NURS 143 MIDTERM EXAM– QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL
DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | DOWNLOAD AND PASS| LATEST
EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027
Core Domains
Foundations of Nursing Practice
Health Assessment and Physical Examination
Pharmacology and Medication Administration
Infection Control and Safety
Ethics, Legal, and Professional Standards
Nursing Process and Critical Thinking
Patient Education and Communication
Fundamentals of Care Across the Lifespan
Introduction
This comprehensive midterm examination is designed to assess the foundational
knowledge, clinical reasoning, and professional judgment of nursing students at the
NURS 143 level. The exam evaluates understanding of core nursing principles,
including health assessment, pharmacology, infection control, ethical and legal
standards, and the nursing process. Through multiple-choice and scenario-based
questions, learners are challenged to apply theoretical concepts to real-world patient
care situations. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, decision-making, and safe,
evidence-based practice. This assessment serves as both a measure of academic
progress and a preparation tool for professional nursing responsibilities.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–50
Question 1
A nurse is preparing to administer a prescribed medication to a patient. Which of
,the following actions best demonstrates adherence to the "rights" of medication
administration?
A. Verifying the patient's name and date of birth before administration
B. Preparing the medication in a brightly lit area
C. Documenting the medication after administration
D. Checking the medication label against the medication administration record
(MAR) once
🟢 Correct Answer: A. Verifying the patient's name and date of birth before
administration
🔴 Explanation: Verifying patient identity using two identifiers, such as name and
date of birth, is a critical component of the "right patient" right. This action ensures
the correct medication is given to the correct individual, reducing the risk of
medication errors.
Question 2
A patient reports feeling dizzy and weak. The nurse notes the patient's blood
pressure is 88/54 mm Hg. Which of the following actions should the nurse take
first?
A. Administer a prescribed antihypertensive medication
B. Assist the patient to a supine position and elevate the legs
C. Document the findings and reassess in one hour
D. Encourage the patient to drink a caffeinated beverage
🟢 Correct Answer: B. Assist the patient to a supine position and elevate the legs
🔴 Explanation: The patient is exhibiting signs of hypotension. The priority nursing
action is to promote safety and improve venous return by positioning the patient
supine with legs elevated. Administering antihypertensives would worsen the
condition, and delaying intervention is inappropriate.
,Question 3
Which of the following is the primary purpose of the nursing process?
A. To establish a standardized care plan for all patients
B. To provide a systematic framework for delivering individualized patient care
C. To replace clinical judgment with evidence-based protocols
D. To document nursing interventions for reimbursement purposes
🟢 Correct Answer: B. To provide a systematic framework for delivering
individualized patient care
🔴 Explanation: The nursing process is a systematic, patient-centered framework
that guides nurses in assessing, diagnosing, planning, implementing, and
evaluating care. It promotes individualized, holistic care rather than a one-size-fits-
all approach.
Question 4
A nurse is caring for a patient who refuses a prescribed blood transfusion due to
religious beliefs. Which of the following actions by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. Administer the transfusion despite the patient's refusal
B. Notify the healthcare provider and document the patient's refusal
C. Ask the patient's family to convince the patient to accept the transfusion
D. Transfer the patient to another unit
🟢 Correct Answer: B. Notify the healthcare provider and document the patient's
refusal
🔴 Explanation: Respecting patient autonomy is an ethical and legal obligation.
The nurse must honor the patient's refusal, notify the provider, and document the
event accurately. Administering the transfusion against the patient's will constitutes
battery.
, Question 5
Which of the following findings would the nurse recognize as an early sign of
increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?
A. Decreased level of consciousness
B. Bradycardia
C. Widened pulse pressure
D. Fixed and dilated pupils
🟢 Correct Answer: A. Decreased level of consciousness
🔴 Explanation: A change in the level of consciousness is often the earliest
indicator of increased ICP. Bradycardia, widened pulse pressure, and fixed pupils
are later signs associated with Cushing's triad and brainstem herniation.
Question 6
A nurse is teaching a patient about a new prescription for warfarin. Which
statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I will avoid eating large amounts of spinach and kale."
B. "I will use a soft toothbrush to prevent bleeding gums."
C. "I will take aspirin for headaches without checking with my doctor."
D. "I will keep my appointments for blood tests to check my INR."
🟢 Correct Answer: C. "I will take aspirin for headaches without checking with my
doctor."
🔴 Explanation: Aspirin increases the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin.
The patient should avoid over-the-counter medications that affect clotting without
consulting the healthcare provider. The other statements reflect correct
understanding.
Question 7
The nurse is performing a focused assessment on a patient with heart failure.
DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | DOWNLOAD AND PASS| LATEST
EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027
Core Domains
Foundations of Nursing Practice
Health Assessment and Physical Examination
Pharmacology and Medication Administration
Infection Control and Safety
Ethics, Legal, and Professional Standards
Nursing Process and Critical Thinking
Patient Education and Communication
Fundamentals of Care Across the Lifespan
Introduction
This comprehensive midterm examination is designed to assess the foundational
knowledge, clinical reasoning, and professional judgment of nursing students at the
NURS 143 level. The exam evaluates understanding of core nursing principles,
including health assessment, pharmacology, infection control, ethical and legal
standards, and the nursing process. Through multiple-choice and scenario-based
questions, learners are challenged to apply theoretical concepts to real-world patient
care situations. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, decision-making, and safe,
evidence-based practice. This assessment serves as both a measure of academic
progress and a preparation tool for professional nursing responsibilities.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–50
Question 1
A nurse is preparing to administer a prescribed medication to a patient. Which of
,the following actions best demonstrates adherence to the "rights" of medication
administration?
A. Verifying the patient's name and date of birth before administration
B. Preparing the medication in a brightly lit area
C. Documenting the medication after administration
D. Checking the medication label against the medication administration record
(MAR) once
🟢 Correct Answer: A. Verifying the patient's name and date of birth before
administration
🔴 Explanation: Verifying patient identity using two identifiers, such as name and
date of birth, is a critical component of the "right patient" right. This action ensures
the correct medication is given to the correct individual, reducing the risk of
medication errors.
Question 2
A patient reports feeling dizzy and weak. The nurse notes the patient's blood
pressure is 88/54 mm Hg. Which of the following actions should the nurse take
first?
A. Administer a prescribed antihypertensive medication
B. Assist the patient to a supine position and elevate the legs
C. Document the findings and reassess in one hour
D. Encourage the patient to drink a caffeinated beverage
🟢 Correct Answer: B. Assist the patient to a supine position and elevate the legs
🔴 Explanation: The patient is exhibiting signs of hypotension. The priority nursing
action is to promote safety and improve venous return by positioning the patient
supine with legs elevated. Administering antihypertensives would worsen the
condition, and delaying intervention is inappropriate.
,Question 3
Which of the following is the primary purpose of the nursing process?
A. To establish a standardized care plan for all patients
B. To provide a systematic framework for delivering individualized patient care
C. To replace clinical judgment with evidence-based protocols
D. To document nursing interventions for reimbursement purposes
🟢 Correct Answer: B. To provide a systematic framework for delivering
individualized patient care
🔴 Explanation: The nursing process is a systematic, patient-centered framework
that guides nurses in assessing, diagnosing, planning, implementing, and
evaluating care. It promotes individualized, holistic care rather than a one-size-fits-
all approach.
Question 4
A nurse is caring for a patient who refuses a prescribed blood transfusion due to
religious beliefs. Which of the following actions by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. Administer the transfusion despite the patient's refusal
B. Notify the healthcare provider and document the patient's refusal
C. Ask the patient's family to convince the patient to accept the transfusion
D. Transfer the patient to another unit
🟢 Correct Answer: B. Notify the healthcare provider and document the patient's
refusal
🔴 Explanation: Respecting patient autonomy is an ethical and legal obligation.
The nurse must honor the patient's refusal, notify the provider, and document the
event accurately. Administering the transfusion against the patient's will constitutes
battery.
, Question 5
Which of the following findings would the nurse recognize as an early sign of
increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?
A. Decreased level of consciousness
B. Bradycardia
C. Widened pulse pressure
D. Fixed and dilated pupils
🟢 Correct Answer: A. Decreased level of consciousness
🔴 Explanation: A change in the level of consciousness is often the earliest
indicator of increased ICP. Bradycardia, widened pulse pressure, and fixed pupils
are later signs associated with Cushing's triad and brainstem herniation.
Question 6
A nurse is teaching a patient about a new prescription for warfarin. Which
statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I will avoid eating large amounts of spinach and kale."
B. "I will use a soft toothbrush to prevent bleeding gums."
C. "I will take aspirin for headaches without checking with my doctor."
D. "I will keep my appointments for blood tests to check my INR."
🟢 Correct Answer: C. "I will take aspirin for headaches without checking with my
doctor."
🔴 Explanation: Aspirin increases the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin.
The patient should avoid over-the-counter medications that affect clotting without
consulting the healthcare provider. The other statements reflect correct
understanding.
Question 7
The nurse is performing a focused assessment on a patient with heart failure.
