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EXAMS
Fundamental Concepts & Skills for Nursing Practice - (2026) Actual
Questions & Answers (Galen College) | Questions & Answers (Verified
Answers) With Rationales ( Update)
This Document Contains:
200 Questions with Correct, Detailed and Verified Answers
2026/2027 Actual Practice Exam Testbank
Questions & Answers (Verified Answers) With Rationales
100% Guaranteed Pass
Complete A+ Guide
Page 1
,Question 1
A nurse is preparing to administer a continuous IV infusion of heparin at 1200 units/hr. The
pharmacy supplies a bag of 25,000 units in 500 mL of D5W. The nurse sets the IV pump to deliver
how many mL/hr? Round to the nearest whole number.
A) 12 mL/hr
B) 24 mL/hr
C) 48 mL/hr
D) 60 mL/hr
Answer: B) 24 mL/hr
Explanation: Correct: 24 mL/hr. Using dimensional analysis: (1200 units/hr) × (500 mL / 25,000
units) = 24 mL/hr. Option A (12 mL/hr) results from dividing by 100 instead of using
correct ratio. Option C (48 mL/hr) double-calculates. Option D (60 mL/hr) uses 20,000
units incorrectly.
Question 2
A nurse is assessing a patient who has just undergone surgery under general anesthesia. Which
finding would be most indicative of malignant hyperthermia, requiring immediate intervention?
A) Heart rate 88 bpm and blood pressure 130/80 mm Hg
B) End-tidal CO2 of 55 mm Hg with generalized muscle rigidity
C) Respiratory rate 16 breaths/min and oxygen saturation 97%
D) Temperature 37.2°C (99°F) and urine output 40 mL/hr
Answer: B) End-tidal CO2 of 55 mm Hg with generalized muscle rigidity
Explanation: Malignant hyperthermia is a life-threatening hypermetabolic state triggered by volatile
anesthetics or succinylcholine. Early signs include unexplained elevation of end-tidal
CO2 (due to increased metabolism) and muscle rigidity. Option A shows normal vitals.
Option C shows normal respiratory status. Option D shows normal temperature and
urine output, though temperature may rise later.
Page 2
,Question 3
A nurse is caring for a patient who requires a sterile dressing change for a surgical wound. During
the procedure, the nurse accidentally touches the sterile field with an ungloved hand. What is the
most appropriate immediate action?
A) Continue the procedure using the same supplies since the contamination is minimal.
B) Remove the contaminated supplies, apply new sterile gloves, and set up a new sterile field.
C) Wipe the contaminated area with alcohol and continue.
D) Cover the contaminated area with a sterile towel and proceed.
Answer: B) Remove the contaminated supplies, apply new sterile gloves, and set up a new sterile
field.
Explanation: Sterile technique requires that any break in sterility must be corrected immediately. The
contaminated field and supplies must be discarded, and a new sterile field must be
established. Option A violates infection control. Option C is ineffective because alcohol
does not restore sterility. Option D does not eliminate contamination risk.
Question 4
A nurse is assessing a patient who reports chest pain. Which assessment finding would be most
consistent with pericarditis rather than myocardial infarction?
A) Pain that is relieved by leaning forward
B) Pain that radiates to the left arm
C) ST-segment elevation on ECG
D) Elevated troponin levels
Answer: A) Pain that is relieved by leaning forward
Explanation: Pericarditis pain is typically pleuritic and positional, often relieved by sitting up and
leaning forward. Myocardial infarction pain is usually constant and may radiate to the
left arm. Both can show ST elevation, but troponin elevation is specific to myocardial
injury, not pericarditis. Option B is more typical of MI. Options C and D can occur in
both but are not distinguishing.
Page 3
, Question 5
A nurse is evaluating a patient's arterial blood gas results: pH 7.30, PaCO2 50 mm Hg, HCO3- 24
mEq/L. Which acid-base imbalance does this represent?
A) Respiratory alkalosis
B) Metabolic acidosis
C) Respiratory acidosis
D) Metabolic alkalosis
Answer: C) Respiratory acidosis
Explanation: The pH is below 7.35 (acidosis). PaCO2 is elevated (above 45 mm Hg), indicating a
respiratory cause. HCO3- is normal (22-26 mEq/L), so no metabolic compensation has
occurred. This is uncompensated respiratory acidosis. Option A would have high pH
and low PaCO2. Option B would have low HCO3-. Option D would have high pH and
high HCO3-.
Question 6
A nurse is preparing to administer an IM injection to a patient. Which site is most appropriate for
an injection volume of 3 mL into a large muscle?
A) Deltoid
B) Vastus lateralis
C) Dorsogluteal
D) Ventrogluteal
Answer: D) Ventrogluteal
Explanation: The ventrogluteal site can accommodate up to 3 mL and is preferred for IM injections
due to fewer major nerves and vessels. The deltoid (A) is limited to 1 mL. The vastus
lateralis (B) can take up to 2 mL in adults. The dorsogluteal (C) is associated with risk
of sciatic nerve injury and is not recommended for routine use.
Question 7
A nurse is documenting care in a patient's electronic health record. Which entry demonstrates
appropriate legal documentation?
A) Patient appears comfortable after medication.
B) Patient states pain is 3/10 30 minutes after morphine 2 mg IV.
C) Patient sleeping, no assessment done.
D) Doctor notified of low blood pressure.
Answer: B) Patient states pain is 3/10 30 minutes after morphine 2 mg IV.
Explanation: Legal documentation should be objective, factual, and include specific details. Option
B includes the patient's subjective report, time, and intervention. Option A is subjective
(appears). Option C omits assessment. Option D is vague (no time, no values). Proper
documentation supports continuity of care and legal protection.
