NU 301 Unit 2 Exam Prep Document | 2026/2027 Edition | 250
Verified Questions
NU 301 Unit 2 Exam 2026-2027 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ALREADY GRADED A+.
100% Verified Solutions | Updated Per Latest Guidelines | Graded A+
This comprehensive exam preparation document contains 250 NCLEX-style fundamentals of nursing
questions with detailed rationales, designed to help students master core nursing concepts and excel in
the NU 301 Unit 2 Exam. Each question is verified for accuracy and aligned with the latest 2026/2027
nursing guidelines. The document covers essential topics including patient safety, infection control,
vital signs, and nursing process, providing a thorough review for exam success.
Key Features:
Patient Safety and Quality Improvement
Infection Control and Standard Precautions
Vital Signs and Health Assessment
Nursing Process and Clinical Decision Making
Pharmacology and Medication Administration
Ethical and Legal Principles in Nursing
Updates for 2026:
- Updated to reflect 2026/2027 NCLEX-RN test plan changes
- Revised rationales to incorporate latest evidence-based practice
- Added new questions on emerging infection control protocols
- Enhanced distractor explanations for improved critical thinking
- Included updated medication administration safety guidelines
Abstract:
This exam preparation resource is meticulously crafted for nursing students enrolled in NU 301, focusing on the
fundamentals of nursing as tested in the Unit 2 exam. The document comprises 250 NCLEX-style questions, each
accompanied by a comprehensive rationale that explains the correct answer and analyzes common distractors. The
content is organized into key content areas such as patient safety, infection control, vital signs, nursing process,
pharmacology, and ethical/legal considerations. Each question is designed to assess higher-order thinking and
clinical judgment, aligning with the 2026/2027 NCLEX-RN test plan. The rationales are structured to reinforce
learning by detailing the underlying principles and evidence-based guidelines. This document serves as a definitive
study tool, ensuring students are well-prepared to achieve a graded A+ on their exam. The inclusion of updated
guidelines and recent changes in nursing practice makes this edition particularly valuable for current academic
requirements.
Keywords:
NCLEX-style questions, fundamentals of nursing, patient safety, infection control, vital signs, nursing process,
medication administration, exam preparation
Answer Format:
Each question is followed by the correct answer and a detailed rationale explaining why it is correct. Incorrect
options are analyzed with specific distractor explanations to clarify common misconceptions. The rationales are
written in a concise, evidence-based manner to facilitate understanding and retention.
Compliance Checklist:
All questions are verified for accuracy and relevance to the 2026/2027 NCLEX-RN test plan.
Rationales are based on the latest evidence-based practice and nursing guidelines.
Page 1
, Content covers all major topics outlined in the NU 301 Unit 2 syllabus.
Questions are designed to assess clinical judgment and critical thinking skills.
Document is formatted for easy navigation and self-study.
Answers are graded A+ with 100% verified solutions.
Content Area Overview:
Content Area Questions Key Topics Weight
Patient Safety and Quality 1-50 fall prevention, fire safety, restraint use, 20%
Improvement sentinel events, quality improvement models
Infection Control and Standard 51-100 hand hygiene, PPE, isolation precautions, 20%
Precautions sterile technique, healthcare-associated
infections
Vital Signs and Health 101-150 temperature, pulse, respiration, blood 20%
Assessment pressure, pain assessment, normal ranges
Nursing Process and Clinical 151-200 assessment, diagnosis, planning, 20%
Decision Making implementation, evaluation, critical thinking
Pharmacology and Medication 201-225 medication rights, dosage calculations, 10%
Administration routes of administration, adverse effects,
drug interactions
Ethical and Legal Principles in 226-250 informed consent, patient confidentiality, 10%
Nursing advance directives, negligence, ethical
dilemmas
Page 2
,Q1. A patient with a history of heart failure is admitted with acute pulmonary edema. The nurse notes the
patient has a serum sodium of 128 mEq/L and is receiving 0.9% normal saline at 100 mL/hour. Which action
should the nurse take first?
