|Chamberlain College
1. Which assessment technique involves using the sense of touch to gather
information?
A. Inspection
B. Palpation
C. Percussion
D. Auscultation
Answer: B
Rationale: Palpation is the use of hands to feel texture, size, consistency, and location of
certain body parts.
2. When assessing the abdomen, what is the correct sequence of assessment?
A. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
B. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
C. Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection
D. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
Answer: A
Rationale: In abdominal assessment, auscultation follows inspection to prevent altering
bowel sounds with palpation or percussion.
,3. Which of the following is considered subjective data?
A. Blood pressure reading of 120/80
B. Patient reporting a headache
C. Visible bruising on the arm
D. Weight of 150 lbs
Answer: B
Rationale: Subjective data are symptoms described by the patient that cannot be
measured directly by the nurse.
4. A nurse is preparing to use a stethoscope. The diaphragm is best used for
hearing which type of sounds?
A. High-pitched sounds like bowel sounds
B. Heart murmurs
C. Low-pitched sounds
D. Bruits
Answer: A
Rationale: The diaphragm is used for high-pitched sounds (heart, lungs, bowel), while the
bell is for low-pitched sounds.
5. What is the primary purpose of the ‘Working Phase’ of a patient interview?
A. Gathering information to form a database
B. Summarizing the data collected
C. Setting the stage and establishing rapport
D. Terminating the relationship
Answer: A
Rationale: The working phase is where the nurse gathers most of the patient’s health
history and data.
, 6. Which vital sign should be prioritized if a patient is experiencing sudden chest
pain?
A. Temperature
B. Weight
C. Blood Pressure and Heart Rate
D. Height
Answer: C
Rationale: Circulatory assessment (BP and HR) is critical during acute cardiovascular
symptoms like chest pain.
7. What is the standard time for handwashing with soap and water in a clinical
setting?
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 seconds
C. At least 15-20 seconds
D. 1 minute
Answer: C
Rationale: Friction for at least 15-20 seconds is required to mechanically remove
microorganisms.
8. Which technique is used to evaluate the density of underlying tissues?
A. Inspection
B. Palpation
C. Percussion
D. Auscultation
Answer: C
Rationale: Percussion involves tapping the skin with short strokes to produce vibrations
that indicate tissue density.