Page 4
Download Download
EXAMS
Fundamental Concepts & Skills for Nursing Practice - (2026) Actual
Questions & Answers (Galen College) | Questions & Answers (Verified
Answers) With Rationales ( Update)
This Document Contains:
200 Questions with Correct, Detailed and Verified Answers
2026/2027 Actual Practice Exam Testbank
Questions & Answers (Verified Answers) With Rationales
100% Guaranteed Pass
Complete A+ Guide
Page 1
,Question 1
A nurse is preparing to administer a continuous IV infusion of heparin at 1200 units/hr. The
pharmacy supplies a bag of 25,000 units in 500 mL of D5W. The nurse sets the IV pump to deliver
how many mL/hr? Round to the nearest whole number.
A) 12 mL/hr
B) 24 mL/hr
C) 48 mL/hr
D) 60 mL/hr
Answer: B) 24 mL/hr
Explanation: Correct: 24 mL/hr. Using dimensional analysis: (1200 units/hr) × (500 mL / 25,000
units) = 24 mL/hr. Option A (12 mL/hr) results from dividing by 100 instead of using
correct ratio. Option C (48 mL/hr) double-calculates. Option D (60 mL/hr) uses 20,000
units incorrectly.
Question 2
A nurse is assessing a patient who has just undergone surgery under general anesthesia. Which
finding would be most indicative of malignant hyperthermia, requiring immediate intervention?
A) Heart rate 88 bpm and blood pressure 130/80 mm Hg
B) End-tidal CO2 of 55 mm Hg with generalized muscle rigidity
C) Respiratory rate 16 breaths/min and oxygen saturation 97%
D) Temperature 37.2°C (99°F) and urine output 40 mL/hr
Answer: B) End-tidal CO2 of 55 mm Hg with generalized muscle rigidity
Explanation: Malignant hyperthermia is a life-threatening hypermetabolic state triggered by volatile
anesthetics or succinylcholine. Early signs include unexplained elevation of end-tidal
CO2 (due to increased metabolism) and muscle rigidity. Option A shows normal vitals.
Option C shows normal respiratory status. Option D shows normal temperature and
urine output, though temperature may rise later.
Page 2
,Question 3
A nurse is caring for a patient who requires a sterile dressing change for a surgical wound. During
the procedure, the nurse accidentally touches the sterile field with an ungloved hand. What is the
most appropriate immediate action?
A) Continue the procedure using the same supplies since the contamination is minimal.
B) Remove the contaminated supplies, apply new sterile gloves, and set up a new sterile field.
C) Wipe the contaminated area with alcohol and continue.
D) Cover the contaminated area with a sterile towel and proceed.
Answer: B) Remove the contaminated supplies, apply new sterile gloves, and set up a new sterile
field.
Explanation: Sterile technique requires that any break in sterility must be corrected immediately. The
contaminated field and supplies must be discarded, and a new sterile field must be
established. Option A violates infection control. Option C is ineffective because alcohol
does not restore sterility. Option D does not eliminate contamination risk.
Question 4
A nurse is assessing a patient who reports chest pain. Which assessment finding would be most
consistent with pericarditis rather than myocardial infarction?
A) Pain that is relieved by leaning forward
B) Pain that radiates to the left arm
C) ST-segment elevation on ECG
D) Elevated troponin levels
Answer: A) Pain that is relieved by leaning forward
Explanation: Pericarditis pain is typically pleuritic and positional, often relieved by sitting up and
leaning forward. Myocardial infarction pain is usually constant and may radiate to the
left arm. Both can show ST elevation, but troponin elevation is specific to myocardial
injury, not pericarditis. Option B is more typical of MI. Options C and D can occur in
both but are not distinguishing.
Page 3
, Question 5
A nurse is evaluating a patient's arterial blood gas results: pH 7.30, PaCO2 50 mm Hg, HCO3- 24
mEq/L. Which acid-base imbalance does this represent?
A) Respiratory alkalosis
B) Metabolic acidosis
C) Respiratory acidosis
D) Metabolic alkalosis
Answer: C) Respiratory acidosis
Explanation: The pH is below 7.35 (acidosis). PaCO2 is elevated (above 45 mm Hg), indicating a
respiratory cause. HCO3- is normal (22-26 mEq/L), so no metabolic compensation has
occurred. This is uncompensated respiratory acidosis. Option A would have high pH
and low PaCO2. Option B would have low HCO3-. Option D would have high pH and
high HCO3-.
Question 6
A nurse is preparing to administer an IM injection to a patient. Which site is most appropriate for
an injection volume of 3 mL into a large muscle?
A) Deltoid
B) Vastus lateralis
C) Dorsogluteal
D) Ventrogluteal
Answer: D) Ventrogluteal
Explanation: The ventrogluteal site can accommodate up to 3 mL and is preferred for IM injections
due to fewer major nerves and vessels. The deltoid (A) is limited to 1 mL. The vastus
lateralis (B) can take up to 2 mL in adults. The dorsogluteal (C) is associated with risk
of sciatic nerve injury and is not recommended for routine use.
Question 7
A nurse is documenting care in a patient's electronic health record. Which entry demonstrates
appropriate legal documentation?
A) Patient appears comfortable after medication.
B) Patient states pain is 3/10 30 minutes after morphine 2 mg IV.
C) Patient sleeping, no assessment done.
D) Doctor notified of low blood pressure.
Answer: B) Patient states pain is 3/10 30 minutes after morphine 2 mg IV.
Explanation: Legal documentation should be objective, factual, and include specific details. Option
B includes the patient's subjective report, time, and intervention. Option A is subjective
(appears). Option C omits assessment. Option D is vague (no time, no values). Proper
documentation supports continuity of care and legal protection.
Page 4