A. Administer furosemide 40 mg IV push as prescribed.
B. Increase the IV rate to 150 mL/hour to correct hyponatremia.
C. Change the IV fluid to 3% saline per protocol.
D. Notify the healthcare provider of the laboratory result and current IV rate.
Correct Answer: D. Notify the healthcare provider of the laboratory result and current IV rate.
Rationale: The patient has hyponatremia (128 mEq/L) and is receiving hypotonic fluid (0.9% NS is isotonic, but in
heart failure, it can worsen fluid overload). The priority is to notify the provider to adjust the IV fluid to avoid
worsening hyponatremia or pulmonary edema. Furosemide may be prescribed but requires evaluation first.
Increasing rate or changing to hypertonic saline without orders is unsafe.
Why Wrong:
A - Administering furosemide without addressing the hyponatremia and fluid type may be premature and
could worsen electrolyte imbalance.
B - Increasing IV rate would exacerbate fluid overload and pulmonary edema.
C - Changing to 3% saline is a high-risk intervention that requires a provider order and careful monitoring.
Reference: Ignatavicius, D. D., & Workman, M. L. (2021). Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for
Interprofessional Collaborative Care, 10th Ed., Ch. 13.
Q2. A nurse is preparing to administer a blood transfusion to a patient. The patient's IV is infusing 0.9%
normal saline. The nurse has the blood product from the blood bank. Which of the following actions should
the nurse take?
A. Prime the blood tubing with 5% dextrose in water before connecting.
B. Use a Y-type tubing set with an in-line filter and prime with 0.9% normal saline.
C. Add the blood to the existing IV bag to avoid multiple connections.
D. Flush the IV line with lactated Ringer's solution before transfusion.
Correct Answer: B. Use a Y-type tubing set with an in-line filter and prime with 0.9% normal saline.
Rationale: Blood transfusions require a Y-type tubing set with a filter to prevent clots and debris. Only 0.9%
normal saline is compatible with blood; other solutions like dextrose or lactated Ringer's can cause hemolysis or
clotting. Priming with saline ensures the line is free of other solutions.
Why Wrong:
A - Dextrose solutions can cause hemolysis of red blood cells.
C - Adding blood to an existing IV bag risks contamination and inaccurate infusion rate.
D - Lactated Ringer's contains calcium, which can cause clotting or hemolysis.
Reference: Potter, P. A., & Perry, A. G. (2021). Fundamentals of Nursing, 10th Ed., Ch. 32.
Q3. A nurse is caring for a patient who is 2 hours post-operative following an abdominal surgery. The nurse
observes that the surgical dressing is saturated with bright red blood and the patient's heart rate is 112 bpm,
blood pressure 90/60 mm Hg. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Reinforce the dressing with additional gauze.
B. Apply pressure to the surgical site and call for help.
C. Document the findings and continue to monitor every 15 minutes.
D. Administer the prescribed IV bolus of 500 mL normal saline.
Correct Answer: B. Apply pressure to the surgical site and call for help.
Rationale: The patient shows signs of hemorrhage (tachycardia, hypotension, saturated dressing). The priority is to
apply direct pressure to control bleeding and activate the rapid response team. While fluid resuscitation is
important, controlling the source of bleeding is the immediate priority.
Page 3
, Why Wrong:
A - Reinforcing the dressing does not address active bleeding and may mask severity.
C - Documentation and monitoring delay urgent intervention.
D - IV bolus is important but should follow or be concurrent with direct pressure and provider notification.
Reference: Lewis, S. L., et al. (2022). Medical-Surgical Nursing: Assessment and Management of Clinical Problems, 11th Ed.,
Ch. 17.
Q4. A nurse is teaching a patient about the use of a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump. Which
statement by the patient indicates a correct understanding?
A. I will ask my family to press the button when I am sleeping so I don't miss a dose.
B. I should wait until the pain is severe before pressing the button.
C. I can press the button as often as I feel I need pain relief.
D. The pump will deliver a continuous dose regardless of whether I press the button.
Correct Answer: C. I can press the button as often as I feel I need pain relief.
Rationale: PCA allows the patient to self-administer small doses of analgesic as needed, with a lockout interval to
prevent overdose. The patient should press the button when pain is present, not wait for severe pain. Family
members should not press the button (only the patient). Continuous infusion may be used but is not universal.
