Galen NUR 257 Exam 1, exam questions with
correct answers (verifiedanswers) plus
rationales 2026 Q&A instant download pdf
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a client who has just been admitted to the
medical-surgical unit. Which assessment should the nurse
perform first?
A. Review the client's family history
B. Assess the client's airway and breathing
C. Determine the client's dietary preferences
D. Obtain information about the client's usual sleep pattern
Answer: B. Assess the client's airway and breathing
Airway and breathing are immediate priorities because
inadequate oxygenation can rapidly become life-threatening.
The nurse should initially use the ABC framework—airway,
breathing, and circulation—when determining priorities. Family
history, nutrition, and sleep are important components of a
comprehensive assessment but do not take precedence over an
immediate threat to physiologic stability.
,Question 2
Which finding is most concerning in a client who is receiving
supplemental oxygen?
A. Oxygen saturation of 96%
B. Respiratory rate of 18/min
C. New onset of confusion and restlessness
D. Heart rate of 78/min
Answer: C. New onset of confusion and restlessness
New confusion and restlessness can be early manifestations of
inadequate oxygenation, particularly when they represent a
change from the client's baseline. Although pulse oximetry is
useful, the nurse should assess the client rather than relying
exclusively on a numerical oxygen-saturation value. A
respiratory rate of 18/min and heart rate of 78/min are
generally within expected adult ranges.
Question 3
A nurse is preparing to administer an oral medication. Which
action is most important before giving the medication?
A. Ask another client whether the medication is effective
B. Verify the client's identity using two identifiers
C. Place the medication at the client's bedside
D. Document administration before the medication is given
,Answer: B. Verify the client's identity using two identifiers
Correct client identification is a fundamental medication-safety
measure. The nurse should use two approved identifiers, such as
the client's name and date of birth, according to facility policy.
Documentation should occur after administration, and
medications should not be left unattended at the bedside unless
specifically permitted and appropriate.
Question 4
A nurse is caring for a client who reports severe pain. Which
action should the nurse take first?
A. Tell the client that pain medication can be given later
B. Assess the pain using an appropriate pain scale
C. Encourage the client to ignore the pain
D. Document that the client is uncomfortable
Answer: B. Assess the pain using an appropriate pain scale
Pain is subjective, so the nurse should first obtain a systematic
assessment of its intensity, location, quality, duration, and
associated factors. An appropriate pain scale helps establish a
baseline and allows the nurse to evaluate the effectiveness of
interventions. The client's report should be taken seriously
rather than minimized.
, Question 5
Which statement by a nurse demonstrates therapeutic
communication?
A. “You shouldn't feel that way.”
B. “Everything will be fine.”
C. “Tell me more about what concerns you.”
D. “I know exactly how you feel.”
Answer: C. “Tell me more about what concerns you.”
“Tell me more” is an open-ended therapeutic communication
technique that encourages the client to describe thoughts and
feelings in greater detail. Statements such as “everything will be
fine” can provide false reassurance, while “I know exactly how
you feel” assumes the nurse can fully understand the client's
individual experience. Therapeutic communication should
promote expression without judgment.
Question 6
A client is at increased risk for falls. Which intervention is most
appropriate?
A. Keep the bed in the highest position
B. Keep the call light within reach
C. Encourage the client to walk without assistance
D. Keep all four side rails raised routinely
correct answers (verifiedanswers) plus
rationales 2026 Q&A instant download pdf
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a client who has just been admitted to the
medical-surgical unit. Which assessment should the nurse
perform first?
A. Review the client's family history
B. Assess the client's airway and breathing
C. Determine the client's dietary preferences
D. Obtain information about the client's usual sleep pattern
Answer: B. Assess the client's airway and breathing
Airway and breathing are immediate priorities because
inadequate oxygenation can rapidly become life-threatening.
The nurse should initially use the ABC framework—airway,
breathing, and circulation—when determining priorities. Family
history, nutrition, and sleep are important components of a
comprehensive assessment but do not take precedence over an
immediate threat to physiologic stability.
,Question 2
Which finding is most concerning in a client who is receiving
supplemental oxygen?
A. Oxygen saturation of 96%
B. Respiratory rate of 18/min
C. New onset of confusion and restlessness
D. Heart rate of 78/min
Answer: C. New onset of confusion and restlessness
New confusion and restlessness can be early manifestations of
inadequate oxygenation, particularly when they represent a
change from the client's baseline. Although pulse oximetry is
useful, the nurse should assess the client rather than relying
exclusively on a numerical oxygen-saturation value. A
respiratory rate of 18/min and heart rate of 78/min are
generally within expected adult ranges.
Question 3
A nurse is preparing to administer an oral medication. Which
action is most important before giving the medication?
A. Ask another client whether the medication is effective
B. Verify the client's identity using two identifiers
C. Place the medication at the client's bedside
D. Document administration before the medication is given
,Answer: B. Verify the client's identity using two identifiers
Correct client identification is a fundamental medication-safety
measure. The nurse should use two approved identifiers, such as
the client's name and date of birth, according to facility policy.
Documentation should occur after administration, and
medications should not be left unattended at the bedside unless
specifically permitted and appropriate.
Question 4
A nurse is caring for a client who reports severe pain. Which
action should the nurse take first?
A. Tell the client that pain medication can be given later
B. Assess the pain using an appropriate pain scale
C. Encourage the client to ignore the pain
D. Document that the client is uncomfortable
Answer: B. Assess the pain using an appropriate pain scale
Pain is subjective, so the nurse should first obtain a systematic
assessment of its intensity, location, quality, duration, and
associated factors. An appropriate pain scale helps establish a
baseline and allows the nurse to evaluate the effectiveness of
interventions. The client's report should be taken seriously
rather than minimized.
, Question 5
Which statement by a nurse demonstrates therapeutic
communication?
A. “You shouldn't feel that way.”
B. “Everything will be fine.”
C. “Tell me more about what concerns you.”
D. “I know exactly how you feel.”
Answer: C. “Tell me more about what concerns you.”
“Tell me more” is an open-ended therapeutic communication
technique that encourages the client to describe thoughts and
feelings in greater detail. Statements such as “everything will be
fine” can provide false reassurance, while “I know exactly how
you feel” assumes the nurse can fully understand the client's
individual experience. Therapeutic communication should
promote expression without judgment.
Question 6
A client is at increased risk for falls. Which intervention is most
appropriate?
A. Keep the bed in the highest position
B. Keep the call light within reach
C. Encourage the client to walk without assistance
D. Keep all four side rails raised routinely
