General Health Assessment & Vital Signs: Comprehensive
Nursing Exam Study Guide Complete Questions with Verified
A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026
What is the purpose of the general survey in health assessment?
To gather clues about the client's health status through observation.
What are the key components assessed in the general survey?
Physical development, body build, vital signs, skin condition, dress, hygiene, posture, gait, level
of consciousness, behaviors, and speech.
What vital signs are typically measured during a health assessment?
Pulse, respirations, blood pressure, and temperature.
What is the normal range for core body temperature?
Between 36.5°C and 37.7°C (96.0°F and 99.9°F orally).
What is hypothermia defined as in terms of body temperature?
A body temperature of less than 36.5°C (96.0°F).
What is hyperthermia defined as in terms of body temperature?
A body temperature of more than 38.0°C (100°F).
How does age affect normal body temperature ranges?
Older adults may have a normal temperature range of 35.0°C to 36.4°C (95.0°F to 97.5°F).
What factors can cause variations in body temperature?
Exercise, stress, and ovulation.
What does the radial pulse reflect?
The overall health status of the client.
What are the characteristics of pulse that should be assessed?
Rate, rhythm, amplitude, contour, and elasticity.
What does an amplitude of 0 indicate in pulse assessment?
Absent pulse.
Nursing Exam Study Guide Complete Questions with Verified
A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026
What is the purpose of the general survey in health assessment?
To gather clues about the client's health status through observation.
What are the key components assessed in the general survey?
Physical development, body build, vital signs, skin condition, dress, hygiene, posture, gait, level
of consciousness, behaviors, and speech.
What vital signs are typically measured during a health assessment?
Pulse, respirations, blood pressure, and temperature.
What is the normal range for core body temperature?
Between 36.5°C and 37.7°C (96.0°F and 99.9°F orally).
What is hypothermia defined as in terms of body temperature?
A body temperature of less than 36.5°C (96.0°F).
What is hyperthermia defined as in terms of body temperature?
A body temperature of more than 38.0°C (100°F).
How does age affect normal body temperature ranges?
Older adults may have a normal temperature range of 35.0°C to 36.4°C (95.0°F to 97.5°F).
What factors can cause variations in body temperature?
Exercise, stress, and ovulation.
What does the radial pulse reflect?
The overall health status of the client.
What are the characteristics of pulse that should be assessed?
Rate, rhythm, amplitude, contour, and elasticity.
What does an amplitude of 0 indicate in pulse assessment?
Absent pulse.
