NUR 215 Exam 1 Questions With Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which of the following best describes the primary goal of
professional nursing?
A. To diagnose diseases independently
B. To promote, restore, and maintain health while providing holistic
patient-centered care
C. To prescribe medications for all patients
D. To perform only physician-directed procedures
Rationale: The primary goal of nursing is to promote health, prevent
illness, restore wellness, and provide compassionate, patient-centered
care. Nurses address physical, emotional, social, cultural, and spiritual
needs while collaborating with the healthcare team. Although nurses
participate in diagnosis and treatment planning, independent medical
diagnosis and prescribing are generally outside the RN scope of
practice.
, 2. Which organization developed the nursing process used in patient
care?
A. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
B. National Institutes of Health (NIH)
C. American Nurses Association (ANA)
D. American Medical Association (AMA)
Rationale: The American Nurses Association (ANA) established
standards of professional nursing practice, including the nursing
process. The nursing process provides a systematic framework
consisting of assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and
evaluation to guide safe, effective patient care.
3. Which step of the nursing process involves collecting patient
information?
A. Planning
B. Evaluation
C. Implementation
D. Assessment
Rationale: Assessment is the first step of the nursing process and
involves gathering subjective and objective data through interviews,
observations, physical examinations, and diagnostic findings. Accurate
assessment forms the basis for all subsequent nursing decisions.
, 4. Which statement best describes evidence-based practice?
A. Using only personal clinical experience
B. Following physician preference exclusively
C. Combining current research, clinical expertise, and patient
preferences
D. Using hospital policies only
Rationale: Evidence-based practice integrates the best available
scientific evidence with clinical expertise and the patient's values and
preferences. This approach improves patient outcomes and ensures
care is based on current knowledge rather than tradition alone.
5. A nurse identifies that a patient is at risk for falls. Which nursing
diagnosis is appropriate?
A. Impaired Gas Exchange
B. Acute Pain
C. Risk for Falls
D. Deficient Fluid Volume
Rationale: Nursing diagnoses identify actual or potential responses to
health conditions. "Risk for Falls" is a recognized nursing diagnosis
used when a patient has factors that increase the likelihood of falling
before an actual injury occurs.
, 6. Which principle is essential when maintaining patient
confidentiality?
A. Sharing information with friends
B. Discussing patients in public elevators
C. Accessing only patient information necessary for care
D. Posting patient stories online without names
Rationale: Confidentiality requires healthcare providers to protect
patient information and access only records necessary to provide care.
HIPAA regulations prohibit unauthorized disclosure of protected
health information.
7. Which vital sign is generally considered normal for a healthy adult
at rest?
A. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min
B. Pulse of 120 beats/min
C. Respiratory rate of 12–20 breaths/min
D. Temperature of 95°F (35°C)
Rationale: A normal adult respiratory rate ranges from 12 to 20
breaths per minute. Rates outside this range may indicate respiratory
compromise or other physiological abnormalities requiring further
assessment.
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which of the following best describes the primary goal of
professional nursing?
A. To diagnose diseases independently
B. To promote, restore, and maintain health while providing holistic
patient-centered care
C. To prescribe medications for all patients
D. To perform only physician-directed procedures
Rationale: The primary goal of nursing is to promote health, prevent
illness, restore wellness, and provide compassionate, patient-centered
care. Nurses address physical, emotional, social, cultural, and spiritual
needs while collaborating with the healthcare team. Although nurses
participate in diagnosis and treatment planning, independent medical
diagnosis and prescribing are generally outside the RN scope of
practice.
, 2. Which organization developed the nursing process used in patient
care?
A. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
B. National Institutes of Health (NIH)
C. American Nurses Association (ANA)
D. American Medical Association (AMA)
Rationale: The American Nurses Association (ANA) established
standards of professional nursing practice, including the nursing
process. The nursing process provides a systematic framework
consisting of assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and
evaluation to guide safe, effective patient care.
3. Which step of the nursing process involves collecting patient
information?
A. Planning
B. Evaluation
C. Implementation
D. Assessment
Rationale: Assessment is the first step of the nursing process and
involves gathering subjective and objective data through interviews,
observations, physical examinations, and diagnostic findings. Accurate
assessment forms the basis for all subsequent nursing decisions.
, 4. Which statement best describes evidence-based practice?
A. Using only personal clinical experience
B. Following physician preference exclusively
C. Combining current research, clinical expertise, and patient
preferences
D. Using hospital policies only
Rationale: Evidence-based practice integrates the best available
scientific evidence with clinical expertise and the patient's values and
preferences. This approach improves patient outcomes and ensures
care is based on current knowledge rather than tradition alone.
5. A nurse identifies that a patient is at risk for falls. Which nursing
diagnosis is appropriate?
A. Impaired Gas Exchange
B. Acute Pain
C. Risk for Falls
D. Deficient Fluid Volume
Rationale: Nursing diagnoses identify actual or potential responses to
health conditions. "Risk for Falls" is a recognized nursing diagnosis
used when a patient has factors that increase the likelihood of falling
before an actual injury occurs.
, 6. Which principle is essential when maintaining patient
confidentiality?
A. Sharing information with friends
B. Discussing patients in public elevators
C. Accessing only patient information necessary for care
D. Posting patient stories online without names
Rationale: Confidentiality requires healthcare providers to protect
patient information and access only records necessary to provide care.
HIPAA regulations prohibit unauthorized disclosure of protected
health information.
7. Which vital sign is generally considered normal for a healthy adult
at rest?
A. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min
B. Pulse of 120 beats/min
C. Respiratory rate of 12–20 breaths/min
D. Temperature of 95°F (35°C)
Rationale: A normal adult respiratory rate ranges from 12 to 20
breaths per minute. Rates outside this range may indicate respiratory
compromise or other physiological abnormalities requiring further
assessment.
