NSG 300 Exam 4 Foundations of Nursing Study Guide 2026 … 2026 Update • Verified Answers
✓ VERIFIED • 2026 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NSG 300 Exam 4 Foundations of Nursing Study
Guide 2026 |GCU
Actual Exam Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Rationales
Document Type: Exam (Elaborations)
Academic Year:
Total Questions: 50 Multiple Choice
Includes: Correct Answers + Full Rationales
Status: Verified & Updated for 2026
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 1
,NSG 300 Exam 4 Foundations of Nursing Study Guide 2026 … 2026 Update • Verified Answers
Questions & Verified Answers
1. When a nurse realizes a medication error has occurred, what is the priority action?
A. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
B. Assess the patient’s condition and vital signs.
C. Complete an incident or occurrence report.
D. Inform the nurse manager or supervisor.
Answer: B
Rationale: The first priority in the nursing process is assessment. The nurse must first ensure the safety and
stability of the patient before notifying others or completing documentation. This is an important clinical concept
because selecting the correct answer (B) requires understanding both the pathophysiology and the practical
nursing implications.
2. A patient with COPD is receiving oxygen therapy. The nurse knows that high-flow oxygen
should be used with caution because it can:
A. Cause oxygen toxicity in the lungs.
B. Eliminate the patient’s respiratory drive.
C. Lead to increased carbon dioxide retention.
D. Dry out the mucous membranes excessively.
Answer: B
Rationale: In patients with chronic hypercapnia, the stimulus to breathe is low oxygen (hypoxic drive).
Providing too much oxygen can suppress this drive, leading to respiratory arrest. This is an important clinical
concept because selecting the correct answer (B) requires understanding both the pathophysiology and the
practical nursing implications.
3. Which of the following is the preferred site for a deep intramuscular (IM) injection in an
adult?
A. Ventrogluteal
B. Dorsogluteal
C. Deltoid
D. Vastus lateralis
Answer: A
Rationale: The ventrogluteal site is preferred because it is situated away from major nerves and blood vessels
and can accommodate larger volumes of medication. Exam questions often test the ability to distinguish this
concept from closely related distractors, making a clear rationale essential for mastery. Applying this knowledge
in clinical settings supports safe, evidence-based practice and improves patient outcomes.
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 2
, NSG 300 Exam 4 Foundations of Nursing Study Guide 2026 … 2026 Update • Verified Answers
4. When administering a subcutaneous injection to a patient with average body mass, the
needle should be inserted at what angle?
A. 15 degrees
B. 45 to 90 degrees
C. 90 degrees only
D. 10 to 15 degrees
Answer: B
Rationale: Subcutaneous injections are typically given at a 45-degree angle if you can pinch 1 inch of tissue or
a 90-degree angle if you can pinch 2 inches. Exam questions often test the ability to distinguish this concept
from closely related distractors, making a clear rationale essential for mastery. Applying this knowledge in
clinical settings supports safe, evidence-based practice and improves patient outcomes.
5. A nurse is preparing to mix NPH and Regular insulin in one syringe. Which action is correct?
A. Draw up the NPH insulin first.
B. Mix the two insulins vigorously by shaking.
C. Inject air into the Regular vial first.
D. Draw up the Regular insulin first.
Answer: D
Rationale: To prevent contamination of the fast-acting insulin, ‘clear’ (Regular) is drawn up before ‘cloudy’
(NPH). This is an important clinical concept because selecting the correct answer (D) requires understanding
both the pathophysiology and the practical nursing implications. Recognizing this principle allows the nurse to
prioritize care, anticipate complications, and provide accurate patient education.
6. Which oxygen delivery device provides the most precise concentration of oxygen?
A. Nasal cannula
B. Simple face mask
C. Venturi mask
D. Non-rebreather mask
Answer: C
Rationale: The Venturi mask uses different sized adaptors to deliver a specific, fixed concentration of oxygen,
making it the most precise. Exam questions often test the ability to distinguish this concept from closely related
distractors, making a clear rationale essential for mastery. Applying this knowledge in clinical settings supports
safe, evidence-based practice and improves patient outcomes.
