Chamberlain College Of Nursing Health
Assessment Exam 2 2026/2027 | High-Yield
Practice Exam | Complete Midterm Exam
Review | All Questions And Solutions
(Rationales) | Exam Prep Q&A 2026/2027
1. A nurse is assessing an adult patient who reports shortness of breath that began
suddenly 20 minutes ago. The patient is sitting upright, speaking in short phrases, and has
an oxygen saturation of 88% on room air. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Obtain a complete respiratory history.
B. Assess airway patency and respiratory effort while initiating immediate supportive
interventions.
C. Auscultate all lung fields before taking further action.
D. Document the patient's reported symptoms and repeat the oxygen saturation in 15 minutes.
Answer: B
Rationale: The patient's low oxygen saturation and difficulty speaking indicate potential
respiratory compromise. The nurse should rapidly assess airway and breathing while
initiating appropriate emergency interventions and obtaining assistance. A complete
history and routine documentation must not delay stabilization.
2. During a routine health assessment, a nurse measures an adult patient's blood pressure
at 148/92 mmHg. The patient appears comfortable and denies symptoms. What is the most
appropriate next step?
A. Diagnose hypertension based on this single reading.
B. Immediately administer an antihypertensive medication.
C. Repeat the measurement using correct technique after allowing the patient to rest.
D. Reassure the patient that the reading is normal for an adult.
Answer: C
,Rationale: Blood pressure can be temporarily elevated by activity, anxiety, improper
positioning, or an incorrectly sized cuff. The nurse should verify the reading using
standardized technique and arrange appropriate follow-up. A single measurement does not
ordinarily establish a chronic hypertension diagnosis.
3. A patient tells the nurse, “I have had a headache for three days, and it is getting worse.”
Which question best explores the characteristics of this symptom?
A. “Can you describe the location, quality, severity, and progression of the headache?”
B. “Have you ever been diagnosed with a neurological disorder?”
C. “Do other people in your family experience headaches?”
D. “Would you like medication for the headache now?”
Answer: A
Rationale: A focused symptom assessment explores location, quality, severity, timing,
duration, associated symptoms, and progression. These details help determine the
significance of the complaint and guide further assessment. Treatment preferences and
medical history are useful but do not replace characterization of the current symptom.
4. During an abdominal assessment, which sequence should the nurse use?
A. Palpation, percussion, auscultation, inspection.
B. Inspection, auscultation, palpation, percussion.
C. Auscultation, inspection, percussion, palpation.
D. Inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation.
Answer: D
Rationale: The abdomen is assessed by inspection, auscultation, percussion, and palpation.
Auscultation occurs before percussion and palpation because manipulating the abdomen
can alter bowel sounds. This sequence differs from the usual examination sequence for
many other body systems.
5. A nurse is preparing to assess an adult patient's radial pulse. Which technique provides
the most reliable routine measurement?
A. Use the thumb to palpate the radial artery for 15 seconds.
B. Apply firm pressure until the pulse disappears, then estimate its rate.
,C. Use the index and middle fingers, assess rate and rhythm, and count for an appropriate
interval.
D. Assess the pulse only after asking the patient whether it feels normal.
Answer: C
Rationale: The index and middle fingers allow the nurse to palpate the radial pulse without
confusing it with the examiner's own pulse. Rate, rhythm, and amplitude should be
assessed. An irregular rhythm or other concerning finding may require a full-minute count
and additional cardiovascular assessment.
6. During a skin assessment, a nurse observes a dark lesion with asymmetry, irregular
borders, and several colors. What should the nurse do?
A. Document the finding as a normal age-related change.
B. Recommend immediate removal without further evaluation.
C. Reassure the patient because dark lesions are usually benign.
D. Document the characteristics and arrange timely evaluation by an appropriate clinician.
Answer: D
Rationale: Asymmetry, irregular borders, and color variation are warning features
associated with potentially malignant skin lesions. The nurse should document the
appearance and relevant history and facilitate appropriate clinical evaluation. Assessment
findings alone cannot establish a definitive cancer diagnosis.
7. A patient reports dizziness when standing from a seated position. Which additional
assessment is most appropriate?
