NUR 1020: Fundamentals of Nursing
exam with correct answers and
rationale updated 2026 graded A+
new!!
SECTION 1: NURSING PROCESS & PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE (Questions 1–10)
1. Which action best demonstrates the assessment phase of the nursing process?
A. Administering prescribed pain medication
B. Documenting that the patient's pain decreased from 8/10 to 3/10
C. Auscultating lung sounds and reviewing the patient's medical history
D. Setting a goal for the patient to ambulate 100 feet by discharge
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Assessment involves gathering subjective and objective data. Auscultating lung sounds
(objective) and reviewing history (subjective) are data collection activities. Option A is
implementation; Option B is evaluation; Option D is planning.
2. A nurse notices a patient grimacing while turning in bed. The patient states, "I'm fine." Which
response demonstrates objective clinical reasoning?
A. Accepting the patient's statement to maintain trust
B. Documenting "patient denies pain" without further action
C. Observing facial expressions and checking vital signs for pain indicators
D. Immediately administering PRN analgesic without assessment
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Objective data (grimacing, elevated BP/HR) may contradict subjective statements. The
nurse must validate assessment data through multiple sources before intervening.
3. Which nursing diagnosis is correctly formatted with a NANDA-I label?
,A. Impaired skin integrity related to immobility as evidenced by Stage II pressure ulcer on coccyx
B. The patient will demonstrate wound healing within 7 days
C. Apply pressure-relieving mattress pad
D. Risk for infection
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A proper nursing diagnosis includes: (1) NANDA-I label, (2) related factors ("related to"),
and (3) defining characteristics ("as evidenced by"). Option B is an outcome; C is an intervention; D is
incomplete (missing risk factors).
4. During shift report, which statement represents subjective data?
A. "Blood pressure is 142/88 mmHg"
B. "Patient reports feeling nauseated after eating"
C. "Dressing is dry and intact"
D. "Heart rate is 98 beats per minute"
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Subjective data are symptoms perceived only by the patient (feelings, sensations).
Objective data (A, C, D) are observable, measurable findings.
5. Which action exemplifies the implementation phase of the nursing process?
A. Identifying that a patient is at risk for falls
B. Reassessing pain level 30 minutes after medication administration
C. Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter as prescribed
D. Establishing measurable patient outcomes
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Implementation involves performing nursing actions/interventions. Option A is diagnosis;
B is evaluation; D is planning.
6. A novice nurse is organizing care for four patients. Which task should be prioritized using
Maslow's hierarchy of needs?
A. Assisting a patient to schedule a follow-up cardiology appointment
,B. Administering oxygen to a patient with SpO2 of 86%
C. Teaching a newly diagnosed diabetic about carbohydrate counting
D. Arranging for a pastoral care visit for an anxious patient
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Physiologic needs (oxygenation) take priority over safety, love/belonging, or self-
actualization needs according to Maslow. Severe hypoxemia is life-threatening.
7. Which statement best describes critical thinking in nursing?
A. Following physician orders without question to ensure safety
B. Applying knowledge and experience to make clinical judgments
C. Completing tasks as quickly as possible to improve efficiency
D. Relying solely on intuition developed over years of practice
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Critical thinking involves purposeful, reflective judgment using knowledge, experience,
and evidence to guide decisions. It is not rote task completion (C) or blind obedience (A).
8. When documenting patient care, which entry follows legal and professional standards?
A. "Patient is drug-seeking and complaining of pain again"
B. "Appears to be sleeping comfortably; no further action needed"
C. "0200: Patient voided 450 mL clear yellow urine via urinal; denies dysuria"
D. "Had a bad night according to nursing assistant"
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Documentation must be objective, specific, timely, and measurable. Option C provides
time, specific data, and patient quotes. Options A (judgmental), B (vague), and D (hearsay) violate
documentation standards.
9. Which intervention is an independent nursing action?
A. Administering insulin per sliding scale protocol
B. Initiating a swallowing precautions protocol for a patient with dysphagia
, C. Inserting a central venous catheter per physician order
D. Initiating blood transfusion per protocol
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Independent actions are within the nurse's scope of practice without physician orders
(safety protocols, patient education, positioning). Dependent actions (A, C, D) require orders.
10. A patient goal states: "Patient will achieve pain level ≤3/10 by 2200 tonight." This represents
which component of the nursing process?
A. Assessment
B. Planning
C. Implementation
D. Evaluation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Goal/outcome identification occurs during the planning phase. Evaluation (D) would
determine if the goal was met; implementation (C) involves interventions to achieve it.
SECTION 2: THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION & RELATIONSHIPS (Questions 11–20)
11. A patient states, "I don't think I'll ever walk again after this surgery." Which is the most
therapeutic response?
A. "Don't worry, you'll be fine. The doctor is excellent."
B. "Why do you think that? You haven't even tried yet."
C. "You sound concerned about your recovery. Tell me more about your fears."
D. "I know exactly how you feel. My aunt had the same surgery."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Therapeutic communication involves active listening, empathy, and open-ended
questions that encourage elaboration. Option C validates feelings and invites further discussion
without false reassurance (A) or minimization (B).
