,NU 518 Advanced Nursing Assessment Exam 1
Study Guide University of South Alabama
Exam Prep & 100 Q&A MCQs 2026/2027
1. A nurse practitioner is preparing to conduct a comprehensive health history. Which action
best exemplifies "setting the stage" during the initiating phase of the clinical encounter?
A. Greeting the patient by name and confirming the reason for the visit
B. Reviewing the patient's previous medical records before entering the room
C. Asking the patient to complete a written intake form in the waiting area
D. Introducing yourself and ensuring the environment is private and free of distractions
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Setting the stage involves preparing the environment and oneself for the encounter,
ensuring privacy, minimizing distractions, and establishing a comfortable atmosphere before
greeting the patient. Greeting the patient by name is part of the greeting phase that follows.
Reviewing records and completing intake forms are preparatory tasks, not "setting the stage"
during the encounter itself.
2. During an interview, a patient states, "I don't know why I'm here. My wife made me come."
Which response by the nurse practitioner best demonstrates exploration of the patient's
perspective?
A. "Your wife must be very worried about you."
B. "Can you tell me what you understand about why your wife wanted you to come in?"
,C. "Let's focus on your symptoms so we can address her concerns."
D. "You should be glad someone cares enough to bring you in."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Exploring the patient's perspective requires eliciting the patient's own understanding,
feelings, ideas, and expectations about the problem. Option B directly invites the patient to
share his perspective. Option A makes an assumption about the wife's feelings; Option C
dismisses the patient's perspective; Option D is judgmental and nontherapeutic.
3. A nurse practitioner is interviewing a patient who has recently been diagnosed with diabetes.
The patient states, "I'm terrified I'll lose my foot like my uncle did." Which component of the
FIFE framework does this statement represent?
A. Feelings
B. Ideas
C. Function
D. Expectations
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The FIFE framework explores the patient's Feelings (including fears or concerns),
Ideas (about the nature and cause of the problem), effect on Function, and Expectations. The
patient's statement expressing terror about losing a foot is a direct expression of feelings/fears.
, 4. Which of the following is the most appropriate first step when resolving a clinical ethical
dilemma?
A. Identify the ethical principles and guidelines involved
B. Collect relevant information about the situation
C. State the ethical question clearly
D. Delineate and relate options to values and principles
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The first step in resolving a clinical ethical dilemma is to clearly state the ethical
question. This provides focus and direction for the subsequent steps: collecting relevant
information, identifying ethical principles, delineating options, evaluating options, and making
an action plan.
5. A nurse practitioner is using an interpreter to interview a patient with limited English
proficiency. Where should the interpreter be positioned?
A. Behind the examiner so the patient can maintain eye contact with the provider
B. Next to the patient so the examiner can maintain eye contact with both parties
C. Between the examiner and the patient to facilitate direct communication
D. In a corner of the room to minimize distraction
Correct Answer: B
Study Guide University of South Alabama
Exam Prep & 100 Q&A MCQs 2026/2027
1. A nurse practitioner is preparing to conduct a comprehensive health history. Which action
best exemplifies "setting the stage" during the initiating phase of the clinical encounter?
A. Greeting the patient by name and confirming the reason for the visit
B. Reviewing the patient's previous medical records before entering the room
C. Asking the patient to complete a written intake form in the waiting area
D. Introducing yourself and ensuring the environment is private and free of distractions
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Setting the stage involves preparing the environment and oneself for the encounter,
ensuring privacy, minimizing distractions, and establishing a comfortable atmosphere before
greeting the patient. Greeting the patient by name is part of the greeting phase that follows.
Reviewing records and completing intake forms are preparatory tasks, not "setting the stage"
during the encounter itself.
2. During an interview, a patient states, "I don't know why I'm here. My wife made me come."
Which response by the nurse practitioner best demonstrates exploration of the patient's
perspective?
A. "Your wife must be very worried about you."
B. "Can you tell me what you understand about why your wife wanted you to come in?"
,C. "Let's focus on your symptoms so we can address her concerns."
D. "You should be glad someone cares enough to bring you in."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Exploring the patient's perspective requires eliciting the patient's own understanding,
feelings, ideas, and expectations about the problem. Option B directly invites the patient to
share his perspective. Option A makes an assumption about the wife's feelings; Option C
dismisses the patient's perspective; Option D is judgmental and nontherapeutic.
3. A nurse practitioner is interviewing a patient who has recently been diagnosed with diabetes.
The patient states, "I'm terrified I'll lose my foot like my uncle did." Which component of the
FIFE framework does this statement represent?
A. Feelings
B. Ideas
C. Function
D. Expectations
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The FIFE framework explores the patient's Feelings (including fears or concerns),
Ideas (about the nature and cause of the problem), effect on Function, and Expectations. The
patient's statement expressing terror about losing a foot is a direct expression of feelings/fears.
, 4. Which of the following is the most appropriate first step when resolving a clinical ethical
dilemma?
A. Identify the ethical principles and guidelines involved
B. Collect relevant information about the situation
C. State the ethical question clearly
D. Delineate and relate options to values and principles
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The first step in resolving a clinical ethical dilemma is to clearly state the ethical
question. This provides focus and direction for the subsequent steps: collecting relevant
information, identifying ethical principles, delineating options, evaluating options, and making
an action plan.
5. A nurse practitioner is using an interpreter to interview a patient with limited English
proficiency. Where should the interpreter be positioned?
A. Behind the examiner so the patient can maintain eye contact with the provider
B. Next to the patient so the examiner can maintain eye contact with both parties
C. Between the examiner and the patient to facilitate direct communication
D. In a corner of the room to minimize distraction
Correct Answer: B