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 3
✓ VERIFIED • 2026 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NSG 300 Exam 4 Foundations of Nursing Study
Guide 2026 |GCU
Actual Exam Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Rationales
Document Type: Exam (Elaborations)
Academic Year:
Total Questions: 50 Multiple Choice
Includes: Correct Answers + Full Rationales
Status: Verified & Updated for 2026
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 1
,NSG 300 Exam 4 Foundations of Nursing Study Guide 2026 … 2026 Update • Verified Answers
Questions & Verified Answers
1. When a nurse realizes a medication error has occurred, what is the priority action?
A. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
B. Assess the patient’s condition and vital signs.
C. Complete an incident or occurrence report.
D. Inform the nurse manager or supervisor.
Answer: B
Rationale: The first priority in the nursing process is assessment. The nurse must first ensure the safety and
stability of the patient before notifying others or completing documentation. This is an important clinical concept
because selecting the correct answer (B) requires understanding both the pathophysiology and the practical
nursing implications.
2. A patient with COPD is receiving oxygen therapy. The nurse knows that high-flow oxygen
should be used with caution because it can:
A. Cause oxygen toxicity in the lungs.
B. Eliminate the patient’s respiratory drive.
C. Lead to increased carbon dioxide retention.
D. Dry out the mucous membranes excessively.
Answer: B
Rationale: In patients with chronic hypercapnia, the stimulus to breathe is low oxygen (hypoxic drive).
Providing too much oxygen can suppress this drive, leading to respiratory arrest. This is an important clinical
concept because selecting the correct answer (B) requires understanding both the pathophysiology and the
practical nursing implications.
3. Which of the following is the preferred site for a deep intramuscular (IM) injection in an
adult?
A. Ventrogluteal
B. Dorsogluteal
C. Deltoid
D. Vastus lateralis
Answer: A
Rationale: The ventrogluteal site is preferred because it is situated away from major nerves and blood vessels
and can accommodate larger volumes of medication. Exam questions often test the ability to distinguish this
concept from closely related distractors, making a clear rationale essential for mastery. Applying this knowledge
in clinical settings supports safe, evidence-based practice and improves patient outcomes.
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 2
, NSG 300 Exam 4 Foundations of Nursing Study Guide 2026 … 2026 Update • Verified Answers
4. When administering a subcutaneous injection to a patient with average body mass, the
needle should be inserted at what angle?
A. 15 degrees
B. 45 to 90 degrees
C. 90 degrees only
D. 10 to 15 degrees
Answer: B
Rationale: Subcutaneous injections are typically given at a 45-degree angle if you can pinch 1 inch of tissue or
a 90-degree angle if you can pinch 2 inches. Exam questions often test the ability to distinguish this concept
from closely related distractors, making a clear rationale essential for mastery. Applying this knowledge in
clinical settings supports safe, evidence-based practice and improves patient outcomes.
5. A nurse is preparing to mix NPH and Regular insulin in one syringe. Which action is correct?
A. Draw up the NPH insulin first.
B. Mix the two insulins vigorously by shaking.
C. Inject air into the Regular vial first.
D. Draw up the Regular insulin first.
Answer: D
Rationale: To prevent contamination of the fast-acting insulin, ‘clear’ (Regular) is drawn up before ‘cloudy’
(NPH). This is an important clinical concept because selecting the correct answer (D) requires understanding
both the pathophysiology and the practical nursing implications. Recognizing this principle allows the nurse to
prioritize care, anticipate complications, and provide accurate patient education.
6. Which oxygen delivery device provides the most precise concentration of oxygen?
A. Nasal cannula
B. Simple face mask
C. Venturi mask
D. Non-rebreather mask
Answer: C
Rationale: The Venturi mask uses different sized adaptors to deliver a specific, fixed concentration of oxygen,
making it the most precise. Exam questions often test the ability to distinguish this concept from closely related
distractors, making a clear rationale essential for mastery. Applying this knowledge in clinical settings supports
safe, evidence-based practice and improves patient outcomes.
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 3
