,NSG3160/NSG 3160 Exam 1 | Health
Assessment | Galen College | Q & A |
2026/2027 Edition (PDF)
1. Which of the following best describes the critical-thinking process in nursing?
A) A linear sequence of steps that always follows the same order
B) Purposeful, goal-directed, evidence-based reasoning used to interpret data, identify problems, and
plan care
C) An intuitive process that relies primarily on past experiences without formal structure
D) A process that eliminates the need for clinical judgment by relying solely on protocols
Correct Answer: Purposeful, goal-directed, evidence-based reasoning used to interpret data, identify
problems, and plan care
Rationale: Critical thinking in nursing is defined as purposeful, goal-directed, evidence-based reasoning
used to interpret data, identify problems, and plan care. It is not a rigid linear sequence nor purely
intuitive; it integrates clinical judgment with evidence-based practice.
2. A nurse precepting a student asks, "What is the most important step in the critical-thinking process?"
Which response by the student is correct?
A) Clustering subjective and objective data
B) Analyzing health data
C) Using evidence-based assessment techniques
D) Prioritizing health concerns
Correct Answer: Using evidence-based assessment techniques
Rationale: Evidence-based techniques are supported by research showing effectiveness that provides
the safest and most current techniques to promote patient health. While clustering, analyzing, and
prioritizing are steps in critical thinking, using evidence-based techniques is foundational to the entire
process.
,3. A patient admitted with asthma has several identified problems. Which problem is a first-level
priority?
A) Ineffective self-health management
B) Impaired gas exchange
C) Readiness for enhanced spiritual well-being
D) Risk for infection
Correct Answer: Impaired gas exchange
Rationale: First-level priority problems are emergent, life-threatening, and immediate. Impaired gas
exchange threatens airway and breathing, making it the priority. Third-level priorities (ineffective self-
health management, wellness diagnoses) are addressed after urgent problems.
4. A nurse is using the SBAR framework to communicate with a healthcare provider. Which component
includes the nurse's clinical interpretation of the current situation?
A) Situation
B) Background
C) Assessment
D) Recommendation
Correct Answer: Assessment
Rationale: In SBAR, the Assessment component is the nurse's clinical interpretation of the situation,
including current status, vital signs, and response to treatment. It goes beyond stating facts to include
professional judgment.
5. Which type of health database is most appropriate for an individual who is admitted to a long-term
care facility?
A) Focused database
B) Complete database
, C) Emergency database
D) Follow-up database
Correct Answer: Complete database
Rationale: A complete database includes a complete health history and a full physical examination; it
describes the current and past health state and forms a baseline against which all future changes can be
measured. A focused database is for a limited problem, and an emergency database is for rapid,
lifesaving situations.
6. Which of the following is an example of subjective data?
A) Blood glucose 126 mg/dL
B) Pain rated at 7 out of 10
C) Heart rate of 76 bpm
D) Bruising on the lower leg
Correct Answer: Pain rated at 7 out of 10
Rationale: Subjective data is what the patient says about themselves during history taking. Objective
data is what the health professional observes, measures, or detects through physical examination
techniques. Pain rating is a patient-reported symptom.
7. A nurse charts "respirations are eupneic, pulse 58 bpm." What type of data is this?
A) Subjective data
B) Objective data
C) Introspective data
D) Reflective data
Correct Answer: Objective data
Assessment | Galen College | Q & A |
2026/2027 Edition (PDF)
1. Which of the following best describes the critical-thinking process in nursing?
A) A linear sequence of steps that always follows the same order
B) Purposeful, goal-directed, evidence-based reasoning used to interpret data, identify problems, and
plan care
C) An intuitive process that relies primarily on past experiences without formal structure
D) A process that eliminates the need for clinical judgment by relying solely on protocols
Correct Answer: Purposeful, goal-directed, evidence-based reasoning used to interpret data, identify
problems, and plan care
Rationale: Critical thinking in nursing is defined as purposeful, goal-directed, evidence-based reasoning
used to interpret data, identify problems, and plan care. It is not a rigid linear sequence nor purely
intuitive; it integrates clinical judgment with evidence-based practice.
2. A nurse precepting a student asks, "What is the most important step in the critical-thinking process?"
Which response by the student is correct?
A) Clustering subjective and objective data
B) Analyzing health data
C) Using evidence-based assessment techniques
D) Prioritizing health concerns
Correct Answer: Using evidence-based assessment techniques
Rationale: Evidence-based techniques are supported by research showing effectiveness that provides
the safest and most current techniques to promote patient health. While clustering, analyzing, and
prioritizing are steps in critical thinking, using evidence-based techniques is foundational to the entire
process.
,3. A patient admitted with asthma has several identified problems. Which problem is a first-level
priority?
A) Ineffective self-health management
B) Impaired gas exchange
C) Readiness for enhanced spiritual well-being
D) Risk for infection
Correct Answer: Impaired gas exchange
Rationale: First-level priority problems are emergent, life-threatening, and immediate. Impaired gas
exchange threatens airway and breathing, making it the priority. Third-level priorities (ineffective self-
health management, wellness diagnoses) are addressed after urgent problems.
4. A nurse is using the SBAR framework to communicate with a healthcare provider. Which component
includes the nurse's clinical interpretation of the current situation?
A) Situation
B) Background
C) Assessment
D) Recommendation
Correct Answer: Assessment
Rationale: In SBAR, the Assessment component is the nurse's clinical interpretation of the situation,
including current status, vital signs, and response to treatment. It goes beyond stating facts to include
professional judgment.
5. Which type of health database is most appropriate for an individual who is admitted to a long-term
care facility?
A) Focused database
B) Complete database
, C) Emergency database
D) Follow-up database
Correct Answer: Complete database
Rationale: A complete database includes a complete health history and a full physical examination; it
describes the current and past health state and forms a baseline against which all future changes can be
measured. A focused database is for a limited problem, and an emergency database is for rapid,
lifesaving situations.
6. Which of the following is an example of subjective data?
A) Blood glucose 126 mg/dL
B) Pain rated at 7 out of 10
C) Heart rate of 76 bpm
D) Bruising on the lower leg
Correct Answer: Pain rated at 7 out of 10
Rationale: Subjective data is what the patient says about themselves during history taking. Objective
data is what the health professional observes, measures, or detects through physical examination
techniques. Pain rating is a patient-reported symptom.
7. A nurse charts "respirations are eupneic, pulse 58 bpm." What type of data is this?
A) Subjective data
B) Objective data
C) Introspective data
D) Reflective data
Correct Answer: Objective data
