TEST BANK: PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
& HEALTH ASSESSMENT 9TH EDITION
JARVIS & ECKHARDT | CHAPTERS 1-32 |
UPDATED EDITION
UNIT 1: ASSESSMENT OF THE WHOLE PERSON
Chapter 1: Evidence-Based Assessment
1. A nurse is conducting a health assessment on a
45-year-old patient who presents with vague
abdominal discomfort. The nurse reviews current
clinical practice guidelines before the examination.
Which statement best describes the purpose of
evidence-based assessment?
A. To ensure the nurse follows institutional protocols
without deviation
B. To integrate the best current research evidence
with clinical expertise and patient preferences
,C. To eliminate the need for clinical judgment in patient
care decisions
D. To standardize all patient assessments regardless of
individual variation
Answer: B
Rationale: Evidence-based assessment involves
integrating the best available research evidence with
clinical expertise and patient values/preferences.
Option A is incorrect because evidence-based practice
allows adaptation to individual patient needs. Option C
is incorrect because clinical judgment remains
essential; evidence informs rather than replaces
judgment. Option D is incorrect because evidence-
based practice emphasizes individualized care, not
standardization .
2. A nurse is preparing to assess a new patient in
the emergency department. Which actions
demonstrate the application of evidence-based
assessment principles? (Select all that apply)
,A. Reviewing current literature on assessment
techniques for the patient's presenting complaint
B. Relying solely on assessment techniques learned in
nursing school 10 years ago
C. Consulting clinical practice guidelines for the
patient's age group
D. Considering the patient's cultural beliefs about
health and illness
E. Using only the assessment tools available on the unit
without evaluating their validity
Answer: A, C, D
Rationale: Evidence-based assessment requires staying
current with literature (A), using validated clinical
guidelines (C), and incorporating patient preferences
and cultural considerations (D). Option B is incorrect
because evidence-based practice requires ongoing
education and updates. Option E is incorrect because
nurses must evaluate the validity and reliability of
assessment tools rather than using them uncritically .
, 3. When performing an evidence-based health
assessment, the nurse recognizes that subjective
data includes which of the following?
A. Blood pressure measurement of 142/88 mmHg
B. Observation of labored breathing at 24 breaths per
minute
C. Patient's statement of "crushing chest pain"
D. Palpation of an enlarged liver edge 3 cm below the
costal margin
Answer: C
Rationale: Subjective data consists of information
perceived only by the affected person, such as
symptoms, feelings, and perceptions. The patient's
statement of chest pain is subjective data. Options A,
B, and D represent objective data—observable,
measurable findings obtained through physical
examination or diagnostic testing .
4. A nursing student asks the clinical instructor
about the primary purpose of the health
& HEALTH ASSESSMENT 9TH EDITION
JARVIS & ECKHARDT | CHAPTERS 1-32 |
UPDATED EDITION
UNIT 1: ASSESSMENT OF THE WHOLE PERSON
Chapter 1: Evidence-Based Assessment
1. A nurse is conducting a health assessment on a
45-year-old patient who presents with vague
abdominal discomfort. The nurse reviews current
clinical practice guidelines before the examination.
Which statement best describes the purpose of
evidence-based assessment?
A. To ensure the nurse follows institutional protocols
without deviation
B. To integrate the best current research evidence
with clinical expertise and patient preferences
,C. To eliminate the need for clinical judgment in patient
care decisions
D. To standardize all patient assessments regardless of
individual variation
Answer: B
Rationale: Evidence-based assessment involves
integrating the best available research evidence with
clinical expertise and patient values/preferences.
Option A is incorrect because evidence-based practice
allows adaptation to individual patient needs. Option C
is incorrect because clinical judgment remains
essential; evidence informs rather than replaces
judgment. Option D is incorrect because evidence-
based practice emphasizes individualized care, not
standardization .
2. A nurse is preparing to assess a new patient in
the emergency department. Which actions
demonstrate the application of evidence-based
assessment principles? (Select all that apply)
,A. Reviewing current literature on assessment
techniques for the patient's presenting complaint
B. Relying solely on assessment techniques learned in
nursing school 10 years ago
C. Consulting clinical practice guidelines for the
patient's age group
D. Considering the patient's cultural beliefs about
health and illness
E. Using only the assessment tools available on the unit
without evaluating their validity
Answer: A, C, D
Rationale: Evidence-based assessment requires staying
current with literature (A), using validated clinical
guidelines (C), and incorporating patient preferences
and cultural considerations (D). Option B is incorrect
because evidence-based practice requires ongoing
education and updates. Option E is incorrect because
nurses must evaluate the validity and reliability of
assessment tools rather than using them uncritically .
, 3. When performing an evidence-based health
assessment, the nurse recognizes that subjective
data includes which of the following?
A. Blood pressure measurement of 142/88 mmHg
B. Observation of labored breathing at 24 breaths per
minute
C. Patient's statement of "crushing chest pain"
D. Palpation of an enlarged liver edge 3 cm below the
costal margin
Answer: C
Rationale: Subjective data consists of information
perceived only by the affected person, such as
symptoms, feelings, and perceptions. The patient's
statement of chest pain is subjective data. Options A,
B, and D represent objective data—observable,
measurable findings obtained through physical
examination or diagnostic testing .
4. A nursing student asks the clinical instructor
about the primary purpose of the health
