NUR 3270/NUR3270 Exam 1 V1 | Comp
Health Assessment Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. When conducting a health assessment, the nurse understands that ‘subjective data’ is
defined as:
A. What the patient says about himself or herself during history taking.
B. Information obtained through physical examination techniques.
C. Results of laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures.
D. Observations made by the nurse regarding the patient’s behavior.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Subjective data refers to the information provided by the patient that
cannot be measured directly by the clinician. This includes the patient’s feelings,
perceptions, and descriptions of symptoms. Objective data, conversely, is what the health
professional observes via inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation.
2. Which phase of the interview involves the nurse asking open-ended questions to gather
the patient’s story?
A. The Orientation Phase
B. The Pre-interaction Phase
C. The Termination Phase
,D. The Working Phase
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The working phase is the data-gathering phase of the interview.
During this time, the nurse uses verbal skills to form a narrative and explore the patient’s
health status. It is characterized by the use of both open-ended and closed-ended questions
to elicit specific information.
3. A nurse is assessing a patient’s pulse and notes it is ‘full and bounding.’ How should the
nurse document this force?
A. 3+
B. 2+
C. 1+
D. 0
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: A three-point scale is often used to document pulse force, where 3+
indicates a full, bounding pulse. A 2+ force is considered normal, while 1+ is weak or
thready. A 0 indicates an absent pulse, which requires immediate medical attention.
4. 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 perform a physical examination of each body system.
, C. To document the nurse’s objective findings for each system.
D. To provide a definitive medical diagnosis for the patient.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The Review of Systems is a subjective assessment where the patient
reports symptoms related to different body systems. Its goals are to evaluate the past and
present health state of each system and to double-check for data omitted in the Present
Illness section. It should not contain objective physical exam findings, which belong in the
physical assessment section.
5. When assessing an elderly patient, which modification should the nurse make to the
interview process?
A. Speak in a high-pitched voice to ensure they hear.
B. Avoid using touch as it may be misinterpreted.
C. Direct all questions to the family members instead of the patient.
D. Break the interview into shorter segments to avoid fatigue.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Elderly patients may tire more easily during a comprehensive health
assessment. It is important to pace the interview and provide rest periods if necessary.
Speaking in a high-pitched voice (elderspeak) is actually counterproductive as high
frequencies are often the first lost in age-related hearing decline.
Health Assessment Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. When conducting a health assessment, the nurse understands that ‘subjective data’ is
defined as:
A. What the patient says about himself or herself during history taking.
B. Information obtained through physical examination techniques.
C. Results of laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures.
D. Observations made by the nurse regarding the patient’s behavior.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Subjective data refers to the information provided by the patient that
cannot be measured directly by the clinician. This includes the patient’s feelings,
perceptions, and descriptions of symptoms. Objective data, conversely, is what the health
professional observes via inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation.
2. Which phase of the interview involves the nurse asking open-ended questions to gather
the patient’s story?
A. The Orientation Phase
B. The Pre-interaction Phase
C. The Termination Phase
,D. The Working Phase
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The working phase is the data-gathering phase of the interview.
During this time, the nurse uses verbal skills to form a narrative and explore the patient’s
health status. It is characterized by the use of both open-ended and closed-ended questions
to elicit specific information.
3. A nurse is assessing a patient’s pulse and notes it is ‘full and bounding.’ How should the
nurse document this force?
A. 3+
B. 2+
C. 1+
D. 0
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: A three-point scale is often used to document pulse force, where 3+
indicates a full, bounding pulse. A 2+ force is considered normal, while 1+ is weak or
thready. A 0 indicates an absent pulse, which requires immediate medical attention.
4. 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 perform a physical examination of each body system.
, C. To document the nurse’s objective findings for each system.
D. To provide a definitive medical diagnosis for the patient.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The Review of Systems is a subjective assessment where the patient
reports symptoms related to different body systems. Its goals are to evaluate the past and
present health state of each system and to double-check for data omitted in the Present
Illness section. It should not contain objective physical exam findings, which belong in the
physical assessment section.
5. When assessing an elderly patient, which modification should the nurse make to the
interview process?
A. Speak in a high-pitched voice to ensure they hear.
B. Avoid using touch as it may be misinterpreted.
C. Direct all questions to the family members instead of the patient.
D. Break the interview into shorter segments to avoid fatigue.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Elderly patients may tire more easily during a comprehensive health
assessment. It is important to pace the interview and provide rest periods if necessary.
Speaking in a high-pitched voice (elderspeak) is actually counterproductive as high
frequencies are often the first lost in age-related hearing decline.
