NUR 155
FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING
NUR 155 Exam 2: Foundations of Nursing Study Guide
UPDATE
50 Multiple-Choice Questions
Complete Answers with Detailed Rationales
Aligned with Nursing Foundations & Med-Surg Standards
Galen College of Nursing
For academic study and exam review • Verify with current course materials
,NUR 155 Exam 2 Foundations of Nursing Study Guide D 1 | 2026/2027
How to Use This Review
This comprehensive exam review contains high-yield multiple-choice questions. Each item includes the correct answer
and an expanded rationale explaining the underlying principle, why the correct option is preferred, and why distractors are
incorrect. Study tip: Attempt each question before reading the answer, then carefully review the rationale.
Page 2
, NUR 155 Exam 2 Foundations of Nursing Study Guide D 1 | 2026/2027
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a patient with a systemic infection. Which laboratory finding would the nurse most likely expect to
see?
A. White blood cell (WBC) count of 4,000/mm³
B. White blood cell (WBC) count of 16,000/mm³
C. Serum iron level of 100 mcg/dL
D. Decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
Answer: B
Rationale
A normal WBC count is 5,000 to 10,000/mm³. An elevated WBC count (leukocytosis) is a classic sign of systemic infection.
Understanding this concept is essential for safe clinical decision-making. Incorrect choices often reflect common
misconceptions. Always link assessment findings to the primary process and anticipated complications.
Question 2
When performing hand hygiene, what is the primary reason the nurse keeps the hands lower than the elbows?
A. To prevent water from flowing from the least contaminated area to the most
B. To make it easier to reach the soap dispenser
C. To ensure the water flows from the most contaminated to the least contaminated area
D. To reduce the risk of splashing water onto the uniform
Answer: C
Rationale
In medical asepsis, the hands are considered more contaminated than the elbows; water should flow from the least
contaminated (arms) to the most contaminated (fingertips). Understanding this concept is essential for safe clinical
decision-making. Incorrect choices often reflect common misconceptions. Always link assessment findings to the primary
process and anticipated complications.
Question 3
A patient is on Airborne Precautions for suspected tuberculosis. Which piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) is
mandatory for the nurse?
A. Surgical mask
B. N95 respirator
C. Face shield
D. Goggles
Answer: B
Rationale
Airborne precautions require the use of a fit-tested N95 or higher-level respirator to filter out small droplet nuclei.
Understanding this concept is essential for safe clinical decision-making. Incorrect choices often reflect common
misconceptions. Always link assessment findings to the primary process and anticipated complications.
Page 3
FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING
NUR 155 Exam 2: Foundations of Nursing Study Guide
UPDATE
50 Multiple-Choice Questions
Complete Answers with Detailed Rationales
Aligned with Nursing Foundations & Med-Surg Standards
Galen College of Nursing
For academic study and exam review • Verify with current course materials
,NUR 155 Exam 2 Foundations of Nursing Study Guide D 1 | 2026/2027
How to Use This Review
This comprehensive exam review contains high-yield multiple-choice questions. Each item includes the correct answer
and an expanded rationale explaining the underlying principle, why the correct option is preferred, and why distractors are
incorrect. Study tip: Attempt each question before reading the answer, then carefully review the rationale.
Page 2
, NUR 155 Exam 2 Foundations of Nursing Study Guide D 1 | 2026/2027
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a patient with a systemic infection. Which laboratory finding would the nurse most likely expect to
see?
A. White blood cell (WBC) count of 4,000/mm³
B. White blood cell (WBC) count of 16,000/mm³
C. Serum iron level of 100 mcg/dL
D. Decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
Answer: B
Rationale
A normal WBC count is 5,000 to 10,000/mm³. An elevated WBC count (leukocytosis) is a classic sign of systemic infection.
Understanding this concept is essential for safe clinical decision-making. Incorrect choices often reflect common
misconceptions. Always link assessment findings to the primary process and anticipated complications.
Question 2
When performing hand hygiene, what is the primary reason the nurse keeps the hands lower than the elbows?
A. To prevent water from flowing from the least contaminated area to the most
B. To make it easier to reach the soap dispenser
C. To ensure the water flows from the most contaminated to the least contaminated area
D. To reduce the risk of splashing water onto the uniform
Answer: C
Rationale
In medical asepsis, the hands are considered more contaminated than the elbows; water should flow from the least
contaminated (arms) to the most contaminated (fingertips). Understanding this concept is essential for safe clinical
decision-making. Incorrect choices often reflect common misconceptions. Always link assessment findings to the primary
process and anticipated complications.
Question 3
A patient is on Airborne Precautions for suspected tuberculosis. Which piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) is
mandatory for the nurse?
A. Surgical mask
B. N95 respirator
C. Face shield
D. Goggles
Answer: B
Rationale
Airborne precautions require the use of a fit-tested N95 or higher-level respirator to filter out small droplet nuclei.
Understanding this concept is essential for safe clinical decision-making. Incorrect choices often reflect common
misconceptions. Always link assessment findings to the primary process and anticipated complications.
Page 3
