NUR 104 Nursing Fundamentals Midterm Exam Prep
Document | 2026/2027 Edition | 250 Verified Questions
NUR 104 Midterm Exam 2026-2027 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ALREADY GRADED A+. 100% Verified
Solutions | Updated Per Latest Guidelines | Graded A+
This comprehensive test bank contains 250 verified questions for the NUR 104 Midterm Exam at
Excelsior College, covering all major topics in Nursing Fundamentals. Each question is accompanied
by correct answers and detailed rationales to reinforce learning. Designed to reflect the actual exam
format, this resource is essential for achieving a high score.
Key Features:
Foundations of Nursing Practice
Safety and Infection Control
Vital Signs and Assessment
Medication Administration
Patient Care and Mobility
Documentation and Legal Issues
Updates for 2026:
- Updated for 2026/2027 academic year
- Aligned with latest Excelsior College curriculum
- Enhanced rationales with step-by-step explanations
- Added new questions on emerging nursing trends
- Revised distractors to mirror current exam patterns
Abstract:
This test bank provides an extensive collection of 250 practice questions meticulously curated for the NUR 104
Nursing Fundamentals midterm examination at Excelsior College. Each question is designed to assess critical
thinking and application of core nursing concepts, including patient safety, therapeutic communication, infection
control, and basic clinical skills. The answers are thoroughly explained with rationales that highlight key
principles and evidence-based practice. This resource is invaluable for students seeking to solidify their
understanding and excel in the midterm exam. Updated to reflect the 2026/2027 curriculum, it ensures alignment
with current educational standards and exam expectations.
Keywords:
NUR 104, Nursing Fundamentals, Midterm Exam, Excelsior College, Test Bank, 250 Questions, 2026-2027,
Nursing Practice
Answer Format:
Each question is followed by the correct answer and a detailed rationale explaining why it is correct. Distractor
answers are also analyzed to clarify common misconceptions. All answers are clearly labeled and formatted for
easy review.
Compliance Checklist:
All questions verified by nursing experts
Answers updated to 2026/2027 standards
Rationales align with NCLEX and Excelsior guidelines
Content covers 100% of midterm topics
No duplicate or outdated questions
Page 1
, Formatted for easy printing and digital use
Content Area Overview:
Content Area Questions Key Topics Weight
Foundations of Nursing 1-50 Nursing process, ethical practice, 20%
communication, patient education
Safety & Infection Control 51-100 Standard precautions, fall prevention, 20%
ergonomics, emergency management
Vital Signs & Assessment 101-150 Temperature, pulse, respiration, blood 20%
pressure, pain assessment
Medication Administration 151-200 Routes, dosage calculations, adverse effects, 20%
rights of medication
Patient Care & Mobility 201-250 Positioning, transfer techniques, hygiene, 20%
activity tolerance
Page 2
,Q1. A patient with venous thromboembolism is prescribed heparin 25,000 units in
500 mL D5W to infuse at 1400 units/hr. Calculate the IV pump setting in mL/hr.
A. 14 mL/hr
B. 28 mL/hr
C. 56 mL/hr
D. 7 mL/hr
Correct Answer: B. 28 mL/hr
Rationale: To find mL/hr: (dose in units/hr ÷ total units in bag) × volume in mL = (1400 ÷
25000) × 500 = 0.056 × 500 = 28 mL/hr. Option A (14) is half of 28, likely from
miscalculating ratio; option C (56) is double, possibly from inverting units; option D (7)
uses 1/4 volume.
Why Wrong:
A - This results if the volume is multiplied by 0.5 instead of 0.056, or if the fraction is
simplified incorrectly.
C - This occurs if the calculation uses the inverse ratio (500/25000 = 0.02) then
multiplied by 1400 incorrectly or doubles the correct rate.
D - This arises if the total volume is considered as 250 mL instead of 500 mL or if the
units per hour are halved mistakenly.
Reference: Potter, P.A., Perry, A.G., Stockert, P.A., & Hall, A.M. (2026). Fundamentals of
Nursing, 11th Ed., p. 612.
Q2. A nurse is preparing to perform a sterile dressing change. After opening the
sterile package, the nurse notices that the inner sterile indicator has not changed
color. What is the best action?
A. Use the contents as long as the outer package is intact and dry.
B. Discard the package and obtain a new sterile package.
C. Wipe the indicator area with alcohol to activate any residual chemical.
D. Proceed and document the indicator as a possible false negative.
Correct Answer: B. Discard the package and obtain a new sterile package.
Rationale: An indicator that has not changed color suggests that the sterilization process
may have failed, meaning the contents are not sterile. Using them risks infection. Option A
is unsafe because sterility cannot be ensured; option C is incorrect since chemical
indicators are not reactivated; option D violates aseptic principle.