A. Measure blood pressure and pulse in appropriate positions while observing symptoms and
maintaining fall precautions.
B. Ask the patient to stand quickly several times to reproduce the dizziness.
C. Assess visual acuity and discontinue the cardiovascular assessment.
D. Measure temperature and defer further assessment unless fever is present.
Answer: A
Rationale: Postural dizziness may be associated with orthostatic hypotension, dehydration,
medication effects, or other conditions. Comparing blood pressure and pulse across
, positions, when safe, helps identify physiological changes. The nurse should prevent falls
and stop the procedure if the patient becomes unstable.
8. A nurse is conducting a health history with a patient who speaks limited English. Which
action best supports accurate communication?
A. Ask a family member to translate all questions without assessing the patient's preference.
B. Use a qualified medical interpreter and address questions directly to the patient.
C. Speak more loudly and use increasingly complex medical terminology.
D. Skip sensitive questions because interpretation may take additional time.
Answer: B
Rationale: A qualified medical interpreter helps preserve accuracy, confidentiality, and the
patient's ability to participate in care. The nurse should speak directly to the patient in
clear language and confirm understanding. Family members may omit, misunderstand, or
filter information, particularly when sensitive issues are discussed.
9. When assessing pain in a patient who is alert and able to communicate, which source
should generally receive the greatest weight?
A. The nurse's impression of the patient's facial expression.
B. The patient's vital signs alone.
C. The patient's self-report of pain and its characteristics.
D. A family member's estimate of the patient's discomfort.
Answer: C
Rationale: A patient's self-report is the primary source for pain assessment when the
patient can communicate reliably. Facial expression, vital signs, and family observations
can provide additional context, but their absence does not rule out pain. The nurse should
also assess functional effects and response to interventions.
10. A nurse notes that an adult patient's respiratory rate is 30 breaths per minute at rest.
The patient appears anxious and has difficulty completing sentences. Which interpretation
is most appropriate?
A. The findings are expected during a routine health assessment.
B. Anxiety definitively explains the increased respiratory rate.
Assessment Exam 2 2026/2027 | High-Yield
Practice Exam | Complete Midterm Exam
Review | All Questions And Solutions
(Rationales) | Exam Prep Q&A 2026/2027
1. A nurse is assessing an adult patient who reports shortness of breath that began
suddenly 20 minutes ago. The patient is sitting upright, speaking in short phrases, and has
an oxygen saturation of 88% on room air. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Obtain a complete respiratory history.
B. Assess airway patency and respiratory effort while initiating immediate supportive
interventions.
C. Auscultate all lung fields before taking further action.
D. Document the patient's reported symptoms and repeat the oxygen saturation in 15 minutes.
Answer: B
Rationale: The patient's low oxygen saturation and difficulty speaking indicate potential
respiratory compromise. The nurse should rapidly assess airway and breathing while
initiating appropriate emergency interventions and obtaining assistance. A complete
history and routine documentation must not delay stabilization.
2. During a routine health assessment, a nurse measures an adult patient's blood pressure
at 148/92 mmHg. The patient appears comfortable and denies symptoms. What is the most
appropriate next step?
A. Diagnose hypertension based on this single reading.
B. Immediately administer an antihypertensive medication.
C. Repeat the measurement using correct technique after allowing the patient to rest.
D. Reassure the patient that the reading is normal for an adult.
Answer: C
,Rationale: Blood pressure can be temporarily elevated by activity, anxiety, improper
positioning, or an incorrectly sized cuff. The nurse should verify the reading using
standardized technique and arrange appropriate follow-up. A single measurement does not
ordinarily establish a chronic hypertension diagnosis.
3. A patient tells the nurse, “I have had a headache for three days, and it is getting worse.”
Which question best explores the characteristics of this symptom?
A. “Can you describe the location, quality, severity, and progression of the headache?”
B. “Have you ever been diagnosed with a neurological disorder?”
C. “Do other people in your family experience headaches?”
D. “Would you like medication for the headache now?”
Answer: A
Rationale: A focused symptom assessment explores location, quality, severity, timing,
duration, associated symptoms, and progression. These details help determine the
significance of the complaint and guide further assessment. Treatment preferences and
medical history are useful but do not replace characterization of the current symptom.
