Fundamentals of Nursing Comprehensive Exam
Prep with Actual Complete Questions and Correct
Answers with Detailed Rationales Already Graded
+ | 2026 Updated
Master your nursing school exams with this ultimate guide featuring 500
comprehensive multiple-choice questions for Fundamentals of Nursing. Covers
the complete Nursing Process, Ethics, Law, Infection Control, Vital Signs, Patient
Safety, Med-Math, Wound Care, and Elimination. Every single question includes a
detailed, easy-to-understand rational breakdown to help you grasp core concepts
fast. Perfect for NCLEX, HESI, and final exam prep. Boost your grades and study
smarter today!
,Nursing Process
1. Which of the following data collected during a nursing assessment is considered
subjective data?
A) Blood pressure reading of 130/85 mmHg
B) The patient stating, "I have a sharp pain in my abdomen."
C) Redness and swelling on the patient's sacrum
D) A urine output of 300 mL in 8 hours
Rationale: Subjective data includes symptoms and information provided
by the patient that cannot be directly observed or measured by the nurse.
2. Which of the following is an example of objective data?
A) "I feel dizzy when I stand up."
B) "My stomach has been hurting for two days."
C) The patient rates their pain as a 6 out of 10.
D) The patient's oral temperature is 38.5°C (101.3°F).
Rationale: Objective data are observable and measurable findings that the nurse can
verify using their senses or equipment.
3. During which phase of the nursing process does the nurse analyze assessment data to
identify actual or potential health problems?
A) Diagnosis
B) Implementation
C) Assessment
D) Evaluation
Rationale: In the diagnosis phase, the nurse uses clinical judgment to analyze data and
formulate nursing diagnoses.
4. When formulating patient goals, the nurse must ensure that they are SMART. What does
the "S" in SMART stand for?
A) Subjective
B) Specific
C) Standardized
D) Systematic
Rationale: The "S" stands for Specific. A goal must clearly state exactly what the
patient is expected to achieve.
5. Which of the following is an example of an appropriately written short-term goal?
A) The patient will feel better by tomorrow.
, B) The patient will walk 20 feet in the hallway with a walker by the end of the shift.
C) The nurse will teach the patient how to change the dressing.
D) The patient will never experience pain again.
Rationale: This goal is specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and has a clear time
frame.
6. During the implementation phase of the nursing process, which of the following actions
is taken by the nurse?
A) Identifying nursing diagnoses
B) Performing independent nursing interventions
C) Setting patient-centered goals
D) Collecting baseline patient data
Rationale: The implementation phase involves putting the nursing care plan into
action by performing interventions.
7. A nurse administers a prescribed medication to a patient. This is an example of which
type of nursing intervention?
A) Independent intervention
B) Dependent intervention
C) Interdependent intervention
D) Collaborative intervention
Rationale: Dependent interventions require a direct order from a licensed healthcare
provider, such as a doctor.
8. The nurse is assessing whether the patient's goal of maintaining clear lung sounds has
been met. This is which phase of the nursing process?
A) Assessment
B) Planning
C) Implementation
D) Evaluation
Rationale: Evaluation involves determining the patient's progress toward goals and
checking the effectiveness of the care plan.
9. During the evaluation phase, the nurse determines that the patient's expected goal has
not been met. What is the appropriate next step?
A) Discontinue the nursing care plan entirely.
B) Review the care plan and modify the interventions or goals as needed.
C) Document that the patient is non-compliant.
D) Notify the physician immediately to write new orders.
, Rationale: The nursing process is cyclical. If a goal is not met, the nurse goes back to
earlier steps to adjust the plan.
10. When prioritizing patient care, the nurse uses Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. According
to this theory, which patient need takes the highest priority?
A) Oxygenation
B) Self-esteem
C) Love and belonging
D) Achieving one's full potential
Rationale: Oxygenation falls under physiological needs, which are the absolute highest
priority for human survival.
Nursing Ethics and Law
11. The ethical principle that refers to the right of patients to make decisions about their
own healthcare is known as:
A) Autonomy
B) Beneficence
C) Nonmaleficence
D) Justice
Rationale: Autonomy is the principle that emphasizes the patient's right to self-
determination and independent choice.
12. A nurse advocates for a patient's pain medication to be increased because the patient is
in severe distress. Which ethical principle is the nurse demonstrating?
A) Autonomy
B) Beneficence
C) Veracity
D) Justice
Rationale: Beneficence is the duty to do good and take positive actions to help others,
such as relieving pain.
13. The nurse ensures that a patient's walker is placed within reach to prevent falls. This
nursing action is primarily based on which ethical principle?
