,NSG 4800 Exam 3 | Questions & Verified Answers |
2026 Edition | Galen College
1. A nurse is caring for four clients on a medical-surgical unit. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A) A client with pneumonia who has an oxygen saturation of 94% on room air
B) A client with a new diagnosis of diabetes mellitus who has a blood glucose of 220 mg/dL
C) A client with a chest tube who reports a sudden onset of severe pain at the insertion site
D) A client who is postoperative day 2 and has not had a bowel movement
Correct Answer: A client with a chest tube who reports a sudden onset of severe pain at the insertion
site
Rationale: Using the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) and urgent vs. non-urgent frameworks, the
client with a chest tube and new, severe pain is the priority. This could indicate a complication such as
tube dislodgement, a developing pneumothorax, or infection, all of which can rapidly compromise
breathing. The other findings require assessment and intervention but are less acute.
2. A charge nurse is making assignments for the upcoming shift. Which client should be assigned to the
most experienced RN?
A) A client who is 24 hours postoperative following an appendectomy
B) A client who has a new diagnosis of hypertension
C) A client who is receiving chemotherapy for the first time
D) A client who has stable angina and is awaiting discharge
Correct Answer: A client who is receiving chemotherapy for the first time
Rationale: A client receiving chemotherapy for the first time requires extensive teaching, close
monitoring for hypersensitivity reactions, and potential management of life-threatening adverse effects.
This complex care requires a nurse with experience and strong clinical judgment. The other clients have
more predictable, lower-acuity needs.
3. Which of the following best describes professional accountability in nursing?
,A) Following physician orders without question
B) Accepting responsibility for one's actions and decisions
C) Delegating tasks to avoid liability
D) Relying on team members for ethical guidance
Correct Answer: Accepting responsibility for one's actions and decisions
Rationale: Professional accountability means nurses take responsibility for their own actions, decisions,
and outcomes, ensuring safe and ethical practice. It is a cornerstone of professional nursing practice.
4. A nurse leader who uses transformational leadership is most likely to:
A) Focus solely on task completion
B) Inspire and motivate staff toward shared goals
C) Avoid conflict by ignoring staff concerns
D) Rely on strict rules and discipline
Correct Answer: Inspire and motivate staff toward shared goals
Rationale: Transformational leaders inspire, motivate, and empower staff, fostering collaboration and
innovation rather than rigid control. They focus on a shared vision and supporting the growth of their
team members.
5. Which of the following best illustrates evidence-based practice (EBP)?
A) Using personal experience to guide care
B) Following hospital tradition for procedures
C) Integrating research findings with clinical expertise and patient preferences
D) Relying solely on physician directives
Correct Answer: Integrating research findings with clinical expertise and patient preferences
, Rationale: EBP combines the best available research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values to
guide nursing practice. It is a problem-solving approach to clinical decision-making.
6. The primary purpose of the Nursing Code of Ethics is to:
A) Provide legal protection for nurses
B) Outline disciplinary procedures for misconduct
C) Guide nurses in ethical decision-making and professional conduct
D) Establish hospital policies
Correct Answer: Guide nurses in ethical decision-making and professional conduct
Rationale: The Code of Ethics serves as a framework for ethical practice, guiding nurses in professional
responsibilities and patient-centered care. It provides a foundation for ethical decision-making.
7. Which of the following is an example of professional boundary crossing?
A) Accepting a small thank-you card from a patient
B) Sharing personal contact information with a patient
C) Respectfully listening to patient concerns
D) Collaborating with family members in care planning
Correct Answer: Sharing personal contact information with a patient
Rationale: Sharing personal contact information blurs professional boundaries, potentially
compromising objectivity and professionalism. Maintaining appropriate boundaries protects both the
nurse and the patient.
