RN Health Assessment – Full
MCQs with Options & Rationales
1. Naturalistic belief
Question:
A client reports chest pain. Which statement indicates a naturalistic belief about illness?
A. "My life is really out of balance."
B. "I knew I should have changed my diet."
C. "I should have gone to church last week."
D. "I forgot to take my medicines last night."
Answer: A
Rationale: Naturalistic beliefs link illness to imbalance (e.g., harmony, energy), not behavior,
religion, or compliance.
2. Cultural competence (Select all)
Question:
Which actions help a nurse understand a diverse population?
A. Be open to people who are different
B. Have curiosity about people
C. Become culturally competent
D. Treat everyone the same way
E. Assign same-ethnicity nurses
F. Always request an interpreter
Answer: A, B, C
Rationale: Openness, curiosity, and cultural competence promote understanding. Treating
everyone the same ignores cultural differences.
3. Spleen assessment
,Question:
Which statement about spleen assessment is correct?
A. It must be enlarged at least three times normal size to be palpable
B. It is easily felt behind ribs 11 and 12
C. It is normally palpable when lying on the right side
D. It is a firm mass left of midline
Answer: A
Rationale: A normal spleen is not palpable; it must be significantly enlarged.
4. Lower lung sounds
Question:
Where are lower lobe lung sounds best heard?
A. Posterior chest below the 3rd intercostal space
B. Posterior axillary line at 4th intercostal space
C. Anterior chest at 4th intercostal space
D. Anterior axillary line at 5th intercostal space
Answer: A
Rationale: Lower lobes are primarily located posteriorly.
5. Mitral stenosis
Question:
Where should the nurse auscultate for mitral stenosis?
A. 5th ICS, left midclavicular line (bell)
B. 2nd ICS, left midclavicular line
C. 5th ICS, left sternal border (diaphragm)
D. 2nd ICS, left sternal border
Answer: A
Rationale: Mitral valve sounds are best heard at the apex using the bell.
6. Aortic regurgitation
, Question:
Where should the nurse place the stethoscope?
A. 2nd ICS right sternal border
B. 2nd ICS left sternal border
C. 3rd ICS right midclavicular
D. 5th ICS left midclavicular
Answer: A
Rationale: Aortic valve area = right sternal border.
7. Scabies
Question:
Which data best explains scabies?
A. Works in daycare with outbreak
B. Uses chemical cleaners
C. Family history of psoriasis
D. Works with clay
Answer: A
Rationale: Scabies spreads via close contact.
8. Meningitis
Question:
What should be assessed first?
A. Level of consciousness
B. Gait
C. Trauma
D. Bladder control
Answer: A
Rationale: CNS involvement affects LOC.
9. Fatigue + pallor
MCQs with Options & Rationales
1. Naturalistic belief
Question:
A client reports chest pain. Which statement indicates a naturalistic belief about illness?
A. "My life is really out of balance."
B. "I knew I should have changed my diet."
C. "I should have gone to church last week."
D. "I forgot to take my medicines last night."
Answer: A
Rationale: Naturalistic beliefs link illness to imbalance (e.g., harmony, energy), not behavior,
religion, or compliance.
2. Cultural competence (Select all)
Question:
Which actions help a nurse understand a diverse population?
A. Be open to people who are different
B. Have curiosity about people
C. Become culturally competent
D. Treat everyone the same way
E. Assign same-ethnicity nurses
F. Always request an interpreter
Answer: A, B, C
Rationale: Openness, curiosity, and cultural competence promote understanding. Treating
everyone the same ignores cultural differences.
3. Spleen assessment
,Question:
Which statement about spleen assessment is correct?
A. It must be enlarged at least three times normal size to be palpable
B. It is easily felt behind ribs 11 and 12
C. It is normally palpable when lying on the right side
D. It is a firm mass left of midline
Answer: A
Rationale: A normal spleen is not palpable; it must be significantly enlarged.
4. Lower lung sounds
Question:
Where are lower lobe lung sounds best heard?
A. Posterior chest below the 3rd intercostal space
B. Posterior axillary line at 4th intercostal space
C. Anterior chest at 4th intercostal space
D. Anterior axillary line at 5th intercostal space
Answer: A
Rationale: Lower lobes are primarily located posteriorly.
5. Mitral stenosis
Question:
Where should the nurse auscultate for mitral stenosis?
A. 5th ICS, left midclavicular line (bell)
B. 2nd ICS, left midclavicular line
C. 5th ICS, left sternal border (diaphragm)
D. 2nd ICS, left sternal border
Answer: A
Rationale: Mitral valve sounds are best heard at the apex using the bell.
6. Aortic regurgitation
, Question:
Where should the nurse place the stethoscope?
A. 2nd ICS right sternal border
B. 2nd ICS left sternal border
C. 3rd ICS right midclavicular
D. 5th ICS left midclavicular
Answer: A
Rationale: Aortic valve area = right sternal border.
7. Scabies
Question:
Which data best explains scabies?
A. Works in daycare with outbreak
B. Uses chemical cleaners
C. Family history of psoriasis
D. Works with clay
Answer: A
Rationale: Scabies spreads via close contact.
8. Meningitis
Question:
What should be assessed first?
A. Level of consciousness
B. Gait
C. Trauma
D. Bladder control
Answer: A
Rationale: CNS involvement affects LOC.
9. Fatigue + pallor
