NSG 252 Exam 2026/2027 PDF – 200 Questions and Answers with Detailed Rationales | Instant Download

NSG 252 EXAM 2026/2027: 200 Questions
and Answers with Rationales

EXAM 1: FOUNDATIONS, PHARMACOLOGY, AND CRITICAL
THINKING
Section 1: Nursing Process & Critical Thinking (Questions 1-25)
1. A nurse is using a critical thinking model to provide care. Which component
is the first element implemented when helping a nurse make clinical
decisions?
 A) Specific knowledge base
 B) Experience
 C) Competence
 D) Attitude
Answer: C) Competence
Rationale: Competence is the foundational element that allows a nurse to apply
knowledge, skills, and clinical judgment in practice. Before one can effectively use
critical thinking, they must have developed basic competence in nursing skills and
knowledge application .


2. Which action by a nurse indicates application of the critical thinking model
to make the best clinical decisions?
 A) Depending on the charge nurse to determine priorities of care
 B) Relying on recall of information from past lectures and textbooks
 C) Drawing on past clinical experiences to formulate standardized care plans
 D) Using the nursing process
Answer: D) Using the nursing process

,Rationale: The nursing process (ADPIE) is the framework for critical thinking in
nursing. It provides a systematic approach to clinical decision-making that
incorporates assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation .


3. In which order will the nurse use the nursing process steps during clinical
decision-making?
1. Evaluating goals
2. Assessing patient needs
3. Planning priorities of care
4. Determining nursing diagnoses
5. Implementing nursing interventions
 A) 2, 3, 4, 5, 1
 B) 4, 3, 2, 1, 5
 C) 2, 4, 3, 5, 1
 D) 1, 2, 4, 5, 3
Answer: C) 2, 4, 3, 5, 1
Rationale: The correct order of the nursing process is: Assessment (2) →
Diagnosis (4) → Planning (3) → Implementation (5) → Evaluation (1). This
sequence ensures systematic patient care delivery .


4. A nurse is using the critical thinking skill of evaluation. Which action will
the nurse take?
 A) Support findings and conclusions
 B) Examine the meaning of data
 C) Search for links between the data and the nurse's assumptions
 D) Review the effectiveness of nursing actions

,Answer: D) Review the effectiveness of nursing actions
Rationale: Evaluation specifically involves determining if nursing interventions
were effective and whether patient outcomes were achieved. This requires
reviewing the effectiveness of actions taken .


5. Which action demonstrates a nurse utilizing reflection to improve clinical
decision-making?
 A) Uses an objective approach in patient situations
 B) Provides evidence-based explanations and research for care of assigned
patients
 C) Obtains data in an orderly fashion
 D) Improves a plan of care while thinking back on interventions'
effectiveness
Answer: D) Improves a plan of care while thinking back on interventions'
effectiveness
Rationale: Reflection involves thinking back on clinical experiences to learn from
them and improve future practice. This is a key component of developing clinical
judgment .


6. What are the levels of critical thinking?
 A) Basic, Intermediate, Advanced
 B) Novice, Competent, Expert
 C) Basic, Complex, Commitment
 D) Assessment, Analysis, Application
Answer: C) Basic, Complex, Commitment

, Rationale: The three levels of critical thinking are basic (rule-based thinking),
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complex (considering multiple solutions), and commitment (choosing and
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implementing a solution while taking responsibility for outcomes) .
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7. What is critical thinking?
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 A) Memorizing facts and recalling information
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 B) The ability to think systematically and logically with openness to
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questions
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 C) Following physician orders without question
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 D) Using intuition to make decisions
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Answer: B) The ability to think systematically and logically with openness to
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questions
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Rationale: Critical thinking requires open-mindedness, continual inquiry, and
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perseverance. It is a way of thinking that always asks "why" and involves systematic
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logical reasoning .
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8. A nurse is caring for a patient in the hospital. When should the nurse begin
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discharge planning?
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 A) When the patient is ready
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 B) After an order is written/prescribed
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 C) Upon admission to the hospital
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 D) When the patient is ready to leave
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Answer: C) Upon admission to the hospital
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Rationale: Discharge planning should begin at admission to ensure continuity of care
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and appropriate resource allocation. This is a standard of nursing practice .
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