Desired dose / Concentration = Volume. 375
mg / 250 mg per 5 mL. Cross-multiply: 250 mg × X = 375 mg × 5 mL = 1875
/ 250 = 7.5 mL. The nurse should use a calibrated syringe to measure the
exact amount.
Question 7:
A nurse is administering an intramuscular (IM) injection using the
ventrogluteal site. The nurse should locate this site by:
A) Placing the palm of the hand on the greater trochanter with the index
finger on the anterior superior iliac spine
B) Measuring 2-3 fingerbreadths below the acromion process
C) Using the midpoint of the thigh
D) Finding the center of the buttocks
Answer: A
Rationale: The ventrogluteal site is located by placing the heel of the hand on
the greater trochanter and the index finger on the anterior superior iliac
spine. The injection is given in the V-shaped area between the fingers. This
site is preferred because it has no major nerves or blood vessels.