Galen College | Latest 2023–2024 Update |
Questions and Answers | Grade A
Instructions: This exam for NUR155 Foundations of Nursing includes 50 questions (40
multiple-choice and 10 case-based/short-answer items) covering nutrition, fluid balance, safety,
and fundamentals of nursing care. Each multiple-choice question provides four answer choices
(A–D), the correct answer, and a rationale based on evidence-based nursing principles (e.g.,
Potter & Perry, Fundamentals of Nursing). Multiple-choice questions are worth 1 point each, and
case-based/short-answer items are worth 2 points each (total 60 points). Grade A quality with
verified answers. Good luck!
Multiple-Choice Questions
Question 1
What is the primary purpose of a balanced diet in patient care?
A. Promote healing and maintain health
B. Reduce medication needs
C. Increase appetite only
D. Prevent weight gain
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A balanced diet provides essential nutrients to support healing, immunity, and overall
health, per Potter & Perry. Why correct: Core nursing goal. Why others are incorrect:
Medication reduction (B) is secondary; appetite (C) is not primary; weight gain prevention (D) is
specific.
Question 2
A patient is at risk for dehydration. What is the first sign to monitor?
A. Dry mucous membranes
B. Increased urine output
C. Elevated blood pressure
D. Weight gain
,Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Dry mucous membranes are an early sign of dehydration, per fundamentals of
nursing. Why correct: Reflects fluid loss. Why others are incorrect: Urine output (B)
decreases; BP (C) drops; weight gain (D) indicates fluid retention.
Question 3
What is the most effective way to prevent falls in a hospitalized patient?
A. Keep bed in low position with rails up
B. Restrain the patient
C. Dim room lighting
D. Remove call bell
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Low bed position and raised rails reduce fall risk, per Joint Commission safety
guidelines. Why correct: Evidence-based safety. Why others are incorrect: Restraints (B)
increase risk; dim lighting (C) impairs visibility; removing call bell (D) reduces access.
Question 4
A patient requires a low-sodium diet. Which food should be avoided?
A. Canned soup
B. Fresh apples
C. Grilled chicken
D. Brown rice
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Canned soup is high in sodium, contraindicated for low-sodium diets, per ADA
guidelines. Why correct: Sodium restriction. Why others are incorrect: Apples (B), chicken
(C), and rice (D) are low-sodium options.
Question 5
What is the normal range for daily fluid intake in an adult?
A. 2,000–3,000 mL
B. 500–1,000 mL
C. 3,500–4,000 mL
D. 1,000–1,500 mL
, Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Adults require 2,000–3,000 mL/day to maintain fluid balance, per Potter & Perry. Why
correct: Standard requirement. Why others are incorrect: 500–1,000 (B) is too low;
3,500–4,000 (C) is excessive; 1,000–1,500 (D) is insufficient.
Question 6
What is the priority nursing action for a patient with a new tracheostomy?
A. Ensure airway patency
B. Change dressings daily
C. Administer pain medication
D. Encourage ambulation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Airway patency is critical for tracheostomy patients to prevent obstruction, per AACN
guidelines. Why correct: Life-saving priority. Why others are incorrect: Dressings (B), pain
(C), and ambulation (D) are secondary.
Question 7
A patient has a BMI of 32. What is the classification?
A. Obese
B. Normal weight
C. Overweight
D. Underweight
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: BMI >30 indicates obesity, per CDC guidelines. Why correct: Standard
classification. Why others are incorrect: Normal (B) is 18.5–24.9; overweight (C) is 25–29.9;
underweight (D) is <18.5.
Question 8
What is the primary purpose of hand hygiene in nursing care?
A. Prevent healthcare-associated infections
B. Improve patient comfort
C. Reduce medication errors
D. Enhance documentation