NUR 2092/NUR2092 Exam 1 V3 | Health
Assessment Q&A with Rationale |
Rasmussen University
1. Which of the following data would be classified as objective data during a health
assessment?
A. The patient states they feel ‘dizzy’ when standing up.
B. The patient reports a sharp pain in their lower back.
C. The patient complains of feeling nauseous after eating.
D. A blood pressure reading of 150/94 mmHg.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Objective data consists of information that is observable and
measurable by the healthcare provider through physical examination or diagnostic testing.
A blood pressure reading is a concrete measurement that can be verified by another
clinician. Subjective data, such as dizziness or pain, is information that only the patient can
feel and report.
2. When performing the four basic techniques of physical assessment, what is the correct
order for most body systems?
A. Palpation, Inspection, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation
,C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The standard sequence for physical examination begins with
inspection to observe the patient visually. This is followed by palpation to feel for
abnormalities, percussion to determine density, and finally auscultation to listen to internal
sounds. The only exception to this order is the abdominal assessment, where auscultation
follows inspection to avoid altering bowel sounds.
3. A nurse is assessing a patient’s skin turgor. Which finding would indicate that the patient is
dehydrated?
A. The skin immediately returns to its original position.
B. The skin feels smooth and moist to the touch.
C. The skin remains tented after being pinched.
D. There is a visible indentation left after pressing on the skin.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Skin turgor is an indicator of hydration status and skin elasticity.
When a patient is dehydrated, the skin loses its ability to snap back quickly and ‘tents’
when pinched. This assessment is typically performed over the clavicle or the back of the
hand.
, 4. What is the primary purpose of the ‘Review of Systems’ (ROS) during a health history
interview?
A. To evaluate the past and present health state of each body system.
B. To perform a physical exam of each body system.
C. To document the patient’s insurance and financial status.
D. To provide a definitive medical diagnosis for the patient.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The Review of Systems is a subjective collection of data where the
nurse asks the patient about symptoms in various body systems. It helps identify issues the
patient might have forgotten to mention in the ‘Chief Complaint’ section. It is not a physical
examination but rather a verbal history taking process.
5. Which part of the hand is best suited for assessing the temperature of a patient’s skin?
A. The fingertips
B. The ulnar surface of the hand
C. The palmar surface of the hand
D. The dorsal surface of the hand
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The dorsal surface, or the back of the hand, has thinner skin than the
palms, making it more sensitive to temperature variations. Nurses use this area to compare
Assessment Q&A with Rationale |
Rasmussen University
1. Which of the following data would be classified as objective data during a health
assessment?
A. The patient states they feel ‘dizzy’ when standing up.
B. The patient reports a sharp pain in their lower back.
C. The patient complains of feeling nauseous after eating.
D. A blood pressure reading of 150/94 mmHg.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Objective data consists of information that is observable and
measurable by the healthcare provider through physical examination or diagnostic testing.
A blood pressure reading is a concrete measurement that can be verified by another
clinician. Subjective data, such as dizziness or pain, is information that only the patient can
feel and report.
2. When performing the four basic techniques of physical assessment, what is the correct
order for most body systems?
A. Palpation, Inspection, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation
,C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The standard sequence for physical examination begins with
inspection to observe the patient visually. This is followed by palpation to feel for
abnormalities, percussion to determine density, and finally auscultation to listen to internal
sounds. The only exception to this order is the abdominal assessment, where auscultation
follows inspection to avoid altering bowel sounds.
3. A nurse is assessing a patient’s skin turgor. Which finding would indicate that the patient is
dehydrated?
A. The skin immediately returns to its original position.
B. The skin feels smooth and moist to the touch.
C. The skin remains tented after being pinched.
D. There is a visible indentation left after pressing on the skin.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Skin turgor is an indicator of hydration status and skin elasticity.
When a patient is dehydrated, the skin loses its ability to snap back quickly and ‘tents’
when pinched. This assessment is typically performed over the clavicle or the back of the
hand.
, 4. What is the primary purpose of the ‘Review of Systems’ (ROS) during a health history
interview?
A. To evaluate the past and present health state of each body system.
B. To perform a physical exam of each body system.
C. To document the patient’s insurance and financial status.
D. To provide a definitive medical diagnosis for the patient.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The Review of Systems is a subjective collection of data where the
nurse asks the patient about symptoms in various body systems. It helps identify issues the
patient might have forgotten to mention in the ‘Chief Complaint’ section. It is not a physical
examination but rather a verbal history taking process.
5. Which part of the hand is best suited for assessing the temperature of a patient’s skin?
A. The fingertips
B. The ulnar surface of the hand
C. The palmar surface of the hand
D. The dorsal surface of the hand
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The dorsal surface, or the back of the hand, has thinner skin than the
palms, making it more sensitive to temperature variations. Nurses use this area to compare
