BSN Advanced Nursing Fundamentals Exam 1 Practice
2026 UPDATED ACTUAL Questions and CORRECT Answers
1. Which step of the nursing process involves the nurse collecting subjective and
objective data?
A. Diagnosis
B. Implementation
C. Planning
D. Assessment
Answer: D
Rationale: Assessment is the first step of the nursing process where the nurse gathers
comprehensive data about the patient.
2. When performing a blood pressure measurement, which of the following
ensures an accurate reading?
A. Using a cuff that covers 20% of the arm circumference
B. Checking that the cuff width is 40% of the arm circumference
C. Positioning the arm above the level of the heart
D. Deflating the cuff at a rate of 10 mmHg per second
Answer: B
Rationale: The width of the blood pressure cuff bladder should be approximately 40% of
the circumference of the midpoint of the limb used.
,3. A nurse is caring for a patient on contact precautions. Which personal
protective equipment (PPE) is essential?
A. Gown and gloves
B. Mask and goggles
C. N95 respirator
D. Shoe covers only
Answer: A
Rationale: Contact precautions require the use of gloves and a gown to prevent the
transmission of infectious agents through direct or indirect contact.
4. What is the primary purpose of the ‘Planning’ phase in the nursing process?
A. To carry out nursing interventions
B. To identify patient strengths and problems
C. To establish priorities and outcomes
D. To determine the effectiveness of care
Answer: C
Rationale: Planning involves setting priorities, identifying patient-centered goals, and
prescribing nursing interventions.
5. Which pulse site is most commonly used for assessing a patient’s pulse in an
emergency situation such as cardiac arrest?
A. Radial
B. Brachial
C. Dorsalis pedis
D. Carotid
Answer: D
Rationale: The carotid artery is the most accessible and reliable site for checking a pulse
during emergency situations in adults.
, 6. A patient is experiencing orthostatic hypotension. What should the nurse do
first?
A. Administer IV fluids
B. Check the patient’s oxygen saturation
C. Call the physician immediately
D. Assist the patient back to a lying or sitting position
Answer: D
Rationale: The immediate priority is patient safety to prevent falls; returning them to a
supine position helps stabilize blood pressure.
7. Which ethical principle refers to the nurse’s obligation to do no harm?
A. Autonomy
B. Beneficence
C. Nonmaleficence
D. Justice
Answer: C
Rationale: Nonmaleficence is the ethical duty to avoid causing harm to patients.
8. When documenting in a patient’s medical record, which of the following is
most appropriate?
A. The patient was angry and uncooperative
B. The patient appears to be in pain
C. The patient stated ‘I feel very nauseous’
D. Vitals signs were normal
Answer: C
Rationale: Documentation should be objective and include direct quotes from the patient
where applicable, rather than vague or judgmental interpretations.
2026 UPDATED ACTUAL Questions and CORRECT Answers
1. Which step of the nursing process involves the nurse collecting subjective and
objective data?
A. Diagnosis
B. Implementation
C. Planning
D. Assessment
Answer: D
Rationale: Assessment is the first step of the nursing process where the nurse gathers
comprehensive data about the patient.
2. When performing a blood pressure measurement, which of the following
ensures an accurate reading?
A. Using a cuff that covers 20% of the arm circumference
B. Checking that the cuff width is 40% of the arm circumference
C. Positioning the arm above the level of the heart
D. Deflating the cuff at a rate of 10 mmHg per second
Answer: B
Rationale: The width of the blood pressure cuff bladder should be approximately 40% of
the circumference of the midpoint of the limb used.
,3. A nurse is caring for a patient on contact precautions. Which personal
protective equipment (PPE) is essential?
A. Gown and gloves
B. Mask and goggles
C. N95 respirator
D. Shoe covers only
Answer: A
Rationale: Contact precautions require the use of gloves and a gown to prevent the
transmission of infectious agents through direct or indirect contact.
4. What is the primary purpose of the ‘Planning’ phase in the nursing process?
A. To carry out nursing interventions
B. To identify patient strengths and problems
C. To establish priorities and outcomes
D. To determine the effectiveness of care
Answer: C
Rationale: Planning involves setting priorities, identifying patient-centered goals, and
prescribing nursing interventions.
5. Which pulse site is most commonly used for assessing a patient’s pulse in an
emergency situation such as cardiac arrest?
A. Radial
B. Brachial
C. Dorsalis pedis
D. Carotid
Answer: D
Rationale: The carotid artery is the most accessible and reliable site for checking a pulse
during emergency situations in adults.
, 6. A patient is experiencing orthostatic hypotension. What should the nurse do
first?
A. Administer IV fluids
B. Check the patient’s oxygen saturation
C. Call the physician immediately
D. Assist the patient back to a lying or sitting position
Answer: D
Rationale: The immediate priority is patient safety to prevent falls; returning them to a
supine position helps stabilize blood pressure.
7. Which ethical principle refers to the nurse’s obligation to do no harm?
A. Autonomy
B. Beneficence
C. Nonmaleficence
D. Justice
Answer: C
Rationale: Nonmaleficence is the ethical duty to avoid causing harm to patients.
8. When documenting in a patient’s medical record, which of the following is
most appropriate?
A. The patient was angry and uncooperative
B. The patient appears to be in pain
C. The patient stated ‘I feel very nauseous’
D. Vitals signs were normal
Answer: C
Rationale: Documentation should be objective and include direct quotes from the patient
where applicable, rather than vague or judgmental interpretations.
