Actual Exam – Nightingale College
Question 1
A 29-year-old male client informs the nurse that he came to the clinic to see if, "Maybe I have
lung cancer or something," and wants to get checked out since, "I can't seem to get rid of this
body-wracking dry cough that has been hanging around for the last six weeks." Which computer
documentation of this client's concerns should the nurse enter?
A) "Patient reports a persistent cough accompanied by wheezing."
B) "Client describes having a 'body-wracking dry cough' of 6 weeks duration."
C) "The client expresses concern about possible lung cancer symptoms."
D) "Client presents with a cough lasting more than a month."
Answer: B
Rationale: The documentation should reflect the client's own description of their symptoms.
Using the client's words captures the severity and character of the cough, providing clear
information for future assessments .
Question 2
While conducting an interview to obtain a health history, the nurse notices that the client
pauses frequently and looks at the nurse expectantly. Which response is best for the nurse to
provide?
A) Ask rapid-fire questions to keep the conversation going
B) Offer the client a water break
C) Sit quietly to allow the client to respond comfortably
D) Encourage the client to continue speaking
Answer: C
Rationale: Allowing the client to take their time encourages open communication and helps
build trust. Silence is a therapeutic communication technique that respects the client's need to
process thoughts .
, Question 3
The nurse is obtaining a health history for a client prior to a scheduled cholecystectomy. While
interviewing the client, which assessment technique should the nurse use when asking about
the client's use of illegal drugs and alcohol?
A) Ask about drug use in relation to the client's job
B) Inquire about general lifestyle habits
C) Ask specifically about alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and amounts
D) Assess family history of substance use disorders
Answer: C
Rationale: Specific questions about types and amounts of substance use provide a clearer
understanding of the client's habits and potential risks that could affect surgical outcomes .
Question 4
The nurse is conducting a family history as part of the assessment interview. Which action
should the nurse take to ensure that sufficient information about the client's blood relatives is
obtained?
A) Ask about the client's siblings only
B) Focus on the maternal side
C) Document at least 3 generations of the client's family medical history
D) Record only first-degree relatives' illnesses
Answer: C
Rationale: Collecting three generations provides a comprehensive view of hereditary conditions
and patterns, which can identify risks for cardiovascular, metabolic, or genetic diseases .
Question 5
A client with progressive hearing loss appears distressed when the RN asks open-ended
questions about the health history. Which forms of communication should the RN use? (Select
all that apply.)
A) Face the client so the client can see the RN's mouth
B) Increase one's speech volume when interacting with the client
C) Repeat information to the client if misunderstood
D) Check if the client's hearing aids are working properly
E) Reduce environmental noise surrounding the client