1
Fundamental Concepts & Skills for
Nursing Practice I (NSG3100) – Galen
College of Nursing – Exam 2 Review
(2024/2025)
Question Bank
Foundational Nursing Skills (Questions 1–30)
1. What is the first step in the nursing process?
A) Evaluation
B) Assessment
C) Planning
D) Implementation
Correct Answer: B) Assessment
Rationale: Assessment is the first step of the nursing process, involving data collection
to identify patient needs. This informs subsequent steps like planning and
implementation.
2. When performing a head-to-toe assessment, which system is typically assessed first?
A) Cardiovascular
B) Neurological
C) Respiratory
D) Gastrointestinal
Correct Answer: B) Neurological
Rationale: Neurological assessment, including level of consciousness, is prioritized to
establish baseline mental status, which guides further assessments.
3. What is the correct technique for measuring oral temperature?
A) Place the thermometer in the axilla.
B) Place the thermometer under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket.
C) Hold the thermometer in the mouth for 10 seconds.
D) Clean the thermometer with water only.
Correct Answer: B) Place the thermometer under the tongue in the posterior
sublingual pocket.
Rationale: The posterior sublingual pocket provides the most accurate oral temperature
reading. Axillary measurements are less accurate, timing varies by device, and cleaning
requires disinfectant.
4. When auscultating lung sounds, where should the nurse place the stethoscope?
A) Over bony prominences
B) Directly on the skin over the lung fields
C) Over clothing to avoid discomfort
, 2
D) On the sternum only
Correct Answer: B) Directly on the skin over the lung fields
Rationale: Placing the stethoscope directly on the skin ensures clear auscultation of lung
sounds. Clothing or bones interfere with sound transmission.
5. What is the proper handwashing duration for routine patient care?
A) 10 seconds
B) 20–30 seconds
C) 40–60 seconds
D) 90 seconds
Correct Answer: C) 40–60 seconds
Rationale: The CDC recommends 40–60 seconds of handwashing with soap and water to
effectively remove pathogens in routine patient care settings.
6. When applying a blood pressure cuff, where should the bladder be positioned?
A) Over the antecubital fossa
B) Over the brachial artery
C) On the wrist
D) Below the elbow
Correct Answer: B) Over the brachial artery
Rationale: Positioning the cuff’s bladder over the brachial artery ensures accurate blood
pressure measurement. Incorrect placement leads to false readings.
7. What is a key component of therapeutic communication?
A) Using medical jargon to explain procedures
B) Maintaining eye contact and active listening
C) Interrupting the patient to clarify details
D) Focusing only on written documentation
Correct Answer: B) Maintaining eye contact and active listening
Rationale: Eye contact and active listening foster trust and understanding, key to
therapeutic communication. Jargon, interruptions, or documentation focus hinder rapport.
8. How should a nurse position a patient for a bed bath?
A) Prone with head elevated
B) Supine with slight head elevation
C) Sitting upright in a chair
D) Lateral with knees extended
Correct Answer: B) Supine with slight head elevation
Rationale: Supine positioning with slight head elevation ensures patient comfort and
safety during a bed bath, facilitating access to all body areas.
9. What is the correct method for administering eye drops?
A) Apply drops to the cornea directly.
B) Pull the lower eyelid down to form a pocket.
C) Place drops on the upper eyelid.
D) Have the patient blink immediately after administration.
Correct Answer: B) Pull the lower eyelid down to form a pocket.
Rationale: Placing drops in the lower conjunctival sac (pocket) ensures proper delivery
and minimizes corneal irritation. Blinking is delayed to allow absorption.
10. When assisting a patient with ambulation, where should the nurse stand?
A) Behind the patient
, 3
B) In front of the patient
C) On the patient’s stronger side
D) On the patient’s weaker side
Correct Answer: D) On the patient’s weaker side
Rationale: Standing on the weaker side provides support where the patient is most
vulnerable, enhancing safety during ambulation.
11. What is the correct angle for administering an intramuscular injection?
A) 15 degrees
B) 45 degrees
C) 90 degrees
D) 30 degrees
Correct Answer: C) 90 degrees
Rationale: A 90-degree angle ensures the medication reaches the muscle layer for proper
absorption, per standard IM injection guidelines.
12. When performing oral care for an unconscious patient, what is a priority action?
A) Use a hard-bristled toothbrush.
B) Position the patient in a supine position.
C) Turn the patient’s head to the side.
D) Avoid using a suction device.
Correct Answer: C) Turn the patient’s head to the side.
Rationale: Turning the head to the side prevents aspiration of fluids during oral care in
unconscious patients. Supine positioning and hard brushes increase risk.
13. What is the purpose of using a draw sheet during patient repositioning?
A) To keep the bed clean
B) To reduce friction and shear
C) To elevate the patient’s head
D) To secure the patient in place
Correct Answer: B) To reduce friction and shear
Rationale: A draw sheet minimizes friction and shear on the skin, preventing pressure
injuries during repositioning.
14. When measuring a patient’s pulse, how long should the nurse count for accuracy?
A) 15 seconds and multiply by 4
B) 30 seconds and multiply by 2
C) 60 seconds
D) 10 seconds and multiply by 6
Correct Answer: C) 60 seconds
Rationale: Counting the pulse for 60 seconds provides the most accurate rate, especially
for irregular rhythms. Shorter counts may lead to errors.
15. What is the correct sequence for donning personal protective equipment (PPE)?
A) Gloves, gown, mask, goggles
B) Gown, mask, goggles, gloves
C) Mask, gown, gloves, goggles
D) Goggles, mask, gown, gloves
Correct Answer: B) Gown, mask, goggles, gloves
Rationale: The CDC recommends donning PPE in this order to ensure proper fit and
coverage, with gloves last to avoid contamination.
