ADN Midterm Exam (Weeks 1-7) | Units 1-2 | 2026 Update Galen
College of Nursing
1. Which phase of the nursing process involves the systematic collection of
subjective and objective data?
A. Diagnosis
B. Assessment
C. Planning
D. Implementation
Answer: B
Rationale: Assessment is the first step of the nursing process where the nurse gathers
information about the patient’s health status.
2. A nurse is caring for a patient who reports a pain level of 8 out of 10. Which
type of data is this?
A. Objective data
B. Secondary data
C. Subjective data
D. Empirical data
Answer: C
Rationale: Subjective data consists of information provided by the patient that cannot be
measured directly by the nurse, such as pain or feelings.
,3. Which of the following is the single most effective way to prevent the spread
of healthcare-associated infections?
A. Performing hand hygiene
B. Using antibiotic ointment
C. Wearing gloves at all times
D. Wearing a surgical mask
Answer: A
Rationale: Hand hygiene is universally recognized as the most critical intervention in
preventing the transmission of pathogens in clinical settings.
4. According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which patient need should the
nurse prioritize first?
A. Physiological needs
B. Safety and security
C. Self-esteem
D. Love and belonging
Answer: A
Rationale: Physiological needs (oxygen, water, food, elimination) are the base of the
pyramid and must be met before higher-level needs.
5. When assessing a patient’s radial pulse, the nurse notes it is irregular. What is
the next best action?
A. Administer heart medication immediately
B. Document the finding as normal for the patient
C. Wait 15 minutes and re-check the radial pulse
D. Assess the apical pulse for one full minute
Answer: D
Rationale: When a peripheral pulse is irregular, an apical pulse should be counted for a full
60 seconds for the most accurate measurement.
, 6. Which legal document allows a patient to designate a specific person to make
medical decisions if they become incapacitated?
A. Living Will
B. Informed Consent
C. Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare
D. HIPAA Authorization
Answer: C
Rationale: The Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare (Healthcare Surrogate)
designates a proxy to make decisions on the patient’s behalf.
7. A nurse identifies that a patient is at risk for falling. Which step of the nursing
process is this?
A. Assessment
B. Implementation
C. Nursing Diagnosis
D. Evaluation
Answer: C
Rationale: A nursing diagnosis is a clinical judgment about individual, family, or
community responses to actual or potential health problems or life processes.
8. What is the correct sequence for applying Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE)?
A. Gown, Mask, Goggles, Gloves
B. Gloves, Mask, Gown, Goggles
C. Mask, Gown, Gloves, Goggles
D. Goggles, Gloves, Mask, Gown
Answer: A
Rationale: The standard sequence for donning PPE is Gown, then Mask or Respirator, then
Goggles or Face Shield, and lastly Gloves.
College of Nursing
1. Which phase of the nursing process involves the systematic collection of
subjective and objective data?
A. Diagnosis
B. Assessment
C. Planning
D. Implementation
Answer: B
Rationale: Assessment is the first step of the nursing process where the nurse gathers
information about the patient’s health status.
2. A nurse is caring for a patient who reports a pain level of 8 out of 10. Which
type of data is this?
A. Objective data
B. Secondary data
C. Subjective data
D. Empirical data
Answer: C
Rationale: Subjective data consists of information provided by the patient that cannot be
measured directly by the nurse, such as pain or feelings.
,3. Which of the following is the single most effective way to prevent the spread
of healthcare-associated infections?
A. Performing hand hygiene
B. Using antibiotic ointment
C. Wearing gloves at all times
D. Wearing a surgical mask
Answer: A
Rationale: Hand hygiene is universally recognized as the most critical intervention in
preventing the transmission of pathogens in clinical settings.
4. According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which patient need should the
nurse prioritize first?
A. Physiological needs
B. Safety and security
C. Self-esteem
D. Love and belonging
Answer: A
Rationale: Physiological needs (oxygen, water, food, elimination) are the base of the
pyramid and must be met before higher-level needs.
5. When assessing a patient’s radial pulse, the nurse notes it is irregular. What is
the next best action?
A. Administer heart medication immediately
B. Document the finding as normal for the patient
C. Wait 15 minutes and re-check the radial pulse
D. Assess the apical pulse for one full minute
Answer: D
Rationale: When a peripheral pulse is irregular, an apical pulse should be counted for a full
60 seconds for the most accurate measurement.
, 6. Which legal document allows a patient to designate a specific person to make
medical decisions if they become incapacitated?
A. Living Will
B. Informed Consent
C. Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare
D. HIPAA Authorization
Answer: C
Rationale: The Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare (Healthcare Surrogate)
designates a proxy to make decisions on the patient’s behalf.
7. A nurse identifies that a patient is at risk for falling. Which step of the nursing
process is this?
A. Assessment
B. Implementation
C. Nursing Diagnosis
D. Evaluation
Answer: C
Rationale: A nursing diagnosis is a clinical judgment about individual, family, or
community responses to actual or potential health problems or life processes.
8. What is the correct sequence for applying Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE)?
A. Gown, Mask, Goggles, Gloves
B. Gloves, Mask, Gown, Goggles
C. Mask, Gown, Gloves, Goggles
D. Goggles, Gloves, Mask, Gown
Answer: A
Rationale: The standard sequence for donning PPE is Gown, then Mask or Respirator, then
Goggles or Face Shield, and lastly Gloves.
