Galen College NSG 3130 Final Exam (pdf) | 2026/2027 | Fundamental
Concepts & Skills for Nursing Practice II Q&A | Nursing
1. The nurse is assessing a patient's vital signs and notes a respiratory rate
of 28 breaths per minute. Which of the following terms best describes this
finding?
A) Bradypnea
B) Tachypnea
C) Apnea
D) Hyperpnea
Correct Answer: Tachypnea
Rationale: Tachypnea is an abnormally fast respiratory rate, typically greater
than 20 breaths per minute in adults. Bradypnea is a slow rate (less than 12
breaths per minute), apnea is the absence of breathing, and hyperpnea is
deep, labored breathing.
2. A patient is receiving oxygen at 4 L/min via nasal cannula and has an
oxygen saturation of 88%. Which action should the nurse take first?
A) Increase the oxygen flow rate to 6 L/min
B) Place the patient in a high-Fowler's position
C) Assess the patient's respiratory effort and lung sounds
D) Notify the healthcare provider immediately
Correct Answer: Assess the patient's respiratory effort and lung sounds
Rationale: Before making changes to oxygen therapy, the nurse must assess
the patient's respiratory status, including effort, depth, and lung sounds, to
determine the cause of the low saturation. This is the priority action to
ensure safe and effective intervention.
,3. A patient with left-sided heart failure has crackles in the lung fields. Which
intervention should the nurse implement to promote comfort?
A) Place the patient in a supine position
B) Use three pillows for support
C) Restrict all fluids
D) Encourage the patient to ambulate
Correct Answer: Use three pillows for support
Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed with pillows helps reduce venous
return, decrease pulmonary congestion, and improve oxygenation in patients
with left-sided heart failure. This non-pharmacological intervention promotes
comfort and respiratory function.
4. A patient with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) just came out of surgery.
What is the priority assessment question for this patient?
A) "Do you have any pain in your legs?"
B) "Do you have chest pain or shortness of breath?"
C) "Are you able to move your toes?"
D) "Do you feel any numbness in your feet?"
Correct Answer: "Do you have chest pain or shortness of breath?"
Rationale: A patient with a DVT is at high risk for a pulmonary embolism (PE),
which can present with sudden chest pain and shortness of breath. This is a
life-threatening emergency and requires immediate assessment and
intervention.
,5. A patient who is taking anticoagulants asks the nurse, "What if I stop
taking my meds?" What is the nurse's best response?
A) "You may experience increased bleeding"
B) "Your blood pressure may increase"
C) "You will need to restart the medication"
D) "The patient can have a stroke"
Correct Answer: The patient can have a stroke
Rationale: Anticoagulants are prescribed to prevent clot formation. Stopping
them abruptly can lead to clot formation, which can cause a stroke or other
thromboembolic events. The nurse should emphasize the importance of
medication adherence.
6. A patient has had a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Which diet is
correct for this patient?
A) High-protein, high-carbohydrate diet
B) Low-fat, low-cholesterol diet
C) High-sodium, high-potassium diet
D) Liquid diet for the first week
Correct Answer: Low-fat, low-cholesterol diet
Rationale: After a CABG, a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet is recommended to
reduce the risk of further coronary artery disease. Heart-healthy options such
as beans, fish, and whole grains are encouraged to promote cardiovascular
health.
7. A patient had a femoral cardiac catheterization. The nurse should plan to:
, A) Keep the patient on strict bed rest for 24 hours
B) Perform neurovascular checks with vital signs
C) Encourage the patient to ambulate immediately
D) Apply heat to the insertion site
Correct Answer: Perform neurovascular checks with vital signs
Rationale: After a femoral cardiac catheterization, the nurse should perform
neurovascular checks (pulses, color, sensation, movement, and temperature)
along with vital signs to monitor for complications such as bleeding,
hematoma, or impaired circulation. This is essential for early detection of
complications.
8. The nurse is caring for a patient who is tired, unable to perform normal
activities at normal rates, and lacks energy. What should the nurse check?
A) Blood pressure
B) Hemoglobin level
C) Serum potassium
D) Oxygen saturation
Correct Answer: Hemoglobin level
Rationale: Fatigue, weakness, and decreased activity tolerance are common
signs of anemia, which is indicated by a low hemoglobin level. Checking the
hemoglobin can help identify the cause of these symptoms and guide
appropriate interventions.
