WGU D442 Basic Nursing Skills – Timed Mock OA Exam (180 Questions & Answers) | Real Exam Simulation + Full Answer Key | 2026 Updated

WGU D442 Basic Nursing Skills – Timed Mock OA Exam
(180 Questions & Answers) | Real Exam Simulation +
Full Answer Key | 2026 Updated
WGU D442 Basic Nursing Skills – 180-Question Mock Exam
Answers & Rationales

Domain 1: Nursing Process & Critical Thinking (Questions 1-15)
Q1. A nurse measures a patient's blood pressure and finds it elevated. The
nurse compares this finding to the normal range. This action occurs in which
phase of the nursing process?
• A) Assessment
• B) Diagnosis
• C) Planning
• D) Evaluation
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Evaluation involves comparing assessment data to expected
outcomes or norms. Assessment (A) is data collection. Diagnosis (B) identifies
the problem. Planning (C) sets goals.

Q2. A nurse notices that a patient's wound is not healing as expected and
decides to reassess the wound care protocol. This is an example of:
• A) Critical thinking
• B) Task-oriented care
• C) Delegation
• D) Time management
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Critical thinking involves analyzing a situation, recognizing a problem,
and modifying interventions based on evidence and patient response.

Q3. Which of the following is an example of objective data?
• A) "I feel short of breath."
• B) "My pain is 7 out of 10."
• C) Oxygen saturation 89% on room air
• D) "I think I have a fever."
Correct Answer: C

,Rationale: Objective data are measurable and observable (vital signs, lab
values). Subjective data (A, B, D) are reported by the patient.

Q4. A nurse formulates the following statement: "Impaired skin integrity related
to decreased mobility as evidenced by stage 2 pressure ulcer on the sacrum."
This is an example of:
• A) Medical diagnosis
• B) Nursing diagnosis
• C) Collaborative problem
• D) Expected outcome
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Nursing diagnosis describes a patient response to a health condition
that nurses can treat independently. Medical diagnosis (A) identifies a disease.

Q5. During which phase of the nursing process does the nurse prioritize patient
problems?
• A) Assessment
• B) Diagnosis
• C) Planning
• D) Implementation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the planning phase, the nurse sets priorities, establishes goals, and
selects interventions based on the nursing diagnoses.

Q6. A nurse administers pain medication 30 minutes before a planned dressing
change. This demonstrates:
• A) Evaluation
• B) Anticipatory nursing intervention
• C) Delegation
• D) Triage
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Anticipatory intervention means acting before a problem occurs
(pain during procedure). This is proactive, not reactive.

Q7. A patient's blood pressure is 88/50 mm Hg. The nurse rechecks it in the
other arm and then notifies the provider. This sequence demonstrates:
• A) Scientific method

, • B) Intuition
• C) Trial and error
• D) Routine practice
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The scientific method involves assessment, hypothesis, data
collection, analysis, and action. The nurse verified abnormal data before
reporting.

Q8. Which statement by a new graduate nurse indicates a need for further
teaching about the nursing process?
• A) "The nursing process is linear and always follows the same order."
• B) "The nursing process is cyclical and may require returning to earlier
phases."
• C) "Evaluation occurs after implementation."
• D) "Assessment is the first step."
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nursing process is dynamic and cyclical, not strictly linear. Nurses
may return to assessment or diagnosis at any time based on patient changes.

Q9. A nurse documents: "Patient repositioned every 2 hours. No signs of skin
breakdown noted." This documentation reflects which phase?
• A) Assessment
• B) Planning
• C) Implementation
• D) Evaluation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Implementation documentation records the actions performed. The
statement includes the intervention (repositioning) and a finding, but the
primary focus is the action.

Q10. A nurse uses a pain scale to measure a patient's pain before and after
giving medication. This is an example of:
• A) Assessment
• B) Outcome evaluation
• C) Nursing diagnosis
• D) Implementation
Correct Answer: B

, Rationale: Outcome evaluation measures whether the intervention achieved
the desired goal (pain relief). Comparing pre- and post-intervention data is
evaluation.

Q11. A nurse identifies that a patient's fall risk score has increased. The nurse
updates the care plan to include bedside alarms. This action occurs in which
phase?
• A) Assessment
• B) Diagnosis
• C) Planning
• D) Implementation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Updating the care plan with new interventions occurs in the planning
phase. Implementation (D) would be actually placing the alarm.

Q12. Which of the following is a characteristic of a well-written nursing goal?
• A) "Patient will get better soon."
• B) "Patient will ambulate 50 feet with a walker by discharge."
• C) "Nurse will keep patient safe."
• D) "Patient will try to eat more."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and
Time-bound. Option B meets all criteria. Options A, C, and D are vague.

Q13. A nurse reviews a patient's medical record and notices that the patient's
blood pressure has been elevated for three consecutive shifts. The nurse
decides to consult the provider. This is an example of:
• A) Evaluation
• B) Clinical judgment
• C) Routine care
• D) Documentation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Clinical judgment is the interpretation of data to make a clinical
decision. The nurse recognized a pattern and acted appropriately.