,NU 137 Fundamentals of Nursing Exam
Prep — Comprehensive Review +
Practice MCQs — Galen College of
Nursing 2025/2026
1. Which statement best defines health according to the World Health Organization?
A. The absence of disease or infirmity
B. A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being
C. The ability to perform activities of daily living without assistance
D. Freedom from chronic illness and disability
Correct Answer: B. A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being
Rationale: The WHO defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely
the absence of disease or infirmity. This definition emphasizes the holistic nature of health that underpins
nursing practice. Option A represents the traditional medical model, while C and D are narrower functional
definitions that exclude multidimensional well-being.
2. A client tells the nurse, "I feel fine even though my blood pressure is high. I don't think I need medication."
Which concept does the nurse recognize?
A. The client is in denial about the diagnosis
B. Health and illness are individually defined by each person
C. The client lacks health literacy
D. The client has a terminal illness
,Correct Answer: B. Health and illness are individually defined by each person
Rationale: Health and illness are subjective experiences that each individual defines based on personal values,
beliefs, and perceptions . The client's statement reflects a personal definition of health that differs from the
clinical definition. Denial involves psychological rejection of a diagnosis, which is not established here. Health
literacy concerns understanding health information. Terminal illness is not indicated.
3. Which of the following is an example of a chronic illness?
A. Bronchial pneumonia
B. Fractured hip
C. Rheumatoid arthritis
D. Otitis media
Correct Answer: C. Rheumatoid arthritis
Rationale: Chronic illnesses develop slowly and persist over a prolonged period, often requiring long-term
management. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition. Bronchial pneumonia, a fractured hip,
and otitis media are acute conditions with relatively sudden onset and short duration .
4. A nurse is caring for a client who has been newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. The client states, "I don't
understand why this happened to me." Which stage of illness behavior is the client experiencing?
A. Stage 1: Symptom experience
B. Stage 2: Assumption of the sick role
C. Stage 3: Medical care contact
D. Stage 4: Dependent client role
, Correct Answer: B. Stage 2: Assumption of the sick role
Rationale: In Stage 2 (assumption of the sick role), the client acknowledges being ill and seeks validation and
meaning. The statement reflects the client trying to understand the illness. Stage 1 involves recognizing
symptoms, Stage 3 involves seeking professional care, and Stage 4 involves dependence on providers for help.
5. Which nursing action best demonstrates the art of nursing?
A. Administering a prescribed medication at the correct time
B. Performing a sterile dressing change
C. Providing comfort and reassurance to a frightened client
D. Documenting vital signs accurately
Correct Answer: C. Providing comfort and reassurance to a frightened client
Rationale: The art of nursing involves compassion, caring, and therapeutic presence. Comforting a frightened
client demonstrates the interpersonal and caring aspects of nursing. Administering medication, performing
sterile procedures, and documentation are primarily science-based technical skills.
6. A nurse is using the nursing process to care for a client. Which phase involves establishing measurable client
goals?
A. Assessment
B. Diagnosis
C. Planning
D. Evaluation
Prep — Comprehensive Review +
Practice MCQs — Galen College of
Nursing 2025/2026
1. Which statement best defines health according to the World Health Organization?
A. The absence of disease or infirmity
B. A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being
C. The ability to perform activities of daily living without assistance
D. Freedom from chronic illness and disability
Correct Answer: B. A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being
Rationale: The WHO defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely
the absence of disease or infirmity. This definition emphasizes the holistic nature of health that underpins
nursing practice. Option A represents the traditional medical model, while C and D are narrower functional
definitions that exclude multidimensional well-being.
2. A client tells the nurse, "I feel fine even though my blood pressure is high. I don't think I need medication."
Which concept does the nurse recognize?
A. The client is in denial about the diagnosis
B. Health and illness are individually defined by each person
C. The client lacks health literacy
D. The client has a terminal illness
,Correct Answer: B. Health and illness are individually defined by each person
Rationale: Health and illness are subjective experiences that each individual defines based on personal values,
beliefs, and perceptions . The client's statement reflects a personal definition of health that differs from the
clinical definition. Denial involves psychological rejection of a diagnosis, which is not established here. Health
literacy concerns understanding health information. Terminal illness is not indicated.
3. Which of the following is an example of a chronic illness?
A. Bronchial pneumonia
B. Fractured hip
C. Rheumatoid arthritis
D. Otitis media
Correct Answer: C. Rheumatoid arthritis
Rationale: Chronic illnesses develop slowly and persist over a prolonged period, often requiring long-term
management. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition. Bronchial pneumonia, a fractured hip,
and otitis media are acute conditions with relatively sudden onset and short duration .
4. A nurse is caring for a client who has been newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. The client states, "I don't
understand why this happened to me." Which stage of illness behavior is the client experiencing?
A. Stage 1: Symptom experience
B. Stage 2: Assumption of the sick role
C. Stage 3: Medical care contact
D. Stage 4: Dependent client role
, Correct Answer: B. Stage 2: Assumption of the sick role
Rationale: In Stage 2 (assumption of the sick role), the client acknowledges being ill and seeks validation and
meaning. The statement reflects the client trying to understand the illness. Stage 1 involves recognizing
symptoms, Stage 3 involves seeking professional care, and Stage 4 involves dependence on providers for help.
5. Which nursing action best demonstrates the art of nursing?
A. Administering a prescribed medication at the correct time
B. Performing a sterile dressing change
C. Providing comfort and reassurance to a frightened client
D. Documenting vital signs accurately
Correct Answer: C. Providing comfort and reassurance to a frightened client
Rationale: The art of nursing involves compassion, caring, and therapeutic presence. Comforting a frightened
client demonstrates the interpersonal and caring aspects of nursing. Administering medication, performing
sterile procedures, and documentation are primarily science-based technical skills.
6. A nurse is using the nursing process to care for a client. Which phase involves establishing measurable client
goals?
A. Assessment
B. Diagnosis
C. Planning
D. Evaluation
