GALEN COLLEGE OF NURSING
Nursing Fundamentals
NU 180 — Exams 1-3, Midterm & Final
Nursing Fundamentals
INSTITUTION | Galen College of Nursing
PROGRAM | Practical Nursing
EXAM TITLE | NU 180 Nursing Fundamentals Examinations 1-3, Midterm & Final Compilation 2026/2027 | Verified
Questions
COURSE TITLE | Nursing Fundamentals
COURSE CODE | NU 180
ACADEMIC YEAR | 2026/2027
TOTAL QUESTIONS | 350 Questions
NU 180 | 2026/2027
NU 180 Nursing Fundamentals Examinations 1-3, Midterm & Final Compilation 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
,INTRODUCTION
This comprehensive document contains 350 original verified questions covering the full NU 180 Nursing
Fundamentals Examinations 1-3, Midterm & Final Compilation for the 2026/2027 academic year. The questions
are distributed across five core domains: Domain 1: Exam 1 - Foundations of Nursing Concepts (70 questions);
Domain 2: Exam 2 - Health Assessment & Basic Care (70 questions); Domain 3: Exam 3 - Safety, Infection
Control & Medication Administration (70 questions); Domain 4: Midterm - Comprehensive Foundations
Integration (70 questions); and Domain 5: Final - Integration of Nursing Fundamentals (70 questions). Content is
original and designed to reinforce the official NU 180 course objectives for actual exam readiness and nursing
fundamentals proficiency, aligned to the 2026/2027 academic year. Questions integrate the NCSBN Clinical
Judgment Measurement Model, the nursing process (ADPIE), evidence-based safety standards, and foundational
nursing knowledge to support professional nursing candidates in developing sound clinical reasoning.
ACTUAL QUESTIONS
Domain 1: Exam 1 - Foundations of Nursing Concepts
Question 1. Which sequence correctly describes the steps of the nursing process?
A. Diagnosis, Assessment, Planning, Evaluation, Implementation
B. Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation
C. Planning, Assessment, Diagnosis, Implementation, Evaluation
D. Evaluation, Implementation, Planning, Diagnosis, Assessment
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nursing process follows the ADPIE sequence: Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation,
and Evaluation. This systematic framework supports clinical judgment and individualized care.
Question 2. According to the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model, which step involves
identifying the most important client data?
A. Recognize Cues
B. Analyze Cues
C. Prioritize Hypotheses
D. Generate Interventions
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Recognize Cues is the first step and involves identifying relevant and important information from the
assessment. Subsequent steps build on accurate cue recognition.
Question 3. Using Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which client problem should the nurse address
first?
A. Desire to learn a new skill
B. Feelings of loneliness after a recent move
C. Concern about body image after surgery
D. Difficulty breathing and oxygen saturation of 88%
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Physiological needs, including airway and oxygenation, take priority over safety, belonging, esteem,
and self-actualization needs according to Maslow's hierarchy.
Question 4. Which action by the nurse demonstrates critical thinking in clinical judgment?
A. Analyzing assessment data to determine the priority client problem before selecting interventions
B. Completing tasks in the exact order listed on the assignment sheet
C. Delegating all assessments to unlicensed assistive personnel
D. Waiting for the charge nurse to identify all priorities
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Critical thinking requires analysis of data and prioritization based on client acuity rather than rigid
task lists. This aligns with the Analyze Cues and Prioritize Hypotheses steps.
Question 5. Which source provides the highest level of evidence for a nursing intervention?
NU 180 Nursing Fundamentals Examinations 1-3, Midterm & Final Compilation 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
, A. A product brochure from a manufacturer
B. An expert nurse's personal opinion
C. A single case report
D. A systematic analysis of randomized controlled trials
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials rank highest in the hierarchy of evidence. Lower-
level sources should be used with greater caution.
Question 6. A nurse is preparing a care plan. Which outcome statement meets SMART criteria?
