NUR 155
FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING
NUR 155 Foundations of Nursing - Exam 1 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 Foundations of Nursing - Exam 1 Study Guide | 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 Foundations of Nursing - Exam 1 Study Guide | 2026/2027
Question 1
Which phase of the nursing process involves the nurse prioritizing diagnoses and setting SMART goals with the
patient?
A. Assessment
B. Implementation
C. Planning
D. Evaluation
Answer: C
Rationale
The planning phase focuses on prioritizing nursing diagnoses, setting measurable goals, and choosing interventions.
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
A nurse observes a patient’s breathing pattern and records the rate as 24 breaths per minute. What type of data is this?
A. Objective data
B. Secondary data
C. Subjective data
D. Historical data
Answer: A
Rationale
Objective data are observable and measurable signs, such as vital signs, that can be verified by another person.
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
According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which of the following needs should the nurse address first for a patient?
A. Physiological needs
B. Love and belonging
C. Self-actualization
D. Safety and security
Answer: A
Rationale
Physiological needs (oxygen, water, food, elimination, temperature) are the most basic and must be met before higher-level
needs. 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 Foundations of Nursing - Exam 1 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 Foundations of Nursing - Exam 1 Study Guide | 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 Foundations of Nursing - Exam 1 Study Guide | 2026/2027
Question 1
Which phase of the nursing process involves the nurse prioritizing diagnoses and setting SMART goals with the
patient?
A. Assessment
B. Implementation
C. Planning
D. Evaluation
Answer: C
Rationale
The planning phase focuses on prioritizing nursing diagnoses, setting measurable goals, and choosing interventions.
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
A nurse observes a patient’s breathing pattern and records the rate as 24 breaths per minute. What type of data is this?
A. Objective data
B. Secondary data
C. Subjective data
D. Historical data
Answer: A
Rationale
Objective data are observable and measurable signs, such as vital signs, that can be verified by another person.
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
According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which of the following needs should the nurse address first for a patient?
A. Physiological needs
B. Love and belonging
C. Self-actualization
D. Safety and security
Answer: A
Rationale
Physiological needs (oxygen, water, food, elimination, temperature) are the most basic and must be met before higher-level
needs. 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
