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 2 | 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 2 | 2026/2027
Question 1
When assessing a patient’s blood pressure, the nurse notes the sound disappears for a period after the initial systolic
pressure and then reappears. What should the nurse document this as?
A. Pulse pressure fluctuation
B. Korotkoff Phase IV
C. Diastolic deficit
D. Auscultatory gap
Answer: D
Rationale
The auscultatory gap is a period of silence between the first and second Korotkoff sounds, often found in hypertensive
patients, and can lead to underestimating systolic pressure. 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 performing a physical assessment on an older adult. Which finding is considered a normal age-related
change in the integumentary system?
A. Increased skin elasticity
B. Increased sebaceous gland activity
C. Thinned epidermis and decreased subcutaneous fat
D. Enhanced inflammatory response
Answer: C
Rationale
Aging leads to a thinner epidermis and loss of subcutaneous fat, increasing the risk for skin tears and thermal regulation
issues. 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 assessment technique should the nurse perform first when examining the abdomen?
A. Palpation
B. Inspection
C. Percussion
D. Auscultation
Answer: B
Rationale
Inspection is always first. For the abdomen, auscultation follows inspection to ensure bowel sounds are not altered by
palpation or percussion. 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 2 | 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 2 | 2026/2027
Question 1
When assessing a patient’s blood pressure, the nurse notes the sound disappears for a period after the initial systolic
pressure and then reappears. What should the nurse document this as?
A. Pulse pressure fluctuation
B. Korotkoff Phase IV
C. Diastolic deficit
D. Auscultatory gap
Answer: D
Rationale
The auscultatory gap is a period of silence between the first and second Korotkoff sounds, often found in hypertensive
patients, and can lead to underestimating systolic pressure. 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 performing a physical assessment on an older adult. Which finding is considered a normal age-related
change in the integumentary system?
A. Increased skin elasticity
B. Increased sebaceous gland activity
C. Thinned epidermis and decreased subcutaneous fat
D. Enhanced inflammatory response
Answer: C
Rationale
Aging leads to a thinner epidermis and loss of subcutaneous fat, increasing the risk for skin tears and thermal regulation
issues. 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 assessment technique should the nurse perform first when examining the abdomen?
A. Palpation
B. Inspection
C. Percussion
D. Auscultation
Answer: B
Rationale
Inspection is always first. For the abdomen, auscultation follows inspection to ensure bowel sounds are not altered by
palpation or percussion. 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
