Exam 1 | Basic Nursing Skills | Western
Governors University | Q & A | 2026/2027
Edition
1. A nurse measures a patient's blood pressure and finds it elevated. The nurse compares this
finding to the normal range. This action occurs in which phase of the nursing process?
A. Assessment
B. Diagnosis
C. Planning
D. Evaluation
Correct Answer: D. Evaluation
Rationale: Evaluation involves comparing assessment data to expected outcomes or norms.
Assessment (A) is data collection. Diagnosis (B) identifies the problem. Planning (C) sets goals.
2. A nurse notices that a patient's wound is not healing as expected and decides to reassess the
wound care protocol. This is an example of:
A. Critical thinking
B. Task-oriented care
,C. Delegation
D. Time management
Correct Answer: A. Critical thinking
Rationale: Critical thinking involves analyzing a situation, recognizing a problem, and modifying
interventions based on evidence and patient response.
3. Which of the following is an example of objective data?
A. "I feel short of breath."
B. "My pain is 7 out of 10."
C. Oxygen saturation 89% on room air
D. "I think I have a fever."
Correct Answer: C. Oxygen saturation 89% on room air
Rationale: Objective data are measurable and observable (vital signs, lab values). Subjective
data (A, B, D) are reported by the patient.
4. A nurse formulates the following statement: "Impaired skin integrity related to decreased
mobility as evidenced by stage 2 pressure ulcer on the sacrum." This is an example of:
, A. Medical diagnosis
B. Nursing diagnosis
C. Collaborative problem
D. Expected outcome
Correct Answer: B. Nursing diagnosis
Rationale: Nursing diagnosis describes a patient response to a health condition that nurses can
treat independently. Medical diagnosis (A) identifies a disease.
5. During which phase of the nursing process does the nurse prioritize patient problems?
A. Assessment
B. Diagnosis
C. Planning
D. Implementation
Correct Answer: C. Planning
Rationale: In the planning phase, the nurse sets priorities, establishes goals, and selects
interventions based on the nursing diagnoses.