Why Wrong:
A - Only the patient should press the PCA button to ensure safe dosing; family pressing can lead to overdose.
B - Waiting for severe pain reduces effectiveness; PCA is for proactive pain management.
D - Not all PCA pumps deliver a continuous dose; many are demand-only with lockout.
Reference: Lehne, R. A. (2022). Pharmacology for Nursing Care, 11th Ed., Ch. 26.
Q5. A nurse is assessing a patient who has a chest tube connected to a water-seal drainage system. The nurse
notes continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber. What is the most appropriate nursing action?
A. Document the finding as expected.
B. Clamp the chest tube near the insertion site.
C. Check the system for an air leak.
D. Increase the suction pressure.
Correct Answer: C. Check the system for an air leak.
Rationale: Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber indicates an air leak in the system (e.g., loose
connection, dislodged tube). The nurse should assess the entire system from insertion site to drainage unit to locate
and correct the leak. Intermittent bubbling is normal with exhalation. Clamping or increasing suction is not
appropriate without identifying the leak.
Why Wrong:
A - Continuous bubbling is not normal; it indicates a leak that requires intervention.
B - Clamping can cause tension pneumothorax if the tube is obstructed.
D - Increasing suction may not correct the leak and could worsen it.
Reference: Ignatavicius, D. D., & Workman, M. L. (2021). Medical-Surgical Nursing, 10th Ed., Ch. 29.
Q6. A nurse is preparing to administer an IM injection of an antibiotic to a patient with a BMI of 18.5. The
recommended injection site is the ventrogluteal muscle. Which of the following actions is most important for
safe administration?
A. Use a 1-inch needle to ensure intramuscular delivery.
B. Select a 22-gauge, 1.5-inch needle and inject at a 90-degree angle.
C. Administer the injection into the deltoid muscle instead.
D. Use the Z-track method to prevent leakage.
Correct Answer: B. Select a 22-gauge, 1.5-inch needle and inject at a 90-degree angle.
Page 4
Verified Questions
NU 301 Unit 2 Exam 2026-2027 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ALREADY GRADED A+.
100% Verified Solutions | Updated Per Latest Guidelines | Graded A+
This comprehensive exam preparation document contains 250 NCLEX-style fundamentals of nursing
questions with detailed rationales, designed to help students master core nursing concepts and excel in
the NU 301 Unit 2 Exam. Each question is verified for accuracy and aligned with the latest 2026/2027
nursing guidelines. The document covers essential topics including patient safety, infection control,
vital signs, and nursing process, providing a thorough review for exam success.
Key Features:
Patient Safety and Quality Improvement
Infection Control and Standard Precautions
Vital Signs and Health Assessment
Nursing Process and Clinical Decision Making
Pharmacology and Medication Administration
Ethical and Legal Principles in Nursing
Updates for 2026:
- Updated to reflect 2026/2027 NCLEX-RN test plan changes
- Revised rationales to incorporate latest evidence-based practice
- Added new questions on emerging infection control protocols
- Enhanced distractor explanations for improved critical thinking
- Included updated medication administration safety guidelines
Abstract:
This exam preparation resource is meticulously crafted for nursing students enrolled in NU 301, focusing on the
fundamentals of nursing as tested in the Unit 2 exam. The document comprises 250 NCLEX-style questions, each
accompanied by a comprehensive rationale that explains the correct answer and analyzes common distractors. The
content is organized into key content areas such as patient safety, infection control, vital signs, nursing process,
pharmacology, and ethical/legal considerations. Each question is designed to assess higher-order thinking and
clinical judgment, aligning with the 2026/2027 NCLEX-RN test plan. The rationales are structured to reinforce
learning by detailing the underlying principles and evidence-based guidelines. This document serves as a definitive
study tool, ensuring students are well-prepared to achieve a graded A+ on their exam. The inclusion of updated
guidelines and recent changes in nursing practice makes this edition particularly valuable for current academic
requirements.
