NUR 3270/NUR3270 Exam 1 V3 | Comp
Health Assessment Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. When performing a physical assessment, which sequence of techniques should the nurse
generally follow for most body systems?
A. Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection
B. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The standard sequence for physical assessment is inspection,
followed by palpation, percussion, and auscultation. This order allows the nurse to gather
the most objective data without altering the state of the body tissues through touch.
However, the abdomen is the specific exception where auscultation is performed before
palpation and percussion to avoid altering bowel sounds.
2. During a health history, the patient states, ‘I have a sharp pain in my right knee that started
two days ago.’ How should the nurse categorize this data?
A. Objective data
B. Subjective data
,C. Secondary data
D. Functional data
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Subjective data refers to information provided by the patient that
cannot be directly observed or measured by the nurse. In this scenario, the patient is
describing a sensation of pain and the timing of its onset. Objective data, in contrast, would
be something the nurse observes such as swelling or redness of the knee.
3. A nurse is using the PQRST mnemonic to assess a patient’s chest pain. What does the ‘P’ in
this mnemonic represent?
A. Pain level
B. Precipitating or Palliative factors
C. Primary location
D. Progression of symptoms
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The ‘P’ in the PQRST mnemonic stands for Provocation or Palliation,
which helps the nurse understand what makes the pain worse or better. It focuses on the
events or triggers that led to the pain and any actions that provide relief. This is a crucial
step in differentiating between different types of pain like cardiac or musculoskeletal.
, 4. While conducting an initial interview, the nurse asks the patient, ‘Tell me more about the
shortness of breath you are experiencing.’ This is an example of what type of
communication?
A. Closed-ended question
B. Direct question
C. Leading question
D. Open-ended question
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Open-ended questions are designed to encourage the patient to
provide a detailed narrative and share their feelings or experiences. They prevent simple
‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers and allow the nurse to collect more comprehensive data. This
technique is especially useful at the beginning of an interview to understand the patient’s
perspective.
5. When assessing the blood pressure of an adult patient, the nurse uses a cuff that is too
small for the patient’s arm. What impact will this have on the reading?
A. The reading will be falsely low.
B. The reading will not be affected.
C. The systolic will be high and the diastolic will be low.
D. The reading will be falsely high.
Health Assessment Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. When performing a physical assessment, which sequence of techniques should the nurse
generally follow for most body systems?
A. Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection
B. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The standard sequence for physical assessment is inspection,
followed by palpation, percussion, and auscultation. This order allows the nurse to gather
the most objective data without altering the state of the body tissues through touch.
However, the abdomen is the specific exception where auscultation is performed before
palpation and percussion to avoid altering bowel sounds.
2. During a health history, the patient states, ‘I have a sharp pain in my right knee that started
two days ago.’ How should the nurse categorize this data?
A. Objective data
B. Subjective data
,C. Secondary data
D. Functional data
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Subjective data refers to information provided by the patient that
cannot be directly observed or measured by the nurse. In this scenario, the patient is
describing a sensation of pain and the timing of its onset. Objective data, in contrast, would
be something the nurse observes such as swelling or redness of the knee.
3. A nurse is using the PQRST mnemonic to assess a patient’s chest pain. What does the ‘P’ in
this mnemonic represent?
A. Pain level
B. Precipitating or Palliative factors
C. Primary location
D. Progression of symptoms
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The ‘P’ in the PQRST mnemonic stands for Provocation or Palliation,
which helps the nurse understand what makes the pain worse or better. It focuses on the
events or triggers that led to the pain and any actions that provide relief. This is a crucial
step in differentiating between different types of pain like cardiac or musculoskeletal.
, 4. While conducting an initial interview, the nurse asks the patient, ‘Tell me more about the
shortness of breath you are experiencing.’ This is an example of what type of
communication?
A. Closed-ended question
B. Direct question
C. Leading question
D. Open-ended question
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Open-ended questions are designed to encourage the patient to
provide a detailed narrative and share their feelings or experiences. They prevent simple
‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers and allow the nurse to collect more comprehensive data. This
technique is especially useful at the beginning of an interview to understand the patient’s
perspective.
5. When assessing the blood pressure of an adult patient, the nurse uses a cuff that is too
small for the patient’s arm. What impact will this have on the reading?
A. The reading will be falsely low.
B. The reading will not be affected.
C. The systolic will be high and the diastolic will be low.
D. The reading will be falsely high.
