(2026/2027) Actual Questions & Answers (Galen) 100%
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Section 1: Professional Nursing Roles and Transition to
Practice (Questions 1–40)
1. A new graduate nurse is transitioning to professional practice.
Which behavior BEST demonstrates the transition from novice to
competent nurse?
A. Relying solely on institutional policies for all clinical decisions
B. Seeking guidance from experienced colleagues while developing clinical judgment
C. Avoiding asking questions to appear confident
D. Performing tasks without understanding the underlying rationale
Answer: B
Rationale: The transition from novice to competent nurse involves seeking guidance
from experienced colleagues while developing clinical judgment. This reflects the
"knowing how" phase of skill acquisition described by Benner. Novice nurses follow
rules, while competent nurses can plan and prioritize based on experience and
contextual understanding.
2. A graduate nurse is experiencing reality shock during the first
month of practice. Which intervention is MOST effective for
managing this transition?
,A. Withdrawing from colleagues to focus on individual performance
B. Participating in a structured residency program with mentoring and support
C. Requesting assignment to the easiest patient load
D. Avoiding all non-clinical responsibilities
Answer: B
Rationale: Reality shock is the stress experienced when the idealized view of nursing
meets the realities of practice. Structured residency programs with mentoring, support
groups, and gradual skill development are evidence-based interventions that reduce
turnover and improve job satisfaction among new graduates.
3. A nurse is delegating tasks to unlicensed assistive personnel
(UAP). Which task is appropriate for delegation?
A. Administering oral medications
B. Performing a sterile dressing change
C. Assisting a patient with ambulation
D. Assessing a patient's lung sounds
Answer: C
Rationale: The RN must retain accountability for assessment, planning, and evaluation.
Ambulation, feeding, and hygiene tasks are appropriate for UAP delegation. Medication
administration, sterile procedures, and nursing assessments cannot be delegated.
4. The nurse is using the SBAR communication tool during a
handoff report. What does SBAR stand for?
A. Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation
B. Status, Behavior, Action, Response
C. Summary, Background, Analysis, Review
D. Situation, Briefing, Action, Result
,Answer: A
Rationale: SBAR stands for Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation.
This standardized communication tool improves patient safety by ensuring clear,
concise, and structured communication during handoffs. "Situation" describes what is
happening, "Background" provides context, "Assessment" is the nurse's clinical
judgment, and "Recommendation" suggests next steps.
5. A nurse is caring for a postoperative patient. The patient's
blood pressure drops from 120/80 mmHg to 90/60 mmHg. Which
action should the nurse take FIRST?
A. Document the finding in the chart
B. Recheck the blood pressure in 15 minutes
C. Assess the patient for signs of bleeding and notify the provider
D. Increase the IV fluid rate
Answer: C
Rationale: A significant drop in blood pressure in a postoperative patient may indicate
hemorrhage or shock. The nurse should assess the patient (including surgical site, pulse,
and mental status) and notify the provider immediately. Documentation and increasing
fluids are appropriate but should not precede assessment and provider notification.
6. A nurse receives a telephone order from a provider for a
medication. Which action is MOST appropriate?
A. Accept the order and administer the medication
B. Repeat the order back to the provider and document as a read-back
C. Ask another nurse to accept the order
D. Refuse to accept telephone orders
Answer: B
, Rationale: The read-back procedure requires the nurse to repeat the order back to the
provider to confirm accuracy. This reduces medication errors and is a Joint Commission
requirement for telephone orders. The order must be signed by the provider within the
facility's specified timeframe.
7. A nurse is caring for a patient who is confused and attempting
to get out of bed. Which intervention should the nurse implement
FIRST?
A. Apply soft wrist restraints
B. Administer a sedative medication
C. Assess the patient for causes of confusion (e.g., pain, hypoxia, urinary retention)
D. Notify the provider for a restraint order
Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should first assess for underlying causes of confusion, such as
pain, hypoxia, urinary retention, or medication side effects. Restraints should be used as
a last resort, and sedation should not be the first response. Identifying and treating the
cause of confusion is the priority.
8. A nurse is providing education to a patient about advance
directives. Which statement indicates the patient understands the
teaching?
A. "An advance directive gives my family the right to make all healthcare decisions"
B. "An advance directive allows me to document my healthcare preferences in case I
cannot speak for myself"
C. "I only need an advance directive if I am terminally ill"
D. "An advance directive takes effect immediately upon signing"
Answer: B