NUR 215 Exam 1 2026/2027 | 300 Practice Questions, Correct Answers
& Detailed Rationales | Complete Nursing Study Guide
Question 1
A nurse is performing an initial assessment on a client admitted with
acute dyspnea. Which finding should the nurse document as subjective
data?
A. Oxygen saturation of 89% on room air
B. Respiratory rate of 28 breaths/min
C. Client statement, "I feel like I can't catch my breath."
D. Auscultation of bilateral expiratory wheezes
Correct Answer: C. Client statement, "I feel like I can't catch my breath."
Detailed Rationale: Subjective data consists of symptoms reported
directly by the client (their perceptions, feelings, or sensations).
Objective data includes measurable, observable signs collected by the
nurse through physical examination, vital sign measurements, and
laboratory results.
Question 2
A nurse is reviewing the SBAR communication model prior to calling a
healthcare provider about a client's deteriorating condition. Which
statement belongs in the Situation section?
A. "The client was admitted two days ago following an elective total hip
arthroplasty."
B. "I am calling because Mr. Davis is experiencing acute chest pain and
shortness of breath."
,C. "The client's blood pressure is 88/54 mmHg and heart rate is
112 beats/min."
D. "I recommend obtaining a 12-lead ECG and a stat troponin level."
Correct Answer: B. "I am calling because Mr. Davis is experiencing acute
chest pain and shortness of breath."
Detailed Rationale: The Situation component of SBAR briefly states the
immediate reason for the communication (identifying the nurse, unit,
client, and the concise primary problem). Background provides
admitting context; Assessment details current vital signs and physical
findings; Recommendation suggests interventions.
Question 3
A nurse is assessing a client's stage of change regarding alcohol
cessation according to the Transtheoretical Model. The client states, "I
know drinking is damaging my liver, and I am planning to join a support
group next week." Which stage is the client demonstrating?
A. Precontemplation
B. Contemplation
C. Preparation
D. Action
Correct Answer: C. Preparation
Detailed Rationale: In the Preparation stage, the individual
acknowledges that a problem exists, intends to take action within the
next month, and makes small behavioral modifications or concrete
plans (such as deciding to join a support group next week).
,Question 4
A community health nurse is organizing a wellness fair. Which activity
represents a secondary prevention strategy?
A. Administering human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations to
adolescents
B. Conducting clinical breast examinations and blood pressure
screenings
C. Providing outpatient physical therapy for clients recovering from a
stroke
D. Distributing educational flyers on the benefits of a low-sodium diet
Correct Answer: B. Conducting clinical breast examinations and blood
pressure screenings
Detailed Rationale: Secondary prevention focuses on early disease
detection, screening, and prompt intervention to halt progression in
asymptomatic individuals. Vaccinations and diet education represent
primary prevention; post-stroke rehabilitation represents tertiary
prevention.
Question 5
A competent adult client who is scheduled for an elective
cholecystectomy informs the nurse that they have decided to cancel the
surgery. The nurse supports the client's decision. Which ethical principle
is the nurse upholding?
A. Beneficence
B. Autonomy
, C. Nonmaleficence
D. Justice
Correct Answer: B. Autonomy
Detailed Rationale: Autonomy respects the fundamental right of
competent clients to self-determination and independent decision-
making regarding their healthcare, including the right to refuse
treatments or procedures.
Question 6
A nurse accidentally administers a double dose of an oral
antihypertensive medication. The client remains asymptomatic with
stable blood pressure. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Complete an incident report and place a copy in the client's medical
record.
B. Assess the client's vital signs immediately and notify the healthcare
provider.
C. Withhold the next three scheduled doses without telling the
provider.
D. Document in the chart that the pharmacy provided the wrong dose.
Correct Answer: B. Assess the client's vital signs immediately and notify
the healthcare provider.