8. The concept of lifelong learning in nursing is MOST closely tied to:
A) Obtaining advanced degrees only
B) Meeting continuing education requirements
C) Ongoing professional growth and competency
2026 Edition | Galen College
1. A nurse is caring for four clients on a medical-surgical unit. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A) A client with pneumonia who has an oxygen saturation of 94% on room air
B) A client with a new diagnosis of diabetes mellitus who has a blood glucose of 220 mg/dL
C) A client with a chest tube who reports a sudden onset of severe pain at the insertion site
D) A client who is postoperative day 2 and has not had a bowel movement
Correct Answer: A client with a chest tube who reports a sudden onset of severe pain at the insertion
site
Rationale: Using the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) and urgent vs. non-urgent frameworks, the
client with a chest tube and new, severe pain is the priority. This could indicate a complication such as
tube dislodgement, a developing pneumothorax, or infection, all of which can rapidly compromise
breathing. The other findings require assessment and intervention but are less acute.
2. A charge nurse is making assignments for the upcoming shift. Which client should be assigned to the
most experienced RN?
A) A client who is 24 hours postoperative following an appendectomy
B) A client who has a new diagnosis of hypertension
C) A client who is receiving chemotherapy for the first time
D) A client who has stable angina and is awaiting discharge
Correct Answer: A client who is receiving chemotherapy for the first time
Rationale: A client receiving chemotherapy for the first time requires extensive teaching, close
monitoring for hypersensitivity reactions, and potential management of life-threatening adverse effects.
This complex care requires a nurse with experience and strong clinical judgment. The other clients have
more predictable, lower-acuity needs.
3. Which of the following best describes professional accountability in nursing?
,A) Following physician orders without question
B) Accepting responsibility for one's actions and decisions
C) Delegating tasks to avoid liability
D) Relying on team members for ethical guidance
Correct Answer: Accepting responsibility for one's actions and decisions
Rationale: Professional accountability means nurses take responsibility for their own actions, decisions,
and outcomes, ensuring safe and ethical practice. It is a cornerstone of professional nursing practice.
4. A nurse leader who uses transformational leadership is most likely to:
A) Focus solely on task completion
B) Inspire and motivate staff toward shared goals
C) Avoid conflict by ignoring staff concerns
D) Rely on strict rules and discipline
Correct Answer: Inspire and motivate staff toward shared goals
Rationale: Transformational leaders inspire, motivate, and empower staff, fostering collaboration and
innovation rather than rigid control. They focus on a shared vision and supporting the growth of their
team members.
5. Which of the following best illustrates evidence-based practice (EBP)?
A) Using personal experience to guide care
B) Following hospital tradition for procedures
C) Integrating research findings with clinical expertise and patient preferences
D) Relying solely on physician directives
Correct Answer: Integrating research findings with clinical expertise and patient preferences
, Rationale: EBP combines the best available research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values to
guide nursing practice. It is a problem-solving approach to clinical decision-making.
6. The primary purpose of the Nursing Code of Ethics is to:
A) Provide legal protection for nurses
B) Outline disciplinary procedures for misconduct
C) Guide nurses in ethical decision-making and professional conduct
D) Establish hospital policies
Correct Answer: Guide nurses in ethical decision-making and professional conduct
Rationale: The Code of Ethics serves as a framework for ethical practice, guiding nurses in professional
responsibilities and patient-centered care. It provides a foundation for ethical decision-making.
7. Which of the following is an example of professional boundary crossing?
A) Accepting a small thank-you card from a patient
B) Sharing personal contact information with a patient
C) Respectfully listening to patient concerns
D) Collaborating with family members in care planning
Correct Answer: Sharing personal contact information with a patient
Rationale: Sharing personal contact information blurs professional boundaries, potentially
compromising objectivity and professionalism. Maintaining appropriate boundaries protects both the
nurse and the patient.
8. The concept of lifelong learning in nursing is MOST closely tied to:
A) Obtaining advanced degrees only
B) Meeting continuing education requirements
C) Ongoing professional growth and competency