Fundamental Concepts & Skills for
Nursing Practice I (NSG3100) – Galen
College of Nursing – Exam 2 Review
(2024/2025)
Question Bank
Foundational Nursing Skills (Questions 1–30)
1. What is the first step in the nursing process?
A) Evaluation
B) Assessment
C) Planning
D) Implementation
Correct Answer: B) Assessment
Rationale: Assessment is the first step of the nursing process, involving data collection
to identify patient needs. This informs subsequent steps like planning and
implementation.
2. When performing a head-to-toe assessment, which system is typically assessed first?
A) Cardiovascular
B) Neurological
C) Respiratory
D) Gastrointestinal
Correct Answer: B) Neurological
Rationale: Neurological assessment, including level of consciousness, is prioritized to
establish baseline mental status, which guides further assessments.
3. What is the correct technique for measuring oral temperature?
A) Place the thermometer in the axilla.
B) Place the thermometer under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket.
C) Hold the thermometer in the mouth for 10 seconds.
D) Clean the thermometer with water only.
Correct Answer: B) Place the thermometer under the tongue in the posterior
sublingual pocket.
Rationale: The posterior sublingual pocket provides the most accurate oral temperature
reading. Axillary measurements are less accurate, timing varies by device, and cleaning
requires disinfectant.
4. When auscultating lung sounds, where should the nurse place the stethoscope?
A) Over bony prominences
B) Directly on the skin over the lung fields
C) Over clothing to avoid discomfort
, 2
D) On the sternum only
Correct Answer: B) Directly on the skin over the lung fields
Rationale: Placing the stethoscope directly on the skin ensures clear auscultation of lung
sounds. Clothing or bones interfere with sound transmission.
5. What is the proper handwashing duration for routine patient care?
A) 10 seconds
B) 20–30 seconds
C) 40–60 seconds
D) 90 seconds
Correct Answer: C) 40–60 seconds
Rationale: The CDC recommends 40–60 seconds of handwashing with soap and water to
effectively remove pathogens in routine patient care settings.
6. When applying a blood pressure cuff, where should the bladder be positioned?
A) Over the antecubital fossa
B) Over the brachial artery
C) On the wrist
D) Below the elbow
Correct Answer: B) Over the brachial artery
Rationale: Positioning the cuff’s bladder over the brachial artery ensures accurate blood
pressure measurement. Incorrect placement leads to false readings.
7. What is a key component of therapeutic communication?
A) Using medical jargon to explain procedures
B) Maintaining eye contact and active listening
C) Interrupting the patient to clarify details
D) Focusing only on written documentation
Correct Answer: B) Maintaining eye contact and active listening
Rationale: Eye contact and active listening foster trust and understanding, key to
therapeutic communication. Jargon, interruptions, or documentation focus hinder rapport.
8. How should a nurse position a patient for a bed bath?
A) Prone with head elevated
B) Supine with slight head elevation
C) Sitting upright in a chair
D) Lateral with knees extended
Correct Answer: B) Supine with slight head elevation
Rationale: Supine positioning with slight head elevation ensures patient comfort and
safety during a bed bath, facilitating access to all body areas.
9. What is the correct method for administering eye drops?
A) Apply drops to the cornea directly.
B) Pull the lower eyelid down to form a pocket.
C) Place drops on the upper eyelid.
D) Have the patient blink immediately after administration.
Correct Answer: B) Pull the lower eyelid down to form a pocket.
Rationale: Placing drops in the lower conjunctival sac (pocket) ensures proper delivery
and minimizes corneal irritation. Blinking is delayed to allow absorption.
10. When assisting a patient with ambulation, where should the nurse stand?
A) Behind the patient
, 3
B) In front of the patient
C) On the patient’s stronger side
D) On the patient’s weaker side
Correct Answer: D) On the patient’s weaker side
Rationale: Standing on the weaker side provides support where the patient is most
vulnerable, enhancing safety during ambulation.
11. What is the correct angle for administering an intramuscular injection?
A) 15 degrees
B) 45 degrees
C) 90 degrees
D) 30 degrees
Correct Answer: C) 90 degrees
Rationale: A 90-degree angle ensures the medication reaches the muscle layer for proper
absorption, per standard IM injection guidelines.
12. When performing oral care for an unconscious patient, what is a priority action?
A) Use a hard-bristled toothbrush.
B) Position the patient in a supine position.
C) Turn the patient’s head to the side.
D) Avoid using a suction device.
Correct Answer: C) Turn the patient’s head to the side.
Rationale: Turning the head to the side prevents aspiration of fluids during oral care in
unconscious patients. Supine positioning and hard brushes increase risk.
13. What is the purpose of using a draw sheet during patient repositioning?
A) To keep the bed clean
B) To reduce friction and shear
C) To elevate the patient’s head
D) To secure the patient in place
Correct Answer: B) To reduce friction and shear
Rationale: A draw sheet minimizes friction and shear on the skin, preventing pressure
injuries during repositioning.
14. When measuring a patient’s pulse, how long should the nurse count for accuracy?
A) 15 seconds and multiply by 4
B) 30 seconds and multiply by 2
C) 60 seconds
D) 10 seconds and multiply by 6
Correct Answer: C) 60 seconds
Rationale: Counting the pulse for 60 seconds provides the most accurate rate, especially
for irregular rhythms. Shorter counts may lead to errors.
15. What is the correct sequence for donning personal protective equipment (PPE)?
A) Gloves, gown, mask, goggles
B) Gown, mask, goggles, gloves
C) Mask, gown, gloves, goggles
D) Goggles, mask, gown, gloves
Correct Answer: B) Gown, mask, goggles, gloves
Rationale: The CDC recommends donning PPE in this order to ensure proper fit and
coverage, with gloves last to avoid contamination.