9. What is the purpose of a chest x-ray in cardiac assessment?
A) To measure the electrical activity of the heart
Concepts & Skills for Nursing Practice II Q&A | Nursing
1. The nurse is assessing a patient's vital signs and notes a respiratory rate
of 28 breaths per minute. Which of the following terms best describes this
finding?
A) Bradypnea
B) Tachypnea
C) Apnea
D) Hyperpnea
Correct Answer: Tachypnea
Rationale: Tachypnea is an abnormally fast respiratory rate, typically greater
than 20 breaths per minute in adults. Bradypnea is a slow rate (less than 12
breaths per minute), apnea is the absence of breathing, and hyperpnea is
deep, labored breathing.
2. A patient is receiving oxygen at 4 L/min via nasal cannula and has an
oxygen saturation of 88%. Which action should the nurse take first?
A) Increase the oxygen flow rate to 6 L/min
B) Place the patient in a high-Fowler's position
C) Assess the patient's respiratory effort and lung sounds
D) Notify the healthcare provider immediately
Correct Answer: Assess the patient's respiratory effort and lung sounds
Rationale: Before making changes to oxygen therapy, the nurse must assess
the patient's respiratory status, including effort, depth, and lung sounds, to
determine the cause of the low saturation. This is the priority action to
ensure safe and effective intervention.
,3. A patient with left-sided heart failure has crackles in the lung fields. Which
intervention should the nurse implement to promote comfort?
A) Place the patient in a supine position
B) Use three pillows for support
C) Restrict all fluids
D) Encourage the patient to ambulate
Correct Answer: Use three pillows for support
Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed with pillows helps reduce venous
return, decrease pulmonary congestion, and improve oxygenation in patients
with left-sided heart failure. This non-pharmacological intervention promotes
comfort and respiratory function.
4. A patient with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) just came out of surgery.
What is the priority assessment question for this patient?
A) "Do you have any pain in your legs?"
B) "Do you have chest pain or shortness of breath?"
C) "Are you able to move your toes?"
D) "Do you feel any numbness in your feet?"
Correct Answer: "Do you have chest pain or shortness of breath?"
Rationale: A patient with a DVT is at high risk for a pulmonary embolism (PE),
which can present with sudden chest pain and shortness of breath. This is a
life-threatening emergency and requires immediate assessment and
intervention.
,5. A patient who is taking anticoagulants asks the nurse, "What if I stop
taking my meds?" What is the nurse's best response?
A) "You may experience increased bleeding"
B) "Your blood pressure may increase"
C) "You will need to restart the medication"
D) "The patient can have a stroke"
Correct Answer: The patient can have a stroke
Rationale: Anticoagulants are prescribed to prevent clot formation. Stopping
them abruptly can lead to clot formation, which can cause a stroke or other
thromboembolic events. The nurse should emphasize the importance of
medication adherence.
6. A patient has had a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Which diet is
correct for this patient?
A) High-protein, high-carbohydrate diet
B) Low-fat, low-cholesterol diet
C) High-sodium, high-potassium diet
D) Liquid diet for the first week
Correct Answer: Low-fat, low-cholesterol diet
Rationale: After a CABG, a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet is recommended to
reduce the risk of further coronary artery disease. Heart-healthy options such
as beans, fish, and whole grains are encouraged to promote cardiovascular
health.
7. A patient had a femoral cardiac catheterization. The nurse should plan to:
, A) Keep the patient on strict bed rest for 24 hours
B) Perform neurovascular checks with vital signs
C) Encourage the patient to ambulate immediately
D) Apply heat to the insertion site
Correct Answer: Perform neurovascular checks with vital signs
Rationale: After a femoral cardiac catheterization, the nurse should perform
neurovascular checks (pulses, color, sensation, movement, and temperature)
along with vital signs to monitor for complications such as bleeding,
hematoma, or impaired circulation. This is essential for early detection of
complications.
8. The nurse is caring for a patient who is tired, unable to perform normal
activities at normal rates, and lacks energy. What should the nurse check?
A) Blood pressure
B) Hemoglobin level
C) Serum potassium
D) Oxygen saturation
Correct Answer: Hemoglobin level
Rationale: Fatigue, weakness, and decreased activity tolerance are common
signs of anemia, which is indicated by a low hemoglobin level. Checking the
hemoglobin can help identify the cause of these symptoms and guide
appropriate interventions.
9. What is the purpose of a chest x-ray in cardiac assessment?
A) To measure the electrical activity of the heart
