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 client’s blood pressure, the nurse notes that the cuff is too small for the client’s arm circumference.
What effect will this have on the reading?
A. The systolic reading will be correct, but the diastolic will be high.
B. The reading will be falsely low.
C. The reading will be falsely high.
D. The cuff size does not affect the blood pressure reading.
Answer: C
Rationale
A blood pressure cuff that is too small or applied too loosely will result in a falsely high reading because the bladder 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 caring for a client with a history of orthostatic hypotension. Which action is most important when assisting the
client out of bed?
A. Check the client’s blood pressure while they are lying down.
B. Use a mechanical lift to move the client to a chair.
C. Allow the client to sit on the edge of the bed and dangle their feet for 1 to 2 minutes.
D. Encourage the client to take deep breaths while standing up quickly.
Answer: C
Rationale
Dangling allows the cardiovascular system to adjust to the change in position, preventing sudden drops in blood pressure and
potential syncope (fainting). 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 of the following is considered an early clinical sign of hypoxia?
A. Cyanosis of the mucous membranes
B. Bradycardia
C. Clubbing of the fingers
D. Restlessness and apprehension
Answer: D
Rationale
Restlessness, anxiety, and tachycardia are early signs of hypoxia. Cyanosis and bradycardia are late signs, while clubbing
indicates chronic hypoxia. 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 client’s blood pressure, the nurse notes that the cuff is too small for the client’s arm circumference.
What effect will this have on the reading?
A. The systolic reading will be correct, but the diastolic will be high.
B. The reading will be falsely low.
C. The reading will be falsely high.
D. The cuff size does not affect the blood pressure reading.
Answer: C
Rationale
A blood pressure cuff that is too small or applied too loosely will result in a falsely high reading because the bladder 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 caring for a client with a history of orthostatic hypotension. Which action is most important when assisting the
client out of bed?
A. Check the client’s blood pressure while they are lying down.
B. Use a mechanical lift to move the client to a chair.
C. Allow the client to sit on the edge of the bed and dangle their feet for 1 to 2 minutes.
D. Encourage the client to take deep breaths while standing up quickly.
Answer: C
Rationale
Dangling allows the cardiovascular system to adjust to the change in position, preventing sudden drops in blood pressure and
potential syncope (fainting). 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 of the following is considered an early clinical sign of hypoxia?
A. Cyanosis of the mucous membranes
B. Bradycardia
C. Clubbing of the fingers
D. Restlessness and apprehension
Answer: D
Rationale
Restlessness, anxiety, and tachycardia are early signs of hypoxia. Cyanosis and bradycardia are late signs, while clubbing
indicates chronic hypoxia. 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
