NUR 265 COMPREHENSIVE
ASSESSMENT STUDY GUIDE 2026/2027
Subjective Data - ANSWERSInformation obtained from the patient's verbal report
(symptoms, feelings, perceptions)
Objective Data - ANSWERSObservable and measurable information gathered through
physical assessment
Primary Data - ANSWERSInformation collected directly from the patient
Secondary Data - ANSWERSInformation from sources other than the patient (family,
medical records, other healthcare providers)
Inspection - ANSWERSVisual examination (observe color, size, shape, symmetry,
position, movement)
Palpation - ANSWERSUsing touch to gather data (temperature, texture, moisture,
tenderness, masses)
Light palpation - ANSWERSUses finger pads, superficial structures
Deep palpation - ANSWERSDeeper structures (organs, masses)
Percussion - ANSWERSTapping body surfaces to produce sounds that indicate
underlying structures
Resonance - ANSWERSHollow organs (lungs)
Dullness - ANSWERSSolid organs (liver)
Tympany - ANSWERSAir-filled structures (stomach)
Flatness - ANSWERSDense tissue (muscle)
Auscultation - ANSWERSListening to body sounds with a stethoscope
Infants Assessment - ANSWERSAssessment order = least invasive to most invasive;
position = supine or parent's lap
Toddlers Assessment - ANSWERSPlay techniques useful; demonstrate on doll first;
parent presence important
, School-Age Assessment - ANSWERSCan follow directions; explain procedures;
maintain privacy
Adolescents Assessment - ANSWERSPrivacy critical; offer same-gender examiner;
explain purpose of assessment
Adults Assessment - ANSWERSStandard head-to-toe approach; ensure privacy and
dignity
Older Adults Assessment - ANSWERSConsider fatigue and mobility; allow more time;
assess in segments if needed
First Priority - ANSWERSImmediate life-threatening conditions (airway, breathing,
circulation)
Second Priority - ANSWERSPotentially life-threatening conditions requiring prompt
intervention
Third Priority - ANSWERSNon-urgent conditions that require attention but not
immediate intervention
Sexuality - ANSWERSSexual attraction, behaviors, identity, and biological
characteristics
Gender Identity - ANSWERSPerson's internal sense of being male, female, both, or
neither
Heterosexism - ANSWERSAssumption that heterosexuality is the only normal sexual
orientation
Gender Non-conforming - ANSWERSPerson whose gender expression differs from
cultural norms
LEARN model - ANSWERSListen with empathy to patient's perception, Explain your
perception of the problem, Acknowledge differences and similarities, Recommend
treatment, Negotiate agreement
Macule - ANSWERSFlat, colored spot (<1 cm)
Patch - ANSWERSFlat, colored spot (>1 cm)
Papule - ANSWERSRaised, solid lesion (<1 cm)
Plaque - ANSWERSRaised, solid lesion (>1 cm)
Nodule - ANSWERSFirm, raised lesion extending into dermis (1-2 cm)
ASSESSMENT STUDY GUIDE 2026/2027
Subjective Data - ANSWERSInformation obtained from the patient's verbal report
(symptoms, feelings, perceptions)
Objective Data - ANSWERSObservable and measurable information gathered through
physical assessment
Primary Data - ANSWERSInformation collected directly from the patient
Secondary Data - ANSWERSInformation from sources other than the patient (family,
medical records, other healthcare providers)
Inspection - ANSWERSVisual examination (observe color, size, shape, symmetry,
position, movement)
Palpation - ANSWERSUsing touch to gather data (temperature, texture, moisture,
tenderness, masses)
Light palpation - ANSWERSUses finger pads, superficial structures
Deep palpation - ANSWERSDeeper structures (organs, masses)
Percussion - ANSWERSTapping body surfaces to produce sounds that indicate
underlying structures
Resonance - ANSWERSHollow organs (lungs)
Dullness - ANSWERSSolid organs (liver)
Tympany - ANSWERSAir-filled structures (stomach)
Flatness - ANSWERSDense tissue (muscle)
Auscultation - ANSWERSListening to body sounds with a stethoscope
Infants Assessment - ANSWERSAssessment order = least invasive to most invasive;
position = supine or parent's lap
Toddlers Assessment - ANSWERSPlay techniques useful; demonstrate on doll first;
parent presence important
, School-Age Assessment - ANSWERSCan follow directions; explain procedures;
maintain privacy
Adolescents Assessment - ANSWERSPrivacy critical; offer same-gender examiner;
explain purpose of assessment
Adults Assessment - ANSWERSStandard head-to-toe approach; ensure privacy and
dignity
Older Adults Assessment - ANSWERSConsider fatigue and mobility; allow more time;
assess in segments if needed
First Priority - ANSWERSImmediate life-threatening conditions (airway, breathing,
circulation)
Second Priority - ANSWERSPotentially life-threatening conditions requiring prompt
intervention
Third Priority - ANSWERSNon-urgent conditions that require attention but not
immediate intervention
Sexuality - ANSWERSSexual attraction, behaviors, identity, and biological
characteristics
Gender Identity - ANSWERSPerson's internal sense of being male, female, both, or
neither
Heterosexism - ANSWERSAssumption that heterosexuality is the only normal sexual
orientation
Gender Non-conforming - ANSWERSPerson whose gender expression differs from
cultural norms
LEARN model - ANSWERSListen with empathy to patient's perception, Explain your
perception of the problem, Acknowledge differences and similarities, Recommend
treatment, Negotiate agreement
Macule - ANSWERSFlat, colored spot (<1 cm)
Patch - ANSWERSFlat, colored spot (>1 cm)
Papule - ANSWERSRaised, solid lesion (<1 cm)
Plaque - ANSWERSRaised, solid lesion (>1 cm)
Nodule - ANSWERSFirm, raised lesion extending into dermis (1-2 cm)
