WGU Clinical Nursing Assessment PRACTICE
TEST 2026 | QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS &
DETAILED EXPLANATIONS STUDY GUIDE
LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR INSTANT
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WGU Clinical Nursing Assessment Practice Exam
,1. A nurse is performing a general survey. Which of the following is the most
important initial observation?
A. The patient's blood pressure
B. The patient's level of consciousness
C. The patient's skin color
D. The patient's gait
Answer: B
Rationale: The general survey begins with the moment the nurse meets the
patient. Level of consciousness (LOC) is the most critical indicator of neurological
function and overall stability. If the patient is not alert and oriented, immediate
intervention is required before proceeding with a detailed assessment.
2. When assessing a patient's skin, the nurse notes tenting. This indicates:
A. Poor skin turgor, possibly due to dehydration.
,B. Increased skin elasticity due to aging.
C. Normal findings in older adults.
D. Excess fluid volume (edema).
Answer: A
Rationale: Tenting occurs when the skin remains elevated after being pinched
and released. This indicates poor skin turgor, commonly associated with
dehydration or significant weight loss. While aging decreases elasticity, tenting is
still considered an abnormal finding indicating fluid deficit.
3. Which technique should the nurse use to assess the texture of a patient's
skin?
A. Inspection
B. Palpation
C. Percussion
, D. Auscultation
Answer: B
Rationale: Palpation uses the sense of touch. The nurse uses the fingertips to
assess texture, moisture, temperature, and turgor. Inspection only allows
visualization of color and integrity.
4. A nurse is assessing a patient with jaundice. Where would the nurse expect to
see yellowing first?
A. The palms of the hands
B. The sclera of the eyes
C. The soles of the feet
D. The mucous membranes of the mouth
Answer: B
TEST 2026 | QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS &
DETAILED EXPLANATIONS STUDY GUIDE
LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF
WGU Clinical Nursing Assessment Practice Exam
,1. A nurse is performing a general survey. Which of the following is the most
important initial observation?
A. The patient's blood pressure
B. The patient's level of consciousness
C. The patient's skin color
D. The patient's gait
Answer: B
Rationale: The general survey begins with the moment the nurse meets the
patient. Level of consciousness (LOC) is the most critical indicator of neurological
function and overall stability. If the patient is not alert and oriented, immediate
intervention is required before proceeding with a detailed assessment.
2. When assessing a patient's skin, the nurse notes tenting. This indicates:
A. Poor skin turgor, possibly due to dehydration.
,B. Increased skin elasticity due to aging.
C. Normal findings in older adults.
D. Excess fluid volume (edema).
Answer: A
Rationale: Tenting occurs when the skin remains elevated after being pinched
and released. This indicates poor skin turgor, commonly associated with
dehydration or significant weight loss. While aging decreases elasticity, tenting is
still considered an abnormal finding indicating fluid deficit.
3. Which technique should the nurse use to assess the texture of a patient's
skin?
A. Inspection
B. Palpation
C. Percussion
, D. Auscultation
Answer: B
Rationale: Palpation uses the sense of touch. The nurse uses the fingertips to
assess texture, moisture, temperature, and turgor. Inspection only allows
visualization of color and integrity.
4. A nurse is assessing a patient with jaundice. Where would the nurse expect to
see yellowing first?
A. The palms of the hands
B. The sclera of the eyes
C. The soles of the feet
D. The mucous membranes of the mouth
Answer: B
