NUR 2092/NUR2092 Exam 1 V2 | Health
Assessment Q&A with Rationale |
Rasmussen University
1. Which phase of the nursing process involves the systematic collection of subjective and
objective data?
A. Diagnosis
B. Assessment
C. Planning
D. Implementation
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Assessment is the first step of the nursing process where the nurse
gathers information about the patient’s health status. This phase includes both subjective
data from the interview and objective data from physical exams. It serves as the foundation
for all subsequent nursing care decisions.
2. The nurse is conducting an interview and asks the patient, ‘Can you describe your pain?’
This is an example of what type of question?
A. Closed-ended question
B. Direct question
C. Leading question
,D. Open-ended question
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Open-ended questions allow the patient to express themselves freely
and provide detailed information in their own words. They are essential for gathering
descriptive data about a patient’s symptoms or concerns. Using these questions helps build
rapport and prevents the nurse from biasing the patient’s answers.
3. When performing a physical assessment, in which order should the nurse generally
perform the assessment techniques?
A. Palpation, Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion
B. Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation, Inspection
C. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
D. Percussion, Inspection, Auscultation, Palpation
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The standard sequence for physical assessment is inspection,
followed by palpation, percussion, and finally auscultation. Inspection begins the moment
the nurse meets the patient and provides initial visual cues. This order is maintained for
most body systems except the abdomen to avoid altering bowel sounds.
4. During a general survey, the nurse notes the patient is ‘oriented x3’. What does this
specifically indicate?
A. The patient can recall three objects mentioned five minutes ago.
, B. The patient can count backwards from 100 by threes.
C. The patient knows their name, current location, and the time.
D. The patient follows three-step commands without difficulty.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Orientation to person, place, and time is a standard measure of a
patient’s cognitive status. Being oriented x3 means the patient is aware of who they are,
where they are, and the current date or time. This finding suggests that the patient’s basic
neurological function and sensorium are intact.
5. Which part of the hand is best suited for assessing skin temperature during a physical
examination?
A. The fingertips
B. The ulnar surface of the hand
C. The palmar surface of the hand
D. The dorsal surface (back) of the hand
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The dorsal surface of the hand is thinner than the palm and contains
more sensitive thermoreceptors. This makes it the most effective tool for detecting subtle
differences in skin temperature across different body areas. Using the back of the hand
ensures a more accurate assessment of whether the skin is warm, hot, or cool.
Assessment Q&A with Rationale |
Rasmussen University
1. Which phase of the nursing process involves the systematic collection of subjective and
objective data?
A. Diagnosis
B. Assessment
C. Planning
D. Implementation
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Assessment is the first step of the nursing process where the nurse
gathers information about the patient’s health status. This phase includes both subjective
data from the interview and objective data from physical exams. It serves as the foundation
for all subsequent nursing care decisions.
2. The nurse is conducting an interview and asks the patient, ‘Can you describe your pain?’
This is an example of what type of question?
A. Closed-ended question
B. Direct question
C. Leading question
,D. Open-ended question
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Open-ended questions allow the patient to express themselves freely
and provide detailed information in their own words. They are essential for gathering
descriptive data about a patient’s symptoms or concerns. Using these questions helps build
rapport and prevents the nurse from biasing the patient’s answers.
3. When performing a physical assessment, in which order should the nurse generally
perform the assessment techniques?
A. Palpation, Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion
B. Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation, Inspection
C. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
D. Percussion, Inspection, Auscultation, Palpation
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The standard sequence for physical assessment is inspection,
followed by palpation, percussion, and finally auscultation. Inspection begins the moment
the nurse meets the patient and provides initial visual cues. This order is maintained for
most body systems except the abdomen to avoid altering bowel sounds.
4. During a general survey, the nurse notes the patient is ‘oriented x3’. What does this
specifically indicate?
A. The patient can recall three objects mentioned five minutes ago.
, B. The patient can count backwards from 100 by threes.
C. The patient knows their name, current location, and the time.
D. The patient follows three-step commands without difficulty.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Orientation to person, place, and time is a standard measure of a
patient’s cognitive status. Being oriented x3 means the patient is aware of who they are,
where they are, and the current date or time. This finding suggests that the patient’s basic
neurological function and sensorium are intact.
5. Which part of the hand is best suited for assessing skin temperature during a physical
examination?
A. The fingertips
B. The ulnar surface of the hand
C. The palmar surface of the hand
D. The dorsal surface (back) of the hand
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The dorsal surface of the hand is thinner than the palm and contains
more sensitive thermoreceptors. This makes it the most effective tool for detecting subtle
differences in skin temperature across different body areas. Using the back of the hand
ensures a more accurate assessment of whether the skin is warm, hot, or cool.
