[NSG 252 EXAM 1 TEST BANK ACTUAL EXAM (LATEST 2026)]
COMPLETE EXAM QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS |
2026–2027 LATEST UPDATE | GUARANTEED PASS | DETAILED
RATIONALES | FULL STUDY GUIDE | EXAM PREP | PRACTICE
TEST | CERTIFICATION PREPARATION
1. A nurse is preparing to assess a newly admitted patient. Which action should be performed
first?
A. Review laboratory results
B. Administer prescribed medications
C. Introduce yourself and verify patient identity
D. Contact the healthcare provider
Correct Answer: C. Introduce yourself and verify patient identity
Rationale:
Patient identification is the first step in safe nursing care. Verifying identity before assessment,
treatment, or medication administration reduces the risk of errors and supports patient safety.
2. A patient reports pain rated 8/10 one hour after surgery. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Assess the characteristics of the pain
B. Document the pain score
C. Encourage relaxation techniques only
D. Notify family members
Correct Answer: A. Assess the characteristics of the pain
Rationale:
Assessment precedes intervention. The nurse should gather information regarding location, quality,
duration, and aggravating factors before determining the most appropriate intervention.
3. Which finding requires immediate nursing intervention?
A. Blood pressure 128/76 mmHg
B. Heart rate 84 beats/minute
C. Oxygen saturation 86% on room air
D. Temperature 37.2°C (99°F)
Correct Answer: C. Oxygen saturation 86% on room air
Rationale:
An oxygen saturation of 86% indicates inadequate oxygenation and requires prompt assessment and
intervention. The other findings are within acceptable ranges for many adults.
4. A nurse delegates ambulation of a stable patient to assistive personnel. Which responsibility
remains with the nurse?
A. Recording the distance walked
B. Evaluating the patient's response to ambulation
C. Assisting with footwear
D. Transporting the patient
,Correct Answer: B. Evaluating the patient's response to ambulation
Rationale:
Assessment and evaluation cannot be delegated. The nurse remains accountable for determining the
patient's tolerance and response to the activity.
5. A patient with dehydration is receiving IV fluids. Which assessment finding indicates
improvement?
A. Decreased urine output
B. Dry mucous membranes
C. Increased skin turgor
D. Heart rate of 120 beats/minute
Correct Answer: C. Increased skin turgor
Rationale:
Improved hydration is reflected by better skin elasticity, adequate urine output, and moist mucous
membranes. Tachycardia and decreased urine output suggest ongoing fluid deficit.
6. Which statement by a patient demonstrates understanding of infection prevention?
A. "I only need to wash my hands when they look dirty."
B. "Gloves replace the need for hand hygiene."
C. "Handwashing reduces the spread of microorganisms."
D. "Masks eliminate all infection risks."
Correct Answer: C. "Handwashing reduces the spread of microorganisms."
Rationale:
Hand hygiene remains the most effective method of reducing transmission of pathogens. Gloves and
masks supplement but do not replace proper hand hygiene.
7. A nurse identifies a medication error before administration. What should the nurse do first?
A. Report the error according to policy
B. Administer the medication anyway
C. Correct the error and proceed silently
D. Blame the prescribing provider
Correct Answer: A. Report the error according to policy
Rationale:
Near misses and medication errors should be addressed according to facility policy to improve patient
safety and quality improvement processes.
8. Which patient is at greatest risk for falls?
A. A 25-year-old with a sprained ankle
B. A 40-year-old receiving antibiotics
C. A 70-year-old taking sedative medications
D. A 30-year-old recovering from a minor procedure
Correct Answer: C. A 70-year-old taking sedative medications
Rationale:
Advanced age combined with sedative use significantly increases fall risk due to impaired balance,
cognition, and reaction time.
, 9. A nurse is teaching a patient about hypertension management. Which statement indicates a
need for further teaching?
A. "I should take medications as prescribed."
B. "Regular exercise may help lower blood pressure."
C. "I can stop treatment when I feel better."
D. "Reducing sodium intake can be beneficial."
Correct Answer: C. "I can stop treatment when I feel better."
Rationale:
Hypertension often requires lifelong management. Stopping medications without guidance increases
the risk of complications.
10. Which action best demonstrates patient advocacy?
A. Following orders without question
B. Reporting patient concerns to the healthcare team
C. Limiting patient participation in decisions
D. Avoiding discussions about treatment options
Correct Answer: B. Reporting patient concerns to the healthcare team
Rationale:
Advocacy involves protecting patient rights, communicating concerns, and supporting informed
decision-making.
11. A nurse notices redness over a patient's sacrum. What is the most appropriate intervention?
A. Ignore the area
B. Massage the reddened skin
C. Reposition the patient regularly
D. Apply heat directly
Correct Answer: C. Reposition the patient regularly
Rationale:
Frequent repositioning reduces pressure and helps prevent pressure injury progression. Massaging
reddened skin may worsen tissue damage.
12. Which laboratory value is most concerning?
A. Sodium 140 mEq/L
B. Potassium 2.9 mEq/L
C. Chloride 102 mEq/L
D. Calcium 9.2 mg/dL
Correct Answer: B. Potassium 2.9 mEq/L
Rationale:
Hypokalemia can lead to dangerous cardiac dysrhythmias and muscle weakness, requiring prompt
attention.
