Foundations for Professional Nursing
Midterm Exam Review
2026
(With Solutions)
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
A patient with chronic kidney disease develops potassium levels of 6.5 mEq/L.
Which nursing intervention is the priority?
a) Increase potassium intake through diet
b) Prepare the patient for dialysis
c) Administer potassium-sparing diuretics
d) Monitor for signs of hypokalemia
Answer: b) Prepare the patient for dialysis
Rationale: Elevated potassium (hyperkalemia) in kidney disease can cause life-
threatening arrhythmias. Dialysis is often required to remove excess potassium.
Which nursing action best exemplifies using evidence-based practice (EBP)?
a) Administering medications based on habit
b) Following outdated unit protocols
c) Integrating research findings into patient care
d) Relying solely on anecdotal experience
Answer: c) Integrating research findings into patient care
Rationale: EBP involves combining clinical expertise with the best available
research evidence.
,When assessing a patient with dehydration, which clinical finding best reflects the
need for fluid volume replacement?
a) Elevated blood pressure
b) Tachycardia and decreased skin turgor
c) Bradycardia and fluid overload
d) Peripheral edema
Answer: b) Tachycardia and decreased skin turgor
Rationale: Tachycardia and poor skin turgor are signs of volume depletion in
dehydration.
Which leadership style promotes collaboration and shared decision-making
among nursing staff?
a) Autocratic
b) Laissez-faire
c) Transformational
d) Transactional
Answer: c) Transformational
Rationale: Transformational leaders encourage participation and inspire team
members toward common goals.
Which component of the nursing process focuses on identifying patient problems
and needs?
a) Planning
b) Assessment
c) Diagnosis
d) Evaluation
, Answer: c) Diagnosis
Rationale: Diagnosis involves analyzing assessment data to identify actual or
potential health problems.
True/False Questions
The nursing code of ethics is legally binding and enforceable in all states.
Answer: False
Rationale: The nursing code of ethics guides professional behavior but is not a
legal document enforceable by law.
Hand hygiene is the most effective method to prevent healthcare-associated
infections.
Answer: True
Rationale: Proper hand hygiene significantly reduces pathogen transmission in
healthcare settings.
A nurse should always document patient care interventions immediately after
completing them to ensure accuracy.
Answer: True
Rationale: Immediate documentation ensures accurate and timely records, which
are essential for patient safety.
Delegating tasks to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) means the nurse is no
longer responsible for the patient's care.
Answer: False
Rationale: Nurses retain accountability for delegated tasks even when assigned to
UAP.
Cultural competence is essential for minimizing healthcare disparities.