Nursing Health History & Interview Techniques:
Comprehensive Exam Study Guide Complete
Questions with A+ Graded Rationales Latest
Updated 2026
What are the four phases of a client interview?
Pre Introductory, Introductory, Working, and Summary/Closing.
What is the primary focus of the nursing interview?
Establishing rapport and gathering accurate information about the client.
What is the purpose of the preintroductory phase?
The nurse reviews the medical record before meeting the client.
What occurs during the introductory phase of the interview?
The nurse introduces themselves, explains the purpose of the interview, and ensures
confidentiality.
What is the focus of the working phase of the nursing interview?
Eliciting detailed information about the client's health history and concerns.
What is the goal of the summary and closing phase?
To summarize the information obtained, validate problems and goals, and discuss possible
plans.
What are some effective nonverbal communication techniques in a nursing interview?
Maintain professional appearance, display poise, monitor facial expressions, and use
appropriate eye contact.
What types of questions are considered open-ended?
Questions that elicit feelings and perceptions from the client.
What is a closed-ended question?
A question that seeks specific information and can usually be answered with a yes or no.
What is the purpose of using a genogram in health history?
, To illustrate a client's family health history.
What does the acronym 'COLDSPA' stand for?
Character, Onset, Location, Duration, Severity, Pattern, and Associated factors related to a
client's symptoms.
What is included in a complete health history?
Biographical data, reasons for seeking care, health concerns, personal health history, family
history, ROS, lifestyle practices, and developmental level.
What should a nurse assess regarding older clients during an interview?
Hearing acuity and the need to speak slowly.
How can culture affect communication during a nursing interview?
Cultural variations may influence communication styles and understanding.
What are two main questions to ask during a health history?
1. What is your major health problem or concern at this time? 2. How do you feel about having
to seek health care?
What is the chief complaint (CC) in a health history?
The client's most significant health concern.
What is the importance of silence during an interview?
It allows the nurse to reflect and organize thoughts.
What is the role of listening in verbal communication during an interview?
To maintain good eye contact and an open body position, encouraging client verbalization.
What should a nurse do if a client displays strong emotions during an interview?
Use appropriate techniques to address and manage the client's emotions.
What is the significance of biographical data in a health history?
It identifies the client and provides essential background information.
What does COLDSPA stand for in health assessment?
Character, Onset, Location, Duration, Severity, Pattern, Associated factors
What is the purpose of the COLDSPA mnemonic?
Comprehensive Exam Study Guide Complete
Questions with A+ Graded Rationales Latest
Updated 2026
What are the four phases of a client interview?
Pre Introductory, Introductory, Working, and Summary/Closing.
What is the primary focus of the nursing interview?
Establishing rapport and gathering accurate information about the client.
What is the purpose of the preintroductory phase?
The nurse reviews the medical record before meeting the client.
What occurs during the introductory phase of the interview?
The nurse introduces themselves, explains the purpose of the interview, and ensures
confidentiality.
What is the focus of the working phase of the nursing interview?
Eliciting detailed information about the client's health history and concerns.
What is the goal of the summary and closing phase?
To summarize the information obtained, validate problems and goals, and discuss possible
plans.
What are some effective nonverbal communication techniques in a nursing interview?
Maintain professional appearance, display poise, monitor facial expressions, and use
appropriate eye contact.
What types of questions are considered open-ended?
Questions that elicit feelings and perceptions from the client.
What is a closed-ended question?
A question that seeks specific information and can usually be answered with a yes or no.
What is the purpose of using a genogram in health history?
, To illustrate a client's family health history.
What does the acronym 'COLDSPA' stand for?
Character, Onset, Location, Duration, Severity, Pattern, and Associated factors related to a
client's symptoms.
What is included in a complete health history?
Biographical data, reasons for seeking care, health concerns, personal health history, family
history, ROS, lifestyle practices, and developmental level.
What should a nurse assess regarding older clients during an interview?
Hearing acuity and the need to speak slowly.
How can culture affect communication during a nursing interview?
Cultural variations may influence communication styles and understanding.
What are two main questions to ask during a health history?
1. What is your major health problem or concern at this time? 2. How do you feel about having
to seek health care?
What is the chief complaint (CC) in a health history?
The client's most significant health concern.
What is the importance of silence during an interview?
It allows the nurse to reflect and organize thoughts.
What is the role of listening in verbal communication during an interview?
To maintain good eye contact and an open body position, encouraging client verbalization.
What should a nurse do if a client displays strong emotions during an interview?
Use appropriate techniques to address and manage the client's emotions.
What is the significance of biographical data in a health history?
It identifies the client and provides essential background information.
What does COLDSPA stand for in health assessment?
Character, Onset, Location, Duration, Severity, Pattern, Associated factors
What is the purpose of the COLDSPA mnemonic?
