BSN 246 Exam 1 — Exam Questions with
Correct Answers (VerifiedAnswers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A Instant Download PDF
Question 1
A nurse is beginning an assessment of a newly admitted client.
Which action represents the first step of the nursing process?
A. Establishing expected outcomes
B. Selecting nursing interventions
C. Collecting subjective and objective data
D. Determining whether interventions were effective
Rationale: Assessment is the first step of the nursing process.
The nurse systematically collects subjective information, such as
symptoms reported by the client, and objective information,
such as vital signs and physical findings. Accurate assessment
provides the foundation for identifying nursing diagnoses,
establishing appropriate outcomes, selecting interventions, and
evaluating the client's response to care.
Question 2
Which finding is an example of subjective data?
,A. Blood pressure of 146/88 mmHg
B. Respiratory rate of 24 breaths/minute
C. Oxygen saturation of 92%
D. The client reports feeling short of breath
Rationale: Subjective data are symptoms or experiences
reported by the client and cannot be directly measured by the
nurse. Shortness of breath is a sensation described by the client.
Blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation are
objective findings because they can be observed or measured by
the healthcare professional.
Question 3
Which finding is objective data?
A. “My stomach hurts after eating.”
B. “I feel dizzy when I stand.”
C. “I have been feeling tired all week.”
D. The client's temperature is 38.4°C (101.1°F)
Rationale: Objective data are observable, measurable, or
verifiable findings obtained through assessment, examination,
or diagnostic testing. A temperature of 38.4°C can be measured
with a thermometer. The other options describe symptoms that
depend on the client's personal perception and therefore
represent subjective data.
,Question 4
A client refuses a recommended treatment after receiving
appropriate information about the benefits and risks. Which
ethical principle should the nurse recognize?
A. Justice
B. Beneficence
C. Fidelity
D. Autonomy
Rationale: Autonomy is the client's right to make informed
decisions regarding personal healthcare. A competent client
may accept or refuse treatment even when the healthcare team
recommends otherwise. Beneficence involves promoting the
client's well-being, while justice concerns fairness and equitable
treatment. Fidelity refers to keeping commitments and
maintaining professional trust.
Question 5
Which nursing action best demonstrates beneficence?
A. Allowing a competent client to refuse medication
B. Assigning resources equally among all clients
C. Providing an intervention intended to promote the client's
well-being
, D. Maintaining confidentiality about a client's health
information
Rationale: Beneficence means acting for the benefit of the client
and promoting well-being. Nursing interventions should be
directed toward improving health, preventing harm, relieving
suffering, or supporting recovery. Respecting refusal
demonstrates autonomy, while fair distribution reflects justice.
Question 6
A nurse is interviewing a client about a health concern. Which
communication technique is most therapeutic?
A. Asking several questions at once
B. Changing the subject when the client becomes emotional
C. Using open-ended questions and allowing the client time to
respond
D. Interrupting frequently to keep the interview brief
Rationale: Open-ended questions encourage clients to describe
their concerns in their own words and can provide richer
assessment information. Allowing adequate response time
demonstrates respect and active listening. Asking multiple
questions simultaneously can confuse the client, while
interruptions and premature topic changes may limit
communication and important assessment data.
Correct Answers (VerifiedAnswers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A Instant Download PDF
Question 1
A nurse is beginning an assessment of a newly admitted client.
Which action represents the first step of the nursing process?
A. Establishing expected outcomes
B. Selecting nursing interventions
C. Collecting subjective and objective data
D. Determining whether interventions were effective
Rationale: Assessment is the first step of the nursing process.
The nurse systematically collects subjective information, such as
symptoms reported by the client, and objective information,
such as vital signs and physical findings. Accurate assessment
provides the foundation for identifying nursing diagnoses,
establishing appropriate outcomes, selecting interventions, and
evaluating the client's response to care.
Question 2
Which finding is an example of subjective data?
,A. Blood pressure of 146/88 mmHg
B. Respiratory rate of 24 breaths/minute
C. Oxygen saturation of 92%
D. The client reports feeling short of breath
Rationale: Subjective data are symptoms or experiences
reported by the client and cannot be directly measured by the
nurse. Shortness of breath is a sensation described by the client.
Blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation are
objective findings because they can be observed or measured by
the healthcare professional.
Question 3
Which finding is objective data?
A. “My stomach hurts after eating.”
B. “I feel dizzy when I stand.”
C. “I have been feeling tired all week.”
D. The client's temperature is 38.4°C (101.1°F)
Rationale: Objective data are observable, measurable, or
verifiable findings obtained through assessment, examination,
or diagnostic testing. A temperature of 38.4°C can be measured
with a thermometer. The other options describe symptoms that
depend on the client's personal perception and therefore
represent subjective data.
,Question 4
A client refuses a recommended treatment after receiving
appropriate information about the benefits and risks. Which
ethical principle should the nurse recognize?
A. Justice
B. Beneficence
C. Fidelity
D. Autonomy
Rationale: Autonomy is the client's right to make informed
decisions regarding personal healthcare. A competent client
may accept or refuse treatment even when the healthcare team
recommends otherwise. Beneficence involves promoting the
client's well-being, while justice concerns fairness and equitable
treatment. Fidelity refers to keeping commitments and
maintaining professional trust.
Question 5
Which nursing action best demonstrates beneficence?
A. Allowing a competent client to refuse medication
B. Assigning resources equally among all clients
C. Providing an intervention intended to promote the client's
well-being
, D. Maintaining confidentiality about a client's health
information
Rationale: Beneficence means acting for the benefit of the client
and promoting well-being. Nursing interventions should be
directed toward improving health, preventing harm, relieving
suffering, or supporting recovery. Respecting refusal
demonstrates autonomy, while fair distribution reflects justice.
Question 6
A nurse is interviewing a client about a health concern. Which
communication technique is most therapeutic?
A. Asking several questions at once
B. Changing the subject when the client becomes emotional
C. Using open-ended questions and allowing the client time to
respond
D. Interrupting frequently to keep the interview brief
Rationale: Open-ended questions encourage clients to describe
their concerns in their own words and can provide richer
assessment information. Allowing adequate response time
demonstrates respect and active listening. Asking multiple
questions simultaneously can confuse the client, while
interruptions and premature topic changes may limit
communication and important assessment data.
