NUR600/NUR 600 Exam 1 V1 | Advanced
Health Assess Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. When conducting a health history, which of the following is considered subjective data?
A. Blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg
B. A visible rash on the forearm
C. The patient’s report of a headache
D. Lungs clear to auscultation
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Subjective data refers to information that the patient tells the
examiner during the assessment process. This includes the patient’s feelings, perceptions,
and descriptions of symptoms like pain or nausea. Objective data, conversely, is what the
healthcare provider observes or measures through physical examination or testing.
2. Which assessment technique is always performed first during a physical examination of the
abdomen?
A. Palpation
B. Percussion
C. Auscultation
D. Inspection
,Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Inspection is the first step in any physical assessment because it
involves observing the patient for visual cues. In abdominal assessments, the sequence is
inspection followed by auscultation to ensure bowel sounds are not altered by
manipulation. This order helps prevent false readings of hyperactive or hypoactive bowel
sounds caused by percussion or palpation.
3. What is the correct technique for using the diaphragm of the stethoscope?
A. Hold it lightly against the skin to hear low-pitched sounds.
B. Use it only over clothing to prevent skin irritation.
C. Press it firmly against the skin to hear high-pitched sounds.
D. Apply it with enough pressure to leave a deep indentation.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The diaphragm of the stethoscope is designed to pick up high-
frequency sounds such as normal heart sounds, breath sounds, and bowel sounds. It should
be pressed firmly against the patient’s skin to eliminate environmental noise and optimize
sound transmission. In contrast, the bell is used with light pressure for low-pitched sounds
like murmurs or bruits.
4. A patient presents with a BMI of 27.5. How should the nurse practitioner classify this
finding?
A. Underweight
, B. Normal weight
C. Overweight
D. Obese
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Body Mass Index (BMI) categories define a range of 25.0 to 29.9 as
being overweight. A BMI under 18.5 is underweight, while a range of 18.5 to 24.9 is
considered normal or healthy. Obese classification begins at a BMI of 30.0 or higher, which
indicates a need for weight management interventions.
5. The ‘ABCDE’ rule is used to evaluate skin lesions for potential melanoma. What does the ‘B’
stand for?
A. Benevolence
B. Border irregularity
C. Bilateral symmetry
D. Blanching
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The ABCDE rule is a clinical tool used to identify characteristics of
moles that may suggest skin cancer. ‘B’ stands for border irregularity, meaning the edges of
the lesion are ragged, notched, or blurred. Recognizing these early warning signs is critical
for the prompt diagnosis and treatment of malignant melanoma.
Health Assess Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. When conducting a health history, which of the following is considered subjective data?
A. Blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg
B. A visible rash on the forearm
C. The patient’s report of a headache
D. Lungs clear to auscultation
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Subjective data refers to information that the patient tells the
examiner during the assessment process. This includes the patient’s feelings, perceptions,
and descriptions of symptoms like pain or nausea. Objective data, conversely, is what the
healthcare provider observes or measures through physical examination or testing.
2. Which assessment technique is always performed first during a physical examination of the
abdomen?
A. Palpation
B. Percussion
C. Auscultation
D. Inspection
,Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Inspection is the first step in any physical assessment because it
involves observing the patient for visual cues. In abdominal assessments, the sequence is
inspection followed by auscultation to ensure bowel sounds are not altered by
manipulation. This order helps prevent false readings of hyperactive or hypoactive bowel
sounds caused by percussion or palpation.
3. What is the correct technique for using the diaphragm of the stethoscope?
A. Hold it lightly against the skin to hear low-pitched sounds.
B. Use it only over clothing to prevent skin irritation.
C. Press it firmly against the skin to hear high-pitched sounds.
D. Apply it with enough pressure to leave a deep indentation.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The diaphragm of the stethoscope is designed to pick up high-
frequency sounds such as normal heart sounds, breath sounds, and bowel sounds. It should
be pressed firmly against the patient’s skin to eliminate environmental noise and optimize
sound transmission. In contrast, the bell is used with light pressure for low-pitched sounds
like murmurs or bruits.
4. A patient presents with a BMI of 27.5. How should the nurse practitioner classify this
finding?
A. Underweight
, B. Normal weight
C. Overweight
D. Obese
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Body Mass Index (BMI) categories define a range of 25.0 to 29.9 as
being overweight. A BMI under 18.5 is underweight, while a range of 18.5 to 24.9 is
considered normal or healthy. Obese classification begins at a BMI of 30.0 or higher, which
indicates a need for weight management interventions.
5. The ‘ABCDE’ rule is used to evaluate skin lesions for potential melanoma. What does the ‘B’
stand for?
A. Benevolence
B. Border irregularity
C. Bilateral symmetry
D. Blanching
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The ABCDE rule is a clinical tool used to identify characteristics of
moles that may suggest skin cancer. ‘B’ stands for border irregularity, meaning the edges of
the lesion are ragged, notched, or blurred. Recognizing these early warning signs is critical
for the prompt diagnosis and treatment of malignant melanoma.
