NUR 155
FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING
NUR 155 Exam 3 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 3 Foundations of Nursing Study Guide D | 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 3 Foundations of Nursing Study Guide D | 2026/2027
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a patient for orthostatic hypotension. Which finding would confirm this condition?
A. A decrease in heart rate by 20 beats/min when standing.
B. An increase in systolic blood pressure of 10 mmHg when sitting.
C. An increase in diastolic blood pressure of 5 mmHg when standing.
D. A decrease in systolic blood pressure of 20 mmHg when changing from supine to
Answer: D
Rationale
Orthostatic hypotension is defined as a drop in systolic blood pressure of at least 20 mmHg or a drop in diastolic blood
pressure of at least 10 mmHg within 3 minutes of standing. 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 assessing a patient’s apical pulse, where should the nurse place the stethoscope?
A. Fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line.
B. Fourth intercostal space, left sternal border.
C. Second intercostal space, right sternal border.
D. Second intercostal space, left sternal border.
Answer: A
Rationale
The apical pulse is best heard at the apex of the heart, located at the fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line (mitral area).
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 with COPD is receiving oxygen via nasal cannula. Why is it critical to limit the flow rate to 2-3 L/min?
A. It reduces the risk of combustion in the patient’s room.
B. It prevents the development of oxygen toxicity.
C. High flow rates cause excessive drying of the nasal mucosa.
D. Higher flow rates can suppress the hypoxic drive to breathe.
Answer: D
Rationale
In some patients with COPD, the stimulus to breathe is a low oxygen level (hypoxic drive) rather than high CO2. Providing too
much oxygen can decrease their respiratory drive. 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 3 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 3 Foundations of Nursing Study Guide D | 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 3 Foundations of Nursing Study Guide D | 2026/2027
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a patient for orthostatic hypotension. Which finding would confirm this condition?
A. A decrease in heart rate by 20 beats/min when standing.
B. An increase in systolic blood pressure of 10 mmHg when sitting.
C. An increase in diastolic blood pressure of 5 mmHg when standing.
D. A decrease in systolic blood pressure of 20 mmHg when changing from supine to
Answer: D
Rationale
Orthostatic hypotension is defined as a drop in systolic blood pressure of at least 20 mmHg or a drop in diastolic blood
pressure of at least 10 mmHg within 3 minutes of standing. 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 assessing a patient’s apical pulse, where should the nurse place the stethoscope?
A. Fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line.
B. Fourth intercostal space, left sternal border.
C. Second intercostal space, right sternal border.
D. Second intercostal space, left sternal border.
Answer: A
Rationale
The apical pulse is best heard at the apex of the heart, located at the fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line (mitral area).
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 with COPD is receiving oxygen via nasal cannula. Why is it critical to limit the flow rate to 2-3 L/min?
A. It reduces the risk of combustion in the patient’s room.
B. It prevents the development of oxygen toxicity.
C. High flow rates cause excessive drying of the nasal mucosa.
D. Higher flow rates can suppress the hypoxic drive to breathe.
Answer: D
Rationale
In some patients with COPD, the stimulus to breathe is a low oxygen level (hypoxic drive) rather than high CO2. Providing too
much oxygen can decrease their respiratory drive. 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