13. A patient refuses a scheduled treatment. What should the nurse do first?
A. Force compliance
B. Notify security
COMPLETE EXAM QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS |
2026–2027 LATEST UPDATE | GUARANTEED PASS | DETAILED
RATIONALES | FULL STUDY GUIDE | EXAM PREP | PRACTICE
TEST | CERTIFICATION PREPARATION
1. A nurse is preparing to assess a newly admitted patient. Which action should be performed
first?
A. Review laboratory results
B. Administer prescribed medications
C. Introduce yourself and verify patient identity
D. Contact the healthcare provider
Correct Answer: C. Introduce yourself and verify patient identity
Rationale:
Patient identification is the first step in safe nursing care. Verifying identity before assessment,
treatment, or medication administration reduces the risk of errors and supports patient safety.
2. A patient reports pain rated 8/10 one hour after surgery. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Assess the characteristics of the pain
B. Document the pain score
C. Encourage relaxation techniques only
D. Notify family members
Correct Answer: A. Assess the characteristics of the pain
Rationale:
Assessment precedes intervention. The nurse should gather information regarding location, quality,
duration, and aggravating factors before determining the most appropriate intervention.
3. Which finding requires immediate nursing intervention?
A. Blood pressure 128/76 mmHg
B. Heart rate 84 beats/minute
C. Oxygen saturation 86% on room air
D. Temperature 37.2°C (99°F)
Correct Answer: C. Oxygen saturation 86% on room air
Rationale:
An oxygen saturation of 86% indicates inadequate oxygenation and requires prompt assessment and
intervention. The other findings are within acceptable ranges for many adults.
4. A nurse delegates ambulation of a stable patient to assistive personnel. Which responsibility
remains with the nurse?
A. Recording the distance walked
B. Evaluating the patient's response to ambulation
C. Assisting with footwear
D. Transporting the patient
,Correct Answer: B. Evaluating the patient's response to ambulation
Rationale:
Assessment and evaluation cannot be delegated. The nurse remains accountable for determining the
patient's tolerance and response to the activity.
5. A patient with dehydration is receiving IV fluids. Which assessment finding indicates
improvement?
A. Decreased urine output
B. Dry mucous membranes
C. Increased skin turgor
D. Heart rate of 120 beats/minute
Correct Answer: C. Increased skin turgor
Rationale:
Improved hydration is reflected by better skin elasticity, adequate urine output, and moist mucous
membranes. Tachycardia and decreased urine output suggest ongoing fluid deficit.
6. Which statement by a patient demonstrates understanding of infection prevention?
A. "I only need to wash my hands when they look dirty."
B. "Gloves replace the need for hand hygiene."
C. "Handwashing reduces the spread of microorganisms."
D. "Masks eliminate all infection risks."
Correct Answer: C. "Handwashing reduces the spread of microorganisms."
Rationale:
Hand hygiene remains the most effective method of reducing transmission of pathogens. Gloves and
masks supplement but do not replace proper hand hygiene.
7. A nurse identifies a medication error before administration. What should the nurse do first?
A. Report the error according to policy
B. Administer the medication anyway
C. Correct the error and proceed silently
D. Blame the prescribing provider
Correct Answer: A. Report the error according to policy
Rationale:
Near misses and medication errors should be addressed according to facility policy to improve patient
safety and quality improvement processes.
8. Which patient is at greatest risk for falls?
A. A 25-year-old with a sprained ankle
B. A 40-year-old receiving antibiotics
C. A 70-year-old taking sedative medications
D. A 30-year-old recovering from a minor procedure
Correct Answer: C. A 70-year-old taking sedative medications
Rationale:
Advanced age combined with sedative use significantly increases fall risk due to impaired balance,
cognition, and reaction time.
, 9. A nurse is teaching a patient about hypertension management. Which statement indicates a
need for further teaching?
A. "I should take medications as prescribed."
B. "Regular exercise may help lower blood pressure."
C. "I can stop treatment when I feel better."
D. "Reducing sodium intake can be beneficial."
Correct Answer: C. "I can stop treatment when I feel better."
Rationale:
Hypertension often requires lifelong management. Stopping medications without guidance increases
the risk of complications.
10. Which action best demonstrates patient advocacy?
A. Following orders without question
B. Reporting patient concerns to the healthcare team
C. Limiting patient participation in decisions
D. Avoiding discussions about treatment options
Correct Answer: B. Reporting patient concerns to the healthcare team
Rationale:
Advocacy involves protecting patient rights, communicating concerns, and supporting informed
decision-making.
11. A nurse notices redness over a patient's sacrum. What is the most appropriate intervention?
A. Ignore the area
B. Massage the reddened skin
C. Reposition the patient regularly
D. Apply heat directly
Correct Answer: C. Reposition the patient regularly
Rationale:
Frequent repositioning reduces pressure and helps prevent pressure injury progression. Massaging
reddened skin may worsen tissue damage.
12. Which laboratory value is most concerning?
A. Sodium 140 mEq/L
B. Potassium 2.9 mEq/L
C. Chloride 102 mEq/L
D. Calcium 9.2 mg/dL
Correct Answer: B. Potassium 2.9 mEq/L
Rationale:
Hypokalemia can lead to dangerous cardiac dysrhythmias and muscle weakness, requiring prompt
attention.
13. A patient refuses a scheduled treatment. What should the nurse do first?
A. Force compliance
B. Notify security
