| Fundamentals of Professional
Nursing Q&A with Rationale |
Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is performing a primary assessment on a patient. Which step of the nursing process
involves collecting subjective and objective data?
A. Assessment
B. Diagnosis
C. Planning
D. Implementation
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Assessment is the foundational step where the nurse gathers all
necessary health information from the patient. This includes observing physical signs and
listening to the patient’s personal reports of their condition. Completing a thorough
assessment ensures that the subsequent steps of the nursing process are based on accurate
data.
2. Which ethical principle is the nurse upholding when they respect a patient’s right to refuse
a recommended surgery?
A. Beneficence
,B. Autonomy
C. Justice
D. Nonmaleficence
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Autonomy refers to the right of patients to make their own decisions
regarding their medical care. Even if the nurse believes a surgery is beneficial, they must
respect the individual’s choice to decline treatment. This principle protects the patient’s
independence and self-determination in the healthcare environment.
3. A nurse accidentally administers the wrong medication to a patient but no harm occurs.
Which legal term describes this situation if a lawsuit is filed?
A. Assault
B. Negligence
C. Battery
D. Libel
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Negligence is defined as a failure to act as a reasonably prudent
professional would under similar circumstances. Even without physical harm, the deviation
from the standard of care constitutes a breach of duty. Nurses must follow the six rights of
medication administration to avoid such legal and safety issues.
, 4. When using the RACE acronym for fire safety, what does the letter ‘C’ stand for?
A. Clear the hallway
B. Call for help
C. Contain the fire
D. Carry the extinguisher
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: In the RACE acronym, ‘C’ stands for containing the fire by closing
doors and windows. This action helps prevent the spread of smoke and flames to other
parts of the facility. Proper containment is a critical step in ensuring the safety of both
patients and staff during an emergency.
5. Which of the following is considered a subjective data point during a nursing assessment?
A. Blood pressure reading of 140/90
B. Presence of a red rash on the arm
C. The patient’s report of severe nausea
D. Oxygen saturation of 92 percent
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Subjective data consists of information that only the patient can
experience and describe, such as pain or nausea. Objective data, on the other hand, are