NR 224 FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING SKILLS
STUDY GUIDE
2026-2027 Update Exam Practice Questions
I. EXAM STUDY BLUEPRINT & CORE ANALYSIS
To ensure alignment with the official course syllabus, the following blueprint identifies key concepts,
terminology, critical procedures, and commonly confused topics covered within this comprehensive test bank.
Resource Title & Subject NR 224 Fundamentals of Nursing Skills / NR 283 Pathophysiology (Chamberlain
University)
Chapters & Major Units • Unit 1: Critical Thinking & Nursing Process Components
• Unit 2: Infection Control, Stages, & HIPAA Regulations
• Unit 3: Vital Signs, Character, & Hemodynamics Assessment
• Unit 4: Body Alignment, Biomechanics, & Patient Transfer
• Unit 5: Immobility Consequences, Positioning, & Assistive Devices
• Unit 6: Wound Classification, Ulcers Staging, & Dressing Care
Key Terminology Incubation, Prodromal, Convalescent, Febrile, Afebrile, Apical, Radial, Pulse Deficit,
Orthostatic Hypotension, Friction, Dangling, Paraplegia, Hemiplegia, Quadriplegia,
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), Hypercalcemia, Trochanter Roll, Supported Fowler's,
Sims, Primary/Secondary Intention, Dehiscence, Evisceration, COCA, Debridement,
Atelectasis
Core Procedures • Assessing orthostatic blood pressure (Lying, Sitting, Standing)
• Handwashing protocol (#1 infection prevention barrier)
• Apical-radial pulse deficit assessment (full-minute count)
• Safe patient body mechanics (wide base of support, low center of gravity)
• Ambulation techniques with assistive devices (walker, cane, crutches gaits)
• Wound measurement, assessment of drainage (COCA), and dressing selection
Commonly Confused • Local vs. Systemic Infection: Localized signs (warmth, pain, pus, redness) vs.
Concepts systemic (entire body involvement).
• Incubation vs. Prodromal: Appearance of first symptoms vs. onset of non-specific
general symptoms (fever/fatigue).
• Cane placement: Always held on the stronger (unaffected) side of the body.
• DVT signs: Pain/swelling in lower leg vs. pulmonary embolism when clots travel.
• Primary vs. Secondary Intention: Clean surgical incision (stitches, fine scar) vs.
burns/tissue loss healing by scar tissue.
• Dehiscence vs. Evisceration: Skin/tissue layers separating vs. total separation with
organ protrusion (surgical emergency).
• Right vs. Left Heart Failure: Right-sided (peripheral edema, JVD, liver
enlargement) vs. Left-sided (pulmonary, dyspnea, crackles).
CHAMBERLAIN UNIVERSITY — STUDY COMPANION EXAM Page 1 2026-2027 EXAM UPDATE
,NR 224 FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING SKILLS STUDY GUIDE 2026-2027 EXAM UPDATE
II. COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE EXAM (52 TARGETED QUESTIONS)
Instructions: Answer the following multi-choice questions. Detailed, evidence-based rationales are provided
immediately following each question to reinforce conceptual understanding and ensure 100% readiness for
Chamberlain University nursing examinations.
Question 1: A nurse uses previous patient care experience to guide her clinical decision-making during
a complex assessment. Which component of the five critical thinking components does this represent?
A. Specific knowledge base
B. Experiences
C. Competencies
D. Attitudes for critical thinking
ANSWER ■: B — Experiences
Explanation: Previous patient care experience represents 'Experiences,' which is one of the five components of critical
thinking. A 'Specific knowledge base' increases critical knowledge, 'Competencies' refers to applying the nursing process in
practice, and 'Attitudes' represents traits like confidence or fairness.
Question 2: The nurse is applying the nursing process in daily clinical practice to solve patient
problems. According to the five components of critical thinking, which component is the nurse
demonstrating?
A. Competencies
B. Specific knowledge base
C. Professional standards
D. Attitudes for critical thinking
ANSWER ■: A — Competencies
Explanation: Applying the nursing process in practice is categorized under 'Competencies' as a critical thinking component.
Specific knowledge base increases knowledge, while professional standards are based on ANA scope and standards.
Question 3: A nurse demonstrates confidence and fairness when evaluating a patient's treatment plan.
Which of the following components of critical thinking is she illustrating?
