NU650 | NU650 Health Assessment / Nursing Exam
1 Version 2 | Questions with Correct Answers and
Expert Explanation for Each Question | Regis
1. A nurse is conducting a health history for a new client. Which of the following is
considered subjective data?
A. The client’s blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg.
B. An audible wheeze is heard during lung auscultation.
C. The client reports a dull, aching pain in their lower back.
D. The client’s weight is 185 pounds.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Subjective data consists of information provided by the
patient that cannot be independently verified by the healthcare provider. Pain is a
personal experience and is what the patient says it is. Objective data, such as blood
pressure or weight, are measurable and observable by the nurse.
2. During an assessment, the nurse uses the dorsum of the hand to check the patient’s
skin. What is the nurse primarily assessing?
A. Skin temperature
B. Presence of edema
C. Fine tactile discrimination
,D. Skin turgor and elasticity
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The dorsum or back of the hand is the thinnest part of the skin
on the hand and is most sensitive to temperature changes. To assess fine tactile
discrimination or pulses, the finger pads are more appropriate. Using the correct
part of the hand ensures accuracy in gathering objective clinical data.
3. Which technique is the nurse using when tapping the patient’s chest to produce
sound waves?
A. Percussion
B. Inspection
C. Palpation
D. Auscultation
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Percussion involves tapping the person’s skin with short,
sharp strokes to assess underlying structures. This technique produces vibrations
and sounds that help determine the density of the organs. It is distinct from
palpation, which involves feeling, and auscultation, which involves listening with a
stethoscope.
, 4. In the ‘working phase’ of the interview, which communication technique is most
effective for encouraging the patient to tell their story?
A. Closed-ended questions
B. Open-ended questions
C. Direct questioning
D. Checking the medical record
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Open-ended questions allow the patient to express themselves
in their own words and provide more detailed information. This phase is critical for
building rapport and gathering the bulk of the subjective health history. Closed-
ended questions are better suited for clarifying specific facts or completing a review
of systems.
5. When assessing a patient’s nutritional status, a BMI of 27.5 is classified as:
A. Underweight
B. Normal weight
C. Overweight
D. Obese
Correct Answer: C
1 Version 2 | Questions with Correct Answers and
Expert Explanation for Each Question | Regis
1. A nurse is conducting a health history for a new client. Which of the following is
considered subjective data?
A. The client’s blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg.
B. An audible wheeze is heard during lung auscultation.
C. The client reports a dull, aching pain in their lower back.
D. The client’s weight is 185 pounds.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Subjective data consists of information provided by the
patient that cannot be independently verified by the healthcare provider. Pain is a
personal experience and is what the patient says it is. Objective data, such as blood
pressure or weight, are measurable and observable by the nurse.
2. During an assessment, the nurse uses the dorsum of the hand to check the patient’s
skin. What is the nurse primarily assessing?
A. Skin temperature
B. Presence of edema
C. Fine tactile discrimination
,D. Skin turgor and elasticity
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The dorsum or back of the hand is the thinnest part of the skin
on the hand and is most sensitive to temperature changes. To assess fine tactile
discrimination or pulses, the finger pads are more appropriate. Using the correct
part of the hand ensures accuracy in gathering objective clinical data.
3. Which technique is the nurse using when tapping the patient’s chest to produce
sound waves?
A. Percussion
B. Inspection
C. Palpation
D. Auscultation
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Percussion involves tapping the person’s skin with short,
sharp strokes to assess underlying structures. This technique produces vibrations
and sounds that help determine the density of the organs. It is distinct from
palpation, which involves feeling, and auscultation, which involves listening with a
stethoscope.
, 4. In the ‘working phase’ of the interview, which communication technique is most
effective for encouraging the patient to tell their story?
A. Closed-ended questions
B. Open-ended questions
C. Direct questioning
D. Checking the medical record
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Open-ended questions allow the patient to express themselves
in their own words and provide more detailed information. This phase is critical for
building rapport and gathering the bulk of the subjective health history. Closed-
ended questions are better suited for clarifying specific facts or completing a review
of systems.
5. When assessing a patient’s nutritional status, a BMI of 27.5 is classified as:
A. Underweight
B. Normal weight
C. Overweight
D. Obese
Correct Answer: C
