NUR 160: Exam Latest 2026–2027
Comprehensive Exam Material with
Questions and Answers - Hondros
Question 1: What is a sentinel event?
Correct Answer: A sentinel event is an unexpected event resulting in death,
serious injury, or psychological harm.
Rationale:
1. This definition establishes that sentinel events are unexpected, not routine or
anticipated outcomes.
2. The consequences include death, serious injury, or psychological harm,
highlighting the need for immediate investigation.
3. Understanding sentinel events helps students identify when root cause
analysis is required to prevent recurrence.
4. In nursing exams, recognizing sentinel events triggers reporting and quality
improvement protocols.
5. This knowledge builds clinical judgment by distinguishing serious adverse
events from minor errors.
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Question 2: What does SBAR stand for and what is its purpose?
Correct Answer: SBAR stands for Situation, Background, Assessment,
Recommendation, and it is a communication tool.
Rationale:
1. SBAR provides a standardized framework for handoff and critical
communication among healthcare providers.
2. Each component serves a specific purpose to ensure complete and clear
information transfer.
3. Using SBAR reduces the risk of missed information and improves patient
safety.
4. This tool is endorsed by The Joint Commission and is frequently tested in
nursing examinations.
5. Mastering SBAR enhances clinical judgment by organizing clinical thinking
before communicating with providers.
Question 3: In SBAR, what does "Situation" refer to?
Correct Answer: In SBAR, "Situation" refers to what is happening right now.
Rationale:
1. The Situation component provides a concise statement of the current problem
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or change in condition.
2. It answers the question, "Why am I calling or reporting right now?"
3. This element sets the urgency and context for the receiver.
4. Students must differentiate Situation (current event) from Background (past
history).
5. Proper Situation reporting prevents delays in critical interventions.
Question 4: In SBAR, what does "Background" refer to?
Correct Answer: In SBAR, "Background" refers to relevant patient history or
context.
Rationale:
1. Background provides essential contextual information that explains why the
current situation matters.
2. This includes diagnoses, medications, allergies, code status, and recent
relevant events.
3. Too little background omits critical data; too much background wastes time.
4. Students should focus on background information directly related to the
current problem.
5. Effective Background communication supports accurate clinical decision-
making by receiving providers.
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Question 5: In SBAR, what does "Assessment" refer to?
Correct Answer: In SBAR, "Assessment" refers to the nurse's analysis of the
problem.
Rationale:
1. Assessment is the nurse's clinical judgment, not just raw data.
2. This component demonstrates critical thinking by interpreting vital signs,
assessment findings, and trends.
3. A strong Assessment answers, "What do I think is happening?"
4. Students often struggle with Assessment because it requires synthesis, not just
reporting.
5. Improving Assessment communication builds clinical judgment and
professional autonomy.
Question 6: In SBAR, what does "Recommendation" refer to?
Correct Answer: In SBAR, "Recommendation" refers to what the nurse needs
or suggests.
Rationale:
1. Recommendation is the action-oriented component that requests a specific
response.