Foundations in Nursing Practice 2026 |
Verified Questions, Correct Answers &
Rationales | Excelsior University Nursing
Exam Prep
• This exam prep material contains 200 verified multiple-choice questions with
correct answers and detailed EXPERT RATIONALE to help you master NUR109
Foundations in Nursing Practice.
• Study by attempting each question first before checking the highlighted correct
answer and EXPERT RATIONALE below it — this active recall method maximizes
retention.
1. Which of the following best describes the primary goal of nursing practice?
A. To diagnose and treat medical conditions
B. To administer medications as prescribed
C. To promote health, prevent illness, and assist individuals in attaining optimal
health
D. To perform surgical procedures under physician supervision
E. To manage hospital administrative operations
C. To promote health, prevent illness, and assist individuals in attaining
optimal health
EXPERT RATIONALE: The primary goal of nursing is holistic care that encompasses
health promotion, illness prevention, and helping patients achieve their highest level of
wellness — not solely task-based functions.
2. The nursing process is a systematic framework used by nurses. Which of
the following is the correct order of the nursing process?
A. Planning, Assessment, Diagnosis, Implementation, Evaluation
,B. Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation
C. Diagnosis, Assessment, Planning, Evaluation, Implementation
D. Implementation, Planning, Assessment, Diagnosis, Evaluation
E. Evaluation, Diagnosis, Assessment, Planning, Implementation
B. Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation
EXPERT RATIONALE: The nursing process follows the mnemonic ADPIE — Assessment,
Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation. This sequential framework
ensures organized and effective patient care.
3. A nurse collects subjective and objective data about a patient. This step of
the nursing process is called:
A. Diagnosis
B. Planning
C. Evaluation
D. Assessment
E. Implementation
D. Assessment
EXPERT RATIONALE: Assessment is the first step of the nursing process and involves
collecting subjective data (what the patient reports) and objective data (measurable
findings) to establish a baseline.
4. Which of the following is an example of subjective data?
A. Blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg
B. Heart rate of 98 beats per minute
C. Patient states "I have a headache"
,D. Temperature of 38.5°C
E. Oxygen saturation of 95%
C. Patient states "I have a headache"
EXPERT RATIONALE: Subjective data is information reported by the patient that cannot
be directly measured or observed by the nurse. Pain, nausea, and discomfort
descriptions are classic subjective data.
5. A nurse identifies a patient's health problem based on assessment data.
This step is known as:
A. Planning
B. Implementation
C. Evaluation
D. Assessment
E. Nursing diagnosis
E. Nursing diagnosis
EXPERT RATIONALE: The nursing diagnosis step involves analyzing assessment data to
identify actual or potential health problems, risks, or strengths, forming the basis of
individualized care.
6. Which organization is responsible for developing and maintaining the
standardized nursing diagnoses used worldwide?
A. American Medical Association (AMA)
B. World Health Organization (WHO)
C. NANDA International
D. National League for Nursing (NLN)
E. Joint Commission
, C. NANDA International
EXPERT RATIONALE: NANDA International (formerly North American Nursing Diagnosis
Association) develops, researches, and maintains the standardized list of nursing
diagnoses used globally in clinical practice.
7. A nursing diagnosis of "Impaired Gas Exchange related to fluid
accumulation as evidenced by SpO2 of 88%" follows which format?
A. SOAP format
B. PES format (Problem, Etiology, Signs/Symptoms)
C. SBAR format
D. DAR format
E. PIE format
B. PES format (Problem, Etiology, Signs/Symptoms)
EXPERT RATIONALE: The PES format structures nursing diagnoses as Problem (the
nursing diagnosis), Etiology (related to/contributing factor), and Signs/Symptoms (as
evidenced by). This is the standard format taught in nursing programs.
8. Which of the following is a correctly written nursing goal?
A. Nurse will ensure patient ambulates daily
B. Patient will walk 50 feet with assistance by end of shift
C. Patient should be mobile within one week
D. Improve patient mobility
E. Patient will be better soon
B. Patient will walk 50 feet with assistance by end of shift