NUR155/NUR 155 Exam 4 V1 | Critical
Thinking for the Practical Nurse Q&A with
Rationale | Hondros College of Nursing
1. A nurse is reviewing a patient’s care plan and notices that the expected outcomes were not
met. Which step of the nursing process is the nurse performing when they decide to modify
the interventions?
A. Assessment
B. Implementation
C. Evaluation
D. Planning
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Evaluation is the step where the nurse determines if the patient goals and
outcomes have been achieved. If the outcomes are not met, the nurse must re-evaluate the
plan and make necessary adjustments to the interventions. This process ensures that the
care remains relevant and effective for the patient’s changing needs.
2. When prioritizing care for a group of patients, which patient should the nurse see first?
A. A patient with a respiratory rate of 28 and oxygen saturation of 88%.
B. A patient scheduled for physical therapy in one hour.
C. A patient requesting a PRN medication for mild nausea.
,D. A patient who needs a dressing change for a clean surgical wound.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Using the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) priority framework, the patient
with respiratory distress must be seen first. Low oxygen saturation and an increased
respiratory rate indicate a potential life-threatening compromise to the patient’s breathing.
Addressing physiological stability is always the highest priority over routine tasks or minor
discomforts.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient who refuses to take their blood pressure medication. Which
ethical principle is the nurse respecting by allowing the patient to refuse?
A. Autonomy
B. Beneficence
C. Non-maleficence
D. Justice
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Autonomy refers to the right of the patient to make their own decisions
regarding their healthcare. Even if the nurse believes the medication is necessary, the
patient has the right to refuse treatment after being informed of the risks. Respecting
autonomy is a fundamental aspect of patient-centered care and legal rights.
, 4. In the Paul-Elder critical thinking framework, which intellectual standard is being used
when a nurse asks, ‘Can you provide more details about that symptom?’
A. Relevance
B. Accuracy
C. Depth
D. Precision
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Precision involves providing enough detail to give a specific and exact
understanding of the situation. By asking for more details, the nurse is seeking to move
from a general description to a precise one. This standard helps in narrowing down
potential diagnoses and understanding the patient’s condition accurately.
5. A nurse is using the SBAR tool to communicate with a healthcare provider. Which
information should the nurse include in the ‘B’ (Background) section?
A. The patient’s current vital signs and mental status.
B. The patient’s medical history and admitting diagnosis.
C. The reason for the call and the current problem.
D. The nurse’s recommendation for a change in treatment.
Correct Answer: B
Thinking for the Practical Nurse Q&A with
Rationale | Hondros College of Nursing
1. A nurse is reviewing a patient’s care plan and notices that the expected outcomes were not
met. Which step of the nursing process is the nurse performing when they decide to modify
the interventions?
A. Assessment
B. Implementation
C. Evaluation
D. Planning
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Evaluation is the step where the nurse determines if the patient goals and
outcomes have been achieved. If the outcomes are not met, the nurse must re-evaluate the
plan and make necessary adjustments to the interventions. This process ensures that the
care remains relevant and effective for the patient’s changing needs.
2. When prioritizing care for a group of patients, which patient should the nurse see first?
A. A patient with a respiratory rate of 28 and oxygen saturation of 88%.
B. A patient scheduled for physical therapy in one hour.
C. A patient requesting a PRN medication for mild nausea.
,D. A patient who needs a dressing change for a clean surgical wound.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Using the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) priority framework, the patient
with respiratory distress must be seen first. Low oxygen saturation and an increased
respiratory rate indicate a potential life-threatening compromise to the patient’s breathing.
Addressing physiological stability is always the highest priority over routine tasks or minor
discomforts.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient who refuses to take their blood pressure medication. Which
ethical principle is the nurse respecting by allowing the patient to refuse?
A. Autonomy
B. Beneficence
C. Non-maleficence
D. Justice
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Autonomy refers to the right of the patient to make their own decisions
regarding their healthcare. Even if the nurse believes the medication is necessary, the
patient has the right to refuse treatment after being informed of the risks. Respecting
autonomy is a fundamental aspect of patient-centered care and legal rights.
, 4. In the Paul-Elder critical thinking framework, which intellectual standard is being used
when a nurse asks, ‘Can you provide more details about that symptom?’
A. Relevance
B. Accuracy
C. Depth
D. Precision
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Precision involves providing enough detail to give a specific and exact
understanding of the situation. By asking for more details, the nurse is seeking to move
from a general description to a precise one. This standard helps in narrowing down
potential diagnoses and understanding the patient’s condition accurately.
5. A nurse is using the SBAR tool to communicate with a healthcare provider. Which
information should the nurse include in the ‘B’ (Background) section?
A. The patient’s current vital signs and mental status.
B. The patient’s medical history and admitting diagnosis.
C. The reason for the call and the current problem.
D. The nurse’s recommendation for a change in treatment.
Correct Answer: B