A. Professional standards
B. Specific knowledge base
C. Competencies
D. Attitude for critical thinking
ANSWER ■: D — Attitude for critical thinking
Explanation: Confidence, fairness, creativity, and professional integrity are classified as 'Attitudes for critical thinking' under
the five components of critical thinking.
CHAMBERLAIN UNIVERSITY — STUDY COMPANION EXAM Page 2 Grounded in Official Syllabus
, NR 224 FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING SKILLS STUDY GUIDE 2026-2027 EXAM UPDATE
Question 4: A nursing student is reviewing the American Nurses Association (ANA) Scope and
Standards of Nursing Practice, specifically focusing on interprofessional team collaboration. Which
component of critical thinking does this focus align with?
A. Specific knowledge base
B. Professional standards
C. Experience
D. Competencies
ANSWER ■: B — Professional standards
Explanation: Professional standards include the ANA Scope and Standards of Nursing Practice, specifically the Standard
of Practice, such as the collaboration aspect within interprofessional teams.
Question 5: Which critical thinking component is primarily responsible for expanding a nurse's critical
knowledge base through formal education and reading scientific journals?
A. Experiences
B. Specific knowledge base
C. Competencies
D. Professional standards
ANSWER ■: B — Specific knowledge base
Explanation: The 'Specific knowledge base' is the component that directly increases our critical knowledge through
structured educational resources, theories, and scientific facts.
Question 6: A nurse is explaining the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to a
colleague. Which of the following statements is true regarding HIPAA?
A. HIPAA is a state-level law that varies between state lines.
B. HIPAA is a federal law and applies to verbal, electronic, and written forms of Protected Health Information
(PHI).
C. HIPAA only regulates written paper documentation, not verbal communications.
D. HIPAA rules do not apply to interprofessional teams during care collaboration.
ANSWER ■: B — HIPAA is a federal law and applies to verbal, electronic, and written forms of Protected
Health Information (PHI).
Explanation: HIPAA is a federal law (not a state law) that protects Protected Health Information (PHI) in all forms: verbal,
electronic, or written. Verbal discussions, electronic records, and written files are all protected under this federal mandate.
CHAMBERLAIN UNIVERSITY — STUDY COMPANION EXAM Page 3 Grounded in Official Syllabus
STUDY GUIDE
2026-2027 Update Exam Practice Questions
I. EXAM STUDY BLUEPRINT & CORE ANALYSIS
To ensure alignment with the official course syllabus, the following blueprint identifies key concepts,
terminology, critical procedures, and commonly confused topics covered within this comprehensive test bank.
Resource Title & Subject NR 224 Fundamentals of Nursing Skills / NR 283 Pathophysiology (Chamberlain
University)
Chapters & Major Units • Unit 1: Critical Thinking & Nursing Process Components
• Unit 2: Infection Control, Stages, & HIPAA Regulations
• Unit 3: Vital Signs, Character, & Hemodynamics Assessment
• Unit 4: Body Alignment, Biomechanics, & Patient Transfer
• Unit 5: Immobility Consequences, Positioning, & Assistive Devices
• Unit 6: Wound Classification, Ulcers Staging, & Dressing Care
Key Terminology Incubation, Prodromal, Convalescent, Febrile, Afebrile, Apical, Radial, Pulse Deficit,
Orthostatic Hypotension, Friction, Dangling, Paraplegia, Hemiplegia, Quadriplegia,
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), Hypercalcemia, Trochanter Roll, Supported Fowler's,
Sims, Primary/Secondary Intention, Dehiscence, Evisceration, COCA, Debridement,
Atelectasis
Core Procedures • Assessing orthostatic blood pressure (Lying, Sitting, Standing)
• Handwashing protocol (#1 infection prevention barrier)
• Apical-radial pulse deficit assessment (full-minute count)
• Safe patient body mechanics (wide base of support, low center of gravity)
• Ambulation techniques with assistive devices (walker, cane, crutches gaits)
• Wound measurement, assessment of drainage (COCA), and dressing selection
Commonly Confused • Local vs. Systemic Infection: Localized signs (warmth, pain, pus, redness) vs.
Concepts systemic (entire body involvement).
• Incubation vs. Prodromal: Appearance of first symptoms vs. onset of non-specific
general symptoms (fever/fatigue).
• Cane placement: Always held on the stronger (unaffected) side of the body.
• DVT signs: Pain/swelling in lower leg vs. pulmonary embolism when clots travel.