A. The client will feel better soon
B. The client will ambulate 50 feet with a walker three times daily by day 3
C. Mobility will improve
D. The nurse will assist the client to walk
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: SMART outcomes are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. The first
statement satisfies all criteria.
Question 7. Which nursing action occurs during the implementation phase of the nursing
process?
A. Carrying out planned interventions and documenting the care provided
B. Collecting initial vital signs and history
C. Writing measurable goals
D. Comparing outcomes to expected goals
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Implementation is the action phase in which the nurse performs or delegates interventions and
documents care. Assessment, planning, and evaluation are distinct phases.
Question 8. Which statement about subjective data is accurate?
A. Subjective data are collected only during the physical examination
B. Subjective data include vital signs and laboratory results
C. Subjective data are always more reliable than objective data
D. Subjective data are information reported by the client that cannot be directly measured by the nurse
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Subjective data are the client's verbal descriptions of symptoms and feelings. Objective data are
measurable observations made by the nurse.
Question 9. A nurse prioritizes care for four clients. Which client should be assessed first?
A. A client scheduled for routine vital signs
B. A client requesting assistance to the bathroom
C. A client with new-onset chest pain and diaphoresis
D. A client waiting for discharge teaching
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: New-onset chest pain with diaphoresis may indicate a life-threatening cardiac event and takes
priority according to ABCs and clinical judgment.
Question 10. Which component is essential for a complete nursing health history?
A. Only current vital signs
B. Chief complaint, history of present illness, past medical history, and systems assessment
C. Laboratory results alone
D. The medical diagnosis only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A comprehensive nursing health history includes the chief complaint, history of present illness, past
history, family and social history, and systems assessment.
Question 11. Which nursing theorist emphasized the importance of the environment in healing?
NU 180 Nursing Fundamentals Examinations 1-3, Midterm & Final Compilation 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
, A. Florence Nightingale
B. Hildegard Peplau
C. Dorothea Orem
D. Virginia Henderson
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Florence Nightingale's environmental theory highlighted the role of clean air, water, light, and
sanitation in recovery. Other theorists focused on interpersonal relations, self-care, or basic needs.
Question 12. Which activity represents primary prevention?
A. Assisting with range-of-motion exercises after a stroke
B. Providing wound care after surgery
C. Administering insulin to a client with diabetes
D. Teaching a community group about hand hygiene and immunizations
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Primary prevention aims to prevent disease before it occurs through education and protective
measures. Secondary and tertiary interventions address existing conditions.
Question 13. A nurse notes a client's blood pressure has risen from 120/80 to 180/100 mm Hg.
Which step of clinical judgment is the nurse using when determining the significance of this
change?
A. Analyze Cues
B. Recognize Cues
C. Take Action
D. Evaluate Outcomes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Analyze Cues involves interpreting data and determining relevance. Recognizing the numbers is
Recognize Cues; deciding on an intervention comes later.
Question 14. Which task is appropriate to delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?
A. Performing an initial admission assessment
B. Assisting a stable client with ambulation and hygiene
C. Teaching a client about a new medication
D. Evaluating the effectiveness of a pain intervention
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: UAP may perform routine, non-invasive tasks for stable clients. Assessment, teaching, and
evaluation require the knowledge and judgment of a licensed nurse and cannot be delegated.
Question 15. When using SBAR communication, what does the 'R' represent?
A. Recommendation
B. Response
C. Assess
D. Report
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: SBAR stands for Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation. The Recommendation
component includes the nurse's suggested actions or requests.
Question 16. Which principle guides prioritization of nursing care?
A. Completing the easiest tasks first
B. Addressing life-threatening problems before less urgent needs
C. Following the order of the medical record
D. Performing interventions alphabetically
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Prioritization follows ABCs, Maslow's hierarchy, and acuity. Life-threatening issues always take
precedence.
Question 17. Which action reflects evidence-based nursing care?
