PCHA ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
ANSWERS COMPLETE STUDY PACK
●● Because the physical environment in which an interview takes place
is an important consideration for the success of an interview, the
interviewer should:
Answer: reduce noise by turning off televisions and cell phones
●● A nurse is taking complete health histories on all the patients
attending a wellness workshop. While conducting an interview with a
patient, the nurse asks, "Can you tell me a little about yourself?" This
question is an example of:
Answer: an open-ended question
●● During an interview, a parent of a hospitalized child is sitting in an
open position. As the interviewer begins to discuss the child's treatment,
however, the parent suddenly crosses the arms against the chest and
crosses the legs. Based on the understanding that nonverbal modes of
communication provide clues to understanding feelings, the sudden
change in body position would suggest that the parent is:
Answer: uncomfortable talking about his child's treatment
●● A 59-year-old patient is returning to the outpatient clinic for a follow
up visit. The patient has a history of ulcerative colitis. The patient states
he has been having "black stools" for the last 24 hours. Which of the
,following would be the most complete way for the nurse to document
the patient's reason for seeking care?
Answer: J.M. is a 59-year-old patient here for having "black stools" for
the past 24 hours.
●● Which of the following statements best describes the purpose of a
health history?
Answer: to provide a database of subjective information about the
patient's past and current health.
●● The inspection phase of the physical assessment:
Answer: begins the moment you first meet the person and develop a
"general survey".
●● A patient is at the clinic for a physical examination. He states that he
is "very anxious" about the physical exam. What steps can the examiner
take to make the patient more comfortable?
Answer: Appear unhurried and confident when examining the patient.
●● When performing a physical examination, safety must be considered
to protect the examiner and the patient against the spread of infection.
Which of the following statements describes the most appropriate
actions the examiner should take when performing a physical
examination?
, Answer: Wash hands at the beginning of the examination and any time
that one leaves and re-enters the room.
●● A 50-year-old patient who is taking anti-hypertensive medications
returns to the clinic to have their blood pressure (BP) checked. The last
BP was 146/88. The BP reported to the nurse is 168/96. Both blood
pressures were taken at the brachial site. Which of the following is true
regarding blood pressure assessment in this patient? Choose all that
apply:
1. The patient should be allowed to adequately rest prior to assessing the
blood pressure.
2. The width of the cuff should cover 40% of the circumference of the
upper arm.
3. The position of the arm used for blood pressure assessment should be
above the level of the heart.
4. Goal blood pressure for this patient should be systolic less than 120
mm Hg and diastolic less than 80 mmHg.
5. The last audible sound auscultated during blood pressure assessment
should be recorded for the systolic reading.
6. An unsupported arm may be used for an accurate blood pressure
measure
Answer: 1, 2, 4
●● While caring for a patient with heart disease, the nurse notices an
irregularity in the rhythm of the patient's radial pulse. The previous
ANSWERS COMPLETE STUDY PACK
●● Because the physical environment in which an interview takes place
is an important consideration for the success of an interview, the
interviewer should:
Answer: reduce noise by turning off televisions and cell phones
●● A nurse is taking complete health histories on all the patients
attending a wellness workshop. While conducting an interview with a
patient, the nurse asks, "Can you tell me a little about yourself?" This
question is an example of:
Answer: an open-ended question
●● During an interview, a parent of a hospitalized child is sitting in an
open position. As the interviewer begins to discuss the child's treatment,
however, the parent suddenly crosses the arms against the chest and
crosses the legs. Based on the understanding that nonverbal modes of
communication provide clues to understanding feelings, the sudden
change in body position would suggest that the parent is:
Answer: uncomfortable talking about his child's treatment
●● A 59-year-old patient is returning to the outpatient clinic for a follow
up visit. The patient has a history of ulcerative colitis. The patient states
he has been having "black stools" for the last 24 hours. Which of the
,following would be the most complete way for the nurse to document
the patient's reason for seeking care?
Answer: J.M. is a 59-year-old patient here for having "black stools" for
the past 24 hours.
●● Which of the following statements best describes the purpose of a
health history?
Answer: to provide a database of subjective information about the
patient's past and current health.
●● The inspection phase of the physical assessment:
Answer: begins the moment you first meet the person and develop a
"general survey".
●● A patient is at the clinic for a physical examination. He states that he
is "very anxious" about the physical exam. What steps can the examiner
take to make the patient more comfortable?
Answer: Appear unhurried and confident when examining the patient.
●● When performing a physical examination, safety must be considered
to protect the examiner and the patient against the spread of infection.
Which of the following statements describes the most appropriate
actions the examiner should take when performing a physical
examination?
, Answer: Wash hands at the beginning of the examination and any time
that one leaves and re-enters the room.
●● A 50-year-old patient who is taking anti-hypertensive medications
returns to the clinic to have their blood pressure (BP) checked. The last
BP was 146/88. The BP reported to the nurse is 168/96. Both blood
pressures were taken at the brachial site. Which of the following is true
regarding blood pressure assessment in this patient? Choose all that
apply:
1. The patient should be allowed to adequately rest prior to assessing the
blood pressure.
2. The width of the cuff should cover 40% of the circumference of the
upper arm.
3. The position of the arm used for blood pressure assessment should be
above the level of the heart.
4. Goal blood pressure for this patient should be systolic less than 120
mm Hg and diastolic less than 80 mmHg.
5. The last audible sound auscultated during blood pressure assessment
should be recorded for the systolic reading.
6. An unsupported arm may be used for an accurate blood pressure
measure
Answer: 1, 2, 4
●● While caring for a patient with heart disease, the nurse notices an
irregularity in the rhythm of the patient's radial pulse. The previous
