NURS 5220 Exam 1 (PDF) | (2026) Health
Assessment Exam Questions | Advanced Assessment
1. A 68-year-old male reports unintentional weight loss
and fatigue. What is the most appropriate initial
approach?
A. Order a CBC and basic metabolic panel
B. Perform a comprehensive history and physical exam
C. Refer to oncology for suspected malignancy
D. Prescribe multivitamins and recheck in 1 month
Answer: B
Rationale: Unexplained weight loss in older adults has a
broad differential (malignancy, depression, GI disease,
endocrine). A thorough history and physical guides
targeted testing, avoiding unnecessary or premature
referrals.
2. During a health assessment, the patient reports “chest
pressure” that worsens with exertion and improves with
1
,rest. This is an example of:
A. Pathognomonic symptom
B. Provocative/palliative quality
C. Severity assessment
D. Review of systems finding
Answer: B
Rationale: Provocative/palliative factors describe what
makes the symptom better or worse. Exertion provokes
angina; rest relieves it.
3. Which of the following is a key component of the
“history of present illness” (HPI)?
A. Past surgical history
B. Immunization status
C. Timing and duration of symptoms
D. Family history of heart disease
Answer: C
Rationale: HPI includes location, quality, severity, timing,
2
,context, modifying factors, and associated symptoms
(OLD CARTS).
4. A patient’s “review of systems” (ROS) is positive for
hemoptysis, night sweats, and weight loss. Which condition
should be high on the differential?
A. Gastroesophageal reflux disease
B. Tuberculosis
C. Urinary tract infection
D. Migraine headache
Answer: B
Rationale: Hemoptysis, night sweats, and weight loss are
classic B-symptoms of tuberculosis or malignancy.
5. In advanced assessment, “pertinent positives” help:
A. Rule out a diagnosis
B. Support a working diagnosis
C. Document only normal findings
D. Replace the physical exam
3
, Answer: B
Rationale: Pertinent positives are symptoms or signs that
are present and consistent with a suspected diagnosis.
6. A patient reports episodic palpitations. Which HPI
feature is most critical to characterize?
A. Family income level
B. Onset (sudden vs. gradual) and offset
C. Childhood illnesses
D. Occupation
Answer: B
Rationale: Sudden onset/offset suggests supraventricular
tachycardia or atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular
response.
7. “Functional capacity” in the cardiac assessment refers
to:
A. Ejection fraction on echocardiogram
B. Ability to perform activities of daily living and exercise
4
Assessment Exam Questions | Advanced Assessment
1. A 68-year-old male reports unintentional weight loss
and fatigue. What is the most appropriate initial
approach?
A. Order a CBC and basic metabolic panel
B. Perform a comprehensive history and physical exam
C. Refer to oncology for suspected malignancy
D. Prescribe multivitamins and recheck in 1 month
Answer: B
Rationale: Unexplained weight loss in older adults has a
broad differential (malignancy, depression, GI disease,
endocrine). A thorough history and physical guides
targeted testing, avoiding unnecessary or premature
referrals.
2. During a health assessment, the patient reports “chest
pressure” that worsens with exertion and improves with
1
,rest. This is an example of:
A. Pathognomonic symptom
B. Provocative/palliative quality
C. Severity assessment
D. Review of systems finding
Answer: B
Rationale: Provocative/palliative factors describe what
makes the symptom better or worse. Exertion provokes
angina; rest relieves it.
3. Which of the following is a key component of the
“history of present illness” (HPI)?
A. Past surgical history
B. Immunization status
C. Timing and duration of symptoms
D. Family history of heart disease
Answer: C
Rationale: HPI includes location, quality, severity, timing,
2
,context, modifying factors, and associated symptoms
(OLD CARTS).
4. A patient’s “review of systems” (ROS) is positive for
hemoptysis, night sweats, and weight loss. Which condition
should be high on the differential?
A. Gastroesophageal reflux disease
B. Tuberculosis
C. Urinary tract infection
D. Migraine headache
Answer: B
Rationale: Hemoptysis, night sweats, and weight loss are
classic B-symptoms of tuberculosis or malignancy.
5. In advanced assessment, “pertinent positives” help:
A. Rule out a diagnosis
B. Support a working diagnosis
C. Document only normal findings
D. Replace the physical exam
3
, Answer: B
Rationale: Pertinent positives are symptoms or signs that
are present and consistent with a suspected diagnosis.
6. A patient reports episodic palpitations. Which HPI
feature is most critical to characterize?
A. Family income level
B. Onset (sudden vs. gradual) and offset
C. Childhood illnesses
D. Occupation
Answer: B
Rationale: Sudden onset/offset suggests supraventricular
tachycardia or atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular
response.
7. “Functional capacity” in the cardiac assessment refers
to:
A. Ejection fraction on echocardiogram
B. Ability to perform activities of daily living and exercise
4
