Answers | 2026 Edition | Galen College
1. Which of the following would the nurse determine to be a significant drop in blood pressure requiring
immediate attention?
A) A drop of 5 mmHg from baseline
B) A drop of 10 mmHg from baseline
C) A drop of 15 mmHg from baseline
D) A drop of 20 mmHg from baseline
Correct Answer: A drop of 20 mmHg from baseline
Rationale: A drop of 20 "points" from where it was originally can be concerning and may indicate
hemodynamic instability. This significant change warrants immediate assessment and provider
notification to prevent complications such as hypovolemic shock.
2. The nurse manager is preparing an in-service regarding legal issues and client care. Which of the
following is a correct example of defamation?
A) Battery is having security keep a client in their room when they want to leave against medical advice
B) Using a recliner's attached lap tray to keep the client in the chair is considered assault
C) Malpractice is applying restraints without an order from the primary healthcare provider
D) Posting inaccurate information regarding a coworker on social media
Correct Answer: Posting inaccurate information regarding a coworker on social media
Rationale: Defamation is the act of making false statements that damage another person's reputation.
When communicated through writing, it is specifically termed libel. Assault involves a threat, battery
involves unwanted touching, and false imprisonment involves unlawful restraint.
3. The nurse is assessing assigned clients for hospice services. The nurse should recommend hospice
care for which client?
,A) A client with diabetes mellitus who has developed chronic kidney disease (CKD)
B) A client with terminal cancer who needs assistance with pain management at home
C) A client with dysphagia due to a stroke who needs gastric tube feedings
D) A client with dementia who needs assistance with activities of daily living
Correct Answer: A client with terminal cancer who needs assistance with pain management at home
Rationale: Hospice care is appropriate for clients with a terminal illness and a life expectancy of 6
months or less, focusing on comfort and quality of life. Pain management at home aligns with hospice
goals, whereas the other clients require ongoing curative or supportive care.
4. The nurse working on a pediatric unit has received the change-of-shift report. Which client should the
nurse plan to see first?
A) The school-aged child with type 1 diabetes who requires blood glucose monitoring
B) The infant with pertussis who has a dry hacking cough
C) The adolescent with sickle cell crisis who reports visual disturbances
D) The toddler with bilateral arm casts who needs to be fed breakfast
Correct Answer: The adolescent with sickle cell crisis who reports visual disturbances
Rationale: Visual disturbances in a client with sickle cell crisis can indicate a neurological complication
such as a stroke or acute chest syndrome, which requires immediate intervention. This is a priority over
stable, routine care for the other clients.
5. A registered nurse (RN) is preparing to delegate tasks to a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and a UAP.
Which task is most appropriate to assign to the LPN?
A) Developing the patient's plan of care
B) Administering a scheduled oral medication to a stable patient
C) Performing an admission assessment
D) Providing discharge education to a newly diagnosed diabetic
, Correct Answer: Administering a scheduled oral medication to a stable patient
Rationale: LPNs can administer most medications, including oral medications, to stable patients.
Developing plans of care, performing admission assessments, and providing initial patient education are
within the RN's scope of practice.
6. What is within the scope of practice for unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?
A) Performing an initial nursing assessment
B) Administering intravenous medications
C) Assisting with activities of daily living and obtaining vital signs on stable patients
D) Developing the patient's plan of care
Correct Answer: Assisting with activities of daily living and obtaining vital signs on stable patients
Rationale: UAPs can assist with ADLs and obtain vital signs after the RN has performed the initial
assessment and the patient is stable. They cannot perform assessments, administer medications, or
develop care plans.
7. A charge nurse is making assignments for the oncoming shift. Which client should be assigned to an
RN rather than an LPN?
A) A stable client with a new diagnosis of diabetes
B) A client receiving a continuous tube feeding
C) A client who is post-operative day 2 and requires a sterile dressing change
D) A client who is post-operative day 1 following a Whipple procedure
Correct Answer: A client who is post-operative day 1 following a Whipple procedure
Rationale: A Whipple procedure is a complex surgery with significant potential for complications. An RN
should care for this unstable client due to the need for complex assessment and critical thinking. LPNs
can care for stable, predictable clients.