,NU 110 — Exam 1
Comprehensive Questions & Verified Answers | 2026
Edition
1. Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of the nursing process?
A) To ensure all patients receive identical care regardless of individual needs
B) To provide a systematic, problem-solving framework for delivering individualized nursing care
C) To prioritize medical tasks over nursing interventions
D) To document patient outcomes after discharge
Correct Answer: To provide a systematic, problem-solving framework for delivering individualized
nursing care
Rationale: The nursing process (ADPIE) is a critical thinking method that guides assessment, diagnosis,
planning, implementation, and evaluation. It ensures care is tailored to each patient’s unique needs, not
a one-size-fits-all approach, and forms the foundation of clinical decision-making.
2. The nurse is caring for a patient who develops a fever and productive cough. Before contacting the
health care provider, what should the nurse do first?
A) Administer an antipyretic
B) Assess the patient’s vital signs and oxygen saturation
C) Notify the charge nurse
D) Document the symptoms in the chart
Correct Answer: Assess the patient’s vital signs and oxygen saturation
Rationale: A comprehensive assessment, including vital signs and oxygen saturation, provides objective
data needed to report the situation accurately. The nurse must gather all relevant information before
communicating with the provider to support timely clinical decisions.
,3. A nursing student asks the instructor to explain “objective data.” The instructor’s best response is that
objective data are
A) information the patient shares about feelings and perceptions
B) the patient’s description of pain and anxiety
C) observable and measurable findings collected through physical examination and diagnostic tests
D) family history provided by the patient
Correct Answer: Observable and measurable findings collected through physical examination and
diagnostic tests
Rationale: Objective data can be seen, felt, heard, or measured, such as vital signs, lung sounds, and
laboratory values. Subjective data are the patient’s own descriptions of symptoms, including pain,
nausea, or anxiety, which are not directly observable.
4. Which of the following nursing interventions requires an order from a health care provider?
A) Repositioning a patient every 2 hours
B) Teaching deep breathing and coughing exercises
C) Providing oral care with a sponge toothette
D) Administering an intravenous antibiotic
Correct Answer: Administering an intravenous antibiotic
Rationale: Independent nursing interventions, such as repositioning, teaching, and mouth care, do not
require a provider’s order. Dependent interventions, like administering medications or initiating IV
therapy, require a prescription from a licensed provider.
5. The nurse is prioritizing patient problems using Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Which need should be
addressed first?
A) Oxygenation and airway patency
B) Self-esteem and confidence
C) Love and belonging
, D) Safety and security
Correct Answer: Oxygenation and airway patency
Rationale: Maslow’s hierarchy places physiological needs, including oxygenation, as the highest priority.
The nurse must ensure airway, breathing, and circulation are stable before addressing safety, love, or
self-esteem needs.
6. When washing hands with soap and water, the nurse should scrub for at least
A) 5 seconds
B) 20 seconds
C) 60 seconds
D) 120 seconds
Correct Answer: 20 seconds
Rationale: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends handwashing with soap and
water for at least 20 seconds to effectively remove microorganisms. Shorter times are insufficient;
longer times are not necessary for routine hand hygiene.
7. The nurse observes a student about to enter the room of a patient with Clostridioides difficile
infection. Which action indicates the need for further teaching?
A) Performing hand hygiene before patient contact
B) Wearing a gown and gloves
C) Using an alcohol-based hand rub after removing gloves
D) Wearing dedicated equipment in the room
Correct Answer: Using an alcohol-based hand rub after removing gloves
Comprehensive Questions & Verified Answers | 2026
Edition
1. Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of the nursing process?
A) To ensure all patients receive identical care regardless of individual needs
B) To provide a systematic, problem-solving framework for delivering individualized nursing care
C) To prioritize medical tasks over nursing interventions
D) To document patient outcomes after discharge
Correct Answer: To provide a systematic, problem-solving framework for delivering individualized
nursing care
Rationale: The nursing process (ADPIE) is a critical thinking method that guides assessment, diagnosis,
planning, implementation, and evaluation. It ensures care is tailored to each patient’s unique needs, not
a one-size-fits-all approach, and forms the foundation of clinical decision-making.
2. The nurse is caring for a patient who develops a fever and productive cough. Before contacting the
health care provider, what should the nurse do first?
A) Administer an antipyretic
B) Assess the patient’s vital signs and oxygen saturation
C) Notify the charge nurse
D) Document the symptoms in the chart
Correct Answer: Assess the patient’s vital signs and oxygen saturation
Rationale: A comprehensive assessment, including vital signs and oxygen saturation, provides objective
data needed to report the situation accurately. The nurse must gather all relevant information before
communicating with the provider to support timely clinical decisions.
,3. A nursing student asks the instructor to explain “objective data.” The instructor’s best response is that
objective data are
A) information the patient shares about feelings and perceptions
B) the patient’s description of pain and anxiety
C) observable and measurable findings collected through physical examination and diagnostic tests
D) family history provided by the patient
Correct Answer: Observable and measurable findings collected through physical examination and
diagnostic tests
Rationale: Objective data can be seen, felt, heard, or measured, such as vital signs, lung sounds, and
laboratory values. Subjective data are the patient’s own descriptions of symptoms, including pain,
nausea, or anxiety, which are not directly observable.
4. Which of the following nursing interventions requires an order from a health care provider?
A) Repositioning a patient every 2 hours
B) Teaching deep breathing and coughing exercises
C) Providing oral care with a sponge toothette
D) Administering an intravenous antibiotic
Correct Answer: Administering an intravenous antibiotic
Rationale: Independent nursing interventions, such as repositioning, teaching, and mouth care, do not
require a provider’s order. Dependent interventions, like administering medications or initiating IV
therapy, require a prescription from a licensed provider.
5. The nurse is prioritizing patient problems using Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Which need should be
addressed first?
A) Oxygenation and airway patency
B) Self-esteem and confidence
C) Love and belonging
, D) Safety and security
Correct Answer: Oxygenation and airway patency
Rationale: Maslow’s hierarchy places physiological needs, including oxygenation, as the highest priority.
The nurse must ensure airway, breathing, and circulation are stable before addressing safety, love, or
self-esteem needs.
6. When washing hands with soap and water, the nurse should scrub for at least
A) 5 seconds
B) 20 seconds
C) 60 seconds
D) 120 seconds
Correct Answer: 20 seconds
Rationale: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends handwashing with soap and
water for at least 20 seconds to effectively remove microorganisms. Shorter times are insufficient;
longer times are not necessary for routine hand hygiene.
7. The nurse observes a student about to enter the room of a patient with Clostridioides difficile
infection. Which action indicates the need for further teaching?
A) Performing hand hygiene before patient contact
B) Wearing a gown and gloves
C) Using an alcohol-based hand rub after removing gloves
D) Wearing dedicated equipment in the room
Correct Answer: Using an alcohol-based hand rub after removing gloves
