Nursing Process and Critical Thinking –
100-Question Practice Exam Merged
With Correct Verified And Well
Analyzed Answers Graded A+ | 2026
Latest Update!!!
1. A nurse is collecting data from a patient admitted with
shortness of breath. Which step of the nursing process is the
nurse performing?
A. Planning B. Assessment C. Evaluation D. Implementation
Answer: B. Assessment
Rationale: Assessment is the first step of the nursing process and
involves collecting subjective and objective data about the patient’s
health status. The nurse gathers information through observation,
interviews, physical examination, and review of medical records to
identify patient needs and establish a baseline for care.
2. Which action by the nurse demonstrates critical thinking
during patient care?
A. Following physician orders without question B. Performing tasks
exactly the same for every patient C. Analyzing patient data before
,deciding on interventions D. Delegating all tasks to assistive
personnel
Answer: C. Analyzing patient data before deciding on interventions
Rationale: Critical thinking requires the nurse to analyze information,
evaluate patient needs, and make sound clinical judgments before
implementing care. Nurses must individualize care rather than
applying the same approach to every patient.
3. A nurse identifies “Impaired Skin Integrity” as a patient
problem. This statement is an example of which part of the
nursing process?
A. Assessment B. Diagnosis C. Planning D. Evaluation
Answer: B. Diagnosis
Rationale: The nursing diagnosis step involves identifying actual or
potential health problems based on assessment data. “Impaired Skin
Integrity” is a recognized nursing diagnosis describing the patient’s
response to a health condition.
4. Which outcome statement is written correctly?
A. Patient will feel better soon. B. Nurse will encourage patient
ambulation. C. Patient will ambulate 100 feet independently by
discharge. D. Patient may improve mobility eventually.
Answer: C. Patient will ambulate 100 feet independently by
discharge.
Rationale: A properly written outcome is patient-centered, measurable,
realistic, and time-specific. The statement clearly identifies the
expected behavior, degree of performance, and time frame for
achievement.
, 5. During which phase of the nursing process does the nurse
determine whether goals were achieved?
A. Assessment B. Planning C. Implementation D. Evaluation
Answer: D. Evaluation
Rationale: Evaluation is the final step of the nursing process in which
the nurse compares the patient’s actual outcomes with the expected
outcomes to determine the effectiveness of care and whether revisions
are needed.
6. A patient reports pain rated 8 out of 10. This information is
classified as:
A. Objective data B. Subjective data C. Diagnostic data D.
Measurable data
Answer: B. Subjective data
Rationale: Subjective data are information reported directly by the
patient that cannot be independently measured or verified by another
person. Pain ratings are subjective because they are based on the
patient’s personal experience.
7. Which of the following is an example of objective data?
A. “I feel nauseated.” B. “I am tired.” C. Blood pressure of 150/90
mm Hg D. “My stomach hurts.”
Answer: C. Blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg
Rationale: Objective data are measurable and observable findings
obtained through physical examination, diagnostic tests, or
observation. Blood pressure readings are quantifiable and verifiable by
healthcare providers.
, 8. The nurse prioritizes patient care using Maslow’s hierarchy of
needs. Which patient should the nurse assess first?
A. Patient requesting pain medication B. Patient reporting difficulty
breathing C. Patient needing discharge instructions D. Patient
feeling lonely
Answer: B. Patient reporting difficulty breathing
Rationale: According to Maslow’s hierarchy, physiological needs such
as oxygenation take highest priority because they are essential for
survival. Difficulty breathing is an immediate threat to life and
requires prompt assessment.
9. Which nursing intervention is considered independent?
A. Administering prescribed medication B. Inserting a urinary
catheter per provider order C. Teaching a patient about a low-
sodium diet D. Performing surgery preparation ordered by the
physician
Answer: C. Teaching a patient about a low-sodium diet
Rationale: Independent nursing interventions are actions nurses can
perform based on their own judgment and scope of practice without a
provider’s order. Patient education is a common independent
intervention.
10. What is the primary purpose of the nursing process?
A. To complete documentation quickly B. To provide organized,
individualized patient care C. To replace physician treatment plans
D. To reduce nursing responsibilities
Answer: B. To provide organized, individualized patient care
100-Question Practice Exam Merged
With Correct Verified And Well
Analyzed Answers Graded A+ | 2026
Latest Update!!!
