NUR 155
FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING
NUR 155: Foundations of Nursing Exam 1 Study Guide (Galen 20
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 UPDATED | 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 UPDATED | 2026/2027
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for surgery. The client expresses concern about the procedure. Which
response by the nurse demonstrates the ethical principle of autonomy?
A. “I will call the surgeon to come and answer any further questions you have so you can
B. “The surgeon is the best in this field, so you have nothing to worry about.”
C. “Everything will be fine; many people have this surgery every day.”
D. “You should trust your family’s decision to go through with this.”
Answer: A
Rationale
Autonomy refers to the right of the patient to make their own decisions. By ensuring the patient has all necessary information
from the surgeon, the nurse supports the patient’s self-determination. 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
According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which of the following client needs must be met first?
A. Self-actualization through spiritual growth.
B. Physiological needs such as oxygenation and nutrition.
C. Safety and security in the home environment.
D. Love and belonging from family members.
Answer: B
Rationale
Maslow’s hierarchy states that basic physiological needs (air, water, food) must be satisfied before higher-level needs like
safety or self-esteem can be addressed. 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 nurse is performing a physical assessment on a newly admitted client. Which of the following is considered objective
data?
A. The client states, “I feel very nauseous.”
B. The client reports a pain level of 6 on a scale of 0 to 10.
C. The client says, “I haven’t slept well in three days.”
D. The client’s blood pressure is 150/92 mmHg.
Answer: D
Rationale
Objective data are observable and measurable signs, such as vital signs. Subjective data are what the patient tells the nurse
(symptoms). 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 (Galen 20
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 UPDATED | 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 UPDATED | 2026/2027
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for surgery. The client expresses concern about the procedure. Which
response by the nurse demonstrates the ethical principle of autonomy?
A. “I will call the surgeon to come and answer any further questions you have so you can
B. “The surgeon is the best in this field, so you have nothing to worry about.”
C. “Everything will be fine; many people have this surgery every day.”
D. “You should trust your family’s decision to go through with this.”
Answer: A
Rationale
Autonomy refers to the right of the patient to make their own decisions. By ensuring the patient has all necessary information
from the surgeon, the nurse supports the patient’s self-determination. 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
According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which of the following client needs must be met first?
A. Self-actualization through spiritual growth.
B. Physiological needs such as oxygenation and nutrition.
C. Safety and security in the home environment.
D. Love and belonging from family members.
Answer: B
Rationale
Maslow’s hierarchy states that basic physiological needs (air, water, food) must be satisfied before higher-level needs like
safety or self-esteem can be addressed. 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 nurse is performing a physical assessment on a newly admitted client. Which of the following is considered objective
data?
A. The client states, “I feel very nauseous.”
B. The client reports a pain level of 6 on a scale of 0 to 10.
C. The client says, “I haven’t slept well in three days.”
D. The client’s blood pressure is 150/92 mmHg.
Answer: D
Rationale
Objective data are observable and measurable signs, such as vital signs. Subjective data are what the patient tells the nurse
(symptoms). 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
