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GCU NSG 300 2026 EXAM 2 – FOUNDATIONS
OF NURSING COMPLETE (160) CURRENT
TESTING QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS WITH DETAILED
RATIONALES|GRADED A+.
NSG
Below are 160- practice questions for GCU NSG 300 Exam 2 – Foundations
of Nursing (multiple-choice A-D, correct answer with letter and text, and
explanation). The exam covers the nursing process, critical thinking,
assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, evaluation,
documentation, legal/ethical issues, infection control, safety, mobility,
hygiene, skin integrity, and pain management.
Multiple choice.
GCU – NSG 300 – Foundations of Nursing – Exam 2 Practice
Questions
Section 1: Nursing Process & Critical Thinking (Questions 1–25)
1. The nurse is caring for a patient with a new diagnosis of diabetes.
Which step of the nursing process involves setting measurable
goals?
A) Assessment
B) Diagnosis
C) Planning
D) Implementation
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Answer: C. Planning
Explanation: Planning is the step where the nurse develops goals
and expected outcomes in collaboration with the patient.
2. A nurse collects data about a patient’s vital signs, health history,
and physical examination. This is an example of:
A) Evaluation
B) Assessment
C) Implementation
D) Diagnosis
Answer: B. Assessment
Explanation: Assessment is the systematic collection of subjective
and objective data.
3. Which nursing diagnosis is written correctly?
A) Risk for infection related to surgical incision as evidenced by
redness
B) Impaired skin integrity related to immobility as evidenced by
stage 2 pressure ulcer
C) Potential for falls related to weakness
D) Nausea related to chemotherapy
Answer: B. Impaired skin integrity related to immobility as
evidenced by stage 2 pressure ulcer
Explanation: A correctly written nursing diagnosis includes the
problem (NANDA label), etiology (related to), and defining
characteristics (as evidenced by) when applicable.
4. The nurse identifies that a patient’s goal of “walking to the
bathroom independently within 3 days” has not been met. The nurse
should:
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A) Revise the plan of care
B) Discontinue all interventions
C) Blame the patient for non-adherence
D) Document the goal as unmet and do nothing
Answer: A. Revise the plan of care
Explanation: Evaluation may lead to revision of goals or
interventions. The nursing process is dynamic.
5. A nurse uses the PQRST method to assess a patient’s chest pain.
The “P” stands for:
A) Position
B) Provocation/Palliation
C) Pattern
D) Pressure
Answer: B. Provocation/Palliation
Explanation: PQRST: Provocation/Palliation, Quality,
Region/Radiation, Severity, Timing.
6. The nurse is prioritizing patient problems. Which problem should
be addressed first?
A) Anxiety about upcoming surgery
B) Ineffective airway clearance
C) Impaired skin integrity
D) Knowledge deficit about diabetes
Answer: B. Ineffective airway clearance
Explanation: Airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs) take priority
over other problems.
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7. Which of the following is an example of a long-term goal?
A) Patient will ambulate 50 feet by end of shift
B) Patient will report pain less than 3/10 within 30 minutes of
medication
C) Patient will demonstrate proper insulin injection technique before
discharge
D) Patient’s temperature will return to normal within 4 hours
Answer: C. Patient will demonstrate proper insulin injection
technique before discharge
Explanation: Long-term goals are expected to be achieved over a
longer period (days to weeks). Short-term goals are often within
hours to a few days.
8. The nurse is using critical thinking to solve a patient problem.
Which action demonstrates critical thinking?
A) Following a routine checklist without deviation
B) Asking “why” and considering alternatives
C) Implementing the first intervention that comes to mind
D) Avoiding consultation with other team members
Answer: B. Asking “why” and considering alternatives
Explanation: Critical thinking involves questioning, analyzing, and
synthesizing information to make reasoned decisions.
9. A nurse writes the following outcome: “Patient will verbalize
understanding of wound care by 8/15.” This outcome is missing:
A) Time frame
B) Measurable verb
C) Patient-centered language
D) None, it is complete
GCU NSG 300 2026 EXAM 2 – FOUNDATIONS
OF NURSING COMPLETE (160) CURRENT
TESTING QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS WITH DETAILED
RATIONALES|GRADED A+.
