NUR2058 Exam 2 V1 | NUR 2058 Dimensions of
Nursing Practice Exam Q&A | Rasmussen
University
1. When assessing a patient’s blood pressure, the nurse notices that the cuff is too small for
the patient’s arm. What impact will this have on the reading?
A. The reading will be falsely low.
B. The reading will be accurate if the patient is sitting.
C. The reading will be falsely high.
D. The diastolic pressure will be unaffected.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Using a blood pressure cuff that is too small for the patient’s limb
circumference results in a falsely high reading. The pressure applied by the small bladder
does not transmit evenly to the artery, requiring more pressure to occlude it. Proper cuff
sizing is a critical component of accurate vital sign assessment.
2. A nurse is preparing to perform a physical assessment. Which technique should generally
be performed first in the sequence?
A. Palpation
B. Percussion
C. Auscultation
,D. Inspection
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Inspection is the first step in the physical assessment process and involves
using the senses to observe the patient. This step allows the nurse to gather initial data
about the patient’s appearance and behavior before physical contact. It is followed by
palpation, percussion, and auscultation, except during abdominal exams.
3. Which of the following is the most effective way for a nurse to prevent the transmission of
healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)?
A. Wearing gloves for all patient interactions.
B. Consistent and thorough hand hygiene.
C. Administering prophylactic antibiotics.
D. Limiting visitor access to the unit.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Hand hygiene is recognized as the single most important practice to reduce
the transmission of infectious agents in healthcare settings. It should be performed before
and after patient contact, as well as after contact with body fluids or contaminated surfaces.
Following standardized protocols for hand washing or alcohol-based rubs ensures patient
and staff safety.
, 4. The nurse is assessing a patient’s radial pulse and notes that the rhythm is irregular. What
is the most appropriate next action?
A. Document the finding and move to the next vital sign.
B. Assess the apical pulse for one full minute.
C. Assess the pulse for 15 seconds and multiply by four.
D. Palpate the carotid pulse simultaneously.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: When a peripheral pulse is irregular, the nurse must assess the apical pulse
for a full 60 seconds to ensure accuracy. This allows the nurse to identify the exact heart
rate and identify potential deficits between apical and peripheral pulses. Direct
auscultation at the fifth intercostal space midclavicular line provides the most reliable
measurement of heart rhythm.
5. Which assessment finding would the nurse categorize as an objective data point?
A. The patient reports feeling dizzy.
B. The patient states their pain level is a 7 out of 10.
C. The patient complains of nausea.
D. The patient’s blood pressure is 142/88 mmHg.
Correct Answer: D
Nursing Practice Exam Q&A | Rasmussen
University
1. When assessing a patient’s blood pressure, the nurse notices that the cuff is too small for
the patient’s arm. What impact will this have on the reading?
A. The reading will be falsely low.
B. The reading will be accurate if the patient is sitting.
C. The reading will be falsely high.
D. The diastolic pressure will be unaffected.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Using a blood pressure cuff that is too small for the patient’s limb
circumference results in a falsely high reading. The pressure applied by the small bladder
does not transmit evenly to the artery, requiring more pressure to occlude it. Proper cuff
sizing is a critical component of accurate vital sign assessment.
2. A nurse is preparing to perform a physical assessment. Which technique should generally
be performed first in the sequence?
A. Palpation
B. Percussion
C. Auscultation
,D. Inspection
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Inspection is the first step in the physical assessment process and involves
using the senses to observe the patient. This step allows the nurse to gather initial data
about the patient’s appearance and behavior before physical contact. It is followed by
palpation, percussion, and auscultation, except during abdominal exams.
3. Which of the following is the most effective way for a nurse to prevent the transmission of
healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)?
A. Wearing gloves for all patient interactions.
B. Consistent and thorough hand hygiene.
C. Administering prophylactic antibiotics.
D. Limiting visitor access to the unit.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Hand hygiene is recognized as the single most important practice to reduce
the transmission of infectious agents in healthcare settings. It should be performed before
and after patient contact, as well as after contact with body fluids or contaminated surfaces.
Following standardized protocols for hand washing or alcohol-based rubs ensures patient
and staff safety.
, 4. The nurse is assessing a patient’s radial pulse and notes that the rhythm is irregular. What
is the most appropriate next action?
A. Document the finding and move to the next vital sign.
B. Assess the apical pulse for one full minute.
C. Assess the pulse for 15 seconds and multiply by four.
D. Palpate the carotid pulse simultaneously.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: When a peripheral pulse is irregular, the nurse must assess the apical pulse
for a full 60 seconds to ensure accuracy. This allows the nurse to identify the exact heart
rate and identify potential deficits between apical and peripheral pulses. Direct
auscultation at the fifth intercostal space midclavicular line provides the most reliable
measurement of heart rhythm.
5. Which assessment finding would the nurse categorize as an objective data point?
A. The patient reports feeling dizzy.
B. The patient states their pain level is a 7 out of 10.
C. The patient complains of nausea.
D. The patient’s blood pressure is 142/88 mmHg.
Correct Answer: D
