NSG 122 Final Exam V1 | NSG 122 Nursing
Fundamental Concepts | Herzing | 2026 Q&A with
Rationale (Herzing NSG122 Final Exam 2026)
1. When preparing to perform hand hygiene, which action is considered the most important
factor in preventing the spread of microorganisms?
A. The use of hot water to kill bacteria
B. The duration and friction of the rubbing action
C. Applying a large amount of antibacterial soap
D. Drying the hands with a reusable cloth towel
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Friction is the most effective component of hand hygiene because it
physically removes transient microbes from the skin surface. The CDC recommends
scrubbing for at least 20 seconds to ensure adequate cleaning. Using hot water is not
recommended as it can damage the skin and increase the risk of infection.
2. A nurse is assessing a patient’s radial pulse and notes that it is irregular. What is the next
priority action for the nurse?
A. Document the finding and reassess in four hours
B. Assess the apical pulse for one full minute
C. Notify the healthcare provider immediately
,D. Check the radial pulse on the opposite arm
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: An irregular radial pulse requires a more accurate assessment through apical
pulse monitoring. The apical pulse should be counted for a full 60 seconds to identify the
exact heart rate and rhythm. This provides a more direct measurement of the heart’s
electrical and mechanical activity.
3. According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which patient should the nurse assess first?
A. A patient requesting to see their family
B. A patient who feels unsafe in their environment
C. A patient expressing feelings of low self-esteem
D. A patient experiencing difficulty breathing
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Physiological needs, such as oxygenation and breathing, take priority over all
other needs according to Maslow’s hierarchy. Without meeting basic physiological
requirements, higher-level needs like safety or love cannot be addressed. The nurse must
apply the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) framework in clinical prioritization.
4. The nurse is caring for a patient who is at high risk for skin breakdown. Which intervention
is most effective in preventing pressure injuries?
A. Using a donut-shaped cushion when the patient sits
, B. Massaging reddened areas over bony prominences
C. Repositioning the patient every 2 hours
D. Increasing the patient’s intake of caffeine
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Regular repositioning relieves pressure on vulnerable tissues and restores
blood flow to the skin. Massaging reddened areas is contraindicated as it can cause deep
tissue damage. Donut cushions should be avoided as they actually increase pressure in
specific rings of tissue.
5. During the assessment phase of the nursing process, which of the following is considered
subjective data?
A. The patient’s blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg
B. The patient’s surgical incision is red and swollen
C. The patient’s white blood cell count is elevated
D. The patient states, ‘I feel very nauseated’
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Subjective data consists of the patient’s own perceptions, feelings, and
descriptions of their condition. Objective data involves measurable findings that can be
observed or verified by others, such as vital signs or lab results. Nausea is a symptom that
can only be reported by the patient, making it subjective.
Fundamental Concepts | Herzing | 2026 Q&A with
Rationale (Herzing NSG122 Final Exam 2026)
1. When preparing to perform hand hygiene, which action is considered the most important
factor in preventing the spread of microorganisms?
A. The use of hot water to kill bacteria
B. The duration and friction of the rubbing action
C. Applying a large amount of antibacterial soap
D. Drying the hands with a reusable cloth towel
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Friction is the most effective component of hand hygiene because it
physically removes transient microbes from the skin surface. The CDC recommends
scrubbing for at least 20 seconds to ensure adequate cleaning. Using hot water is not
recommended as it can damage the skin and increase the risk of infection.
2. A nurse is assessing a patient’s radial pulse and notes that it is irregular. What is the next
priority action for the nurse?
A. Document the finding and reassess in four hours
B. Assess the apical pulse for one full minute
C. Notify the healthcare provider immediately
,D. Check the radial pulse on the opposite arm
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: An irregular radial pulse requires a more accurate assessment through apical
pulse monitoring. The apical pulse should be counted for a full 60 seconds to identify the
exact heart rate and rhythm. This provides a more direct measurement of the heart’s
electrical and mechanical activity.
3. According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which patient should the nurse assess first?
A. A patient requesting to see their family
B. A patient who feels unsafe in their environment
C. A patient expressing feelings of low self-esteem
D. A patient experiencing difficulty breathing
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Physiological needs, such as oxygenation and breathing, take priority over all
other needs according to Maslow’s hierarchy. Without meeting basic physiological
requirements, higher-level needs like safety or love cannot be addressed. The nurse must
apply the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) framework in clinical prioritization.
4. The nurse is caring for a patient who is at high risk for skin breakdown. Which intervention
is most effective in preventing pressure injuries?
A. Using a donut-shaped cushion when the patient sits
, B. Massaging reddened areas over bony prominences
C. Repositioning the patient every 2 hours
D. Increasing the patient’s intake of caffeine
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Regular repositioning relieves pressure on vulnerable tissues and restores
blood flow to the skin. Massaging reddened areas is contraindicated as it can cause deep
tissue damage. Donut cushions should be avoided as they actually increase pressure in
specific rings of tissue.
5. During the assessment phase of the nursing process, which of the following is considered
subjective data?
A. The patient’s blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg
B. The patient’s surgical incision is red and swollen
C. The patient’s white blood cell count is elevated
D. The patient states, ‘I feel very nauseated’
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Subjective data consists of the patient’s own perceptions, feelings, and
descriptions of their condition. Objective data involves measurable findings that can be
observed or verified by others, such as vital signs or lab results. Nausea is a symptom that
can only be reported by the patient, making it subjective.