Keywords:
NCLEX-style questions, fundamentals of nursing, patient safety, infection control, vital signs, nursing process,
medication administration, exam preparation
Answer Format:
Each question is followed by the correct answer and a detailed rationale explaining why it is correct. Incorrect
options are analyzed with specific distractor explanations to clarify common misconceptions. The rationales are
written in a concise, evidence-based manner to facilitate understanding and retention.
Compliance Checklist:
All questions are verified for accuracy and relevance to the 2026/2027 NCLEX-RN test plan.
Rationales are based on the latest evidence-based practice and nursing guidelines.
Page 1
, Content covers all major topics outlined in the NU 301 Unit 2 syllabus.
Questions are designed to assess clinical judgment and critical thinking skills.
Document is formatted for easy navigation and self-study.
Answers are graded A+ with 100% verified solutions.
Content Area Overview:
Content Area Questions Key Topics Weight
Patient Safety and Quality 1-50 fall prevention, fire safety, restraint use, 20%
Improvement sentinel events, quality improvement models
Infection Control and Standard 51-100 hand hygiene, PPE, isolation precautions, 20%
Precautions sterile technique, healthcare-associated
infections
Vital Signs and Health 101-150 temperature, pulse, respiration, blood 20%
Assessment pressure, pain assessment, normal ranges
Nursing Process and Clinical 151-200 assessment, diagnosis, planning, 20%
Decision Making implementation, evaluation, critical thinking
Pharmacology and Medication 201-225 medication rights, dosage calculations, 10%
Administration routes of administration, adverse effects,
drug interactions
Ethical and Legal Principles in 226-250 informed consent, patient confidentiality, 10%
Nursing advance directives, negligence, ethical
dilemmas
Page 2
,Q1. A patient with a history of heart failure is admitted with acute pulmonary edema. The nurse notes the
patient has a serum sodium of 128 mEq/L and is receiving 0.9% normal saline at 100 mL/hour. Which action
should the nurse take first?
A. Administer furosemide 40 mg IV push as prescribed.
B. Increase the IV rate to 150 mL/hour to correct hyponatremia.
C. Change the IV fluid to 3% saline per protocol.
D. Notify the healthcare provider of the laboratory result and current IV rate.
Correct Answer: D. Notify the healthcare provider of the laboratory result and current IV rate.
Rationale: The patient has hyponatremia (128 mEq/L) and is receiving hypotonic fluid (0.9% NS is isotonic, but in
heart failure, it can worsen fluid overload). The priority is to notify the provider to adjust the IV fluid to avoid
worsening hyponatremia or pulmonary edema. Furosemide may be prescribed but requires evaluation first.
Increasing rate or changing to hypertonic saline without orders is unsafe.
Why Wrong:
A - Administering furosemide without addressing the hyponatremia and fluid type may be premature and
could worsen electrolyte imbalance.
B - Increasing IV rate would exacerbate fluid overload and pulmonary edema.
C - Changing to 3% saline is a high-risk intervention that requires a provider order and careful monitoring.
Reference: Ignatavicius, D. D., & Workman, M. L. (2021). Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for
Interprofessional Collaborative Care, 10th Ed., Ch. 13.
Q2. A nurse is preparing to administer a blood transfusion to a patient. The patient's IV is infusing 0.9%
normal saline. The nurse has the blood product from the blood bank. Which of the following actions should
the nurse take?
A. Prime the blood tubing with 5% dextrose in water before connecting.
B. Use a Y-type tubing set with an in-line filter and prime with 0.9% normal saline.
C. Add the blood to the existing IV bag to avoid multiple connections.
D. Flush the IV line with lactated Ringer's solution before transfusion.
Correct Answer: B. Use a Y-type tubing set with an in-line filter and prime with 0.9% normal saline.
Rationale: Blood transfusions require a Y-type tubing set with a filter to prevent clots and debris. Only 0.9%
normal saline is compatible with blood; other solutions like dextrose or lactated Ringer's can cause hemolysis or
clotting. Priming with saline ensures the line is free of other solutions.
Why Wrong:
A - Dextrose solutions can cause hemolysis of red blood cells.