12. Which nonverbal behavior best demonstrates active listening?
A. Standing with arms crossed while looking at the computer screen
exam with correct answers and
rationale updated 2026 graded A+
new!!
SECTION 1: NURSING PROCESS & PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE (Questions 1–10)
1. Which action best demonstrates the assessment phase of the nursing process?
A. Administering prescribed pain medication
B. Documenting that the patient's pain decreased from 8/10 to 3/10
C. Auscultating lung sounds and reviewing the patient's medical history
D. Setting a goal for the patient to ambulate 100 feet by discharge
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Assessment involves gathering subjective and objective data. Auscultating lung sounds
(objective) and reviewing history (subjective) are data collection activities. Option A is
implementation; Option B is evaluation; Option D is planning.
2. A nurse notices a patient grimacing while turning in bed. The patient states, "I'm fine." Which
response demonstrates objective clinical reasoning?
A. Accepting the patient's statement to maintain trust
B. Documenting "patient denies pain" without further action
C. Observing facial expressions and checking vital signs for pain indicators
D. Immediately administering PRN analgesic without assessment
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Objective data (grimacing, elevated BP/HR) may contradict subjective statements. The
nurse must validate assessment data through multiple sources before intervening.
3. Which nursing diagnosis is correctly formatted with a NANDA-I label?
,A. Impaired skin integrity related to immobility as evidenced by Stage II pressure ulcer on coccyx
B. The patient will demonstrate wound healing within 7 days
C. Apply pressure-relieving mattress pad
D. Risk for infection
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A proper nursing diagnosis includes: (1) NANDA-I label, (2) related factors ("related to"),
and (3) defining characteristics ("as evidenced by"). Option B is an outcome; C is an intervention; D is
incomplete (missing risk factors).
4. During shift report, which statement represents subjective data?
A. "Blood pressure is 142/88 mmHg"
B. "Patient reports feeling nauseated after eating"
C. "Dressing is dry and intact"
D. "Heart rate is 98 beats per minute"
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Subjective data are symptoms perceived only by the patient (feelings, sensations).
Objective data (A, C, D) are observable, measurable findings.
5. Which action exemplifies the implementation phase of the nursing process?
A. Identifying that a patient is at risk for falls
B. Reassessing pain level 30 minutes after medication administration
C. Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter as prescribed
D. Establishing measurable patient outcomes
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Implementation involves performing nursing actions/interventions. Option A is diagnosis;
B is evaluation; D is planning.
6. A novice nurse is organizing care for four patients. Which task should be prioritized using
Maslow's hierarchy of needs?
A. Assisting a patient to schedule a follow-up cardiology appointment
,B. Administering oxygen to a patient with SpO2 of 86%
C. Teaching a newly diagnosed diabetic about carbohydrate counting
D. Arranging for a pastoral care visit for an anxious patient
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Physiologic needs (oxygenation) take priority over safety, love/belonging, or self-
actualization needs according to Maslow. Severe hypoxemia is life-threatening.
7. Which statement best describes critical thinking in nursing?
A. Following physician orders without question to ensure safety
B. Applying knowledge and experience to make clinical judgments
C. Completing tasks as quickly as possible to improve efficiency
D. Relying solely on intuition developed over years of practice
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Critical thinking involves purposeful, reflective judgment using knowledge, experience,
and evidence to guide decisions. It is not rote task completion (C) or blind obedience (A).
8. When documenting patient care, which entry follows legal and professional standards?
A. "Patient is drug-seeking and complaining of pain again"
B. "Appears to be sleeping comfortably; no further action needed"
C. "0200: Patient voided 450 mL clear yellow urine via urinal; denies dysuria"
D. "Had a bad night according to nursing assistant"
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Documentation must be objective, specific, timely, and measurable. Option C provides
time, specific data, and patient quotes. Options A (judgmental), B (vague), and D (hearsay) violate
documentation standards.
9. Which intervention is an independent nursing action?
A. Administering insulin per sliding scale protocol
B. Initiating a swallowing precautions protocol for a patient with dysphagia
, C. Inserting a central venous catheter per physician order
D. Initiating blood transfusion per protocol
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Independent actions are within the nurse's scope of practice without physician orders
(safety protocols, patient education, positioning). Dependent actions (A, C, D) require orders.
10. A patient goal states: "Patient will achieve pain level ≤3/10 by 2200 tonight." This represents
which component of the nursing process?
A. Assessment
B. Planning
C. Implementation
D. Evaluation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Goal/outcome identification occurs during the planning phase. Evaluation (D) would
determine if the goal was met; implementation (C) involves interventions to achieve it.
SECTION 2: THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION & RELATIONSHIPS (Questions 11–20)
11. A patient states, "I don't think I'll ever walk again after this surgery." Which is the most
therapeutic response?
A. "Don't worry, you'll be fine. The doctor is excellent."
B. "Why do you think that? You haven't even tried yet."
C. "You sound concerned about your recovery. Tell me more about your fears."
D. "I know exactly how you feel. My aunt had the same surgery."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Therapeutic communication involves active listening, empathy, and open-ended
questions that encourage elaboration. Option C validates feelings and invites further discussion
without false reassurance (A) or minimization (B).
12. Which nonverbal behavior best demonstrates active listening?
A. Standing with arms crossed while looking at the computer screen
