,Galen NSG 3100 Exam 4 – Fundamental Concepts
& Skills for Nursing I (2026) Actual Q&A PDF
1. The nurse is teaching a patient with newly diagnosed hypertension about
lifestyle modifications. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for
further teaching?
A) “I can continue to smoke as long as I take my blood pressure medication.”
B) “I will limit my sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day.”
C) “I plan to walk for 30 minutes most days of the week.”
D) “I will limit alcohol to one drink per day.”
Correct Answer: “I can continue to smoke as long as I take my blood pressure
medication.”
Rationale: Smoking causes vasoconstriction and increases cardiovascular risk,
counteracting the benefits of medication. Smoking cessation is an essential
lifestyle modification for hypertension.
2. A patient with heart failure asks why daily weights are necessary. The nurse’s
best response is that daily weight monitoring helps detect:
A) Caloric intake changes
B) Fluid retention before symptoms worsen
C) Muscle wasting
D) Electrolyte imbalances directly
Correct Answer: Fluid retention before symptoms worsen
,Rationale: A weight gain of 1 kg (2.2 lb) roughly equals 1 liter of fluid retention.
Daily weights are the most sensitive indicator of fluid status, allowing early
intervention before dyspnea or edema develop.
3. The nurse is assessing a patient with left‑sided heart failure. Which finding is
most expected?
A) Jugular venous distention
B) Hepatomegaly
C) Crackles in the lungs
D) Peripheral edema
Correct Answer: Crackles in the lungs
Rationale: Left ventricular failure backs up blood into the pulmonary circulation,
causing pulmonary congestion and crackles. Right‑sided failure causes JVD,
hepatomegaly, and peripheral edema.
4. A patient with coronary artery disease reports crushing substernal chest pain
radiating to the left arm and diaphoresis. Which action should the nurse take
first?
A) Administer oxygen and nitroglycerin as prescribed
B) Obtain a 12‑lead ECG
C) Notify the health care provider
D) Ask the patient to describe the pain in detail
Correct Answer: Administer oxygen and nitroglycerin as prescribed
, Rationale: The priority is to improve myocardial oxygenation and relieve
ischemia. Oxygen and nitroglycerin are immediate interventions, followed by
ECG and provider notification.
5. The nurse is monitoring a patient with atrial fibrillation. Which finding
indicates a risk for thromboembolic stroke?
A) Irregularly irregular pulse
B) Absence of P waves on ECG
C) A stasis of blood in the atria that can form clots
D) Heart rate of 110 bpm
Correct Answer: A stasis of blood in the atria that can form clots
Rationale: In atrial fibrillation, ineffective atrial contraction leads to blood
pooling, particularly in the left atrial appendage, increasing the risk of thrombus
formation and embolic stroke. Anticoagulation is critical.
6. The nurse is caring for a patient with ventricular tachycardia who has a pulse
but is hypotensive and reporting chest pain. The priority intervention is:
A) Immediate defibrillation
B) Synchronized cardioversion
C) Administration of amiodarone
D) CPR
Correct Answer: Synchronized cardioversion
& Skills for Nursing I (2026) Actual Q&A PDF
1. The nurse is teaching a patient with newly diagnosed hypertension about
lifestyle modifications. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for
further teaching?
A) “I can continue to smoke as long as I take my blood pressure medication.”
B) “I will limit my sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day.”
C) “I plan to walk for 30 minutes most days of the week.”
D) “I will limit alcohol to one drink per day.”
Correct Answer: “I can continue to smoke as long as I take my blood pressure
medication.”
Rationale: Smoking causes vasoconstriction and increases cardiovascular risk,
counteracting the benefits of medication. Smoking cessation is an essential
lifestyle modification for hypertension.
2. A patient with heart failure asks why daily weights are necessary. The nurse’s
best response is that daily weight monitoring helps detect:
A) Caloric intake changes
B) Fluid retention before symptoms worsen
C) Muscle wasting
D) Electrolyte imbalances directly
Correct Answer: Fluid retention before symptoms worsen
,Rationale: A weight gain of 1 kg (2.2 lb) roughly equals 1 liter of fluid retention.
Daily weights are the most sensitive indicator of fluid status, allowing early
intervention before dyspnea or edema develop.
3. The nurse is assessing a patient with left‑sided heart failure. Which finding is
most expected?
A) Jugular venous distention
B) Hepatomegaly
C) Crackles in the lungs
D) Peripheral edema
Correct Answer: Crackles in the lungs
Rationale: Left ventricular failure backs up blood into the pulmonary circulation,
causing pulmonary congestion and crackles. Right‑sided failure causes JVD,
hepatomegaly, and peripheral edema.
4. A patient with coronary artery disease reports crushing substernal chest pain
radiating to the left arm and diaphoresis. Which action should the nurse take
first?
A) Administer oxygen and nitroglycerin as prescribed
B) Obtain a 12‑lead ECG
C) Notify the health care provider
D) Ask the patient to describe the pain in detail
Correct Answer: Administer oxygen and nitroglycerin as prescribed
, Rationale: The priority is to improve myocardial oxygenation and relieve
ischemia. Oxygen and nitroglycerin are immediate interventions, followed by
ECG and provider notification.
5. The nurse is monitoring a patient with atrial fibrillation. Which finding
indicates a risk for thromboembolic stroke?
A) Irregularly irregular pulse
B) Absence of P waves on ECG
C) A stasis of blood in the atria that can form clots
D) Heart rate of 110 bpm
Correct Answer: A stasis of blood in the atria that can form clots
Rationale: In atrial fibrillation, ineffective atrial contraction leads to blood
pooling, particularly in the left atrial appendage, increasing the risk of thrombus
formation and embolic stroke. Anticoagulation is critical.
6. The nurse is caring for a patient with ventricular tachycardia who has a pulse
but is hypotensive and reporting chest pain. The priority intervention is:
A) Immediate defibrillation
B) Synchronized cardioversion
C) Administration of amiodarone
D) CPR
Correct Answer: Synchronized cardioversion