1. A nurse is collecting data from a patient admitted with
shortness of breath. Which step of the nursing process is the
nurse performing?
A. Planning B. Assessment C. Evaluation D. Implementation
Answer: B. Assessment
Rationale: Assessment is the first step of the nursing process and
involves collecting subjective and objective data about the patient’s
health status. The nurse gathers information through observation,
interviews, physical examination, and review of medical records to
identify patient needs and establish a baseline for care.
2. Which action by the nurse demonstrates critical thinking
during patient care?
A. Following physician orders without question B. Performing tasks
exactly the same for every patient C. Analyzing patient data before
,deciding on interventions D. Delegating all tasks to assistive
personnel
Answer: C. Analyzing patient data before deciding on interventions
Rationale: Critical thinking requires the nurse to analyze information,
evaluate patient needs, and make sound clinical judgments before
implementing care. Nurses must individualize care rather than
applying the same approach to every patient.
3. A nurse identifies “Impaired Skin Integrity” as a patient
problem. This statement is an example of which part of the
nursing process?
A. Assessment B. Diagnosis C. Planning D. Evaluation
Answer: B. Diagnosis
Rationale: The nursing diagnosis step involves identifying actual or
potential health problems based on assessment data. “Impaired Skin
Integrity” is a recognized nursing diagnosis describing the patient’s
response to a health condition.
4. Which outcome statement is written correctly?
A. Patient will feel better soon. B. Nurse will encourage patient
ambulation. C. Patient will ambulate 100 feet independently by
discharge. D. Patient may improve mobility eventually.
Answer: C. Patient will ambulate 100 feet independently by
discharge.
Rationale: A properly written outcome is patient-centered, measurable,
realistic, and time-specific. The statement clearly identifies the
expected behavior, degree of performance, and time frame for
achievement.
, 5. During which phase of the nursing process does the nurse
determine whether goals were achieved?
A. Assessment B. Planning C. Implementation D. Evaluation
Answer: D. Evaluation
Rationale: Evaluation is the final step of the nursing process in which
the nurse compares the patient’s actual outcomes with the expected
outcomes to determine the effectiveness of care and whether revisions
are needed.
6. A patient reports pain rated 8 out of 10. This information is
classified as:
A. Objective data B. Subjective data C. Diagnostic data D.
Measurable data
Answer: B. Subjective data
Rationale: Subjective data are information reported directly by the
patient that cannot be independently measured or verified by another
person. Pain ratings are subjective because they are based on the
patient’s personal experience.
7. Which of the following is an example of objective data?
A. “I feel nauseated.” B. “I am tired.” C. Blood pressure of 150/90
mm Hg D. “My stomach hurts.”
Answer: C. Blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg
Rationale: Objective data are measurable and observable findings
obtained through physical examination, diagnostic tests, or
observation. Blood pressure readings are quantifiable and verifiable by
healthcare providers.
, 8. The nurse prioritizes patient care using Maslow’s hierarchy of
needs. Which patient should the nurse assess first?
A. Patient requesting pain medication B. Patient reporting difficulty
breathing C. Patient needing discharge instructions D. Patient
feeling lonely
Answer: B. Patient reporting difficulty breathing
Rationale: According to Maslow’s hierarchy, physiological needs such
as oxygenation take highest priority because they are essential for
survival. Difficulty breathing is an immediate threat to life and
requires prompt assessment.
9. Which nursing intervention is considered independent?
A. Administering prescribed medication B. Inserting a urinary
catheter per provider order C. Teaching a patient about a low-
sodium diet D. Performing surgery preparation ordered by the
physician
Answer: C. Teaching a patient about a low-sodium diet
Rationale: Independent nursing interventions are actions nurses can
perform based on their own judgment and scope of practice without a
provider’s order. Patient education is a common independent
intervention.
10. What is the primary purpose of the nursing process?
A. To complete documentation quickly B. To provide organized,
individualized patient care C. To replace physician treatment plans
D. To reduce nursing responsibilities
Answer: B. To provide organized, individualized patient care
