,
,Hondros College NUR 160 Nursing
Fundamentals Exam 1 & 2 Practice
Questions 2026–2027 | Fundamentals,
Patient Safety & Rationales
Hondros College NUR 160 Nursing Fundamentals Exam 1 Practice
Questions 2026–2027 | Fundamentals, Patient Safety & Rationales
Q1. A nurse receives shift report on four clients. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. A client scheduled for a dressing change at 1000.
B. A client reporting chest pain unrelieved by nitroglycerin.
C. A client requesting assistance with ambulation to the bathroom.
D. A client with a new admission order for oral antibiotics.
Correct Answer: B. A client reporting chest pain unrelieved by nitroglycerin.
Rationale: Chest pain unrelieved by nitroglycerin suggests an acute myocardial infarction,
which is a life-threatening emergency affecting circulation. Using the ABCs (Airway, Breathing,
Circulation) and Maslow's hierarchy, this client requires immediate assessment and
intervention. Dressing changes, ambulation assistance, and new admission orders are
important but can wait until the unstable client is assessed.
Key Takeaway: Unrelieved chest pain equals possible MI; assess first.
Q2. A nurse is preparing to enter the room of a client on airborne precautions for suspected
tuberculosis. Which personal protective equipment is required?
A. Surgical mask and gloves.
B. N95 respirator and gown and gloves.
C. Gown and gloves only.
D. Face shield and shoe covers.
, Correct Answer: B. N95 respirator and gown and gloves.
Rationale: Airborne precautions require an N95 respirator or powered air-purifying respirator
(PAPR), which filters small particles such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A surgical mask does
not provide adequate protection against airborne pathogens. Gowns and gloves are also
required for standard precautions. Face shields and shoe covers are not specifically required
for airborne precautions unless splashes are anticipated.
Key Takeaway: Airborne precautions equal N95 plus standard precautions.
Q3. A nurse is preparing to administer a high-alert medication. Which action is most
important for patient safety?
A. Administer the medication quickly to save time.
B. Have a second nurse independently verify the dose and calculation.
C. Document the dose before administration.
D. Administer the medication without checking the MAR.
Correct Answer: B. Have a second nurse independently verify the dose and calculation.
Rationale: High-alert medications carry a heightened risk of significant patient harm when
used in error. An independent double-check by a second nurse is a critical safety strategy
recommended by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP). Administering quickly,
documenting before administration, and skipping the MAR check are unsafe practices that
increase the risk of medication errors.
Key Takeaway: High-alert medications require an independent double-check before
administration.
Q4. A nurse is assessing a client and obtains the following vital signs: temperature 103.2°F,
heart rate 122, respiratory rate 28, blood pressure 88/54. Which finding requires immediate
follow-up?
A. Temperature.
B. Heart rate.
C. Respiratory rate.
D. Blood pressure.
,Hondros College NUR 160 Nursing
Fundamentals Exam 1 & 2 Practice
Questions 2026–2027 | Fundamentals,
Patient Safety & Rationales
Hondros College NUR 160 Nursing Fundamentals Exam 1 Practice
Questions 2026–2027 | Fundamentals, Patient Safety & Rationales
Q1. A nurse receives shift report on four clients. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. A client scheduled for a dressing change at 1000.
B. A client reporting chest pain unrelieved by nitroglycerin.
C. A client requesting assistance with ambulation to the bathroom.
D. A client with a new admission order for oral antibiotics.
Correct Answer: B. A client reporting chest pain unrelieved by nitroglycerin.
Rationale: Chest pain unrelieved by nitroglycerin suggests an acute myocardial infarction,
which is a life-threatening emergency affecting circulation. Using the ABCs (Airway, Breathing,
Circulation) and Maslow's hierarchy, this client requires immediate assessment and
intervention. Dressing changes, ambulation assistance, and new admission orders are
important but can wait until the unstable client is assessed.
Key Takeaway: Unrelieved chest pain equals possible MI; assess first.
Q2. A nurse is preparing to enter the room of a client on airborne precautions for suspected
tuberculosis. Which personal protective equipment is required?
A. Surgical mask and gloves.
B. N95 respirator and gown and gloves.
C. Gown and gloves only.
D. Face shield and shoe covers.
, Correct Answer: B. N95 respirator and gown and gloves.
Rationale: Airborne precautions require an N95 respirator or powered air-purifying respirator
(PAPR), which filters small particles such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A surgical mask does
not provide adequate protection against airborne pathogens. Gowns and gloves are also
required for standard precautions. Face shields and shoe covers are not specifically required
for airborne precautions unless splashes are anticipated.
Key Takeaway: Airborne precautions equal N95 plus standard precautions.
Q3. A nurse is preparing to administer a high-alert medication. Which action is most
important for patient safety?
A. Administer the medication quickly to save time.
B. Have a second nurse independently verify the dose and calculation.
C. Document the dose before administration.
D. Administer the medication without checking the MAR.
Correct Answer: B. Have a second nurse independently verify the dose and calculation.
Rationale: High-alert medications carry a heightened risk of significant patient harm when
used in error. An independent double-check by a second nurse is a critical safety strategy
recommended by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP). Administering quickly,
documenting before administration, and skipping the MAR check are unsafe practices that
increase the risk of medication errors.
Key Takeaway: High-alert medications require an independent double-check before
administration.
Q4. A nurse is assessing a client and obtains the following vital signs: temperature 103.2°F,
heart rate 122, respiratory rate 28, blood pressure 88/54. Which finding requires immediate
follow-up?
A. Temperature.
B. Heart rate.
C. Respiratory rate.
D. Blood pressure.