C - Adding blood to an existing IV bag risks contamination and inaccurate infusion rate.
D - Lactated Ringer's contains calcium, which can cause clotting or hemolysis.
Reference: Potter, P. A., & Perry, A. G. (2021). Fundamentals of Nursing, 10th Ed., Ch. 32.
Q3. A nurse is caring for a patient who is 2 hours post-operative following an abdominal surgery. The nurse
observes that the surgical dressing is saturated with bright red blood and the patient's heart rate is 112 bpm,
blood pressure 90/60 mm Hg. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Reinforce the dressing with additional gauze.
B. Apply pressure to the surgical site and call for help.
C. Document the findings and continue to monitor every 15 minutes.
D. Administer the prescribed IV bolus of 500 mL normal saline.
Correct Answer: B. Apply pressure to the surgical site and call for help.
Rationale: The patient shows signs of hemorrhage (tachycardia, hypotension, saturated dressing). The priority is to
apply direct pressure to control bleeding and activate the rapid response team. While fluid resuscitation is
important, controlling the source of bleeding is the immediate priority.
Page 3
, Why Wrong:
A - Reinforcing the dressing does not address active bleeding and may mask severity.
C - Documentation and monitoring delay urgent intervention.
D - IV bolus is important but should follow or be concurrent with direct pressure and provider notification.
Reference: Lewis, S. L., et al. (2022). Medical-Surgical Nursing: Assessment and Management of Clinical Problems, 11th Ed.,
Ch. 17.
Q4. A nurse is teaching a patient about the use of a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump. Which
statement by the patient indicates a correct understanding?
A. I will ask my family to press the button when I am sleeping so I don't miss a dose.
B. I should wait until the pain is severe before pressing the button.
C. I can press the button as often as I feel I need pain relief.
D. The pump will deliver a continuous dose regardless of whether I press the button.
Correct Answer: C. I can press the button as often as I feel I need pain relief.
Rationale: PCA allows the patient to self-administer small doses of analgesic as needed, with a lockout interval to
prevent overdose. The patient should press the button when pain is present, not wait for severe pain. Family
members should not press the button (only the patient). Continuous infusion may be used but is not universal.
Why Wrong:
A - Only the patient should press the PCA button to ensure safe dosing; family pressing can lead to overdose.
B - Waiting for severe pain reduces effectiveness; PCA is for proactive pain management.
D - Not all PCA pumps deliver a continuous dose; many are demand-only with lockout.
Reference: Lehne, R. A. (2022). Pharmacology for Nursing Care, 11th Ed., Ch. 26.
Q5. A nurse is assessing a patient who has a chest tube connected to a water-seal drainage system. The nurse
notes continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber. What is the most appropriate nursing action?
A. Document the finding as expected.
B. Clamp the chest tube near the insertion site.
C. Check the system for an air leak.
D. Increase the suction pressure.
Correct Answer: C. Check the system for an air leak.
Rationale: Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber indicates an air leak in the system (e.g., loose
connection, dislodged tube). The nurse should assess the entire system from insertion site to drainage unit to locate
and correct the leak. Intermittent bubbling is normal with exhalation. Clamping or increasing suction is not
appropriate without identifying the leak.
Why Wrong:
A - Continuous bubbling is not normal; it indicates a leak that requires intervention.
B - Clamping can cause tension pneumothorax if the tube is obstructed.
D - Increasing suction may not correct the leak and could worsen it.
Reference: Ignatavicius, D. D., & Workman, M. L. (2021). Medical-Surgical Nursing, 10th Ed., Ch. 29.
Q6. A nurse is preparing to administer an IM injection of an antibiotic to a patient with a BMI of 18.5. The
recommended injection site is the ventrogluteal muscle. Which of the following actions is most important for
safe administration?
A. Use a 1-inch needle to ensure intramuscular delivery.
B. Select a 22-gauge, 1.5-inch needle and inject at a 90-degree angle.
C. Administer the injection into the deltoid muscle instead.
D. Use the Z-track method to prevent leakage.
Correct Answer: B. Select a 22-gauge, 1.5-inch needle and inject at a 90-degree angle.
Page 4
