NURS 661 Exam 1 Practice Examination –
Maryville University Exam Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2027 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which statement best describes the primary purpose of advanced
nursing assessment in a graduate-level nursing course?
A. To replace the role of physicians in diagnosing all medical conditions
B. To collect basic demographic information only
C. To develop comprehensive clinical judgments using advanced
assessment skills
D. To focus exclusively on laboratory and imaging results
Answer: C. To develop comprehensive clinical judgments using
advanced assessment skills
Rationale: Advanced nursing assessment focuses on gathering,
analyzing, and interpreting complex health information to support
clinical decision-making. Advanced practice nurses use assessment
findings, patient history, physical examination, and evidence-based
,knowledge to develop appropriate care plans. It does not replace
physician roles or rely only on diagnostic testing.
2. During a health history interview, which action demonstrates
effective therapeutic communication?
A. Asking multiple questions rapidly to save time
B. Maintaining eye contact and using active listening techniques
C. Interrupting the patient to correct inaccurate statements
D. Avoiding emotional topics during the interview
Answer: B. Maintaining eye contact and using active listening
techniques
Rationale: Active listening, appropriate eye contact, and allowing
patients to express concerns encourage trust and improve the
accuracy of health information collected. Interrupting or avoiding
sensitive topics can limit communication and negatively affect the
provider–patient relationship.
3. Which component of the patient interview provides information
about the current health concern?
,A. Family history
B. Social history
C. Review of systems
D. History of present illness
Answer: D. History of present illness
Rationale: The history of present illness (HPI) provides detailed
information about the patient’s current complaint, including onset,
duration, severity, associated symptoms, and contributing factors.
Other history sections provide important background information but
do not focus specifically on the present concern.
4. Which assessment technique involves using the hands to evaluate
body structures?
A. Inspection
B. Palpation
C. Percussion
D. Auscultation
Answer: B. Palpation
Rationale: Palpation uses the hands and fingers to assess
characteristics such as tenderness, temperature, texture, masses, and
, organ enlargement. Inspection involves observation, percussion
involves tapping the body surface, and auscultation involves listening
to internal sounds.
5. What is the correct order of the physical assessment techniques for
most body systems?
A. Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation
B. Palpation, inspection, auscultation, percussion
C. Auscultation, percussion, palpation, inspection
D. Percussion, auscultation, inspection, palpation
Answer: A. Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation
Rationale: The standard sequence is inspection, palpation, percussion,
and auscultation. An exception occurs during abdominal assessment,
where auscultation is performed before palpation and percussion
because manipulation may alter bowel sounds.
6. Which vital sign measurement provides information about oxygen
saturation?
A. Blood pressure
B. Pulse oximetry
Maryville University Exam Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2027 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which statement best describes the primary purpose of advanced
nursing assessment in a graduate-level nursing course?
A. To replace the role of physicians in diagnosing all medical conditions
B. To collect basic demographic information only
C. To develop comprehensive clinical judgments using advanced
assessment skills
D. To focus exclusively on laboratory and imaging results
Answer: C. To develop comprehensive clinical judgments using
advanced assessment skills
Rationale: Advanced nursing assessment focuses on gathering,
analyzing, and interpreting complex health information to support
clinical decision-making. Advanced practice nurses use assessment
findings, patient history, physical examination, and evidence-based
,knowledge to develop appropriate care plans. It does not replace
physician roles or rely only on diagnostic testing.
2. During a health history interview, which action demonstrates
effective therapeutic communication?
A. Asking multiple questions rapidly to save time
B. Maintaining eye contact and using active listening techniques
C. Interrupting the patient to correct inaccurate statements
D. Avoiding emotional topics during the interview
Answer: B. Maintaining eye contact and using active listening
techniques
Rationale: Active listening, appropriate eye contact, and allowing
patients to express concerns encourage trust and improve the
accuracy of health information collected. Interrupting or avoiding
sensitive topics can limit communication and negatively affect the
provider–patient relationship.
3. Which component of the patient interview provides information
about the current health concern?
,A. Family history
B. Social history
C. Review of systems
D. History of present illness
Answer: D. History of present illness
Rationale: The history of present illness (HPI) provides detailed
information about the patient’s current complaint, including onset,
duration, severity, associated symptoms, and contributing factors.
Other history sections provide important background information but
do not focus specifically on the present concern.
4. Which assessment technique involves using the hands to evaluate
body structures?
A. Inspection
B. Palpation
C. Percussion
D. Auscultation
Answer: B. Palpation
Rationale: Palpation uses the hands and fingers to assess
characteristics such as tenderness, temperature, texture, masses, and
, organ enlargement. Inspection involves observation, percussion
involves tapping the body surface, and auscultation involves listening
to internal sounds.
5. What is the correct order of the physical assessment techniques for
most body systems?
A. Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation
B. Palpation, inspection, auscultation, percussion
C. Auscultation, percussion, palpation, inspection
D. Percussion, auscultation, inspection, palpation
Answer: A. Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation
Rationale: The standard sequence is inspection, palpation, percussion,
and auscultation. An exception occurs during abdominal assessment,
where auscultation is performed before palpation and percussion
because manipulation may alter bowel sounds.
6. Which vital sign measurement provides information about oxygen
saturation?
A. Blood pressure
B. Pulse oximetry
