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NUR 155 – FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING Exam 1 Review Guide | Latest
Fall 2026 Questions with Detailed Rationales
Question 1
Which of the following is the first step of the nursing process?
A. Planning
B. Assessment
C. Implementation
D. Evaluation
Answer: B
Rationale: The nursing process begins with assessment—
collecting subjective and objective data. It is followed by
diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation (ADPIE).
Question 2
A nurse is collecting data from a client. Which of the following is
subjective data?
A. Blood pressure 140/90 mmHg
B. Client reports feeling nauseated
C. Temperature 101°F
D. Crackles auscultated in lung bases
Answer: B
Rationale: Subjective data are symptoms reported by the client,
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such as nausea, pain, or dizziness. Objective data are
measurable or observable findings.
Question 3
Which of the following is an example of objective data?
A. Client states "I am tired."
B. Client reports pain 7/10
C. Respiratory rate 22 breaths/min
D. Client complains of headache
Answer: C
Rationale: Objective data are measurable and observable by
the nurse, such as vital signs, lung sounds, and lab results.
Question 4
A nurse is formulating a nursing diagnosis. Which of the
following is written correctly?
A. Pneumonia
B. Impaired Gas Exchange related to alveolar-capillary
membrane changes as evidenced by SpO2 88%
C. Administer oxygen as prescribed
D. Client will maintain SpO2 >95%
Answer: B
Rationale: A nursing diagnosis uses the PES format: Problem
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(Impaired Gas Exchange), Etiology (related to), and
Signs/Symptoms (as evidenced by). Pneumonia is a medical
diagnosis.
Question 5
Which of the following is an example of an independent nursing
intervention?
A. Administering IV antibiotics
B. Repositioning a client every 2 hours
C. Inserting a urinary catheter
D. Drawing blood for cultures
Answer: B
Rationale: Independent nursing interventions are actions
nurses can initiate without a provider order, such as
repositioning, teaching, and hygiene measures.
Question 6
A nurse is evaluating a client's progress toward a goal. Which
statement indicates a SMART goal?
A. The client will improve mobility.
B. The client will ambulate 50 feet by the end of the shift.
C. The client will feel better soon.
D. The client will be encouraged to walk.
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Answer: B
Rationale: A SMART goal is Specific, Measurable, Achievable,
Relevant, and Time-bound. "Ambulate 50 feet by the end of the
shift" includes all components.
Question 7
Which of the following is the correct order of the nursing
process?
A. Planning, Assessment, Diagnosis, Implementation, Evaluation
B. Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation
C. Diagnosis, Assessment, Planning, Evaluation, Implementation
D. Assessment, Planning, Diagnosis, Evaluation, Implementation
Answer: B
Rationale: The nursing process follows ADPIE: Assessment,
Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation.
Question 8
A nurse is preparing to perform a focused assessment. What is
the primary purpose?
A. To gather comprehensive data about all body systems
B. To assess a specific problem or body system
C. To evaluate only lab results
D. To complete documentation only
NUR 155 – FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING Exam 1 Review Guide | Latest
Fall 2026 Questions with Detailed Rationales
Question 1
Which of the following is the first step of the nursing process?
A. Planning
B. Assessment
C. Implementation
D. Evaluation
Answer: B
Rationale: The nursing process begins with assessment—
collecting subjective and objective data. It is followed by
diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation (ADPIE).
Question 2
A nurse is collecting data from a client. Which of the following is
subjective data?
A. Blood pressure 140/90 mmHg
B. Client reports feeling nauseated
C. Temperature 101°F
D. Crackles auscultated in lung bases
Answer: B
Rationale: Subjective data are symptoms reported by the client,
, Page |2
such as nausea, pain, or dizziness. Objective data are
measurable or observable findings.
Question 3
Which of the following is an example of objective data?
A. Client states "I am tired."
B. Client reports pain 7/10
C. Respiratory rate 22 breaths/min
D. Client complains of headache
Answer: C
Rationale: Objective data are measurable and observable by
the nurse, such as vital signs, lung sounds, and lab results.
Question 4
A nurse is formulating a nursing diagnosis. Which of the
following is written correctly?
A. Pneumonia
B. Impaired Gas Exchange related to alveolar-capillary
membrane changes as evidenced by SpO2 88%
C. Administer oxygen as prescribed
D. Client will maintain SpO2 >95%
Answer: B
Rationale: A nursing diagnosis uses the PES format: Problem
, Page |3
(Impaired Gas Exchange), Etiology (related to), and
Signs/Symptoms (as evidenced by). Pneumonia is a medical
diagnosis.
Question 5
Which of the following is an example of an independent nursing
intervention?
A. Administering IV antibiotics
B. Repositioning a client every 2 hours
C. Inserting a urinary catheter
D. Drawing blood for cultures
Answer: B
Rationale: Independent nursing interventions are actions
nurses can initiate without a provider order, such as
repositioning, teaching, and hygiene measures.
Question 6
A nurse is evaluating a client's progress toward a goal. Which
statement indicates a SMART goal?
A. The client will improve mobility.
B. The client will ambulate 50 feet by the end of the shift.
C. The client will feel better soon.
D. The client will be encouraged to walk.
, Page |4
Answer: B
Rationale: A SMART goal is Specific, Measurable, Achievable,
Relevant, and Time-bound. "Ambulate 50 feet by the end of the
shift" includes all components.
Question 7
Which of the following is the correct order of the nursing
process?
A. Planning, Assessment, Diagnosis, Implementation, Evaluation
B. Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation
C. Diagnosis, Assessment, Planning, Evaluation, Implementation
D. Assessment, Planning, Diagnosis, Evaluation, Implementation
Answer: B
Rationale: The nursing process follows ADPIE: Assessment,
Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation.
Question 8
A nurse is preparing to perform a focused assessment. What is
the primary purpose?
A. To gather comprehensive data about all body systems
B. To assess a specific problem or body system
C. To evaluate only lab results
D. To complete documentation only
