NURS 3320 Assessment Exam 1 2026 – 120 Questions and Answers on Vital Signs, Physical Assessment, Mental Status & Health Interview

This document contains approximately 120 comprehensive NURS 3320 Assessment Exam 1 (2026) questions with verified answers and illustrations covering foundational physical assessment principles and clinical examination techniques . The material begins with types of assessments (initial comprehensive, ongoing, focused, emergency), normal vital sign ranges (BP 120/80, HR 60–100 bpm, RR 10–20, SpO₂ 97%, temperature variations), pulse grading (0–3+), pulse pressure parameters, and Korotkoff phases I–V. It also details contributing factors to blood pressure (cardiac output, peripheral resistance, blood volume, viscosity, vessel elasticity) and causes of hypo- and hyperthermia. The review provides in-depth coverage of equipment required for each body system examination (nutritional status tools, skin and nail assessment tools including Wood’s lamp and Braden scale, neuro equipment such as reflex hammer and tuning fork, GU exam tools including speculum and endocervical broom). It thoroughly explains inspection, palpation (light, moderate, deep, bimanual), percussion (direct, blunt, indirect), and auscultation techniques (bell vs diaphragm use). Documentation formats (open-ended, cued checklist, nursing minimum data set), the HITECH Act, and validation of discrepant data are also addressed. Communication strategies are extensively reviewed, including interview phases (pre-introductory, introductory, working, summary), open versus closed questions, communication facilitators and blockers, and approaches to anxious, angry, depressed, manipulative, and seductive patients. Mental status examination components (LOC, memory, judgment, thought processes, orientation), SLUMS, CAM, PHQ-2/9, CAGE, AUDIT, and SAD PERSONS tools are clearly outlined. Dermatologic content includes primary, secondary, and vascular lesions, melanoma ABCD criteria, lesion configurations, and melanoma risk factors. Musculoskeletal content covers joint types, grades of strength (0–5), types of movement, osteoporosis risk factors, bone and skeletal muscle functions, and vertebral landmarks (C7). Headache differentiation (cluster vs migraine), long-term steroid effects, and age-related assessment priorities are also included. Structured in a concise Q&A format, this document aligns with undergraduate health assessment coursework and reinforces clinical reasoning, systematic examination sequencing, normal versus abnormal differentiation, and safe documentation practices. It is especially beneficial for nursing students preparing for Assessment Exam 1, health assessment practicals, and early NCLEX-style evaluation. This document may concern: • NURS 3320 Health Assessment • Physical Examination and Assessment • Fundamentals of Nursing • Medical-Surgical Nursing I • Nursing Assessment Lab It is particularly relevant for: • Second-year BSN students • ADN nursing students • Practical nursing students • Students preparing for assessment check-offs • Pre-NCLEX nursing candidates Keywords: NURS 3320 assessment exam 1 2026, types of nursing assessments initial focused emergency, normal vital signs ranges nursing, pulse grading 0 to 3 plus, Korotkoff phases 1 to 5, contributing factors blood pressure, hypothermia hyperthermia causes, inspection palpation percussion auscultation techniques, bell vs diaphragm stethoscope use, equipment for neuro exam reflex hammer tuning fork, primary secondary vascular skin lesions, melanoma ABCD criteria, mental status exam components nursing, SLUMS CAM PHQ 9 CAGE AUDIT tools, communication facilitators blockers nursing, interview phases nursing assessment, grades of muscle strength 0 to 5, cluster vs migraine headache characteristics, osteoporosis risk factors nursing