NUR600/NUR 600 Exam 1 V3 | 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. The patient’s heart rate recorded as 82 beats per minute.
B. The presence of an erythematous rash on the forearm.
C. The patient’s description of a throbbing headache.
D. A laboratory report showing a hemoglobin level of 12 g/dL.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Subjective data includes information that the patient perceives or
describes, such as symptoms or personal feelings. This type of data cannot be measured
directly by the clinician and relies on the patient’s report. In contrast, objective data
consists of observable signs and clinical measurements like vital signs or lab results.
2. In the ‘OLDCARTS’ acronym for symptom assessment, what does the ‘A’ represent?
A. Age of the patient
B. Assessment of pain
C. Aggravating factors only
D. Associated symptoms
,Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The ‘A’ in the OLDCARTS mnemonic stands for associated symptoms
that occur alongside the primary complaint. Using this mnemonic helps the advanced
practice nurse perform a systematic and thorough assessment of the patient’s symptoms. It
ensures that no critical aspects of the history of present illness are overlooked during the
interview.
3. Which physical examination technique involves the use of the clinician’s fingertips to
evaluate for skin temperature and texture?
A. Auscultation
B. Percussion
C. Palpation
D. Inspection
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Palpation is the use of touch to assess physical characteristics such as
texture, temperature, and moisture. The dorsal aspect of the hand is best for temperature,
while the pads of the fingers are ideal for fine tactile discrimination. This technique must be
performed systematically, starting with light palpation before moving to deep palpation.
4. During percussion, what sound is typically expected when assessing the lungs of a healthy
adult?
A. Dullness
, B. Resonance
C. Tympany
D. Flatness
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Resonance is the low-pitched, clear, hollow sound typically heard
over healthy lung tissue in adults. If the clinician hears hyper-resonance, it may indicate
trapped air, such as in patients with emphysema or pneumothorax. Understanding these
variations in percussion sounds is essential for identifying potential pulmonary pathology.
5. Which part of the stethoscope is best suited for hearing low-pitched sounds, such as heart
murmurs or bruits?
A. The diaphragm
B. The earpieces
C. The bell
D. The tubing
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The bell of the stethoscope is specifically designed to transmit low-
frequency sounds when held lightly against the skin. Pressing the bell too firmly can
actually cause the skin to act as a diaphragm, filtering out those low-pitched sounds.
Health Assess Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. When conducting a health history, which of the following is considered subjective data?
A. The patient’s heart rate recorded as 82 beats per minute.
B. The presence of an erythematous rash on the forearm.
C. The patient’s description of a throbbing headache.
D. A laboratory report showing a hemoglobin level of 12 g/dL.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Subjective data includes information that the patient perceives or
describes, such as symptoms or personal feelings. This type of data cannot be measured
directly by the clinician and relies on the patient’s report. In contrast, objective data
consists of observable signs and clinical measurements like vital signs or lab results.
2. In the ‘OLDCARTS’ acronym for symptom assessment, what does the ‘A’ represent?
A. Age of the patient
B. Assessment of pain
C. Aggravating factors only
D. Associated symptoms
,Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The ‘A’ in the OLDCARTS mnemonic stands for associated symptoms
that occur alongside the primary complaint. Using this mnemonic helps the advanced
practice nurse perform a systematic and thorough assessment of the patient’s symptoms. It
ensures that no critical aspects of the history of present illness are overlooked during the
interview.
3. Which physical examination technique involves the use of the clinician’s fingertips to
evaluate for skin temperature and texture?
A. Auscultation
B. Percussion
C. Palpation
D. Inspection
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Palpation is the use of touch to assess physical characteristics such as
texture, temperature, and moisture. The dorsal aspect of the hand is best for temperature,
while the pads of the fingers are ideal for fine tactile discrimination. This technique must be
performed systematically, starting with light palpation before moving to deep palpation.
4. During percussion, what sound is typically expected when assessing the lungs of a healthy
adult?
A. Dullness
, B. Resonance
C. Tympany
D. Flatness
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Resonance is the low-pitched, clear, hollow sound typically heard
over healthy lung tissue in adults. If the clinician hears hyper-resonance, it may indicate
trapped air, such as in patients with emphysema or pneumothorax. Understanding these
variations in percussion sounds is essential for identifying potential pulmonary pathology.
5. Which part of the stethoscope is best suited for hearing low-pitched sounds, such as heart
murmurs or bruits?
A. The diaphragm
B. The earpieces
C. The bell
D. The tubing
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The bell of the stethoscope is specifically designed to transmit low-
frequency sounds when held lightly against the skin. Pressing the bell too firmly can
actually cause the skin to act as a diaphragm, filtering out those low-pitched sounds.
