NU 170 COMPREHENSIVE EXAM PREP
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH
VERIFIED SOLUTIONS 2026/2027
UPDATE. GALEN
1. A nurse is prioritizing care for four patients. Which patient should the nurse assess first?
A. A patient with a blood pressure of 150/92 mmHg reporting a mild headache.
B. A patient who just returned from a cardiac catheterization and has a saturated dressing.
C. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and an SpO2 of 90%.
D. A patient who is 2 days post-appendectomy with a temperature of 100.2 F.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The patient with a saturated dressing after a cardiac
catheterization indicates active bleeding, which is an immediate circulatory threat (ABC
priority). The others are either stable or expected for their condition.
2. Which ethical principle is the nurse demonstrating when providing the same level of care
to a homeless patient as to a wealthy CEO?
A. Justice
B. Autonomy
C. Fidelity
,D. Beneficence
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Justice refers to the principle of fairness and equal distribution
of resources and care regardless of socioeconomic status.
3. A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to an obese patient. Which
needle length is most appropriate?
A. 5/8 inch
B. 1 inch
C. 1.5 inches
D. 0.5 inch
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Obese patients require longer needles (typically 1.5 to 3 inches)
to ensure the medication reaches the muscle tissue rather than the subcutaneous layer.
4. A patient is diagnosed with Clostridium difficile (C. diff). Which infection control measure is
mandatory?
A. Use of an N95 respirator mask
B. Washing hands with soap and water after patient contact
C. Cleaning hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizer only
D. Placing the patient in a negative-pressure room
, Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: C. diff spores are resistant to alcohol-based sanitizers; physical
removal via soap and water is required for hand hygiene.
5. During the evaluation phase of the nursing process, what is the nurse’s primary focus?
A. Determining if patient outcomes were met
B. Collecting subjective and objective data
C. Identifying actual or potential health problems
D. Setting priorities and establishing goals
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Evaluation involves comparing the patient’s current status with
the goals and outcomes defined in the planning phase to determine treatment efficacy.
6. Which documentation entry is the most objective?
A. Patient’s skin is warm and dry; cap refill is less than 2 seconds.
B. Patient was angry when the doctor arrived.
C. Patient seems depressed and refused to eat breakfast.
D. Patient complained of being tired all morning.
Answer: A
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH
VERIFIED SOLUTIONS 2026/2027
UPDATE. GALEN
1. A nurse is prioritizing care for four patients. Which patient should the nurse assess first?
A. A patient with a blood pressure of 150/92 mmHg reporting a mild headache.
B. A patient who just returned from a cardiac catheterization and has a saturated dressing.
C. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and an SpO2 of 90%.
D. A patient who is 2 days post-appendectomy with a temperature of 100.2 F.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The patient with a saturated dressing after a cardiac
catheterization indicates active bleeding, which is an immediate circulatory threat (ABC
priority). The others are either stable or expected for their condition.
2. Which ethical principle is the nurse demonstrating when providing the same level of care
to a homeless patient as to a wealthy CEO?
A. Justice
B. Autonomy
C. Fidelity
,D. Beneficence
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Justice refers to the principle of fairness and equal distribution
of resources and care regardless of socioeconomic status.
3. A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to an obese patient. Which
needle length is most appropriate?
A. 5/8 inch
B. 1 inch
C. 1.5 inches
D. 0.5 inch
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Obese patients require longer needles (typically 1.5 to 3 inches)
to ensure the medication reaches the muscle tissue rather than the subcutaneous layer.
4. A patient is diagnosed with Clostridium difficile (C. diff). Which infection control measure is
mandatory?
A. Use of an N95 respirator mask
B. Washing hands with soap and water after patient contact
C. Cleaning hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizer only
D. Placing the patient in a negative-pressure room
, Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: C. diff spores are resistant to alcohol-based sanitizers; physical
removal via soap and water is required for hand hygiene.
5. During the evaluation phase of the nursing process, what is the nurse’s primary focus?
A. Determining if patient outcomes were met
B. Collecting subjective and objective data
C. Identifying actual or potential health problems
D. Setting priorities and establishing goals
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Evaluation involves comparing the patient’s current status with
the goals and outcomes defined in the planning phase to determine treatment efficacy.
6. Which documentation entry is the most objective?
A. Patient’s skin is warm and dry; cap refill is less than 2 seconds.
B. Patient was angry when the doctor arrived.
C. Patient seems depressed and refused to eat breakfast.
D. Patient complained of being tired all morning.
Answer: A
