NUR 6001/NUR6001 Exam 1 V1 | Advanced
Health Assessment Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. Which component of the health history is considered subjective data?
A. Patient’s description of pain
B. Physical examination findings
C. Vital signs
D. Laboratory results
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Subjective data consists of information provided by the patient that
cannot be directly observed by the healthcare provider. This includes the patient’s feelings,
perceptions, and self-reported symptoms like pain. In contrast, vital signs and lab results
are objective data because they are measurable and observable.
2. When performing a physical assessment, in what order should the techniques generally be
performed (except for the abdomen)?
A. Palpation, Inspection, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D. Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation
,Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The standard sequence for physical assessment is inspection,
palpation, percussion, and then auscultation. This order allows the examiner to gather data
visually before touching the patient, which might alter findings. The only exception is the
abdominal exam, where auscultation follows inspection to avoid altering bowel sounds.
3. The ‘O’ in the OLDCARTS mnemonic for history of present illness stands for:
A. Onset
B. Organization
C. Outcome
D. Observation
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: OLDCARTS is a popular mnemonic used to characterize a patient’s
symptoms during the health history. The ‘O’ specifically stands for Onset, referring to when
the symptom first began. This helps the clinician establish a timeline for the current
medical issue.
4. Which part of the hand is most sensitive to vibrations during palpation?
A. Fingertips
B. Dorsal surface
C. Thenar eminence
, D. Ulnar surface
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The ulnar surface of the hand and the base of the fingers
(metacarpophalangeal joints) are most sensitive to vibrations. This is useful when
assessing for tactile fremitus in the lungs. In contrast, the fingertips are best for fine tactile
discrimination, and the dorsal surface is best for temperature.
5. What is the primary purpose of the Review of Systems (ROS) during a health history?
A. To evaluate the past and present health state of each body system
B. To document the patient’s past surgical history
C. To perform a physical exam on each body system
D. To list all the medications the patient is currently taking
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The Review of Systems is a systematic series of questions intended to
identify symptoms the patient may have missed. It serves as a subjective head-to-toe check
of each body system. It ensures that no significant health issues are overlooked during the
initial interview.
6. When assessing the skin, the ‘A’ in the ABCD rule for melanoma stands for:
A. Accuracy
B. Appearance
Health Assessment Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. Which component of the health history is considered subjective data?
A. Patient’s description of pain
B. Physical examination findings
C. Vital signs
D. Laboratory results
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Subjective data consists of information provided by the patient that
cannot be directly observed by the healthcare provider. This includes the patient’s feelings,
perceptions, and self-reported symptoms like pain. In contrast, vital signs and lab results
are objective data because they are measurable and observable.
2. When performing a physical assessment, in what order should the techniques generally be
performed (except for the abdomen)?
A. Palpation, Inspection, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D. Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation
,Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The standard sequence for physical assessment is inspection,
palpation, percussion, and then auscultation. This order allows the examiner to gather data
visually before touching the patient, which might alter findings. The only exception is the
abdominal exam, where auscultation follows inspection to avoid altering bowel sounds.
3. The ‘O’ in the OLDCARTS mnemonic for history of present illness stands for:
A. Onset
B. Organization
C. Outcome
D. Observation
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: OLDCARTS is a popular mnemonic used to characterize a patient’s
symptoms during the health history. The ‘O’ specifically stands for Onset, referring to when
the symptom first began. This helps the clinician establish a timeline for the current
medical issue.
4. Which part of the hand is most sensitive to vibrations during palpation?
A. Fingertips
B. Dorsal surface
C. Thenar eminence
, D. Ulnar surface
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The ulnar surface of the hand and the base of the fingers
(metacarpophalangeal joints) are most sensitive to vibrations. This is useful when
assessing for tactile fremitus in the lungs. In contrast, the fingertips are best for fine tactile
discrimination, and the dorsal surface is best for temperature.
5. What is the primary purpose of the Review of Systems (ROS) during a health history?
A. To evaluate the past and present health state of each body system
B. To document the patient’s past surgical history
C. To perform a physical exam on each body system
D. To list all the medications the patient is currently taking
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The Review of Systems is a systematic series of questions intended to
identify symptoms the patient may have missed. It serves as a subjective head-to-toe check
of each body system. It ensures that no significant health issues are overlooked during the
initial interview.
6. When assessing the skin, the ‘A’ in the ABCD rule for melanoma stands for:
A. Accuracy
B. Appearance
