NURS 6512N/NURS-6512 MIDTERM VERSION 1 & 2 EXAM HEALTH
ASSESSMENT — STUDY GUIDE | LATEST UPDATE 2026/2027 | ACTUAL
EXAM | PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | EXAM REVIEW | 100%
CORRECT ANSWERS | VERIFIED SOLUTIONS
VERSION 1
1.
A 68-year-old patient reports feeling dizzy when getting out of bed.
Which of the following is the most appropriate initial assessment?
A) Check orthostatic blood pressure and heart rate in supine, sitting,
and standing positions
B) Perform a carotid ultrasound immediately
C) Assess only the respiratory rate
D) Refer the patient directly to cardiology without further evaluation
Correct Answer: A
Orthostatic blood pressure measurement is the first step to evaluate
postural dizziness, as it can identify orthostatic hypotension. Carotid
ultrasound and cardiology referral are premature without initial
assessment. Respiratory rate alone is insufficient.
2.
A patient's blood pressure is 118/76 mm Hg. What is the correct
classification according to the American Heart Association?
A) Elevated
B) Normal
C) Stage 1 hypertension
D) Hypotension
,Correct Answer: B
A blood pressure of less than 120/80 mm Hg is classified as normal.
Elevated is systolic 120–129 and diastolic less than 80. Stage 1
hypertension is 130–139 or 80–89. Hypotension is not defined by these
values.
3.
Which of the following is a modifiable risk factor for hypertension?
A) Age
B) Family history
C) Physical inactivity
D) Ethnicity
Correct Answer: C
Physical inactivity is a modifiable risk factor that can be changed to
reduce hypertension risk. Age, family history, and ethnicity are
nonmodifiable. Risk factor identification guides preventive counseling.
4.
A patient rates their pain as 8 out of 10 and describes it as sharp and
stabbing. Which component of the pain assessment is missing?
A) Quality
B) Severity
C) Location
D) Radiation
Correct Answer: C
The patient has described severity (8/10) and quality (sharp, stabbing),
but location has not been documented. Radiation, timing, and
aggravating factors also need assessment.
, 5.
Which of the following is the correct technique for measuring blood
pressure?
A) Place the cuff over clothing to save time
B) Support the arm at heart level and use an appropriately sized cuff
C) Use a cuff that is too narrow to increase accuracy
D) Inflate the cuff while the patient is talking to distract them
Correct Answer: B
Blood pressure should be measured with the arm supported at heart
level and an appropriately sized cuff. Clothing can interfere, a narrow
cuff overestimates, and talking can falsely elevate readings.
6.
A patient presents with a temperature of 100.8°F, heart rate 110
beats/min, respiratory rate 22 breaths/min, and blood pressure 100/60
mm Hg. Which finding is consistent with early sepsis?
A) Temperature alone
B) Tachycardia with tachypnea and hypotension
C) Normal respiratory rate
D) Blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg
Correct Answer: B
Tachycardia, tachypnea, and hypotension with fever suggest early
sepsis, requiring prompt evaluation. Temperature alone is not
diagnostic; blood pressure 140/90 is not hypotensive.
7.
Which of the following is the most reliable indicator of acute pain in an
adult?
, A) Body mass index
B) Patient's self-report
C) Heart rate variability
D) Pupil size
Correct Answer: B
Pain is subjective, and the patient's self-report is the most reliable
indicator. Vital sign changes and pupil size are not specific to pain. BMI
is unrelated.
8.
A patient has a respiratory rate of 28 breaths/min and reports shortness
of breath. What is the priority action?
A) Assess oxygen saturation and lung sounds
B) Order a chest CT immediately
C) Prescribe an inhaler without assessment
D) Refer to a pulmonologist without further evaluation
Correct Answer: A
Tachypnea with dyspnea requires immediate assessment of oxygenation
and ventilation, including pulse oximetry and lung auscultation. Imaging
and referral may follow after initial evaluation.
9.
Which of the following is a sign of increased work of breathing?
