NURS 142 MIDTERM EXAM 300 ACTUAL
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH
RATIONALE LATEST UPDATE ALREADY
GRADED A+ ASSURED PASS
This comprehensive 300-question practice exam is specifically designed for
nursing students preparing for the NURS 142 midterm examination. The
questions are organized into six distinct sections covering foundational
nursing concepts, including the nursing process, infection control and safety,
medication administration and calculations, physical assessment and vital
signs, patient safety and mobility, and legal and ethical principles of nursing
practice. Each question includes four multiple-choice options, a correct
answer, and a detailed rationale that explains the underlying nursing
principle. This resource emphasizes critical thinking, clinical judgment, and
the application of evidence-based practice for safe and effective patient care.
SECTION 1: FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING AND THE NURSING PROCESS
(Questions 1-50)
Question 1
What is the first step of the nursing process?
A) Evaluation
B) Planning
C) Assessment
D) Implementation
Answer: C
,Rationale: The nursing process is a systematic method for providing patient care.
Assessment is the first step, during which the nurse collects comprehensive data
about the patient's physical, psychological, social, and spiritual health. This data
forms the foundation for all subsequent steps, including diagnosis, planning,
implementation, and evaluation. Without a thorough assessment, the nurse cannot
accurately identify problems or develop effective interventions.
Question 2
Which nursing diagnosis type describes a problem that is likely to develop if
preventive measures are not implemented?
A) Actual nursing diagnosis
B) Risk nursing diagnosis
C) Health promotion nursing diagnosis
D) Syndrome nursing diagnosis
Answer: B
Rationale: A risk nursing diagnosis describes a problem that does not currently
exist but has a high probability of developing without intervention. For example,
Risk for Falls is a risk diagnosis used when a patient has identifiable risk factors
such as gait instability or medication side effects. This differs from an actual
diagnosis, which describes a current problem supported by defining characteristics.
Question 3
What is the primary purpose of the evaluation phase in the nursing process?
A) To identify the patient's medical diagnosis
B) To determine whether the nursing interventions were effective in achieving the
desired outcomes
C) To collect initial patient data
D) To write nursing orders
Answer: B
Rationale: Evaluation is the final step of the nursing process where the nurse
assesses the patient's response to the implemented interventions. The nurse
compares the actual outcomes to the expected outcomes established in the planning
phase. If goals are not met, the nurse may revise the care plan, adjust interventions,
or collect additional assessment data. Evaluation is continuous and occurs
throughout the patient's care.
Question 4
Which of the following is an example of a subjective assessment finding?
,A) Blood pressure 120/80 mmHg
B) Heart rate 72 beats per minute
C) Patient reports feeling anxious and nauseated
D) Skin is warm and dry to the touch
Answer: C
Rationale: Subjective data are information reported by the patient, including
symptoms, feelings, perceptions, and concerns. These cannot be directly measured
or observed by the nurse. Statements like feeling anxious or nauseated are
subjective because they rely on the patient's self-report. In contrast, vital signs,
physical examination findings, and observable characteristics are objective data.
Question 5
Which step of the nursing process involves prioritizing patient problems and
setting measurable goals?
A) Assessment
B) Diagnosis
C) Planning
D) Implementation
Answer: C
Rationale: Planning is the third step of the nursing process. During this phase, the
nurse establishes priorities among identified nursing diagnoses, formulates
measurable short-term and long-term goals, and selects appropriate nursing
interventions. Goals must be patient-centered, realistic, and time-bound. The
planning phase ensures that interventions are organized and directed toward
achieving the desired outcomes.
Question 6
A nurse writes a nursing diagnosis of Impaired Physical Mobility related to pain as
evidenced by reluctance to move. Which component of the nursing diagnosis is
pain?
A) Problem statement
B) Etiology (related to)
C) Defining characteristics
D) Outcome criteria
Answer: B
Rationale: The etiology, or related factor, identifies the underlying cause or
contributing factor for the nursing diagnosis. In the PES format (Problem,
, Etiology, Signs/Symptoms), the etiology follows the phrase "related to." Pain is the
cause of the patient's impaired mobility. The problem is Impaired Physical
Mobility, and the defining characteristics are the signs and symptoms, including
reluctance to move.
Question 7
What is the purpose of a nursing care plan?
A) To prescribe medical treatments
B) To document the patient's medical history
C) To provide a written guide for the individualized care required by the patient
D) To bill for nursing services
Answer: C
Rationale: A nursing care plan is a written document that outlines the patient's
nursing diagnoses, goals, and specific interventions. It serves as a roadmap for the
healthcare team, ensuring continuity and consistency of care. The care plan is
individualized to the patient's unique needs and is updated as the patient's condition
changes. It facilitates communication among nursing staff and other healthcare
providers.
Question 8
Which type of data includes information gathered through the nurse's physical
examination and vital sign measurements?
A) Subjective data
B) Objective data
C) Symptomatic data
D) Historical data
Answer: B
Rationale: Objective data are measurable, observable, and verifiable information
that the nurse collects through physical assessment, inspection, palpation,
percussion, and auscultation. Vital signs, laboratory results, and physical
examination findings such as skin color, edema, or wound appearance are all
objective data. This type of data is considered factual because it can be confirmed
by another observer.
Question 9
In the nursing process, what occurs during the implementation phase?
