NSG3160 | NSG3160 Health Assessment Exam 1
Version 2 | Questions with Correct Answers and
Expert Explanation for Each Question | Galen
1. Which part of the hand is most sensitive to vibration and is used during the physical
examination to detect tactile fremitus?
A. Ulnar surface of the hand
B. Dorsal surface of the hand
C. Fingertips
D. Thenar eminence
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The ulnar surface or the base of the fingers is the most
sensitive area for detecting vibrations. This technique is specifically applied when
assessing for tactile fremitus in the respiratory system. In contrast, the dorsal
surface is better suited for assessing skin temperature because the skin is thinner
there. Fingertips are primarily used for fine tactile discrimination like pulses or
texture. Proper technique ensures that the nurse collects accurate data during the
palpation phase.
2. During a health history interview, a patient says, ‘I feel like I can’t catch my breath.’
Which response by the nurse is an example of an open-ended question?
A. Are you having chest pain too?
,B. Did this start this morning?
C. Tell me more about how you feel when this happens.
D. Have you used your inhaler today?
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Open-ended questions encourage the patient to provide a
descriptive narrative rather than a simple yes or no answer. This technique is vital
for gathering comprehensive subjective data during the working phase of the
interview. The nurse uses these prompts to explore the patient’s concerns without
leading their responses. By saying ‘Tell me more,’ the nurse demonstrates active
listening and patient-centered communication. This approach fosters a stronger
therapeutic relationship and yields more detailed clinical information.
3. A nurse is performing a general survey on a new patient. Which of the following
observations is considered part of the general survey?
A. Auscultating the apical pulse
B. Evaluating the patient’s facial expression and mood
C. Percussing the lung fields
D. Checking the patient’s deep tendon reflexes
Correct Answer: B
,Expert Explanation: The general survey is a study of the whole person, covering
the general health state and physical characteristics. It begins the moment the nurse
first encounters the patient and includes observations of appearance, body
structure, and mobility. Assessing facial expressions and mood provides immediate
data regarding the patient’s emotional and neurological status. Auscultation,
percussion, and reflex testing are specific components of the physical exam rather
than the general survey. This initial global assessment helps the nurse form an
overall impression of the patient’s well-being.
4. What is the correct sequence when performing an abdominal assessment?
A. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
B. Inspection, Percussion, Auscultation, Palpation
C. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
D. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The abdominal assessment follows a specific order to prevent
the alteration of bowel sounds. Auscultation must be performed immediately after
inspection because percussion and palpation can increase peristalsis. If the nurse
palpates before listening, they may hear false bowel sounds or mask an absence of
sounds. This sequence ensures the integrity of the objective data collected during
, the exam. Adhering to this established protocol is a standard requirement for
clinical accuracy in health assessment.
5. A nurse identifies that a patient has a blood pressure of 150/90 mmHg. Which
action should the nurse take first to ensure the accuracy of this data?
A. Verify the cuff size and repeat the measurement after 5 minutes.
B. Administer an antihypertensive medication.
C. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
D. Document the reading as a definitive sign of hypertension.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Ensuring data accuracy is a critical step in the assessment
phase of the nursing process. Using a blood pressure cuff that is too small can result
in a falsely high reading. The nurse should allow the patient to rest and verify
equipment fit before re-measuring the vital signs. It is inappropriate to notify the
provider or medicate based on a single, unverified measurement. This careful
verification demonstrates clinical judgment and a commitment to patient safety.
6. When assessing a patient’s pain using the PQRST mnemonic, what does the ‘R’
stand for?
A. Radiation and Region
B. Relief and Recovery
Version 2 | Questions with Correct Answers and
Expert Explanation for Each Question | Galen
1. Which part of the hand is most sensitive to vibration and is used during the physical
examination to detect tactile fremitus?
A. Ulnar surface of the hand
B. Dorsal surface of the hand
C. Fingertips
D. Thenar eminence
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The ulnar surface or the base of the fingers is the most
sensitive area for detecting vibrations. This technique is specifically applied when
assessing for tactile fremitus in the respiratory system. In contrast, the dorsal
surface is better suited for assessing skin temperature because the skin is thinner
there. Fingertips are primarily used for fine tactile discrimination like pulses or
texture. Proper technique ensures that the nurse collects accurate data during the
palpation phase.
2. During a health history interview, a patient says, ‘I feel like I can’t catch my breath.’
Which response by the nurse is an example of an open-ended question?
A. Are you having chest pain too?
,B. Did this start this morning?
C. Tell me more about how you feel when this happens.
D. Have you used your inhaler today?
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Open-ended questions encourage the patient to provide a
descriptive narrative rather than a simple yes or no answer. This technique is vital
for gathering comprehensive subjective data during the working phase of the
interview. The nurse uses these prompts to explore the patient’s concerns without
leading their responses. By saying ‘Tell me more,’ the nurse demonstrates active
listening and patient-centered communication. This approach fosters a stronger
therapeutic relationship and yields more detailed clinical information.
3. A nurse is performing a general survey on a new patient. Which of the following
observations is considered part of the general survey?
A. Auscultating the apical pulse
B. Evaluating the patient’s facial expression and mood
C. Percussing the lung fields
D. Checking the patient’s deep tendon reflexes
Correct Answer: B
,Expert Explanation: The general survey is a study of the whole person, covering
the general health state and physical characteristics. It begins the moment the nurse
first encounters the patient and includes observations of appearance, body
structure, and mobility. Assessing facial expressions and mood provides immediate
data regarding the patient’s emotional and neurological status. Auscultation,
percussion, and reflex testing are specific components of the physical exam rather
than the general survey. This initial global assessment helps the nurse form an
overall impression of the patient’s well-being.
4. What is the correct sequence when performing an abdominal assessment?
A. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
B. Inspection, Percussion, Auscultation, Palpation
C. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
D. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The abdominal assessment follows a specific order to prevent
the alteration of bowel sounds. Auscultation must be performed immediately after
inspection because percussion and palpation can increase peristalsis. If the nurse
palpates before listening, they may hear false bowel sounds or mask an absence of
sounds. This sequence ensures the integrity of the objective data collected during
, the exam. Adhering to this established protocol is a standard requirement for
clinical accuracy in health assessment.
5. A nurse identifies that a patient has a blood pressure of 150/90 mmHg. Which
action should the nurse take first to ensure the accuracy of this data?
A. Verify the cuff size and repeat the measurement after 5 minutes.
B. Administer an antihypertensive medication.
C. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
D. Document the reading as a definitive sign of hypertension.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Ensuring data accuracy is a critical step in the assessment
phase of the nursing process. Using a blood pressure cuff that is too small can result
in a falsely high reading. The nurse should allow the patient to rest and verify
equipment fit before re-measuring the vital signs. It is inappropriate to notify the
provider or medicate based on a single, unverified measurement. This careful
verification demonstrates clinical judgment and a commitment to patient safety.
6. When assessing a patient’s pain using the PQRST mnemonic, what does the ‘R’
stand for?
A. Radiation and Region
B. Relief and Recovery