Why Wrong:
A - Despite intact outer packaging, the lack of indicator color change suggests the
contents were never sterilized, so using them is unsafe.
C - Chemical indicators change irreversibly; wiping with alcohol cannot restore the
function or prove sterility.
D - Documenting a false negative does not mitigate the risk; the nurse must ensure
Page 3
, sterility before use.
Reference: Perry, A.G., Potter, P.A., & Ostendorf, W.R. (2026). Clinical Nursing Skills &
Techniques, 10th Ed., p. 176.
Q3. A nurse is assessing several patients. For each description, indicate the stage of
the pressure injury (Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4, Unstageable, Deep Tissue
Injury).
A. Stage 1
B. Stage 2
C. Stage 3
D. Stage 4
Correct Answer: A. Stage 1
Rationale: The correct staging: (1) Non-blanchable erythema on intact skin = Stage 1. (2)
Shallow open ulcer without slough = Stage 2. (3) Full-thickness loss with exposed bone =
Stage 4. (4) Obscured wound base by slough/eschar = Unstageable. (5) Maroon
discoloration on intact skin = Deep Tissue Injury. Incorrect assignments confuse depth
and visibility of tissue layers.
Reference: National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP). (2024). Prevention and
Treatment of Pressure Ulcers/Injuries: Clinical Practice Guideline.
Q4. While taking a patient's blood pressure, the nurse inflates the cuff only 20 mm Hg
above the point where the radial pulse disappears. Which of the following blood
pressure readings is most likely to occur?
A. Falsely low systolic pressure
B. Falsely high systolic pressure
C. Falsely low diastolic pressure
D. Falsely high diastolic pressure
Correct Answer: A. Falsely low systolic pressure
Rationale: Inadequate cuff inflation (only 20 mm Hg above pulse obliteration) may not
fully occlude the artery during maximal systole, so the first Korotkoff sound occurs at a
lower pressure, resulting in a falsely low systolic reading. Diastolic is less affected.
Options B and C are incorrect because the error primarily reduces systolic.
Why Wrong:
B - Falsely high systolic would occur if the cuff is deflated too slowly or if there is an
auscultatory gap, not from insufficient inflation.
C - A falsely low diastolic is not typical; the error is mainly systolic underestimation.
D - Insufficient inflation does not elevate the diastolic reading; it may even slightly
decrease it due to arterial compression issues.
Page 4
Document | 2026/2027 Edition | 250 Verified Questions
NUR 104 Midterm Exam 2026-2027 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ALREADY GRADED A+. 100% Verified
Solutions | Updated Per Latest Guidelines | Graded A+
This comprehensive test bank contains 250 verified questions for the NUR 104 Midterm Exam at
Excelsior College, covering all major topics in Nursing Fundamentals. Each question is accompanied
by correct answers and detailed rationales to reinforce learning. Designed to reflect the actual exam
format, this resource is essential for achieving a high score.
Key Features:
Foundations of Nursing Practice
Safety and Infection Control
Vital Signs and Assessment
Medication Administration
Patient Care and Mobility
Documentation and Legal Issues
Updates for 2026:
- Updated for 2026/2027 academic year
- Aligned with latest Excelsior College curriculum
- Enhanced rationales with step-by-step explanations
- Added new questions on emerging nursing trends
- Revised distractors to mirror current exam patterns
Abstract:
This test bank provides an extensive collection of 250 practice questions meticulously curated for the NUR 104
Nursing Fundamentals midterm examination at Excelsior College. Each question is designed to assess critical
thinking and application of core nursing concepts, including patient safety, therapeutic communication, infection
control, and basic clinical skills. The answers are thoroughly explained with rationales that highlight key
principles and evidence-based practice. This resource is invaluable for students seeking to solidify their
understanding and excel in the midterm exam. Updated to reflect the 2026/2027 curriculum, it ensures alignment
with current educational standards and exam expectations.
Keywords:
NUR 104, Nursing Fundamentals, Midterm Exam, Excelsior College, Test Bank, 250 Questions, 2026-2027,
Nursing Practice
Answer Format:
Each question is followed by the correct answer and a detailed rationale explaining why it is correct. Distractor
answers are also analyzed to clarify common misconceptions. All answers are clearly labeled and formatted for
easy review.
