NSG 3100 FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING EXAM 1 ACTUAL
2026/2027 | Galen College of Nursing Practice Test | Graded
A+ | Pass Guaranteed - A+ Graded
Section 1: Professional Nursing Concepts & Ethics (Questions 1-12)
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a 42-year-old patient who has been diagnosed with terminal
cancer. The patient states, "I want to stop chemotherapy and go home to spend my
remaining time with my family." The patient's spouse insists that the nurse convince the
patient to continue treatment. Which ethical principle should guide the nurse's
response?
A. Beneficence, because continuing treatment offers the best chance for survival
B. Nonmaleficence, because stopping treatment will cause the patient to die sooner
C. Autonomy, because the patient has the right to make informed decisions about their
own care [CORRECT]
D. Justice, because all patients deserve equal access to aggressive treatment
Rationale: Autonomy is the ethical principle that respects a competent patient's right to
self-determination and informed decision-making about their own healthcare. While
beneficence and nonmaleficence are important, they do not override a competent
adult's right to refuse treatment. Justice is unrelated to this individual decision-making
scenario.
Correct Answer: C
Question 2
,A nursing student is reviewing the state's nurse practice act before beginning clinical
rotations. Which statement best describes the primary purpose of a nurse practice act?
A. To establish standardized nursing curricula across all nursing programs in the state
B. To define the legal scope of nursing practice, protect the public, and regulate
licensure [CORRECT]
C. To outline specific clinical procedures that nurses must perform in every healthcare
setting
D. To provide federal guidelines for Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement for nursing
services
Rationale: Nurse practice acts are state laws that define the legal scope of nursing
practice, establish requirements for licensure, and protect the public by ensuring only
qualified individuals practice nursing. They do not standardize curricula, mandate
specific procedures, or address federal reimbursement.
Correct Answer: B
Question 3
A nurse is preparing to administer a blood transfusion to a patient. The patient asks,
"Who can see my medical records besides my doctor?" Which response by the nurse
best demonstrates understanding of HIPAA regulations?
A. "Your employer can access your records if they request them for insurance
purposes."
B. "Only healthcare providers directly involved in your care can access your records
without your written authorization." [CORRECT]
C. "Your family members automatically have access to all of your medical information."
D. "Law enforcement can review your records at any time without a warrant."
Rationale: Under HIPAA, protected health information (PHI) may only be disclosed to
healthcare providers involved in the patient's care, for treatment, payment, or healthcare
operations, without specific patient authorization. Employers, family members (without
,patient consent), and law enforcement (without legal process) do not have automatic
access.
Correct Answer: B
Question 4
A nurse overhears a colleague discussing a patient's HIV status in the hospital cafeteria
where other visitors are present. Which action by the nurse demonstrates the role of
patient advocate?
A. Ignore the conversation to avoid conflict with the colleague
B. Report the incident to the state board of nursing immediately
C. Remind the colleague about patient confidentiality and redirect the conversation to a
private area [CORRECT]
D. Document the incident in the patient's medical record
Rationale: Patient advocacy involves protecting patient rights, including privacy and
confidentiality. The nurse should address the breach directly and professionally by
reminding the colleague of confidentiality requirements and moving the conversation to
an appropriate location. Immediate reporting to the board or documentation in the chart
is premature without first addressing the issue.
Correct Answer: C
Question 5
A nurse is caring for a patient who is scheduled for surgery. The patient speaks limited
English and does not understand the informed consent form written in English. Which
action by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. Ask the patient's adult child to translate and explain the form
B. Request a professional medical interpreter to ensure accurate communication
[CORRECT]
, C. Explain the form using simple English words and medical terminology
D. Have the patient sign the form and explain it after the procedure
Rationale: Professional medical interpreters are required to ensure accurate, complete
communication for informed consent when language barriers exist. Using family
members as interpreters is discouraged due to potential bias, omission of information,
or conflicts of interest. Informed consent must be obtained before the procedure, not
after.
Correct Answer: B
Question 6
A nurse is assigned to care for a patient whose religious beliefs prohibit blood
transfusions. The patient is hemorrhaging and the physician orders a blood transfusion.
The patient refuses. Which action best demonstrates the ethical principle of fidelity?
A. Administering the blood transfusion because it will save the patient's life
B. Honoring the patient's refusal while ensuring the patient understands the
consequences of that decision [CORRECT]
C. Calling the hospital ethics committee to override the patient's decision
D. Transferring care to another nurse to avoid personal moral conflict
Rationale: Fidelity involves being faithful to one's professional obligations and
respecting commitments to patients, including honoring their autonomy and values. The
nurse demonstrates fidelity by respecting the patient's informed refusal while ensuring
full understanding of risks. Administering against refusal violates autonomy;
transferring care or seeking to override the decision does not demonstrate loyalty to the
patient-nurse relationship.