• Primary vs. Secondary Intention: Clean surgical incision (stitches, fine scar) vs.
burns/tissue loss healing by scar tissue.
• Dehiscence vs. Evisceration: Skin/tissue layers separating vs. total separation with
organ protrusion (surgical emergency).
• Right vs. Left Heart Failure: Right-sided (peripheral edema, JVD, liver
enlargement) vs. Left-sided (pulmonary, dyspnea, crackles).
CHAMBERLAIN UNIVERSITY — STUDY COMPANION EXAM Page 1 2026-2027 EXAM UPDATE
,NR 224 FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING SKILLS STUDY GUIDE 2026-2027 EXAM UPDATE
II. COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE EXAM (52 TARGETED QUESTIONS)
Instructions: Answer the following multi-choice questions. Detailed, evidence-based rationales are provided
immediately following each question to reinforce conceptual understanding and ensure 100% readiness for
Chamberlain University nursing examinations.
Question 1: A nurse uses previous patient care experience to guide her clinical decision-making during
a complex assessment. Which component of the five critical thinking components does this represent?
A. Specific knowledge base
B. Experiences
C. Competencies
D. Attitudes for critical thinking
ANSWER ■: B — Experiences
Explanation: Previous patient care experience represents 'Experiences,' which is one of the five components of critical
thinking. A 'Specific knowledge base' increases critical knowledge, 'Competencies' refers to applying the nursing process in
practice, and 'Attitudes' represents traits like confidence or fairness.
Question 2: The nurse is applying the nursing process in daily clinical practice to solve patient
problems. According to the five components of critical thinking, which component is the nurse
demonstrating?
A. Competencies
B. Specific knowledge base
C. Professional standards
D. Attitudes for critical thinking
ANSWER ■: A — Competencies
Explanation: Applying the nursing process in practice is categorized under 'Competencies' as a critical thinking component.
Specific knowledge base increases knowledge, while professional standards are based on ANA scope and standards.
Question 3: A nurse demonstrates confidence and fairness when evaluating a patient's treatment plan.
Which of the following components of critical thinking is she illustrating?
A. Professional standards
B. Specific knowledge base
C. Competencies
D. Attitude for critical thinking
ANSWER ■: D — Attitude for critical thinking
Explanation: Confidence, fairness, creativity, and professional integrity are classified as 'Attitudes for critical thinking' under
the five components of critical thinking.
CHAMBERLAIN UNIVERSITY — STUDY COMPANION EXAM Page 2 Grounded in Official Syllabus
, NR 224 FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING SKILLS STUDY GUIDE 2026-2027 EXAM UPDATE
Question 4: A nursing student is reviewing the American Nurses Association (ANA) Scope and
Standards of Nursing Practice, specifically focusing on interprofessional team collaboration. Which
component of critical thinking does this focus align with?
A. Specific knowledge base
B. Professional standards
C. Experience
D. Competencies
ANSWER ■: B — Professional standards
Explanation: Professional standards include the ANA Scope and Standards of Nursing Practice, specifically the Standard
of Practice, such as the collaboration aspect within interprofessional teams.
Question 5: Which critical thinking component is primarily responsible for expanding a nurse's critical
knowledge base through formal education and reading scientific journals?
A. Experiences
B. Specific knowledge base
C. Competencies
D. Professional standards
ANSWER ■: B — Specific knowledge base
Explanation: The 'Specific knowledge base' is the component that directly increases our critical knowledge through
structured educational resources, theories, and scientific facts.
Question 6: A nurse is explaining the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to a
colleague. Which of the following statements is true regarding HIPAA?
A. HIPAA is a state-level law that varies between state lines.
B. HIPAA is a federal law and applies to verbal, electronic, and written forms of Protected Health Information
(PHI).
C. HIPAA only regulates written paper documentation, not verbal communications.
D. HIPAA rules do not apply to interprofessional teams during care collaboration.
ANSWER ■: B — HIPAA is a federal law and applies to verbal, electronic, and written forms of Protected
Health Information (PHI).
Explanation: HIPAA is a federal law (not a state law) that protects Protected Health Information (PHI) in all forms: verbal,
electronic, or written. Verbal discussions, electronic records, and written files are all protected under this federal mandate.
CHAMBERLAIN UNIVERSITY — STUDY COMPANION EXAM Page 3 Grounded in Official Syllabus