NU 180 Nursing Fundamentals Examinations 1-3, Midterm & Final Compilation 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
Nursing Fundamentals
NU 180 — Exams 1-3, Midterm & Final
Nursing Fundamentals
INSTITUTION | Galen College of Nursing
PROGRAM | Practical Nursing
EXAM TITLE | NU 180 Nursing Fundamentals Examinations 1-3, Midterm & Final Compilation 2026/2027 | Verified
Questions
COURSE TITLE | Nursing Fundamentals
COURSE CODE | NU 180
ACADEMIC YEAR | 2026/2027
TOTAL QUESTIONS | 350 Questions
NU 180 | 2026/2027
NU 180 Nursing Fundamentals Examinations 1-3, Midterm & Final Compilation 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
,INTRODUCTION
This comprehensive document contains 350 original verified questions covering the full NU 180 Nursing
Fundamentals Examinations 1-3, Midterm & Final Compilation for the 2026/2027 academic year. The questions
are distributed across five core domains: Domain 1: Exam 1 - Foundations of Nursing Concepts (70 questions);
Domain 2: Exam 2 - Health Assessment & Basic Care (70 questions); Domain 3: Exam 3 - Safety, Infection
Control & Medication Administration (70 questions); Domain 4: Midterm - Comprehensive Foundations
Integration (70 questions); and Domain 5: Final - Integration of Nursing Fundamentals (70 questions). Content is
original and designed to reinforce the official NU 180 course objectives for actual exam readiness and nursing
fundamentals proficiency, aligned to the 2026/2027 academic year. Questions integrate the NCSBN Clinical
Judgment Measurement Model, the nursing process (ADPIE), evidence-based safety standards, and foundational
nursing knowledge to support professional nursing candidates in developing sound clinical reasoning.
ACTUAL QUESTIONS
Domain 1: Exam 1 - Foundations of Nursing Concepts
Question 1. Which sequence correctly describes the steps of the nursing process?
A. Diagnosis, Assessment, Planning, Evaluation, Implementation
B. Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation
C. Planning, Assessment, Diagnosis, Implementation, Evaluation
D. Evaluation, Implementation, Planning, Diagnosis, Assessment
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nursing process follows the ADPIE sequence: Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation,
and Evaluation. This systematic framework supports clinical judgment and individualized care.
Question 2. According to the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model, which step involves
identifying the most important client data?
A. Recognize Cues
B. Analyze Cues
C. Prioritize Hypotheses
D. Generate Interventions
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Recognize Cues is the first step and involves identifying relevant and important information from the
assessment. Subsequent steps build on accurate cue recognition.
Question 3. Using Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which client problem should the nurse address
first?
A. Desire to learn a new skill
B. Feelings of loneliness after a recent move
C. Concern about body image after surgery
D. Difficulty breathing and oxygen saturation of 88%
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Physiological needs, including airway and oxygenation, take priority over safety, belonging, esteem,
and self-actualization needs according to Maslow's hierarchy.
Question 4. Which action by the nurse demonstrates critical thinking in clinical judgment?
A. Analyzing assessment data to determine the priority client problem before selecting interventions
B. Completing tasks in the exact order listed on the assignment sheet
C. Delegating all assessments to unlicensed assistive personnel
D. Waiting for the charge nurse to identify all priorities
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Critical thinking requires analysis of data and prioritization based on client acuity rather than rigid
task lists. This aligns with the Analyze Cues and Prioritize Hypotheses steps.
Question 5. Which source provides the highest level of evidence for a nursing intervention?
NU 180 Nursing Fundamentals Examinations 1-3, Midterm & Final Compilation 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
, A. A product brochure from a manufacturer
B. An expert nurse's personal opinion
C. A single case report
D. A systematic analysis of randomized controlled trials
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials rank highest in the hierarchy of evidence. Lower-
level sources should be used with greater caution.
Question 6. A nurse is preparing a care plan. Which outcome statement meets SMART criteria?
