NU 136 EXAM 1 COMPREHENSIVE
REVIEW QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS 2026/2027
1. A nurse is caring for a patient who refuses a life-saving blood transfusion due to religious
beliefs. The nurse supports this decision. Which ethical principle is the nurse demonstrating?
A. Beneficence
B. Nonmaleficence
C. Autonomy
D. Justice
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Autonomy refers to the right of patients to make their own
decisions about their medical care, even if the provider disagrees.
2. During which phase of the nursing process does the nurse prioritize nursing diagnoses and
identify short- and long-term goals?
A. Assessment
B. Implementation
C. Planning
D. Evaluation
,Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The planning phase involves setting priorities, identifying
patient-centered goals and expected outcomes, and prescribing nursing interventions.
3. The nurse is preparing to measure a patient’s blood pressure. If the blood pressure cuff is
too narrow for the patient’s arm, what will be the likely result?
A. A falsely low reading
B. A falsely high reading
C. An accurate reading if the cuff is centered
D. The diastolic pressure will be correct, but the systolic will be high
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Using a cuff that is too small or narrow results in a falsely high
blood pressure reading because the pressure is not evenly distributed over the artery.
4. Which of the following is the most effective method for breaking the chain of infection in a
healthcare setting?
A. Performing hand hygiene
B. Wearing a mask at all times
C. Administering prophylactic antibiotics
D. Sterilizing all patient care equipment
Answer: A
, Conceptual Explanation: Hand hygiene is widely recognized as the single most effective
way to prevent the spread of microorganisms and break the chain of infection.
5. A nurse is documenting patient care. Which of the following entries is considered objective
data?
A. Patient states, ‘I feel very nauseous.’
B. Lungs clear to auscultation bilaterally.
C. Patient’s daughter reports the patient was confused overnight.
D. Patient complains of a dull ache in the lower back.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Objective data are observable and measurable signs, such as
physical exam findings. Subjective data are what the patient or family says.
6. When performing a physical assessment, the nurse notes a patient’s radial pulse is
irregular. What should the nurse’s next action be?
A. Document the finding and check again in 4 hours.
B. Auscultate the apical pulse for one full minute.
C. Notify the physician immediately.
D. Check the pulse in the opposite arm for comparison.
Answer: B
REVIEW QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS 2026/2027
1. A nurse is caring for a patient who refuses a life-saving blood transfusion due to religious
beliefs. The nurse supports this decision. Which ethical principle is the nurse demonstrating?
A. Beneficence
B. Nonmaleficence
C. Autonomy
D. Justice
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Autonomy refers to the right of patients to make their own
decisions about their medical care, even if the provider disagrees.
2. During which phase of the nursing process does the nurse prioritize nursing diagnoses and
identify short- and long-term goals?
A. Assessment
B. Implementation
C. Planning
D. Evaluation
,Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The planning phase involves setting priorities, identifying
patient-centered goals and expected outcomes, and prescribing nursing interventions.
3. The nurse is preparing to measure a patient’s blood pressure. If the blood pressure cuff is
too narrow for the patient’s arm, what will be the likely result?
A. A falsely low reading
B. A falsely high reading
C. An accurate reading if the cuff is centered
D. The diastolic pressure will be correct, but the systolic will be high
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Using a cuff that is too small or narrow results in a falsely high
blood pressure reading because the pressure is not evenly distributed over the artery.
4. Which of the following is the most effective method for breaking the chain of infection in a
healthcare setting?
A. Performing hand hygiene
B. Wearing a mask at all times
C. Administering prophylactic antibiotics
D. Sterilizing all patient care equipment
Answer: A
, Conceptual Explanation: Hand hygiene is widely recognized as the single most effective
way to prevent the spread of microorganisms and break the chain of infection.
5. A nurse is documenting patient care. Which of the following entries is considered objective
data?
A. Patient states, ‘I feel very nauseous.’
B. Lungs clear to auscultation bilaterally.
C. Patient’s daughter reports the patient was confused overnight.
D. Patient complains of a dull ache in the lower back.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Objective data are observable and measurable signs, such as
physical exam findings. Subjective data are what the patient or family says.
6. When performing a physical assessment, the nurse notes a patient’s radial pulse is
irregular. What should the nurse’s next action be?
A. Document the finding and check again in 4 hours.
B. Auscultate the apical pulse for one full minute.
C. Notify the physician immediately.
D. Check the pulse in the opposite arm for comparison.
Answer: B
