ASSURED
1. A nurse is conducting an admission assessment on a new patient. Which of the following
data would be considered subjective?
a) Blood pressure reading of 120/80 mmHg
b) Patient reports a pain level of 7 out of 10
c) Temperature of 98.6°F (37°C)
d) Auscultation of crackles in the lower lung fields
o Answer: b) Patient reports a pain level of 7 out of 10
o Explanation: Subjective data are what the patient tells you, often their
perceptions or feelings, and cannot be directly observed or measured by the nurse.
Pain is a subjective experience. Objective data are measurable and observable.
2. Which of the following is the primary purpose of conducting a comprehensive health
assessment?
a) To diagnose medical conditions
b) To gather data for research studies
c) To establish a baseline for the patient's health status and develop a plan of care
d) To determine the patient's financial stability
o Answer: c) To establish a baseline for the patient's health status and develop
a plan of care
o Explanation: A comprehensive health assessment helps gather a complete picture
of the patient's health, creating a baseline against which future changes can be
compared, and provides the foundation for individualized nursing care planning.
3. During the nursing process, which step involves analyzing assessment data to determine
actual or potential health problems?
a) Assessment
b) Planning
c) Diagnosis
d) Implementation
o Answer: c) Diagnosis
o Explanation: The diagnosis step of the nursing process involves analyzing the
collected assessment data to identify actual or potential health problems that
nurses can treat independently.
4. A nurse is preparing to interview an adolescent patient. Which approach is most
appropriate to establish rapport?
a) Immediately discuss the most sensitive health concerns.
b) Maintain a formal, authoritative demeanor.
, c) Begin with open-ended questions and allow the adolescent to express themselves.
d) Have the parents present for the entire interview to ensure accuracy.
o Answer: c) Begin with open-ended questions and allow the adolescent to
express themselves.
o Explanation: Using open-ended questions encourages communication and allows
the adolescent to feel heard and respected, which is crucial for building rapport.
Being formal or immediately discussing sensitive topics can hinder trust.
5. When assessing a patient from a different cultural background, what is the first step a
nurse should take to ensure cultural competence?
a) Assume the patient follows common cultural practices.
b) Understand their own heritage and its basis in cultural values.
c) Educate the patient on Western medical practices.
d) Rely on family members for all cultural information.
o Answer: b) Understand their own heritage and its basis in cultural values.
o Explanation: Cultural competence begins with self-awareness and understanding
one's own cultural biases before attempting to understand others.
6. The nurse documents a patient's statement, "My joints hurt when I get up in the
morning." This is an example of:
a) Objective data
b) Collaborative data
c) Subjective data
d) Evaluative data
o Answer: c) Subjective data
o Explanation: The patient's statement about pain is a personal report, not directly
observable or measurable by the nurse, making it subjective data.
7. Which interviewing technique is the nurse using when asking a patient, "Can you tell me
more about what you mean by 'feeling down'?"
a) Confrontation
b) Reflection
c) Facilitation
d) Focusing
o Answer: d) Focusing
o Explanation: Focusing helps the patient elaborate on a specific topic or feeling,
providing more detailed information.
, 8. A patient presents to the emergency department with a severe asthma exacerbation,
struggling to breathe. According to priority setting, this would be classified as a:
a) First-level priority problem
b) Second-level priority problem
c) Third-level priority problem
d) Collaborative problem
o Answer: a) First-level priority problem
o Explanation: First-level priority problems are immediate, life-threatening
concerns (e.g., airway, breathing, circulation) that require urgent intervention.
9. Which action by the nurse demonstrates effective therapeutic communication during a
health assessment interview?
a) Frequently interrupting the patient to clarify information.
b) Avoiding eye contact to respect personal space.
c) Facing the client while leaning slightly forward.
d) Using medical jargon to demonstrate expertise.
o Answer: c) Facing the client while leaning slightly forward.
o Explanation: This posture conveys engagement, interest, and attentiveness,
which promotes therapeutic communication.
10. The nurse is teaching a patient about a newly prescribed medication. Which
communication technique would be most effective?
a) Providing a complex written handout.
b) Using touch to convey empathy.
c) Asking the patient to explain the information back in their own words (teach-back
method).
d) Giving a lengthy lecture without pausing for questions.
o Answer: c) Asking the patient to explain the information back in their own
words (teach-back method).
o Explanation: The teach-back method is a highly effective way to confirm patient
understanding and identify areas needing further clarification.
11. A nurse identifies that a patient has difficulty turning in bed and expresses breathlessness
after walking to the bathroom. What type of nursing diagnosis would be appropriate
using the PES format?
a) Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity
b) Impaired Physical Mobility related to deconditioning
c) Activity Intolerance
d) Readiness for Enhanced Self-Care