NUR155/NUR 155 Final Exam V3 | Critical
Thinking for the Practical Nurse Q&A with
Rationale | Hondros College of Nursing
1. A licensed practical nurse (LPN) is planning care for a group of clients. Which client should
the nurse assess first?
A. A client who had an abdominal surgery 2 days ago and is reporting pain as 4 out of 10.
B. A client who needs a dressing change for a chronic pressure injury on the sacrum.
C. A client with a history of heart failure who has developed sudden shortness of breath.
D. A client who is scheduled for discharge and is waiting for their prescriptions.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse must use the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) framework to
prioritize care in a clinical setting. Sudden shortness of breath indicates a compromise in
breathing which is the highest priority among the choices. Addressing life-threatening
conditions immediately is a hallmark of critical thinking in nursing practice.
2. Which component of the nursing process involves the nurse collecting subjective and
objective data about the client’s health status?
A. Planning
B. Implementation
C. Assessment
,D. Evaluation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Assessment is the foundational step of the nursing process where the nurse
gathers comprehensive data. Subjective data includes what the client says, while objective
data includes measurable findings like vital signs. This step provides the basis for
identifying client needs and developing a plan of care.
3. A nurse is preparing to delegate a task to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Which
task is appropriate for the nurse to delegate?
A. Assessing a new admission’s skin integrity.
B. Providing education on a low-sodium diet.
C. Assisting a stable client with ambulation to the bathroom.
D. Evaluating the effectiveness of pain medication.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Delegation requires the nurse to match the task to the skill level of the staff
member. Tasks such as assessment, education, and evaluation require nursing judgment
and cannot be delegated to UAPs. Assisting a stable client with activities of daily living is
within the scope of practice for a UAP.
4. A client refuses to take a prescribed medication. Which ethical principle is the nurse
upholding by respecting the client’s decision?
A. Justice
, B. Fidelity
C. Beneficence
D. Autonomy
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Autonomy refers to the right of an individual to make their own decisions
regarding their healthcare. The nurse demonstrates respect for autonomy by
acknowledging the client’s right to refuse treatment. It is the nurse’s responsibility to
provide information while ensuring the client’s choices are honored.
5. The nurse is using the SBAR tool to communicate with a healthcare provider. Which
information belongs in the ‘B’ (Background) section?
A. The client’s current vital signs and oxygen saturation.
B. The reason the nurse is calling about the client.
C. A summary of the client’s medical history and admitting diagnosis.
D. The nurse’s suggestion for a change in the treatment plan.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Background portion of SBAR provides the context necessary for the
provider to understand the current situation. It includes relevant history, medications, and
previous laboratory results. Effective communication through SBAR improves patient
safety by reducing errors during handoffs.
Thinking for the Practical Nurse Q&A with
Rationale | Hondros College of Nursing
1. A licensed practical nurse (LPN) is planning care for a group of clients. Which client should
the nurse assess first?
A. A client who had an abdominal surgery 2 days ago and is reporting pain as 4 out of 10.
B. A client who needs a dressing change for a chronic pressure injury on the sacrum.
C. A client with a history of heart failure who has developed sudden shortness of breath.
D. A client who is scheduled for discharge and is waiting for their prescriptions.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse must use the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) framework to
prioritize care in a clinical setting. Sudden shortness of breath indicates a compromise in
breathing which is the highest priority among the choices. Addressing life-threatening
conditions immediately is a hallmark of critical thinking in nursing practice.
2. Which component of the nursing process involves the nurse collecting subjective and
objective data about the client’s health status?
A. Planning
B. Implementation
C. Assessment
,D. Evaluation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Assessment is the foundational step of the nursing process where the nurse
gathers comprehensive data. Subjective data includes what the client says, while objective
data includes measurable findings like vital signs. This step provides the basis for
identifying client needs and developing a plan of care.
3. A nurse is preparing to delegate a task to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Which
task is appropriate for the nurse to delegate?
A. Assessing a new admission’s skin integrity.
B. Providing education on a low-sodium diet.
C. Assisting a stable client with ambulation to the bathroom.
D. Evaluating the effectiveness of pain medication.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Delegation requires the nurse to match the task to the skill level of the staff
member. Tasks such as assessment, education, and evaluation require nursing judgment
and cannot be delegated to UAPs. Assisting a stable client with activities of daily living is
within the scope of practice for a UAP.
4. A client refuses to take a prescribed medication. Which ethical principle is the nurse
upholding by respecting the client’s decision?
A. Justice
, B. Fidelity
C. Beneficence
D. Autonomy
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Autonomy refers to the right of an individual to make their own decisions
regarding their healthcare. The nurse demonstrates respect for autonomy by
acknowledging the client’s right to refuse treatment. It is the nurse’s responsibility to
provide information while ensuring the client’s choices are honored.
5. The nurse is using the SBAR tool to communicate with a healthcare provider. Which
information belongs in the ‘B’ (Background) section?
A. The client’s current vital signs and oxygen saturation.
B. The reason the nurse is calling about the client.
C. A summary of the client’s medical history and admitting diagnosis.
D. The nurse’s suggestion for a change in the treatment plan.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Background portion of SBAR provides the context necessary for the
provider to understand the current situation. It includes relevant history, medications, and
previous laboratory results. Effective communication through SBAR improves patient
safety by reducing errors during handoffs.
