NUR 156 – FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING – GALEN COLLEGE OF NURSING
COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAMINATION QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains:
1. Fundamental Nursing Concepts & Theorists
2. Vital Signs & Physical Assessment
3. Infection Control & Safety
4. Medication Administration & Dosage Calculation
5. Legal & Ethical Principles in Nursing
6. Communication & Patient Education
7. Basic Care, Mobility, & Hygiene
8. Oxygenation, Elimination, & Nutrition
9. Clinical Judgment & Prioritization
Introduction:
*This comprehensive examination is designed to assess foundational knowledge and clinical judgment essential
for success in NUR 156. It covers core nursing concepts, patient safety, legal and ethical standards, and
evidence-based skills. Each multiple-choice question integrates real-world scenarios to evaluate decision-
making, prioritization, and application of nursing principles. The format prepares students for NCLEX-style
testing while reinforcing safe, patient-centered care. Correct answers are verified with rationales to deepen
,understanding and promote critical thinking. Mastery of this content supports progression in the nursing
curriculum and clinical readiness.*
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a patient who reports pain rated as 7 on a 0–10 scale. Which action should the nurse take
first?
A. Administer prescribed PRN analgesic
B. Reposition the patient to improve comfort
C. Assess the characteristics of the pain
D. Notify the healthcare provider
🟢C
🔴 RATIONALE: Assessment is the first step of the nursing process. The nurse must assess pain location, quality,
and duration before intervening.
Question 2
Which patient finding indicates a proper understanding of hand hygiene?
,A. Wearing gloves instead of washing hands
B. Washing hands for 5 seconds after patient contact
C. Using alcohol-based hand rub for visibly soiled hands
D. Performing hand hygiene before and after patient contact
🟢D
🔴 RATIONALE: Hand hygiene is required before and after patient contact per CDC guidelines. Gloves do not
replace handwashing.
Question 3
A nurse is preparing to insert a Foley catheter. Which principle maintains sterility?
A. Opening sterile package facing away from the body
B. Keeping sterile field above waist level
C. Using clean gloves for the procedure
D. Allowing sterile items to touch the patient’s gown
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: Sterile fields must be kept above waist level to prevent contamination. Catheter insertion
requires sterile technique.
, Question 4
According to Maslow’s hierarchy, which patient need should the nurse address first?
A. Self-esteem
B. Airway patency
C. Spiritual support
D. Social interaction
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: Physiological needs, including airway, breathing, and circulation, are the priority per Maslow.
Question 5
A patient falls while attempting to walk to the bathroom unassisted. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Complete an incident report
B. Assess the patient for injuries
C. Notify the nursing supervisor
D. Place the patient on fall precautions
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: The nurse must first assess for injury to ensure patient safety and provide immediate care.
COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAMINATION QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains:
1. Fundamental Nursing Concepts & Theorists
2. Vital Signs & Physical Assessment
3. Infection Control & Safety
4. Medication Administration & Dosage Calculation
5. Legal & Ethical Principles in Nursing
6. Communication & Patient Education
7. Basic Care, Mobility, & Hygiene
8. Oxygenation, Elimination, & Nutrition
9. Clinical Judgment & Prioritization
Introduction:
*This comprehensive examination is designed to assess foundational knowledge and clinical judgment essential
for success in NUR 156. It covers core nursing concepts, patient safety, legal and ethical standards, and
evidence-based skills. Each multiple-choice question integrates real-world scenarios to evaluate decision-
making, prioritization, and application of nursing principles. The format prepares students for NCLEX-style
testing while reinforcing safe, patient-centered care. Correct answers are verified with rationales to deepen
,understanding and promote critical thinking. Mastery of this content supports progression in the nursing
curriculum and clinical readiness.*
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a patient who reports pain rated as 7 on a 0–10 scale. Which action should the nurse take
first?
A. Administer prescribed PRN analgesic
B. Reposition the patient to improve comfort
C. Assess the characteristics of the pain
D. Notify the healthcare provider
🟢C
🔴 RATIONALE: Assessment is the first step of the nursing process. The nurse must assess pain location, quality,
and duration before intervening.
Question 2
Which patient finding indicates a proper understanding of hand hygiene?
,A. Wearing gloves instead of washing hands
B. Washing hands for 5 seconds after patient contact
C. Using alcohol-based hand rub for visibly soiled hands
D. Performing hand hygiene before and after patient contact
🟢D
🔴 RATIONALE: Hand hygiene is required before and after patient contact per CDC guidelines. Gloves do not
replace handwashing.
Question 3
A nurse is preparing to insert a Foley catheter. Which principle maintains sterility?
A. Opening sterile package facing away from the body
B. Keeping sterile field above waist level
C. Using clean gloves for the procedure
D. Allowing sterile items to touch the patient’s gown
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: Sterile fields must be kept above waist level to prevent contamination. Catheter insertion
requires sterile technique.
, Question 4
According to Maslow’s hierarchy, which patient need should the nurse address first?
A. Self-esteem
B. Airway patency
C. Spiritual support
D. Social interaction
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: Physiological needs, including airway, breathing, and circulation, are the priority per Maslow.
Question 5
A patient falls while attempting to walk to the bathroom unassisted. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Complete an incident report
B. Assess the patient for injuries
C. Notify the nursing supervisor
D. Place the patient on fall precautions
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: The nurse must first assess for injury to ensure patient safety and provide immediate care.
