NUR 155
FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING
NUR 155 Foundations of Nursing - Exam 2 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 Foundations of Nursing - Exam 2 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 Foundations of Nursing - Exam 2 Study Guide D | 2026/2027
Question 1
When assessing a patient’s blood pressure, the nurse notes that the cuff is too narrow for the patient’s arm
circumference. What effect will this have on the blood pressure reading?
A. The reading will be falsely low.
B. The reading will be accurate if the patient is sitting.
C. The reading will be falsely high.
D. The diastolic reading will be low, but systolic will be high.
Answer: C
Rationale
A blood pressure cuff that is too small or too narrow for the limb will result in a falsely high blood pressure reading because the
cuff must be inflated more 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 perform a physical assessment of a patient’s abdomen. In which order should the nurse perform
the assessment techniques?
A. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
B. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
C. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
D. Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection
Answer: A
Rationale
For abdominal assessment, the correct order is inspection, auscultation, percussion, and then palpation. Palpation and
percussion are done last to avoid stimulating bowel sounds, which could result in an inaccurate auscultation.
Question 3
The nurse is caring for a patient who is at high risk for falls. Which of the following is the priority nursing intervention?
A. Apply a vest restraint to the patient while they are in bed.
B. Ensure the call bell is within reach and the bed is in the lowest position.
C. Keep all four side rails up at all times.
D. Administer a sedative to prevent the patient from wandering.
Answer: B
Rationale
Safety measures like keeping the bed low and the call bell within reach are primary nursing interventions. Restraints and full
side rails are considered restrictive and should be avoided if possible. 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 Foundations of Nursing - Exam 2 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 Foundations of Nursing - Exam 2 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 Foundations of Nursing - Exam 2 Study Guide D | 2026/2027
Question 1
When assessing a patient’s blood pressure, the nurse notes that the cuff is too narrow for the patient’s arm
circumference. What effect will this have on the blood pressure reading?
A. The reading will be falsely low.
B. The reading will be accurate if the patient is sitting.
C. The reading will be falsely high.
D. The diastolic reading will be low, but systolic will be high.
Answer: C
Rationale
A blood pressure cuff that is too small or too narrow for the limb will result in a falsely high blood pressure reading because the
cuff must be inflated more 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 perform a physical assessment of a patient’s abdomen. In which order should the nurse perform
the assessment techniques?
A. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
B. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
C. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
D. Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection
Answer: A
Rationale
For abdominal assessment, the correct order is inspection, auscultation, percussion, and then palpation. Palpation and
percussion are done last to avoid stimulating bowel sounds, which could result in an inaccurate auscultation.
Question 3
The nurse is caring for a patient who is at high risk for falls. Which of the following is the priority nursing intervention?
A. Apply a vest restraint to the patient while they are in bed.
B. Ensure the call bell is within reach and the bed is in the lowest position.
C. Keep all four side rails up at all times.
D. Administer a sedative to prevent the patient from wandering.
Answer: B
Rationale
Safety measures like keeping the bed low and the call bell within reach are primary nursing interventions. Restraints and full
side rails are considered restrictive and should be avoided if possible. 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
