NU 136 EXAM 2 FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING 2026 | GALEN COLLEGE PRACTICE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

NU 136 EXAM 2 FUNDAMENTALS OF
NURSING 2026 | GALEN COLLEGE PRACTICE
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

NU 136 EXAM 2 FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING 2026

GALEN COLLEGE PRACTICE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS



DOCUMENT OVERVIEW:

• This comprehensive 200-question practice exam is designed to test mastery of
fundamental nursing concepts, procedures, and patient care principles essential for
clinical practice and licensing examinations.

• Study this material by reviewing each question carefully, attempting to answer
before reading the rationale, and using incorrect answers as learning opportunities
to identify knowledge gaps across all nursing fundamentals domains.




QUESTION 1

Which of the following is the primary goal of patient-centered care in nursing
practice?

A) To complete all nursing tasks efficiently within the shift

B) To ensure the patient and their family are active partners in planning and
evaluating their care

C) To follow the physician's orders without question

D) To minimize the time nurses spend communicating with patients

E) To prioritize hospital policies over individual patient needs

CORRECT ANSWER: B) To ensure the patient and their family are active
partners in planning and evaluating their care

,RATIONALE: Patient-centered care recognizes that patients and their families
should be active participants in healthcare decision-making. This approach
improves outcomes, satisfaction, and adherence to treatment plans. While
efficiency (A) is important, it is not the primary goal. Following physician orders (C)
is necessary but does not define patient-centered care. Minimizing communication
(D) contradicts the principles of patient-centered care. Hospital policies (E) should
support, not override, patient-centered approaches.




QUESTION 2

What is the most appropriate initial action when a patient reports chest pain?

A) Administer aspirin immediately without assessment

B) Document the complaint and reassure the patient to wait

C) Assess the patient's vital signs and obtain a 12-lead ECG as ordered

D) Have the patient walk to the nursing station to observe for symptoms

E) Call the physician after completing a full physical examination

CORRECT ANSWER: C) Assess the patient's vital signs and obtain a 12-lead ECG
as ordered

RATIONALE: Chest pain is a potentially serious symptom that requires immediate
systematic assessment including vital signs and a 12-lead ECG to rule out cardiac
causes. Administering aspirin (A) without assessment is unsafe and not within
independent nursing scope. Documentation without assessment (B) delays critical
intervention. Having the patient ambulate (D) could worsen a cardiac condition.
While physician notification is necessary, assessment should occur first (E).




QUESTION 3

,Which infection control measure is most effective in preventing the
transmission of pathogens in a healthcare setting?

A) Wearing a stethoscope with every patient contact

B) Hand hygiene before and after patient contact

C) Keeping the hospital doors closed at all times

D) Requiring patients to wear masks during all interactions

E) Using antibacterial soap exclusively

CORRECT ANSWER: B) Hand hygiene before and after patient contact

RATIONALE: Hand hygiene is the single most effective and evidence-based
measure to prevent healthcare-associated infections and pathogen transmission. It
is recommended by the CDC, WHO, and all infection prevention guidelines. A
stethoscope (A) does not prevent transmission. Closed doors (C) do not address
pathogen transmission. Patient masks alone (D) are insufficient if healthcare
workers do not perform hand hygiene. While handwashing is important,
antibacterial soap (E) is not more effective than regular soap and water or alcohol-
based hand sanitizers.




QUESTION 4

A patient with type 2 diabetes asks how to prevent complications. Which
nursing response best promotes health?

A) "Complications are inevitable, so don't worry about prevention"

B) "Take your medications exactly as prescribed and maintain regular follow-up
appointments"

C) "Only diet changes matter; medication is not important"

D) "Complications only happen to patients who are non-compliant"

E) "You don't need to check your blood sugar if you feel fine"

, CORRECT ANSWER: B) "Take your medications exactly as prescribed and
maintain regular follow-up appointments"

RATIONALE: This response addresses the two most critical aspects of diabetes
management: medication adherence and regular monitoring. Telling the patient
complications are inevitable (A) is defeatist and inaccurate. Eliminating medications
(C) is dangerous and contradicts evidence-based practice. Blaming patients (D) is
unprofessional and counterproductive. Blood glucose monitoring (E) is essential
regardless of symptoms, as hyperglycemia can be asymptomatic.




QUESTION 5

What is the correct order of steps in the nursing process?

A) Implementation, Planning, Assessment, Diagnosis, Evaluation

B) Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation

C) Diagnosis, Assessment, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation

D) Planning, Implementation, Assessment, Diagnosis, Evaluation

E) Evaluation, Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation

CORRECT ANSWER: B) Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation,
Evaluation

RATIONALE: The nursing process follows a logical, systematic sequence beginning
with assessment (gathering data), moving to nursing diagnosis (analyzing data),
planning interventions, implementing the plan, and finally evaluating outcomes.
This evidence-based order ensures comprehensive patient care. All other options
present incorrect sequences that would compromise care quality and clinical
decision-making.




QUESTION 6