A) Use of accessory muscles
B) Respiratory rate of 12 breaths/min
C) Clear lung sounds
D) Ability to speak in full sentences
ASSESSMENT — STUDY GUIDE | LATEST UPDATE 2026/2027 | ACTUAL
EXAM | PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | EXAM REVIEW | 100%
CORRECT ANSWERS | VERIFIED SOLUTIONS
VERSION 1
1.
A 68-year-old patient reports feeling dizzy when getting out of bed.
Which of the following is the most appropriate initial assessment?
A) Check orthostatic blood pressure and heart rate in supine, sitting,
and standing positions
B) Perform a carotid ultrasound immediately
C) Assess only the respiratory rate
D) Refer the patient directly to cardiology without further evaluation
Correct Answer: A
Orthostatic blood pressure measurement is the first step to evaluate
postural dizziness, as it can identify orthostatic hypotension. Carotid
ultrasound and cardiology referral are premature without initial
assessment. Respiratory rate alone is insufficient.
2.
A patient's blood pressure is 118/76 mm Hg. What is the correct
classification according to the American Heart Association?
A) Elevated
B) Normal
C) Stage 1 hypertension
D) Hypotension
,Correct Answer: B
A blood pressure of less than 120/80 mm Hg is classified as normal.
Elevated is systolic 120–129 and diastolic less than 80. Stage 1
hypertension is 130–139 or 80–89. Hypotension is not defined by these
values.
3.
Which of the following is a modifiable risk factor for hypertension?
A) Age
B) Family history
C) Physical inactivity
D) Ethnicity
Correct Answer: C
Physical inactivity is a modifiable risk factor that can be changed to
reduce hypertension risk. Age, family history, and ethnicity are
nonmodifiable. Risk factor identification guides preventive counseling.
4.
A patient rates their pain as 8 out of 10 and describes it as sharp and
stabbing. Which component of the pain assessment is missing?
A) Quality
B) Severity
C) Location
D) Radiation
Correct Answer: C
The patient has described severity (8/10) and quality (sharp, stabbing),
but location has not been documented. Radiation, timing, and
aggravating factors also need assessment.
, 5.
Which of the following is the correct technique for measuring blood
pressure?
A) Place the cuff over clothing to save time
B) Support the arm at heart level and use an appropriately sized cuff
C) Use a cuff that is too narrow to increase accuracy
D) Inflate the cuff while the patient is talking to distract them
Correct Answer: B
Blood pressure should be measured with the arm supported at heart
level and an appropriately sized cuff. Clothing can interfere, a narrow
cuff overestimates, and talking can falsely elevate readings.
6.
A patient presents with a temperature of 100.8°F, heart rate 110
beats/min, respiratory rate 22 breaths/min, and blood pressure 100/60
mm Hg. Which finding is consistent with early sepsis?
A) Temperature alone
B) Tachycardia with tachypnea and hypotension
C) Normal respiratory rate
D) Blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg
Correct Answer: B
Tachycardia, tachypnea, and hypotension with fever suggest early
sepsis, requiring prompt evaluation. Temperature alone is not
diagnostic; blood pressure 140/90 is not hypotensive.
7.
Which of the following is the most reliable indicator of acute pain in an
adult?
, A) Body mass index
B) Patient's self-report
C) Heart rate variability
D) Pupil size
Correct Answer: B
Pain is subjective, and the patient's self-report is the most reliable
indicator. Vital sign changes and pupil size are not specific to pain. BMI
is unrelated.
8.
A patient has a respiratory rate of 28 breaths/min and reports shortness
of breath. What is the priority action?
A) Assess oxygen saturation and lung sounds
B) Order a chest CT immediately
C) Prescribe an inhaler without assessment
D) Refer to a pulmonologist without further evaluation
Correct Answer: A
Tachypnea with dyspnea requires immediate assessment of oxygenation
and ventilation, including pulse oximetry and lung auscultation. Imaging
and referral may follow after initial evaluation.
9.
Which of the following is a sign of increased work of breathing?
A) Use of accessory muscles
B) Respiratory rate of 12 breaths/min
C) Clear lung sounds
D) Ability to speak in full sentences
