Foundations of Nursing OA (2026) Actual
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1. Which step of the nursing process involves collecting subjective and objective information?
A. Diagnosis
B. Planning
C. Assessment
D. Evaluation
Correct Answer: C. Assessment
Rationale: Assessment is the systematic collection of subjective and objective patient data. The
nurse uses this information to identify patient problems.
2. A nurse identifies “Impaired Skin Integrity” after analyzing assessment findings. Which
nursing-process step is this?
A. Assessment
B. Diagnosis
C. Planning
D. Evaluation
Correct Answer: B. Diagnosis
Rationale: During diagnosis, the nurse analyzes assessment data and identifies actual or
potential patient responses that nursing can address.
3. Which goal is written correctly as a SMART outcome?
A. Patient will feel better soon.
B. Patient will improve mobility.
C. Patient will ambulate 50 feet with a walker by the end of the shift.
D. Patient will eventually walk independently.
,Correct Answer: C. Patient will ambulate 50 feet with a walker by the end of the shift.
Rationale: The outcome is specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-limited.
4. The nurse administers a prescribed medication. Which nursing-process step is being
performed?
A. Assessment
B. Diagnosis
C. Planning
D. Implementation
Correct Answer: D. Implementation
Rationale: Implementation is the stage in which the nurse carries out interventions designed to
achieve the patient's planned outcomes.
5. After administering pain medication, the nurse reassesses the patient's pain and finds it
decreased from 8/10 to 3/10. Which step is occurring?
A. Assessment only
B. Diagnosis
C. Evaluation
D. Planning
Correct Answer: C. Evaluation
Rationale: Evaluation determines whether interventions achieved the desired patient
outcomes.
6. Which finding is objective data?
A. “My stomach hurts.”
B. “I feel dizzy.”
C. Patient reports nausea.
D. Blood pressure is 168/94 mmHg.
Correct Answer: D. Blood pressure is 168/94 mmHg.
, Rationale: Objective data are observable or measurable, such as vital signs, laboratory results,
and physical findings.
7. Which is an example of subjective data?
A. Temperature of 38.5°C
B. Heart rate of 110/min
C. Patient reports severe headache
D. Oxygen saturation of 91%
Correct Answer: C. Patient reports severe headache
Rationale: Subjective data are information reported by the patient and cannot be directly
measured by the nurse.
8. Which patient should the nurse assess first?
A. Patient requesting a blanket
B. Patient with oxygen saturation of 84%
C. Patient waiting for discharge instructions
D. Patient requesting assistance with television controls
Correct Answer: B. Patient with oxygen saturation of 84%
Rationale: Airway and breathing are immediate priorities. Severe hypoxemia requires prompt
assessment and intervention.
9. Which principle is most appropriate when prioritizing nursing care?
A. Complete the easiest task first.
B. Address life-threatening problems first.
C. Always see the oldest patient first.
D. Treat all patients in the order they arrived.
Correct Answer: B. Address life-threatening problems first.
Rationale: Nursing prioritization commonly follows principles such as ABCs—airway, breathing,
circulation—and patient safety.