NUR 2092/NUR2092 Exam 1 V1 | Health
Assessment Q&A with Rationale |
Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is conducting an initial interview with a new patient. Which statement best
describes the primary goal of the interview phase of health assessment?
A. To perform a detailed physical examination of all body systems.
B. To collect subjective data and establish a rapport with the patient.
C. To document the patient’s vital signs and physical measurements.
D. To prescribe medications for the patient’s immediate complaints.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The interview is a contract between the nurse and the patient to
collect subjective data regarding the patient’s health state. It serves as the foundation for
establishing a therapeutic relationship and identifying patient concerns. Successful
interviewing facilitates the subsequent physical examination by providing context for
objective findings.
2. When assessing a patient’s pulse, the nurse notes that the rhythm is irregular. What is the
most appropriate next action by the nurse?
A. Document the findings and notify the physician immediately.
B. Count the radial pulse for a full 60 seconds.
,C. Use a Doppler device to verify the pulse rate.
D. Check the pulse in the opposite arm for comparison.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Standard practice dictates that if a pulse rhythm is irregular, the
nurse should count the rate for a full minute to ensure accuracy. A 30-second count
multiplied by two may result in an inaccurate representation of the heart rate when skips
or extra beats occur. This comprehensive count provides the most reliable data for clinical
decision-making.
3. Which technique should the nurse use first when performing a physical assessment on a
patient’s abdomen?
A. Palpation
B. Percussion
C. Inspection
D. Auscultation
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: In physical assessment, inspection always comes first to observe for
symmetry, skin color, and visible pulsations. For the abdominal assessment specifically, the
sequence is inspection, auscultation, percussion, and then palpation. This specific order
prevents the disruption of bowel sounds that can occur if the abdomen is touched or
pressed before listening.
, 4. A patient reports ‘a sharp, stabbing pain in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen.’ How
should the nurse categorize this data?
A. Subjective data
B. Objective data
C. Reflective data
D. Diagnostic data
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Subjective data consists of what the person says about himself or
herself during history taking. This includes the patient’s description of symptoms, feelings,
and perceptions like the quality of pain. Objective data, conversely, is what the healthcare
provider observes through measurement or physical exam techniques.
5. During a mental status examination, the nurse asks the patient to describe the meaning of
the proverb ‘Don’t cry over spilled milk.’ What is the nurse assessing?
A. Recent memory
B. Abstract reasoning
C. Orientation
D. Attention span
Correct Answer: B
Assessment Q&A with Rationale |
Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is conducting an initial interview with a new patient. Which statement best
describes the primary goal of the interview phase of health assessment?
A. To perform a detailed physical examination of all body systems.
B. To collect subjective data and establish a rapport with the patient.
C. To document the patient’s vital signs and physical measurements.
D. To prescribe medications for the patient’s immediate complaints.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The interview is a contract between the nurse and the patient to
collect subjective data regarding the patient’s health state. It serves as the foundation for
establishing a therapeutic relationship and identifying patient concerns. Successful
interviewing facilitates the subsequent physical examination by providing context for
objective findings.
2. When assessing a patient’s pulse, the nurse notes that the rhythm is irregular. What is the
most appropriate next action by the nurse?
A. Document the findings and notify the physician immediately.
B. Count the radial pulse for a full 60 seconds.
,C. Use a Doppler device to verify the pulse rate.
D. Check the pulse in the opposite arm for comparison.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Standard practice dictates that if a pulse rhythm is irregular, the
nurse should count the rate for a full minute to ensure accuracy. A 30-second count
multiplied by two may result in an inaccurate representation of the heart rate when skips
or extra beats occur. This comprehensive count provides the most reliable data for clinical
decision-making.
3. Which technique should the nurse use first when performing a physical assessment on a
patient’s abdomen?
A. Palpation
B. Percussion
C. Inspection
D. Auscultation
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: In physical assessment, inspection always comes first to observe for
symmetry, skin color, and visible pulsations. For the abdominal assessment specifically, the
sequence is inspection, auscultation, percussion, and then palpation. This specific order
prevents the disruption of bowel sounds that can occur if the abdomen is touched or
pressed before listening.
, 4. A patient reports ‘a sharp, stabbing pain in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen.’ How
should the nurse categorize this data?
A. Subjective data
B. Objective data
C. Reflective data
D. Diagnostic data
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Subjective data consists of what the person says about himself or
herself during history taking. This includes the patient’s description of symptoms, feelings,
and perceptions like the quality of pain. Objective data, conversely, is what the healthcare
provider observes through measurement or physical exam techniques.
5. During a mental status examination, the nurse asks the patient to describe the meaning of
the proverb ‘Don’t cry over spilled milk.’ What is the nurse assessing?
A. Recent memory
B. Abstract reasoning
C. Orientation
D. Attention span
Correct Answer: B
