1
Maryville NURS 612 Advanced Health
Assessment Study Guide: Comprehensive
Exam Review (Questions 1-160 with
Rationales)
NURS 612 EXAM 1: Interviewing, History Taking & Basic Assessment
Health History & Interviewing Techniques
Q1. Which of the following will best facilitate the interview when obtaining a history for a
deaf patient who can read lips?
• A) Speaking loudly while facing away from the patient
• B) Speaking slowly while facing the patient directly
• C) Writing all questions on paper
• D) Having a family member interpret
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When obtaining a history from a deaf patient who reads lips, the examiner should
face the patient directly, speak slowly and clearly, and ensure adequate lighting. Writing may
supplement but is not the primary method. Speaking slowly while facing the patient allows
for lip-reading and visual cues.
Q2. During a history, the patient indicates he has an uncle and a brother with sickle cell
disease. Which of the following is an appropriate method to document this information?
• A) Include it in the past medical history
• B) Include it in the family history
, 2
• C) Include it in the social history
• D) Include it in the review of systems
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Family history includes health-related information about blood relatives, including
parents, siblings, children, and extended family (uncles, aunts, grandparents). Genetic
conditions like sickle cell disease are documented in the family history to identify hereditary
risk patterns.
Q3. Which approach is recommended at the onset of an interview?
• A) Ask closed-ended questions immediately
• B) Use an open-ended approach; let the patient explain the problem or reason for the
visit
• C) Begin with the review of systems
• D) Start with the family history first
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: An open-ended approach at the beginning of an interview allows the patient to
express concerns in their own words, builds rapport, and provides the full context of their
chief complaint. This patient-centered approach is recommended for establishing effective
communication.
Q4. Which of the following questions may lead to an inaccurate patient response?
• A) "When did your symptoms begin?"
• B) "How severe is your pain on a scale of 0-10?"
, 3
• C) "That was a horrible experience, wasn't it?"
• D) "What medications are you currently taking?"
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Leading questions (those that suggest a desired answer) can produce inaccurate
responses. "That was a horrible experience, wasn't it?" is a leading question that assumes the
patient's feelings and may cause the patient to agree rather than provide their true
perspective.
Q5. Repeating a patient's answer is an attempt to:
• A) Fill silence during the interview
• B) Confirm an accurate understanding
• C) Demonstrate authority
• D) Speed up the interview process
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Repeating a patient's answer is a communication technique used to verify
understanding and ensure accuracy. It allows the patient to confirm or clarify their
statement, promoting effective communication and accurate data collection.
Q6. During an interview, your patient admits to feeling worthless and having a sleep
disturbance for the past 3 weeks. These are clues that warrant the exploration of:
• A) Substance abuse
• B) Risk for suicide
• C) Eating disorder
, 4
• D) Bipolar disorder
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Feelings of worthlessness and sleep disturbances are clinical warning signs for
depression and suicide risk. Any patient expressing these symptoms requires immediate
assessment for suicidal ideation, plan, and means.
Q7. Jerry, a 26-year-old homosexual man, is having a health history taken. Which question
regarding sexual activity would most likely hamper trust between Jerry and the interviewer?
• A) "Do you have any concerns about your sexual health?"
• B) "Are you sexually active with men, women, or both?"
• C) "Are you married or do you have a girlfriend?"
• D) "Do you use protection during sexual activity?"
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Assuming heterosexuality (asking about a "girlfriend" or "wife") can alienate
LGBTQ+ patients and damage trust. Gender-neutral, inclusive language (e.g., "Are you in a
relationship?" or "Do you have a partner?") is essential for culturally competent care.
Q8. When questioning a patient regarding a sensitive issue, such as drug use, it is best to:
• A) Avoid the topic unless the patient brings it up
• B) Use indirect, vague questions
• C) Be direct, firm, and to the point
• D) Ask a family member instead
Correct Answer: C
Maryville NURS 612 Advanced Health
Assessment Study Guide: Comprehensive
Exam Review (Questions 1-160 with
Rationales)
NURS 612 EXAM 1: Interviewing, History Taking & Basic Assessment
Health History & Interviewing Techniques
Q1. Which of the following will best facilitate the interview when obtaining a history for a
deaf patient who can read lips?
• A) Speaking loudly while facing away from the patient
• B) Speaking slowly while facing the patient directly
• C) Writing all questions on paper
• D) Having a family member interpret
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When obtaining a history from a deaf patient who reads lips, the examiner should
face the patient directly, speak slowly and clearly, and ensure adequate lighting. Writing may
supplement but is not the primary method. Speaking slowly while facing the patient allows
for lip-reading and visual cues.
Q2. During a history, the patient indicates he has an uncle and a brother with sickle cell
disease. Which of the following is an appropriate method to document this information?
• A) Include it in the past medical history
• B) Include it in the family history
, 2
• C) Include it in the social history
• D) Include it in the review of systems
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Family history includes health-related information about blood relatives, including
parents, siblings, children, and extended family (uncles, aunts, grandparents). Genetic
conditions like sickle cell disease are documented in the family history to identify hereditary
risk patterns.
Q3. Which approach is recommended at the onset of an interview?
• A) Ask closed-ended questions immediately
• B) Use an open-ended approach; let the patient explain the problem or reason for the
visit
• C) Begin with the review of systems
• D) Start with the family history first
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: An open-ended approach at the beginning of an interview allows the patient to
express concerns in their own words, builds rapport, and provides the full context of their
chief complaint. This patient-centered approach is recommended for establishing effective
communication.
Q4. Which of the following questions may lead to an inaccurate patient response?
• A) "When did your symptoms begin?"
• B) "How severe is your pain on a scale of 0-10?"
, 3
• C) "That was a horrible experience, wasn't it?"
• D) "What medications are you currently taking?"
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Leading questions (those that suggest a desired answer) can produce inaccurate
responses. "That was a horrible experience, wasn't it?" is a leading question that assumes the
patient's feelings and may cause the patient to agree rather than provide their true
perspective.
Q5. Repeating a patient's answer is an attempt to:
• A) Fill silence during the interview
• B) Confirm an accurate understanding
• C) Demonstrate authority
• D) Speed up the interview process
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Repeating a patient's answer is a communication technique used to verify
understanding and ensure accuracy. It allows the patient to confirm or clarify their
statement, promoting effective communication and accurate data collection.
Q6. During an interview, your patient admits to feeling worthless and having a sleep
disturbance for the past 3 weeks. These are clues that warrant the exploration of:
• A) Substance abuse
• B) Risk for suicide
• C) Eating disorder
, 4
• D) Bipolar disorder
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Feelings of worthlessness and sleep disturbances are clinical warning signs for
depression and suicide risk. Any patient expressing these symptoms requires immediate
assessment for suicidal ideation, plan, and means.
Q7. Jerry, a 26-year-old homosexual man, is having a health history taken. Which question
regarding sexual activity would most likely hamper trust between Jerry and the interviewer?
• A) "Do you have any concerns about your sexual health?"
• B) "Are you sexually active with men, women, or both?"
• C) "Are you married or do you have a girlfriend?"
• D) "Do you use protection during sexual activity?"
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Assuming heterosexuality (asking about a "girlfriend" or "wife") can alienate
LGBTQ+ patients and damage trust. Gender-neutral, inclusive language (e.g., "Are you in a
relationship?" or "Do you have a partner?") is essential for culturally competent care.
Q8. When questioning a patient regarding a sensitive issue, such as drug use, it is best to:
• A) Avoid the topic unless the patient brings it up
• B) Use indirect, vague questions
• C) Be direct, firm, and to the point
• D) Ask a family member instead
Correct Answer: C