Detailed Rationale: When a medication error occurs, the nurse's
immediate priority is client safety—assessing vital signs and clinical
status, followed immediately by notifying the healthcare provider. An
& Detailed Rationales | Complete Nursing Study Guide
Question 1
A nurse is performing an initial assessment on a client admitted with
acute dyspnea. Which finding should the nurse document as subjective
data?
A. Oxygen saturation of 89% on room air
B. Respiratory rate of 28 breaths/min
C. Client statement, "I feel like I can't catch my breath."
D. Auscultation of bilateral expiratory wheezes
Correct Answer: C. Client statement, "I feel like I can't catch my breath."
Detailed Rationale: Subjective data consists of symptoms reported
directly by the client (their perceptions, feelings, or sensations).
Objective data includes measurable, observable signs collected by the
nurse through physical examination, vital sign measurements, and
laboratory results.
Question 2
A nurse is reviewing the SBAR communication model prior to calling a
healthcare provider about a client's deteriorating condition. Which
statement belongs in the Situation section?
A. "The client was admitted two days ago following an elective total hip
arthroplasty."
B. "I am calling because Mr. Davis is experiencing acute chest pain and
shortness of breath."
,C. "The client's blood pressure is 88/54 mmHg and heart rate is
112 beats/min."
D. "I recommend obtaining a 12-lead ECG and a stat troponin level."
Correct Answer: B. "I am calling because Mr. Davis is experiencing acute
chest pain and shortness of breath."
Detailed Rationale: The Situation component of SBAR briefly states the
immediate reason for the communication (identifying the nurse, unit,
client, and the concise primary problem). Background provides
admitting context; Assessment details current vital signs and physical
findings; Recommendation suggests interventions.
Question 3
A nurse is assessing a client's stage of change regarding alcohol
cessation according to the Transtheoretical Model. The client states, "I
know drinking is damaging my liver, and I am planning to join a support
group next week." Which stage is the client demonstrating?
A. Precontemplation
B. Contemplation
C. Preparation
D. Action
Correct Answer: C. Preparation
Detailed Rationale: In the Preparation stage, the individual
acknowledges that a problem exists, intends to take action within the
next month, and makes small behavioral modifications or concrete
plans (such as deciding to join a support group next week).
,Question 4
A community health nurse is organizing a wellness fair. Which activity
represents a secondary prevention strategy?
A. Administering human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations to
adolescents
B. Conducting clinical breast examinations and blood pressure
screenings
C. Providing outpatient physical therapy for clients recovering from a
stroke
D. Distributing educational flyers on the benefits of a low-sodium diet
Correct Answer: B. Conducting clinical breast examinations and blood
pressure screenings
Detailed Rationale: Secondary prevention focuses on early disease
detection, screening, and prompt intervention to halt progression in
asymptomatic individuals. Vaccinations and diet education represent
primary prevention; post-stroke rehabilitation represents tertiary
prevention.
Question 5
A competent adult client who is scheduled for an elective
cholecystectomy informs the nurse that they have decided to cancel the
surgery. The nurse supports the client's decision. Which ethical principle
is the nurse upholding?
A. Beneficence
B. Autonomy
, C. Nonmaleficence
D. Justice
Correct Answer: B. Autonomy
Detailed Rationale: Autonomy respects the fundamental right of
competent clients to self-determination and independent decision-
making regarding their healthcare, including the right to refuse
treatments or procedures.
Question 6
A nurse accidentally administers a double dose of an oral
antihypertensive medication. The client remains asymptomatic with
stable blood pressure. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Complete an incident report and place a copy in the client's medical
record.
B. Assess the client's vital signs immediately and notify the healthcare
provider.
C. Withhold the next three scheduled doses without telling the
provider.
D. Document in the chart that the pharmacy provided the wrong dose.
Correct Answer: B. Assess the client's vital signs immediately and notify
the healthcare provider.
Detailed Rationale: When a medication error occurs, the nurse's
immediate priority is client safety—assessing vital signs and clinical
status, followed immediately by notifying the healthcare provider. An
