NUR 6001/NUR6001 Exam 1 V2 | Advanced
Health Assessment Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. A patient reports a deep, throbbing headache that started two days ago. Under which
section of the health history should this information be documented?
A. Past Medical History
B. Review of Systems
C. Chief Complaint
D. History of Present Illness
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The History of Present Illness (HPI) provides a detailed,
chronological account of the symptoms the patient is currently experiencing. It expands on
the chief complaint by using mnemonics like OLDCARTS to qualify the pain. This section is
essential for developing a differential diagnosis based on the onset and character of
symptoms.
2. Which of the following findings is considered objective data collected during a physical
examination?
A. A blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg
B. Patient reports feeling dizzy
,C. Nausea for the past three hours
D. Family history of diabetes
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Objective data are signs that can be observed, measured, or felt by
the healthcare provider during the physical exam. A blood pressure reading is a
quantifiable measurement that does not rely on the patient’s perspective. In contrast,
reports of dizziness and nausea are subjective symptoms provided by the patient.
3. During a skin assessment, the nurse practitioner notices a mole with irregular borders and
multiple colors. This finding is suspicious for:
A. Basal cell carcinoma
B. Seborrheic keratosis
C. Actinic keratosis
D. Melanoma
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The ABCDE rule is used to evaluate pigmented lesions for potential
melanoma, where ‘B’ stands for Border irregularity and ‘D’ stands for Different colors.
Melanomas often exhibit asymmetry and a diameter larger than 6mm as well. Early
detection through these criteria is critical for improving patient outcomes in skin cancer.
, 4. When assessing a patient’s vision using the Snellen chart, the patient’s vision is recorded as
20/40. What does this indicate?
A. The patient can see at 40 feet what a normal person sees at 20 feet
B. The patient can see at 20 feet what a normal person sees at 40 feet
C. The patient has better than average vision
D. The patient is legally blind
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: In Snellen visual acuity results, the top number represents the
distance the patient is from the chart (20 feet). The bottom number represents the distance
at which a person with normal vision could read the same line. Therefore, 20/40 indicates
the patient’s vision is worse than normal vision.
5. During an ear examination, the Weber test results show sound lateralizing to the right ear.
This could indicate:
A. Normal hearing in both ears
B. Sensorineural hearing loss in the right ear
C. Conductive hearing loss in the right ear
D. Conductive hearing loss in the left ear
Correct Answer: C
Health Assessment Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. A patient reports a deep, throbbing headache that started two days ago. Under which
section of the health history should this information be documented?
A. Past Medical History
B. Review of Systems
C. Chief Complaint
D. History of Present Illness
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The History of Present Illness (HPI) provides a detailed,
chronological account of the symptoms the patient is currently experiencing. It expands on
the chief complaint by using mnemonics like OLDCARTS to qualify the pain. This section is
essential for developing a differential diagnosis based on the onset and character of
symptoms.
2. Which of the following findings is considered objective data collected during a physical
examination?
A. A blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg
B. Patient reports feeling dizzy
,C. Nausea for the past three hours
D. Family history of diabetes
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Objective data are signs that can be observed, measured, or felt by
the healthcare provider during the physical exam. A blood pressure reading is a
quantifiable measurement that does not rely on the patient’s perspective. In contrast,
reports of dizziness and nausea are subjective symptoms provided by the patient.
3. During a skin assessment, the nurse practitioner notices a mole with irregular borders and
multiple colors. This finding is suspicious for:
A. Basal cell carcinoma
B. Seborrheic keratosis
C. Actinic keratosis
D. Melanoma
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The ABCDE rule is used to evaluate pigmented lesions for potential
melanoma, where ‘B’ stands for Border irregularity and ‘D’ stands for Different colors.
Melanomas often exhibit asymmetry and a diameter larger than 6mm as well. Early
detection through these criteria is critical for improving patient outcomes in skin cancer.
, 4. When assessing a patient’s vision using the Snellen chart, the patient’s vision is recorded as
20/40. What does this indicate?
A. The patient can see at 40 feet what a normal person sees at 20 feet
B. The patient can see at 20 feet what a normal person sees at 40 feet
C. The patient has better than average vision
D. The patient is legally blind
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: In Snellen visual acuity results, the top number represents the
distance the patient is from the chart (20 feet). The bottom number represents the distance
at which a person with normal vision could read the same line. Therefore, 20/40 indicates
the patient’s vision is worse than normal vision.
5. During an ear examination, the Weber test results show sound lateralizing to the right ear.
This could indicate:
A. Normal hearing in both ears
B. Sensorineural hearing loss in the right ear
C. Conductive hearing loss in the right ear
D. Conductive hearing loss in the left ear
Correct Answer: C