A. The client will feel better soon
B. The client will ambulate 50 feet with a walker three times daily by day 3
C. Mobility will improve
D. The nurse will assist the client to walk
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: SMART outcomes are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. The first
statement satisfies all criteria.
Question 7. Which nursing action occurs during the implementation phase of the nursing
process?
A. Carrying out planned interventions and documenting the care provided
B. Collecting initial vital signs and history
C. Writing measurable goals
D. Comparing outcomes to expected goals
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Implementation is the action phase in which the nurse performs or delegates interventions and
documents care. Assessment, planning, and evaluation are distinct phases.
Question 8. Which statement about subjective data is accurate?
A. Subjective data are collected only during the physical examination
B. Subjective data include vital signs and laboratory results
C. Subjective data are always more reliable than objective data
D. Subjective data are information reported by the client that cannot be directly measured by the nurse
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Subjective data are the client's verbal descriptions of symptoms and feelings. Objective data are
measurable observations made by the nurse.
Question 9. A nurse prioritizes care for four clients. Which client should be assessed first?
A. A client scheduled for routine vital signs
B. A client requesting assistance to the bathroom
C. A client with new-onset chest pain and diaphoresis
D. A client waiting for discharge teaching
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: New-onset chest pain with diaphoresis may indicate a life-threatening cardiac event and takes
priority according to ABCs and clinical judgment.
Question 10. Which component is essential for a complete nursing health history?
A. Only current vital signs
B. Chief complaint, history of present illness, past medical history, and systems assessment
C. Laboratory results alone
D. The medical diagnosis only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A comprehensive nursing health history includes the chief complaint, history of present illness, past
history, family and social history, and systems assessment.
Question 11. Which nursing theorist emphasized the importance of the environment in healing?
NU 180 Nursing Fundamentals Examinations 1-3, Midterm & Final Compilation 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
, A. Florence Nightingale
B. Hildegard Peplau
C. Dorothea Orem
D. Virginia Henderson
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Florence Nightingale's environmental theory highlighted the role of clean air, water, light, and
sanitation in recovery. Other theorists focused on interpersonal relations, self-care, or basic needs.
Question 12. Which activity represents primary prevention?
A. Assisting with range-of-motion exercises after a stroke
B. Providing wound care after surgery
C. Administering insulin to a client with diabetes
D. Teaching a community group about hand hygiene and immunizations
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Primary prevention aims to prevent disease before it occurs through education and protective
measures. Secondary and tertiary interventions address existing conditions.
Question 13. A nurse notes a client's blood pressure has risen from 120/80 to 180/100 mm Hg.
Which step of clinical judgment is the nurse using when determining the significance of this
change?
A. Analyze Cues
B. Recognize Cues
C. Take Action
D. Evaluate Outcomes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Analyze Cues involves interpreting data and determining relevance. Recognizing the numbers is
Recognize Cues; deciding on an intervention comes later.
Question 14. Which task is appropriate to delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?
A. Performing an initial admission assessment
B. Assisting a stable client with ambulation and hygiene
C. Teaching a client about a new medication
D. Evaluating the effectiveness of a pain intervention
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: UAP may perform routine, non-invasive tasks for stable clients. Assessment, teaching, and
evaluation require the knowledge and judgment of a licensed nurse and cannot be delegated.
Question 15. When using SBAR communication, what does the 'R' represent?
A. Recommendation
B. Response
C. Assess
D. Report
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: SBAR stands for Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation. The Recommendation
component includes the nurse's suggested actions or requests.
Question 16. Which principle guides prioritization of nursing care?
A. Completing the easiest tasks first
B. Addressing life-threatening problems before less urgent needs
C. Following the order of the medical record
D. Performing interventions alphabetically
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Prioritization follows ABCs, Maslow's hierarchy, and acuity. Life-threatening issues always take
precedence.
Question 17. Which action reflects evidence-based nursing care?
NU 180 Nursing Fundamentals Examinations 1-3, Midterm & Final Compilation 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