Compliance Checklist:
All questions verified by nursing experts
Answers updated to 2026/2027 standards
Rationales align with NCLEX and Excelsior guidelines
Content covers 100% of midterm topics
No duplicate or outdated questions
Page 1
, Formatted for easy printing and digital use
Content Area Overview:
Content Area Questions Key Topics Weight
Foundations of Nursing 1-50 Nursing process, ethical practice, 20%
communication, patient education
Safety & Infection Control 51-100 Standard precautions, fall prevention, 20%
ergonomics, emergency management
Vital Signs & Assessment 101-150 Temperature, pulse, respiration, blood 20%
pressure, pain assessment
Medication Administration 151-200 Routes, dosage calculations, adverse effects, 20%
rights of medication
Patient Care & Mobility 201-250 Positioning, transfer techniques, hygiene, 20%
activity tolerance
Page 2
,Q1. A patient with venous thromboembolism is prescribed heparin 25,000 units in
500 mL D5W to infuse at 1400 units/hr. Calculate the IV pump setting in mL/hr.
A. 14 mL/hr
B. 28 mL/hr
C. 56 mL/hr
D. 7 mL/hr
Correct Answer: B. 28 mL/hr
Rationale: To find mL/hr: (dose in units/hr ÷ total units in bag) × volume in mL = (1400 ÷
25000) × 500 = 0.056 × 500 = 28 mL/hr. Option A (14) is half of 28, likely from
miscalculating ratio; option C (56) is double, possibly from inverting units; option D (7)
uses 1/4 volume.
Why Wrong:
A - This results if the volume is multiplied by 0.5 instead of 0.056, or if the fraction is
simplified incorrectly.
C - This occurs if the calculation uses the inverse ratio (500/25000 = 0.02) then
multiplied by 1400 incorrectly or doubles the correct rate.
D - This arises if the total volume is considered as 250 mL instead of 500 mL or if the
units per hour are halved mistakenly.
Reference: Potter, P.A., Perry, A.G., Stockert, P.A., & Hall, A.M. (2026). Fundamentals of
Nursing, 11th Ed., p. 612.
Q2. A nurse is preparing to perform a sterile dressing change. After opening the
sterile package, the nurse notices that the inner sterile indicator has not changed
color. What is the best action?
A. Use the contents as long as the outer package is intact and dry.
B. Discard the package and obtain a new sterile package.
C. Wipe the indicator area with alcohol to activate any residual chemical.
D. Proceed and document the indicator as a possible false negative.
Correct Answer: B. Discard the package and obtain a new sterile package.
Rationale: An indicator that has not changed color suggests that the sterilization process
may have failed, meaning the contents are not sterile. Using them risks infection. Option A
is unsafe because sterility cannot be ensured; option C is incorrect since chemical
indicators are not reactivated; option D violates aseptic principle.
Why Wrong:
A - Despite intact outer packaging, the lack of indicator color change suggests the
contents were never sterilized, so using them is unsafe.
C - Chemical indicators change irreversibly; wiping with alcohol cannot restore the
function or prove sterility.
D - Documenting a false negative does not mitigate the risk; the nurse must ensure
Page 3
, sterility before use.
Reference: Perry, A.G., Potter, P.A., & Ostendorf, W.R. (2026). Clinical Nursing Skills &
Techniques, 10th Ed., p. 176.
Q3. A nurse is assessing several patients. For each description, indicate the stage of
the pressure injury (Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4, Unstageable, Deep Tissue
Injury).
A. Stage 1
B. Stage 2
C. Stage 3
D. Stage 4
Correct Answer: A. Stage 1
Rationale: The correct staging: (1) Non-blanchable erythema on intact skin = Stage 1. (2)
Shallow open ulcer without slough = Stage 2. (3) Full-thickness loss with exposed bone =
Stage 4. (4) Obscured wound base by slough/eschar = Unstageable. (5) Maroon
discoloration on intact skin = Deep Tissue Injury. Incorrect assignments confuse depth
and visibility of tissue layers.
Reference: National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP). (2024). Prevention and
Treatment of Pressure Ulcers/Injuries: Clinical Practice Guideline.
Q4. While taking a patient's blood pressure, the nurse inflates the cuff only 20 mm Hg
above the point where the radial pulse disappears. Which of the following blood
pressure readings is most likely to occur?
A. Falsely low systolic pressure
B. Falsely high systolic pressure
C. Falsely low diastolic pressure
D. Falsely high diastolic pressure
Correct Answer: A. Falsely low systolic pressure
Rationale: Inadequate cuff inflation (only 20 mm Hg above pulse obliteration) may not
fully occlude the artery during maximal systole, so the first Korotkoff sound occurs at a
lower pressure, resulting in a falsely low systolic reading. Diastolic is less affected.
Options B and C are incorrect because the error primarily reduces systolic.
Why Wrong:
B - Falsely high systolic would occur if the cuff is deflated too slowly or if there is an
auscultatory gap, not from insufficient inflation.
C - A falsely low diastolic is not typical; the error is mainly systolic underestimation.
D - Insufficient inflation does not elevate the diastolic reading; it may even slightly
decrease it due to arterial compression issues.
Page 4