NSG
Below are 160- practice questions for GCU NSG 300 Exam 2 – Foundations
of Nursing (multiple-choice A-D, correct answer with letter and text, and
explanation). The exam covers the nursing process, critical thinking,
assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, evaluation,
documentation, legal/ethical issues, infection control, safety, mobility,
hygiene, skin integrity, and pain management.
Multiple choice.
GCU – NSG 300 – Foundations of Nursing – Exam 2 Practice
Questions
Section 1: Nursing Process & Critical Thinking (Questions 1–25)
1. The nurse is caring for a patient with a new diagnosis of diabetes.
Which step of the nursing process involves setting measurable
goals?
A) Assessment
B) Diagnosis
C) Planning
D) Implementation
, Page 2 of 58
Answer: C. Planning
Explanation: Planning is the step where the nurse develops goals
and expected outcomes in collaboration with the patient.
2. A nurse collects data about a patient’s vital signs, health history,
and physical examination. This is an example of:
A) Evaluation
B) Assessment
C) Implementation
D) Diagnosis
Answer: B. Assessment
Explanation: Assessment is the systematic collection of subjective
and objective data.
3. Which nursing diagnosis is written correctly?
A) Risk for infection related to surgical incision as evidenced by
redness
B) Impaired skin integrity related to immobility as evidenced by
stage 2 pressure ulcer
C) Potential for falls related to weakness
D) Nausea related to chemotherapy
Answer: B. Impaired skin integrity related to immobility as
evidenced by stage 2 pressure ulcer
Explanation: A correctly written nursing diagnosis includes the
problem (NANDA label), etiology (related to), and defining
characteristics (as evidenced by) when applicable.
4. The nurse identifies that a patient’s goal of “walking to the
bathroom independently within 3 days” has not been met. The nurse
should:
, Page 3 of 58
A) Revise the plan of care
B) Discontinue all interventions
C) Blame the patient for non-adherence
D) Document the goal as unmet and do nothing
Answer: A. Revise the plan of care
Explanation: Evaluation may lead to revision of goals or
interventions. The nursing process is dynamic.
5. A nurse uses the PQRST method to assess a patient’s chest pain.
The “P” stands for:
A) Position
B) Provocation/Palliation
C) Pattern
D) Pressure
Answer: B. Provocation/Palliation
Explanation: PQRST: Provocation/Palliation, Quality,
Region/Radiation, Severity, Timing.
6. The nurse is prioritizing patient problems. Which problem should
be addressed first?
A) Anxiety about upcoming surgery
B) Ineffective airway clearance
C) Impaired skin integrity
D) Knowledge deficit about diabetes
Answer: B. Ineffective airway clearance
Explanation: Airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs) take priority
over other problems.
, Page 4 of 58
7. Which of the following is an example of a long-term goal?
A) Patient will ambulate 50 feet by end of shift
B) Patient will report pain less than 3/10 within 30 minutes of
medication
C) Patient will demonstrate proper insulin injection technique before
discharge
D) Patient’s temperature will return to normal within 4 hours
Answer: C. Patient will demonstrate proper insulin injection
technique before discharge
Explanation: Long-term goals are expected to be achieved over a
longer period (days to weeks). Short-term goals are often within
hours to a few days.
8. The nurse is using critical thinking to solve a patient problem.
Which action demonstrates critical thinking?
A) Following a routine checklist without deviation
B) Asking “why” and considering alternatives
C) Implementing the first intervention that comes to mind
D) Avoiding consultation with other team members
Answer: B. Asking “why” and considering alternatives
Explanation: Critical thinking involves questioning, analyzing, and
synthesizing information to make reasoned decisions.
9. A nurse writes the following outcome: “Patient will verbalize
understanding of wound care by 8/15.” This outcome is missing:
A) Time frame
B) Measurable verb
C) Patient-centered language
D) None, it is complete
