ADN Exam Questions With Answers and detailed Rationales
Question 1.
Which phase of the nursing process involves the systematic collection of subjective and
objective data?
A. Diagnosis
B. Assessment
C. Planning
D. Implementation
Correct Answer: B. Assessment
Explanation: Assessment is the first step of the nursing process where the nurse gathers
information about the patient’s health status.
Question 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
Correct Answer: C. Subjective data
Explanation: Subjective data consists of information provided by the patient that cannot
be measured directly by the nurse, such as pain or feelings.
Question 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
Correct Answer: A. Performing hand hygiene
Explanation: Hand hygiene is universally recognized as the most critical intervention in
preventing the transmission of pathogens in clinical settings.
, Question 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
Correct Answer: A. Physiological needs
Explanation: Physiological needs (oxygen, water, food, elimination) are the base of the
pyramid and must be met before higher-level needs.
Question 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
Correct Answer: D. Assess the apical pulse for one full minute
Explanation: When a peripheral pulse is irregular, an apical pulse should be counted for a
full 60 seconds for the most accurate measurement.
Question 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
Correct Answer: C. Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare
Explanation: The Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare (Healthcare Surrogate)
designates a proxy to make decisions on the patient’s behalf.
Question 1.
Which phase of the nursing process involves the systematic collection of subjective and
objective data?
A. Diagnosis
B. Assessment
C. Planning
D. Implementation
Correct Answer: B. Assessment
Explanation: Assessment is the first step of the nursing process where the nurse gathers
information about the patient’s health status.
Question 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
Correct Answer: C. Subjective data
Explanation: Subjective data consists of information provided by the patient that cannot
be measured directly by the nurse, such as pain or feelings.
Question 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
Correct Answer: A. Performing hand hygiene
Explanation: Hand hygiene is universally recognized as the most critical intervention in
preventing the transmission of pathogens in clinical settings.
, Question 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
Correct Answer: A. Physiological needs
Explanation: Physiological needs (oxygen, water, food, elimination) are the base of the
pyramid and must be met before higher-level needs.
Question 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
Correct Answer: D. Assess the apical pulse for one full minute
Explanation: When a peripheral pulse is irregular, an apical pulse should be counted for a
full 60 seconds for the most accurate measurement.
Question 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
Correct Answer: C. Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare
Explanation: The Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare (Healthcare Surrogate)
designates a proxy to make decisions on the patient’s behalf.