A) Beneficence
B) Nonmaleficence
C) Fidelity
D) Justice
Prep with Actual Complete Questions and Correct
Answers with Detailed Rationales Already Graded
+ | 2026 Updated
Master your nursing school exams with this ultimate guide featuring 500
comprehensive multiple-choice questions for Fundamentals of Nursing. Covers
the complete Nursing Process, Ethics, Law, Infection Control, Vital Signs, Patient
Safety, Med-Math, Wound Care, and Elimination. Every single question includes a
detailed, easy-to-understand rational breakdown to help you grasp core concepts
fast. Perfect for NCLEX, HESI, and final exam prep. Boost your grades and study
smarter today!
,Nursing Process
1. Which of the following data collected during a nursing assessment is considered
subjective data?
A) Blood pressure reading of 130/85 mmHg
B) The patient stating, "I have a sharp pain in my abdomen."
C) Redness and swelling on the patient's sacrum
D) A urine output of 300 mL in 8 hours
Rationale: Subjective data includes symptoms and information provided
by the patient that cannot be directly observed or measured by the nurse.
2. Which of the following is an example of objective data?
A) "I feel dizzy when I stand up."
B) "My stomach has been hurting for two days."
C) The patient rates their pain as a 6 out of 10.
D) The patient's oral temperature is 38.5°C (101.3°F).
Rationale: Objective data are observable and measurable findings that the nurse can
verify using their senses or equipment.
3. During which phase of the nursing process does the nurse analyze assessment data to
identify actual or potential health problems?
A) Diagnosis
B) Implementation
C) Assessment
D) Evaluation
Rationale: In the diagnosis phase, the nurse uses clinical judgment to analyze data and
formulate nursing diagnoses.
4. When formulating patient goals, the nurse must ensure that they are SMART. What does
the "S" in SMART stand for?
A) Subjective
B) Specific
C) Standardized
D) Systematic
Rationale: The "S" stands for Specific. A goal must clearly state exactly what the
patient is expected to achieve.
5. Which of the following is an example of an appropriately written short-term goal?
A) The patient will feel better by tomorrow.
, B) The patient will walk 20 feet in the hallway with a walker by the end of the shift.
C) The nurse will teach the patient how to change the dressing.
D) The patient will never experience pain again.
Rationale: This goal is specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and has a clear time
frame.
6. During the implementation phase of the nursing process, which of the following actions
is taken by the nurse?
A) Identifying nursing diagnoses
B) Performing independent nursing interventions
C) Setting patient-centered goals
D) Collecting baseline patient data
Rationale: The implementation phase involves putting the nursing care plan into
action by performing interventions.
7. A nurse administers a prescribed medication to a patient. This is an example of which
type of nursing intervention?
A) Independent intervention
B) Dependent intervention
C) Interdependent intervention
D) Collaborative intervention
Rationale: Dependent interventions require a direct order from a licensed healthcare
provider, such as a doctor.
8. The nurse is assessing whether the patient's goal of maintaining clear lung sounds has
been met. This is which phase of the nursing process?
A) Assessment
B) Planning
C) Implementation
D) Evaluation
Rationale: Evaluation involves determining the patient's progress toward goals and
checking the effectiveness of the care plan.
9. During the evaluation phase, the nurse determines that the patient's expected goal has
not been met. What is the appropriate next step?
A) Discontinue the nursing care plan entirely.
B) Review the care plan and modify the interventions or goals as needed.
C) Document that the patient is non-compliant.
D) Notify the physician immediately to write new orders.
, Rationale: The nursing process is cyclical. If a goal is not met, the nurse goes back to
earlier steps to adjust the plan.
10. When prioritizing patient care, the nurse uses Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. According
to this theory, which patient need takes the highest priority?
A) Oxygenation
B) Self-esteem
C) Love and belonging
D) Achieving one's full potential
Rationale: Oxygenation falls under physiological needs, which are the absolute highest
priority for human survival.
Nursing Ethics and Law
11. The ethical principle that refers to the right of patients to make decisions about their
own healthcare is known as:
A) Autonomy
B) Beneficence
C) Nonmaleficence
D) Justice
Rationale: Autonomy is the principle that emphasizes the patient's right to self-
determination and independent choice.
12. A nurse advocates for a patient's pain medication to be increased because the patient is
in severe distress. Which ethical principle is the nurse demonstrating?
A) Autonomy
B) Beneficence
C) Veracity
D) Justice
Rationale: Beneficence is the duty to do good and take positive actions to help others,
such as relieving pain.
13. The nurse ensures that a patient's walker is placed within reach to prevent falls. This
nursing action is primarily based on which ethical principle?
A) Beneficence
B) Nonmaleficence
C) Fidelity
D) Justice
