Study Guide & 150 Practice Questions Fortis
College 2026/2027
1. A nurse is reviewing the nursing process with a preceptor. Which step of the nursing process
is primarily focused on gathering subjective and objective data about the patient's health
status?
A. Planning
B. Implementation
C. Assessment
D. Evaluation
Correct Answer: C. Assessment
Rationale: Assessment is the foundational first step of the nursing process, where the nurse
systematically collects comprehensive data (subjective and objective) to identify the patient's
actual or potential health problems. Planning involves setting goals, implementation involves
performing interventions, and evaluation involves determining whether goals were met.
2. A patient is admitted with a severe asthma exacerbation and is visibly struggling to breathe
while also expressing anxiety about missing work. According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs,
what should the nurse address first?
,A. The patient's anxiety about employment
B. The patient's need for self-esteem
C. The patient's physiological need for adequate oxygenation
D. The patient's need for love and belonging
Correct Answer: C. The patient's physiological need for adequate oxygenation
Rationale: Maslow's principle states that physiological needs, such as airway and breathing,
must be met before addressing higher-level psychological or social needs. Oxygenation is the
priority because it is immediately life-threatening.
3. During the admission assessment, a patient states, "I have been feeling very anxious about
my surgery." This statement is an example of:
A. Objective data
B. Subjective data
C. Secondary data
D. Tertiary data
, Correct Answer: B. Subjective data
Rationale: Subjective data (symptoms) are information reported by the patient that cannot be
measured or observed by others, including feelings, perceptions, and concerns. Objective data
are measurable and observable (vital signs, lab values, physical exam findings). Secondary data
come from family members or other sources. Tertiary data is not a standard nursing term.
4. A nurse is performing a physical assessment on a client. Which of the following should the
nurse recognize as subjective data?
A. The client reports a sharp pain in their right lower abdomen
B. The client's blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg
C. The client's surgical wound is red and edematous
D. The nurse observes the client grimacing while moving
Correct Answer: A. The client reports a sharp pain in their right lower abdomen
Rationale: Subjective data consists of information provided by the client that cannot be
measured by the nurse, such as feelings or perceptions. The report of pain is a classic example
of subjective information because it is based on the client's internal experience. Objective data
consists of observable and measurable signs like blood pressure and physical appearance of a
wound.