Correct Answer: B
2026/2027 | Galen College of Nursing Practice Test | Graded
A+ | Pass Guaranteed - A+ Graded
Section 1: Professional Nursing Concepts & Ethics (Questions 1-12)
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a 42-year-old patient who has been diagnosed with terminal
cancer. The patient states, "I want to stop chemotherapy and go home to spend my
remaining time with my family." The patient's spouse insists that the nurse convince the
patient to continue treatment. Which ethical principle should guide the nurse's
response?
A. Beneficence, because continuing treatment offers the best chance for survival
B. Nonmaleficence, because stopping treatment will cause the patient to die sooner
C. Autonomy, because the patient has the right to make informed decisions about their
own care [CORRECT]
D. Justice, because all patients deserve equal access to aggressive treatment
Rationale: Autonomy is the ethical principle that respects a competent patient's right to
self-determination and informed decision-making about their own healthcare. While
beneficence and nonmaleficence are important, they do not override a competent
adult's right to refuse treatment. Justice is unrelated to this individual decision-making
scenario.
Correct Answer: C
Question 2
,A nursing student is reviewing the state's nurse practice act before beginning clinical
rotations. Which statement best describes the primary purpose of a nurse practice act?
A. To establish standardized nursing curricula across all nursing programs in the state
B. To define the legal scope of nursing practice, protect the public, and regulate
licensure [CORRECT]
C. To outline specific clinical procedures that nurses must perform in every healthcare
setting
D. To provide federal guidelines for Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement for nursing
services
Rationale: Nurse practice acts are state laws that define the legal scope of nursing
practice, establish requirements for licensure, and protect the public by ensuring only
qualified individuals practice nursing. They do not standardize curricula, mandate
specific procedures, or address federal reimbursement.
Correct Answer: B
Question 3
A nurse is preparing to administer a blood transfusion to a patient. The patient asks,
"Who can see my medical records besides my doctor?" Which response by the nurse
best demonstrates understanding of HIPAA regulations?
A. "Your employer can access your records if they request them for insurance
purposes."
B. "Only healthcare providers directly involved in your care can access your records
without your written authorization." [CORRECT]
C. "Your family members automatically have access to all of your medical information."
D. "Law enforcement can review your records at any time without a warrant."
Rationale: Under HIPAA, protected health information (PHI) may only be disclosed to
healthcare providers involved in the patient's care, for treatment, payment, or healthcare
operations, without specific patient authorization. Employers, family members (without
,patient consent), and law enforcement (without legal process) do not have automatic
access.
Correct Answer: B
Question 4
A nurse overhears a colleague discussing a patient's HIV status in the hospital cafeteria
where other visitors are present. Which action by the nurse demonstrates the role of
patient advocate?
A. Ignore the conversation to avoid conflict with the colleague
B. Report the incident to the state board of nursing immediately
C. Remind the colleague about patient confidentiality and redirect the conversation to a
private area [CORRECT]
D. Document the incident in the patient's medical record
Rationale: Patient advocacy involves protecting patient rights, including privacy and
confidentiality. The nurse should address the breach directly and professionally by
reminding the colleague of confidentiality requirements and moving the conversation to
an appropriate location. Immediate reporting to the board or documentation in the chart
is premature without first addressing the issue.
Correct Answer: C
Question 5
A nurse is caring for a patient who is scheduled for surgery. The patient speaks limited
English and does not understand the informed consent form written in English. Which
action by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. Ask the patient's adult child to translate and explain the form
B. Request a professional medical interpreter to ensure accurate communication
[CORRECT]
, C. Explain the form using simple English words and medical terminology
D. Have the patient sign the form and explain it after the procedure
Rationale: Professional medical interpreters are required to ensure accurate, complete
communication for informed consent when language barriers exist. Using family
members as interpreters is discouraged due to potential bias, omission of information,
or conflicts of interest. Informed consent must be obtained before the procedure, not
after.
Correct Answer: B
Question 6
A nurse is assigned to care for a patient whose religious beliefs prohibit blood
transfusions. The patient is hemorrhaging and the physician orders a blood transfusion.
The patient refuses. Which action best demonstrates the ethical principle of fidelity?
A. Administering the blood transfusion because it will save the patient's life
B. Honoring the patient's refusal while ensuring the patient understands the
consequences of that decision [CORRECT]
C. Calling the hospital ethics committee to override the patient's decision
D. Transferring care to another nurse to avoid personal moral conflict
Rationale: Fidelity involves being faithful to one's professional obligations and
respecting commitments to patients, including honoring their autonomy and values. The
nurse demonstrates fidelity by respecting the patient's informed refusal while ensuring
full understanding of risks. Administering against refusal violates autonomy;
transferring care or seeking to override the decision does not demonstrate loyalty to the
patient-nurse relationship.
Correct Answer: B