A) The nurse assesses the patient's condition
B) The nurse carries out the planned interventions
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH
RATIONALE LATEST UPDATE ALREADY
GRADED A+ ASSURED PASS
This comprehensive 300-question practice exam is specifically designed for
nursing students preparing for the NURS 142 midterm examination. The
questions are organized into six distinct sections covering foundational
nursing concepts, including the nursing process, infection control and safety,
medication administration and calculations, physical assessment and vital
signs, patient safety and mobility, and legal and ethical principles of nursing
practice. Each question includes four multiple-choice options, a correct
answer, and a detailed rationale that explains the underlying nursing
principle. This resource emphasizes critical thinking, clinical judgment, and
the application of evidence-based practice for safe and effective patient care.
SECTION 1: FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING AND THE NURSING PROCESS
(Questions 1-50)
Question 1
What is the first step of the nursing process?
A) Evaluation
B) Planning
C) Assessment
D) Implementation
Answer: C
,Rationale: The nursing process is a systematic method for providing patient care.
Assessment is the first step, during which the nurse collects comprehensive data
about the patient's physical, psychological, social, and spiritual health. This data
forms the foundation for all subsequent steps, including diagnosis, planning,
implementation, and evaluation. Without a thorough assessment, the nurse cannot
accurately identify problems or develop effective interventions.
Question 2
Which nursing diagnosis type describes a problem that is likely to develop if
preventive measures are not implemented?
A) Actual nursing diagnosis
B) Risk nursing diagnosis
C) Health promotion nursing diagnosis
D) Syndrome nursing diagnosis
Answer: B
Rationale: A risk nursing diagnosis describes a problem that does not currently
exist but has a high probability of developing without intervention. For example,
Risk for Falls is a risk diagnosis used when a patient has identifiable risk factors
such as gait instability or medication side effects. This differs from an actual
diagnosis, which describes a current problem supported by defining characteristics.
Question 3
What is the primary purpose of the evaluation phase in the nursing process?
A) To identify the patient's medical diagnosis
B) To determine whether the nursing interventions were effective in achieving the
desired outcomes
C) To collect initial patient data
D) To write nursing orders
Answer: B
Rationale: Evaluation is the final step of the nursing process where the nurse
assesses the patient's response to the implemented interventions. The nurse
compares the actual outcomes to the expected outcomes established in the planning
phase. If goals are not met, the nurse may revise the care plan, adjust interventions,
or collect additional assessment data. Evaluation is continuous and occurs
throughout the patient's care.
Question 4
Which of the following is an example of a subjective assessment finding?
,A) Blood pressure 120/80 mmHg
B) Heart rate 72 beats per minute
C) Patient reports feeling anxious and nauseated
D) Skin is warm and dry to the touch
Answer: C
Rationale: Subjective data are information reported by the patient, including
symptoms, feelings, perceptions, and concerns. These cannot be directly measured
or observed by the nurse. Statements like feeling anxious or nauseated are
subjective because they rely on the patient's self-report. In contrast, vital signs,
physical examination findings, and observable characteristics are objective data.
Question 5
Which step of the nursing process involves prioritizing patient problems and
setting measurable goals?
A) Assessment
B) Diagnosis
C) Planning
D) Implementation
Answer: C
Rationale: Planning is the third step of the nursing process. During this phase, the
nurse establishes priorities among identified nursing diagnoses, formulates
measurable short-term and long-term goals, and selects appropriate nursing
interventions. Goals must be patient-centered, realistic, and time-bound. The
planning phase ensures that interventions are organized and directed toward
achieving the desired outcomes.
Question 6
A nurse writes a nursing diagnosis of Impaired Physical Mobility related to pain as
evidenced by reluctance to move. Which component of the nursing diagnosis is
pain?
A) Problem statement
B) Etiology (related to)
C) Defining characteristics
D) Outcome criteria
Answer: B
Rationale: The etiology, or related factor, identifies the underlying cause or
contributing factor for the nursing diagnosis. In the PES format (Problem,
, Etiology, Signs/Symptoms), the etiology follows the phrase "related to." Pain is the
cause of the patient's impaired mobility. The problem is Impaired Physical
Mobility, and the defining characteristics are the signs and symptoms, including
reluctance to move.
Question 7
What is the purpose of a nursing care plan?
A) To prescribe medical treatments
B) To document the patient's medical history
C) To provide a written guide for the individualized care required by the patient
D) To bill for nursing services
Answer: C
Rationale: A nursing care plan is a written document that outlines the patient's
nursing diagnoses, goals, and specific interventions. It serves as a roadmap for the
healthcare team, ensuring continuity and consistency of care. The care plan is
individualized to the patient's unique needs and is updated as the patient's condition
changes. It facilitates communication among nursing staff and other healthcare
providers.
Question 8
Which type of data includes information gathered through the nurse's physical
examination and vital sign measurements?
A) Subjective data
B) Objective data
C) Symptomatic data
D) Historical data
Answer: B
Rationale: Objective data are measurable, observable, and verifiable information
that the nurse collects through physical assessment, inspection, palpation,
percussion, and auscultation. Vital signs, laboratory results, and physical
examination findings such as skin color, edema, or wound appearance are all
objective data. This type of data is considered factual because it can be confirmed
by another observer.
Question 9
In the nursing process, what occurs during the implementation phase?
A) The nurse assesses the patient's condition
B) The nurse carries out the planned interventions