4. During an abdominal assessment, which sequence should the nurse use?
A. Palpation, percussion, auscultation, inspection.
B. Inspection, auscultation, palpation, percussion.
C. Auscultation, inspection, percussion, palpation.
D. Inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation.
Answer: D
Rationale: The abdomen is assessed by inspection, auscultation, percussion, and palpation.
Auscultation occurs before percussion and palpation because manipulating the abdomen
can alter bowel sounds. This sequence differs from the usual examination sequence for
many other body systems.
5. A nurse is preparing to assess an adult patient's radial pulse. Which technique provides
the most reliable routine measurement?
A. Use the thumb to palpate the radial artery for 15 seconds.
B. Apply firm pressure until the pulse disappears, then estimate its rate.
,C. Use the index and middle fingers, assess rate and rhythm, and count for an appropriate
interval.
D. Assess the pulse only after asking the patient whether it feels normal.
Answer: C
Rationale: The index and middle fingers allow the nurse to palpate the radial pulse without
confusing it with the examiner's own pulse. Rate, rhythm, and amplitude should be
assessed. An irregular rhythm or other concerning finding may require a full-minute count
and additional cardiovascular assessment.
6. During a skin assessment, a nurse observes a dark lesion with asymmetry, irregular
borders, and several colors. What should the nurse do?
A. Document the finding as a normal age-related change.
B. Recommend immediate removal without further evaluation.
C. Reassure the patient because dark lesions are usually benign.
D. Document the characteristics and arrange timely evaluation by an appropriate clinician.
Answer: D
Rationale: Asymmetry, irregular borders, and color variation are warning features
associated with potentially malignant skin lesions. The nurse should document the
appearance and relevant history and facilitate appropriate clinical evaluation. Assessment
findings alone cannot establish a definitive cancer diagnosis.
7. A patient reports dizziness when standing from a seated position. Which additional
assessment is most appropriate?
A. Measure blood pressure and pulse in appropriate positions while observing symptoms and
maintaining fall precautions.
B. Ask the patient to stand quickly several times to reproduce the dizziness.
C. Assess visual acuity and discontinue the cardiovascular assessment.
D. Measure temperature and defer further assessment unless fever is present.
Answer: A
Rationale: Postural dizziness may be associated with orthostatic hypotension, dehydration,
medication effects, or other conditions. Comparing blood pressure and pulse across
, positions, when safe, helps identify physiological changes. The nurse should prevent falls
and stop the procedure if the patient becomes unstable.
8. A nurse is conducting a health history with a patient who speaks limited English. Which
action best supports accurate communication?
A. Ask a family member to translate all questions without assessing the patient's preference.
B. Use a qualified medical interpreter and address questions directly to the patient.
C. Speak more loudly and use increasingly complex medical terminology.
D. Skip sensitive questions because interpretation may take additional time.
Answer: B
Rationale: A qualified medical interpreter helps preserve accuracy, confidentiality, and the
patient's ability to participate in care. The nurse should speak directly to the patient in
clear language and confirm understanding. Family members may omit, misunderstand, or
filter information, particularly when sensitive issues are discussed.
9. When assessing pain in a patient who is alert and able to communicate, which source
should generally receive the greatest weight?
A. The nurse's impression of the patient's facial expression.
B. The patient's vital signs alone.
C. The patient's self-report of pain and its characteristics.
D. A family member's estimate of the patient's discomfort.
Answer: C
Rationale: A patient's self-report is the primary source for pain assessment when the
patient can communicate reliably. Facial expression, vital signs, and family observations
can provide additional context, but their absence does not rule out pain. The nurse should
also assess functional effects and response to interventions.
10. A nurse notes that an adult patient's respiratory rate is 30 breaths per minute at rest.
The patient appears anxious and has difficulty completing sentences. Which interpretation
is most appropriate?
A. The findings are expected during a routine health assessment.
B. Anxiety definitively explains the increased respiratory rate.
