,NUR 209 Exam 1 | Medical - Surgical Nursing II (2026) Actual
Q&A PDF | Fortis College
1. A nurse is assessing a newly admitted patient. Which action should the nurse
perform first?
A) Review the patient's discharge plan
B) Establish the patient's dietary preferences
C) Perform an initial assessment and identify immediate risks
D) Discuss the patient's long - term goals
Correct Answer: Perform an initial assessment and identify immediate risks
Rationale: The initial assessment establishes baseline data and identifies urgent
problems requiring immediate attention. Reviewing discharge plans, discussing
dietary preferences, and identifying long - term goals are important but not the
primary purpose of the init ial assessment. Baseline data guide all subsequent care
planning and interventions.
2. Which finding requires the highest priority?
A) Pain rated 4/10
B) New onset of difficulty breathing
C) Mild nausea
D) Request for a blanket
Correct Answer: New onset of difficulty breathing
Rationale: Acute breathing difficulty threatens oxygenation and takes priority over
non- life - threatening concerns. Pain, nausea, and comfort requests are important
,but do not immediately threaten airway, breathing, or circulation. Using the ABCs
framework ensures life - threatening issues are addressed first.
3. Which statement best describes subjective data?
A) Blood pressure is 146/88 mm Hg
B) Temperature is 38.1°C
C) The patient reports feeling nauseated
D) Respiratory rate is 24/min
Correct Answer: The patient reports feeling nauseated
Rationale: Subjective data are symptoms or information reported by the patient,
such as feelings, perceptions, and concerns. Blood pressure, temperature, and
respiratory rate are objective data obtained through measurement. Subjective data
are essential for a holist ic assessment.
4. Which is an example of objective data?
A) "I feel dizzy."
B) "My pain is severe."
C) "I feel anxious."
D) Blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg
Correct Answer: Blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg
Rationale: Objective data are measurable or observable findings obtained through
assessment, such as vital signs and physical examination findings. Patient reports
of dizziness, pain, and anxiety are subjective data. Both types of data are necessary
for a complete a ssessment.
, 5. Which approach is most appropriate when conducting a patient interview?
A) Ask several questions at once
B) Use mostly medical terminology
C) Begin with open - ended questions
D) Interrupt frequently
Correct Answer: Begin with open - ended questions
Rationale: Open- ended questions encourage patients to provide detailed
information and describe their concerns in their own words. Asking multiple
questions at once, using medical jargon, and interrupting frequently are barriers to
effective communication. Open - ende d questions facilitate a comprehensive
assessment.
6. Which response demonstrates therapeutic communication?
A) "You shouldn't worry about that."
B) "Why would you do that?"
C) "Tell me more about what concerns you."
D) "Everything will be fine."
Correct Answer: "Tell me more about what concerns you."
Rationale: Open- ended communication encourages expression of concerns
without judgment or false reassurance. Telling a patient not to worry, asking why
they did something, and offering false reassurance are non - therapeutic and can
shut down communication. Therapeuti c responses facilitate trust and disclosure.
Q&A PDF | Fortis College
1. A nurse is assessing a newly admitted patient. Which action should the nurse
perform first?
A) Review the patient's discharge plan
B) Establish the patient's dietary preferences
C) Perform an initial assessment and identify immediate risks
D) Discuss the patient's long - term goals
Correct Answer: Perform an initial assessment and identify immediate risks
Rationale: The initial assessment establishes baseline data and identifies urgent
problems requiring immediate attention. Reviewing discharge plans, discussing
dietary preferences, and identifying long - term goals are important but not the
primary purpose of the init ial assessment. Baseline data guide all subsequent care
planning and interventions.
2. Which finding requires the highest priority?
A) Pain rated 4/10
B) New onset of difficulty breathing
C) Mild nausea
D) Request for a blanket
Correct Answer: New onset of difficulty breathing
Rationale: Acute breathing difficulty threatens oxygenation and takes priority over
non- life - threatening concerns. Pain, nausea, and comfort requests are important
,but do not immediately threaten airway, breathing, or circulation. Using the ABCs
framework ensures life - threatening issues are addressed first.
3. Which statement best describes subjective data?
A) Blood pressure is 146/88 mm Hg
B) Temperature is 38.1°C
C) The patient reports feeling nauseated
D) Respiratory rate is 24/min
Correct Answer: The patient reports feeling nauseated
Rationale: Subjective data are symptoms or information reported by the patient,
such as feelings, perceptions, and concerns. Blood pressure, temperature, and
respiratory rate are objective data obtained through measurement. Subjective data
are essential for a holist ic assessment.
4. Which is an example of objective data?
A) "I feel dizzy."
B) "My pain is severe."
C) "I feel anxious."
D) Blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg
Correct Answer: Blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg
Rationale: Objective data are measurable or observable findings obtained through
assessment, such as vital signs and physical examination findings. Patient reports
of dizziness, pain, and anxiety are subjective data. Both types of data are necessary
for a complete a ssessment.
, 5. Which approach is most appropriate when conducting a patient interview?
A) Ask several questions at once
B) Use mostly medical terminology
C) Begin with open - ended questions
D) Interrupt frequently
Correct Answer: Begin with open - ended questions
Rationale: Open- ended questions encourage patients to provide detailed
information and describe their concerns in their own words. Asking multiple
questions at once, using medical jargon, and interrupting frequently are barriers to
effective communication. Open - ende d questions facilitate a comprehensive
assessment.
6. Which response demonstrates therapeutic communication?
A) "You shouldn't worry about that."
B) "Why would you do that?"
C) "Tell me more about what concerns you."
D) "Everything will be fine."
Correct Answer: "Tell me more about what concerns you."
Rationale: Open- ended communication encourages expression of concerns
without judgment or false reassurance. Telling a patient not to worry, asking why
they did something, and offering false reassurance are non - therapeutic and can
shut down communication. Therapeuti c responses facilitate trust and disclosure.
