NUR 155
FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING
NUR 155 Foundations of Nursing Exam 2 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 2 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 Foundations of Nursing Exam 2 Study Guide D 1 | 2026/2027
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client who is refusing a blood transfusion due to religious beliefs, despite life-threatening anemia.
Which ethical principle is the nurse upholding by supporting the client’s decision?
A. Beneficence
B. Justice
C. Nonmaleficence
D. Autonomy
Answer: D
Rationale
Autonomy refers to the right of the patient to make their own decisions regarding their healthcare, even if those decisions
conflict with the medical team’s recommendations. 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 client’s apical pulse, where should the nurse place the stethoscope?
A. Second intercostal space, right sternal border
B. Fourth intercostal space, left sternal border
C. Fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line
D. Second intercostal space, left sternal border
Answer: C
Rationale
The apical pulse is located at the apex of the heart, which is found at the fifth intercostal space at the left midclavicular line.
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 sterile dressing change. Which action would result in the contamination of the sterile field?
A. Reaching across the sterile field to pick up a pair of forceps
B. Keeping the sterile field within the nurse’s line of vision
C. Dropping a sterile gauze onto the field from 6 inches above
D. Opening the first flap of the sterile kit away from the body
Answer: A
Rationale
Reaching across a sterile field is a breach of surgical asepsis as microorganisms from the nurse’s clothing or skin could fall
onto the field. 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 2 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 2 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 Foundations of Nursing Exam 2 Study Guide D 1 | 2026/2027
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client who is refusing a blood transfusion due to religious beliefs, despite life-threatening anemia.
Which ethical principle is the nurse upholding by supporting the client’s decision?
A. Beneficence
B. Justice
C. Nonmaleficence
D. Autonomy
Answer: D
Rationale
Autonomy refers to the right of the patient to make their own decisions regarding their healthcare, even if those decisions
conflict with the medical team’s recommendations. 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 client’s apical pulse, where should the nurse place the stethoscope?
A. Second intercostal space, right sternal border
B. Fourth intercostal space, left sternal border
C. Fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line
D. Second intercostal space, left sternal border
Answer: C
Rationale
The apical pulse is located at the apex of the heart, which is found at the fifth intercostal space at the left midclavicular line.
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 sterile dressing change. Which action would result in the contamination of the sterile field?
A. Reaching across the sterile field to pick up a pair of forceps
B. Keeping the sterile field within the nurse’s line of vision
C. Dropping a sterile gauze onto the field from 6 inches above
D. Opening the first flap of the sterile kit away from the body
Answer: A
Rationale
Reaching across a sterile field is a breach of surgical asepsis as microorganisms from the nurse’s clothing or skin could fall
onto the field. 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
