,NU 518 Advanced Nursing Assessment Final
Exam Study Guide University of South
Alabama Exam Prep & 100 Q&A MCQs
2026/2027
1. During a comprehensive health assessment, which component should the advanced practice
nurse perform FIRST?
A. Palpation
B. Percussion
C. Auscultation
D. Inspection
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Inspection is the foundational first step of the physical examination. It provides
baseline data about the patient's overall appearance, skin color, symmetry, and body habitus
before any hands-on techniques are performed.
2. A 45-year-old male presents with chest pain that started 2 days ago and is located in the
center of his chest. When the nurse practitioner asks about the location of the pain, which
component of OLD CARTS is being addressed?
A. Onset
B. Location
,C. Duration
D. Associated symptoms
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: OLD CARTS stands for Onset, Location, Duration, Characteristics, Aggravating factors,
Relieving factors, Timing/Treatment, and Severity. The "Location" component identifies the
anatomical source or region of the symptom.
3. Which component of a SOAP note includes the patient's chief complaint and history of
present illness (HPI)?
A. Subjective
B. Objective
C. Assessment
D. Plan
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The Subjective section captures all information reported by the patient, including the
chief complaint, HPI, symptoms, feelings, and personal history. Objective data are measurable
findings obtained through physical examination, laboratory tests, and diagnostic imaging.
4. The "CAGE" questionnaire is used to screen for which condition?
, A. Depression
B. Anxiety
C. Alcohol use disorder
D. Cognitive impairment
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: CAGE (Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener) is a brief screening tool for alcohol
use disorder. A positive response to two or more items warrants further assessment.
5. Which component of the health history is considered the "chief complaint"?
A. A comprehensive list of all past surgeries
B. The reason for the visit in the patient's own words
C. The review of systems for each body system
D. The family history of chronic diseases
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The chief complaint is a brief statement, preferably in the patient's own words, that
describes the primary reason for seeking care. It should be documented in quotation marks
when possible.
Exam Study Guide University of South
Alabama Exam Prep & 100 Q&A MCQs
2026/2027
1. During a comprehensive health assessment, which component should the advanced practice
nurse perform FIRST?
A. Palpation
B. Percussion
C. Auscultation
D. Inspection
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Inspection is the foundational first step of the physical examination. It provides
baseline data about the patient's overall appearance, skin color, symmetry, and body habitus
before any hands-on techniques are performed.
2. A 45-year-old male presents with chest pain that started 2 days ago and is located in the
center of his chest. When the nurse practitioner asks about the location of the pain, which
component of OLD CARTS is being addressed?
A. Onset
B. Location
,C. Duration
D. Associated symptoms
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: OLD CARTS stands for Onset, Location, Duration, Characteristics, Aggravating factors,
Relieving factors, Timing/Treatment, and Severity. The "Location" component identifies the
anatomical source or region of the symptom.
3. Which component of a SOAP note includes the patient's chief complaint and history of
present illness (HPI)?
A. Subjective
B. Objective
C. Assessment
D. Plan
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The Subjective section captures all information reported by the patient, including the
chief complaint, HPI, symptoms, feelings, and personal history. Objective data are measurable
findings obtained through physical examination, laboratory tests, and diagnostic imaging.
4. The "CAGE" questionnaire is used to screen for which condition?
, A. Depression
B. Anxiety
C. Alcohol use disorder
D. Cognitive impairment
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: CAGE (Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener) is a brief screening tool for alcohol
use disorder. A positive response to two or more items warrants further assessment.
5. Which component of the health history is considered the "chief complaint"?
A. A comprehensive list of all past surgeries
B. The reason for the visit in the patient's own words
C. The review of systems for each body system
D. The family history of chronic diseases
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The chief complaint is a brief statement, preferably in the patient's own words, that
describes the primary reason for seeking care. It should be documented in quotation marks
when possible.
