NUR 256 Exam 1: (Latest 2026/2027 Update) Vital Signs, Pain,
Clinical Judgement, Immunity, Gas Exchange & Infection Control |
Q&A | Grade A | 100% Correct (Verified Answers)
Complete Review: Temperature, Pulse, Respiration, BP, Pain Scales, PPE, Asepsis, Tanner's Model, Respiratory Assessment &
Conversions
SUBJECT SOURCE FORMAT
Health Assessment / Nursing Galen Exam 1 Study Guide 2026/2027 Q&A Guide with Rationale
Fundamentals / NUR 256
Q1
What is the average adult temperature range?
CORRECT ANSWER
36°C to 38°C (96.8°F to 100.4°F)
RATIONALE
• Normal core body temperature varies by individual and circadian rhythm.
• Lowest in early morning (around 0600); highest in late afternoon (around 1600).
• Oral temperatures are typically 0.5°C lower than rectal/core.
Q2
What is malignant hyperthermia?
CORRECT ANSWER
A hereditary condition of uncontrolled heat production triggered by certain anesthetic drugs.
RATIONALE
• Autosomal dominant disorder of ryanodine receptors in skeletal muscle.
• Triggering agents: succinylcholine, volatile anesthetics (halothane, sevoflurane).
• Treatment: dantrolene, cooling measures, 100% oxygen.
,Q3
What is the bell of the stethoscope used to auscultate?
CORRECT ANSWER
Low pitched sounds (heart and vascular sounds)
RATIONALE
• Bell detects low-frequency sounds like bruits, S3, S4, and diastolic murmurs.
• Light pressure is used to avoid stretching the skin.
• Diaphragm is for high-pitched sounds (breath sounds, bowel sounds).
Q4
What is the normal adult pulse range?
CORRECT ANSWER
60-100 beats per minute
RATIONALE
• Resting heart rate varies with age, fitness, and medications.
• Bradycardia: <60; tachycardia: >100.
• Well‑conditioned athletes may have normal rates in 40s‑50s.
Q5
How should an irregular pulse be counted?
CORRECT ANSWER
Auscultate/apical pulse for 1 full minute
RATIONALE
• Irregular rhythms (e.g., atrial fibrillation) require longer assessment to detect variability.
• If patient has an irregular pulse, measure apical pulse for 60 seconds.
• Document rhythm as "irregular" and note any pulse deficit.
, Q6
What is orthostatic (postural) hypotension?
CORRECT ANSWER
Drop in BP when moving from lying to sitting to standing; systolic drop ≥20 mmHg or diastolic ≥10
mmHg with symptoms.
RATIONALE
• Caused by delayed vasoconstriction response; common in dehydration, blood loss, or autonomic dysfunction.
• Associated symptoms: dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, blurred vision, pallor.
• Falls are a major safety concern; always assist patient when changing positions.
Q7
What are the five parameters assessed on the FLACC pain scale?
CORRECT ANSWER
Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability
RATIONALE
• FLACC used for pre‑verbal or cognitively impaired patients (infants, young children, sedated patients).
• Each category scored 0‑2; total 0‑10.
• Validated for postoperative pain, but may not distinguish anxiety from pain.
Q8
A patient develops dizziness when standing up from a seated position. BP supine is 120/80; sitting after
2 minutes is 100/65. What condition is this?
CORRECT ANSWER
Orthostatic (postural) hypotension
RATIONALE
• Drop in systolic ≥20 mmHg and/or diastolic ≥10 mmHg with position change indicates orthostatic hypotension.
• Common causes: dehydration, blood loss, prolonged bed rest, antihypertensive medications.
• Priority: fall prevention and slow position changes.
Clinical Judgement, Immunity, Gas Exchange & Infection Control |
Q&A | Grade A | 100% Correct (Verified Answers)
Complete Review: Temperature, Pulse, Respiration, BP, Pain Scales, PPE, Asepsis, Tanner's Model, Respiratory Assessment &
Conversions
SUBJECT SOURCE FORMAT
Health Assessment / Nursing Galen Exam 1 Study Guide 2026/2027 Q&A Guide with Rationale
Fundamentals / NUR 256
Q1
What is the average adult temperature range?
CORRECT ANSWER
36°C to 38°C (96.8°F to 100.4°F)
RATIONALE
• Normal core body temperature varies by individual and circadian rhythm.
• Lowest in early morning (around 0600); highest in late afternoon (around 1600).
• Oral temperatures are typically 0.5°C lower than rectal/core.
Q2
What is malignant hyperthermia?
CORRECT ANSWER
A hereditary condition of uncontrolled heat production triggered by certain anesthetic drugs.
RATIONALE
• Autosomal dominant disorder of ryanodine receptors in skeletal muscle.
• Triggering agents: succinylcholine, volatile anesthetics (halothane, sevoflurane).
• Treatment: dantrolene, cooling measures, 100% oxygen.
,Q3
What is the bell of the stethoscope used to auscultate?
CORRECT ANSWER
Low pitched sounds (heart and vascular sounds)
RATIONALE
• Bell detects low-frequency sounds like bruits, S3, S4, and diastolic murmurs.
• Light pressure is used to avoid stretching the skin.
• Diaphragm is for high-pitched sounds (breath sounds, bowel sounds).
Q4
What is the normal adult pulse range?
CORRECT ANSWER
60-100 beats per minute
RATIONALE
• Resting heart rate varies with age, fitness, and medications.
• Bradycardia: <60; tachycardia: >100.
• Well‑conditioned athletes may have normal rates in 40s‑50s.
Q5
How should an irregular pulse be counted?
CORRECT ANSWER
Auscultate/apical pulse for 1 full minute
RATIONALE
• Irregular rhythms (e.g., atrial fibrillation) require longer assessment to detect variability.
• If patient has an irregular pulse, measure apical pulse for 60 seconds.
• Document rhythm as "irregular" and note any pulse deficit.
, Q6
What is orthostatic (postural) hypotension?
CORRECT ANSWER
Drop in BP when moving from lying to sitting to standing; systolic drop ≥20 mmHg or diastolic ≥10
mmHg with symptoms.
RATIONALE
• Caused by delayed vasoconstriction response; common in dehydration, blood loss, or autonomic dysfunction.
• Associated symptoms: dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, blurred vision, pallor.
• Falls are a major safety concern; always assist patient when changing positions.
Q7
What are the five parameters assessed on the FLACC pain scale?
CORRECT ANSWER
Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability
RATIONALE
• FLACC used for pre‑verbal or cognitively impaired patients (infants, young children, sedated patients).
• Each category scored 0‑2; total 0‑10.
• Validated for postoperative pain, but may not distinguish anxiety from pain.
Q8
A patient develops dizziness when standing up from a seated position. BP supine is 120/80; sitting after
2 minutes is 100/65. What condition is this?
CORRECT ANSWER
Orthostatic (postural) hypotension
RATIONALE
• Drop in systolic ≥20 mmHg and/or diastolic ≥10 mmHg with position change indicates orthostatic hypotension.
• Common causes: dehydration, blood loss, prolonged bed rest, antihypertensive medications.
• Priority: fall prevention and slow position changes.
