NU650 | NU650 Health Assessment / Nursing Exam
1 Version 1 | Questions with Correct Answers and
Expert Explanation for Each Question | Regis
1. When conducting a health history, which of the following is considered subjective
data?
A. A blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg
B. Visible swelling of the right ankle
C. The patient’s report of a throbbing headache
D. Hyperactive bowel sounds in all quadrants
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Subjective data consists of information provided by the
patient that cannot be measured directly by the examiner. In this case, the patient’s
report of a headache is a symptom and belongs in the subjective category. Objective
data, such as vital signs and physical findings, are what the clinician observes or
measures.
2. Which part of the hand is best suited for assessing skin temperature during a
physical examination?
A. Dorsal surface of the hand
B. Fingertips
,C. Ulnar surface of the hand
D. Palmar surface of the hand
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The dorsal surface of the hand is thinner and more sensitive to
temperature variations than the palms or fingertips. Using the back of the hand
allows for a more accurate assessment of the patient’s skin warmth or coolness. This
technique is standard practice when checking for localized inflammation or
systemic fever.
3. The nurse is performing percussion over a patient’s lungs and notes a loud, low-
pitched, hollow sound. How should this be documented?
A. Dullness
B. Resonance
C. Tympany
D. Flatness
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Resonance is the normal percussion sound heard over healthy,
air-filled lung tissue. It is characterized by a loud intensity and low pitch. Dullness
, would indicate fluid or solid tissue, while tympany is typical over air-filled viscera
like the stomach.
4. In the ‘PQRST’ mnemonic for pain assessment, what does the ‘Q’ represent?
A. Quantity
B. Quality
C. Quelling factors
D. Quickness of onset
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Quality refers to the patient’s description of how the pain
feels, such as sharp, dull, or stabbing. Understanding the quality of pain can help
clinicians differentiate between types of pain, such as neuropathic or somatic. This
is a critical component of a comprehensive pain history.
5. When assessing the carotid artery, which action by the nurse is correct to avoid
bradycardia?
A. Palpating the artery gently and one at a time
B. Palpating the artery in the upper third of the neck
C. Palpating both carotid arteries simultaneously
D. Using the bell of the stethoscope first
1 Version 1 | Questions with Correct Answers and
Expert Explanation for Each Question | Regis
1. When conducting a health history, which of the following is considered subjective
data?
A. A blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg
B. Visible swelling of the right ankle
C. The patient’s report of a throbbing headache
D. Hyperactive bowel sounds in all quadrants
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Subjective data consists of information provided by the
patient that cannot be measured directly by the examiner. In this case, the patient’s
report of a headache is a symptom and belongs in the subjective category. Objective
data, such as vital signs and physical findings, are what the clinician observes or
measures.
2. Which part of the hand is best suited for assessing skin temperature during a
physical examination?
A. Dorsal surface of the hand
B. Fingertips
,C. Ulnar surface of the hand
D. Palmar surface of the hand
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The dorsal surface of the hand is thinner and more sensitive to
temperature variations than the palms or fingertips. Using the back of the hand
allows for a more accurate assessment of the patient’s skin warmth or coolness. This
technique is standard practice when checking for localized inflammation or
systemic fever.
3. The nurse is performing percussion over a patient’s lungs and notes a loud, low-
pitched, hollow sound. How should this be documented?
A. Dullness
B. Resonance
C. Tympany
D. Flatness
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Resonance is the normal percussion sound heard over healthy,
air-filled lung tissue. It is characterized by a loud intensity and low pitch. Dullness
, would indicate fluid or solid tissue, while tympany is typical over air-filled viscera
like the stomach.
4. In the ‘PQRST’ mnemonic for pain assessment, what does the ‘Q’ represent?
A. Quantity
B. Quality
C. Quelling factors
D. Quickness of onset
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Quality refers to the patient’s description of how the pain
feels, such as sharp, dull, or stabbing. Understanding the quality of pain can help
clinicians differentiate between types of pain, such as neuropathic or somatic. This
is a critical component of a comprehensive pain history.
5. When assessing the carotid artery, which action by the nurse is correct to avoid
bradycardia?
A. Palpating the artery gently and one at a time
B. Palpating the artery in the upper third of the neck
C. Palpating both carotid arteries simultaneously
D. Using the bell of the stethoscope first
