NUR 155
FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING
NUR 155 Exam 2 Foundations of Nursing Study Guide
UPDATE
50 Multiple-Choice Questions
Complete Answers with Detailed Rationales
Aligned with Nursing Foundations & Med-Surg Standards
Galen College of Nursing
For academic study and exam review • Verify with current course materials
,NUR 155 Exam 2 Foundations of Nursing Study Guide D | 2026/2027
How to Use This Review
This comprehensive exam review contains high-yield multiple-choice questions. Each item includes the correct answer
and an expanded rationale explaining the underlying principle, why the correct option is preferred, and why distractors are
incorrect. Study tip: Attempt each question before reading the answer, then carefully review the rationale.
Page 2
, NUR 155 Exam 2 Foundations of Nursing Study Guide D | 2026/2027
Question 1
When assessing a patient’s blood pressure, the nurse notes that the cuff width is significantly smaller than the
recommended 40% of the arm circumference. How will this error likely affect the reading?
A. The blood pressure reading will be falsely low.
B. The reading will be unaffected if the patient is supine.
C. The systolic pressure will be accurate, but diastolic will be low.
D. The blood pressure reading will be falsely high.
Answer: D
Rationale
A blood pressure cuff that is too narrow or too small for the limb will result in a falsely elevated (high) reading because it
requires more pressure to occlude the artery. Understanding this concept is essential for safe clinical decision-making.
Incorrect choices often reflect common misconceptions. Always link assessment findings to the primary process and
anticipated complications.
Question 2
A nurse is preparing to assess a patient’s apical pulse. At which anatomical location should the nurse place the
stethoscope?
A. Second intercostal space, right sternal border.
B. Fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line.
C. Fourth intercostal space, left midaxillary line.
D. Second intercostal space, left sternal border.
Answer: B
Rationale
The apical pulse, or point of maximal impulse (PMI), is located at the fifth intercostal space at the left midclavicular line.
Understanding this concept is essential for safe clinical decision-making. Incorrect choices often reflect common
misconceptions. Always link assessment findings to the primary process and anticipated complications.
Question 3
Which phase of the nursing process involves the nurse prioritizing diagnoses and setting SMART goals with the
patient?
A. Assessment
B. Implementation
C. Planning
D. Evaluation
Answer: C
Rationale
The planning phase includes prioritizing nursing diagnoses, identifying patient- centered goals/outcomes, and selecting
nursing interventions. Understanding this concept is essential for safe clinical decision-making. Incorrect choices often reflect
common misconceptions. Always link assessment findings to the primary process and anticipated complications.
Page 3
FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING
NUR 155 Exam 2 Foundations of Nursing Study Guide
UPDATE
50 Multiple-Choice Questions
Complete Answers with Detailed Rationales
Aligned with Nursing Foundations & Med-Surg Standards
Galen College of Nursing
For academic study and exam review • Verify with current course materials
,NUR 155 Exam 2 Foundations of Nursing Study Guide D | 2026/2027
How to Use This Review
This comprehensive exam review contains high-yield multiple-choice questions. Each item includes the correct answer
and an expanded rationale explaining the underlying principle, why the correct option is preferred, and why distractors are
incorrect. Study tip: Attempt each question before reading the answer, then carefully review the rationale.
Page 2
, NUR 155 Exam 2 Foundations of Nursing Study Guide D | 2026/2027
Question 1
When assessing a patient’s blood pressure, the nurse notes that the cuff width is significantly smaller than the
recommended 40% of the arm circumference. How will this error likely affect the reading?
A. The blood pressure reading will be falsely low.
B. The reading will be unaffected if the patient is supine.
C. The systolic pressure will be accurate, but diastolic will be low.
D. The blood pressure reading will be falsely high.
Answer: D
Rationale
A blood pressure cuff that is too narrow or too small for the limb will result in a falsely elevated (high) reading because it
requires more pressure to occlude the artery. Understanding this concept is essential for safe clinical decision-making.
Incorrect choices often reflect common misconceptions. Always link assessment findings to the primary process and
anticipated complications.
Question 2
A nurse is preparing to assess a patient’s apical pulse. At which anatomical location should the nurse place the
stethoscope?
A. Second intercostal space, right sternal border.
B. Fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line.
C. Fourth intercostal space, left midaxillary line.
D. Second intercostal space, left sternal border.
Answer: B
Rationale
The apical pulse, or point of maximal impulse (PMI), is located at the fifth intercostal space at the left midclavicular line.
Understanding this concept is essential for safe clinical decision-making. Incorrect choices often reflect common
misconceptions. Always link assessment findings to the primary process and anticipated complications.
Question 3
Which phase of the nursing process involves the nurse prioritizing diagnoses and setting SMART goals with the
patient?
A. Assessment
B. Implementation
C. Planning
D. Evaluation
Answer: C
Rationale
The planning phase includes prioritizing nursing diagnoses, identifying patient- centered goals/outcomes, and selecting
nursing interventions. Understanding this concept is essential for safe clinical decision-making. Incorrect choices often reflect
common misconceptions. Always link assessment findings to the primary process and anticipated complications.
Page 3
