NUR 155
FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING
NUR 155 Foundations of Nursing Exam 4 Practice Set
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 4 Practice Set 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 4 Practice Set D | 2026/2027
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a postoperative patient who reports sudden chest pain and shortness of breath. The nurse notes
the patient is tachycardic and has a cough. Which complication should the nurse suspect first?
A. Atelectasis
B. Pneumonia
C. Hypovolemic shock
D. Pulmonary embolism
Answer: D
Rationale
Sudden chest pain, dyspnea, and tachycardia in a postoperative patient are classic signs of a pulmonary embolism, which is a
life-threatening emergency. 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
When performing tracheostomy suctioning, which action by the student nurse requires immediate intervention by the
clinical instructor?
A. Hyperoxygenating the patient with 100% oxygen before the procedure.
B. Limiting each suction pass to no more than 10 to 15 seconds.
C. Applying suction while inserting the catheter into the airway.
D. Using a sterile catheter for each suctioning session.
Answer: C
Rationale
Suction should never be applied during insertion of the catheter as it causes mucosal trauma and hypoxia. Suction is only
applied intermittently while withdrawing the catheter. 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
A nurse is assessing a patient’s stage 3 pressure injury. Which of the following clinical findings is characteristic of this
stage?
A. Visible bone, tendon, or muscle within the wound bed.
B. Non-blanchable erythema of intact skin.
C. Full-thickness skin loss involving damage to subcutaneous tissue.
D. A fluid-filled blister or shallow open ulcer.
Answer: C
Rationale
Stage 3 pressure injuries involve full-thickness skin loss with visible subcutaneous fat, but bone, tendon, and muscle are not
yet exposed (that would be Stage 4). 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 4 Practice Set
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 4 Practice Set 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 4 Practice Set D | 2026/2027
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a postoperative patient who reports sudden chest pain and shortness of breath. The nurse notes
the patient is tachycardic and has a cough. Which complication should the nurse suspect first?
A. Atelectasis
B. Pneumonia
C. Hypovolemic shock
D. Pulmonary embolism
Answer: D
Rationale
Sudden chest pain, dyspnea, and tachycardia in a postoperative patient are classic signs of a pulmonary embolism, which is a
life-threatening emergency. 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
When performing tracheostomy suctioning, which action by the student nurse requires immediate intervention by the
clinical instructor?
A. Hyperoxygenating the patient with 100% oxygen before the procedure.
B. Limiting each suction pass to no more than 10 to 15 seconds.
C. Applying suction while inserting the catheter into the airway.
D. Using a sterile catheter for each suctioning session.
Answer: C
Rationale
Suction should never be applied during insertion of the catheter as it causes mucosal trauma and hypoxia. Suction is only
applied intermittently while withdrawing the catheter. 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
A nurse is assessing a patient’s stage 3 pressure injury. Which of the following clinical findings is characteristic of this
stage?
A. Visible bone, tendon, or muscle within the wound bed.
B. Non-blanchable erythema of intact skin.
C. Full-thickness skin loss involving damage to subcutaneous tissue.
D. A fluid-filled blister or shallow open ulcer.
Answer: C
Rationale
Stage 3 pressure injuries involve full-thickness skin loss with visible subcutaneous fat, but bone, tendon, and muscle are not
yet exposed (that would be Stage 4). 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
