NUR 3270/NUR3270 Exam 1 V3 | Comp
Health Assessment Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. Which assessment technique involves using the sense of touch to evaluate texture,
temperature, and moisture?
A. Inspection
B. Auscultation
C. Percussion
D. Palpation
Answer: D
Rationale: Palpation is the use of hands and fingers to gather information through touch. It
allows the nurse to assess for masses, pulsations, and organ location. This technique is
performed after inspection in most body system assessments.
2. When assessing a patient’s pulse, the nurse notes it is ‘weak and thready.’ How should this
be documented?
A. 1+
B. 2+
C. 3+
,D. 0
Answer: A
Rationale: The 1+ grade indicates a weak or thready pulse that is easily obliterated by
pressure. A 2+ grade is considered a normal pulse, while 3+ or 4+ indicates a bounding
pulse. Accurate documentation of pulse amplitude is essential for monitoring
cardiovascular health.
3. Which part of the hand is most sensitive for assessing skin temperature?
A. Palmar surface
B. Dorsal surface
C. Ulnar surface
D. Finger pads
Answer: B
Rationale: The dorsal surface or back of the hand is the most sensitive area for detecting
temperature changes. This is because the skin on the back of the hand is thinner than on
the palms. Using this area ensures a more accurate assessment of a patient’s warmth or
coolness.
4. A nurse is using a Snellen chart to assess a patient’s vision. The patient can read at 20 feet
what a normal eye can read at 40 feet. What is the result?
A. 20/20
, B. 40/20
C. 20/40
D. 10/20
Answer: C
Rationale: In Snellen results, the first number represents the distance the patient is
standing from the chart. The second number represents the distance at which a person
with normal vision could read the same line. A result of 20/40 indicates the patient’s visual
acuity is lower than average.
5. Which of the following describes ‘subjective data’ during a health assessment?
A. The patient’s blood pressure reading
B. A visible rash on the patient’s arm
C. The patient’s report of a headache
D. The presence of an audible heart murmur
Answer: C
Rationale: Subjective data consists of information provided by the patient that cannot be
directly observed or measured by the nurse. This includes symptoms such as pain, nausea,
or feelings of anxiety. Objective data, in contrast, includes measurable signs like vital signs
or physical exam findings.
Health Assessment Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. Which assessment technique involves using the sense of touch to evaluate texture,
temperature, and moisture?
A. Inspection
B. Auscultation
C. Percussion
D. Palpation
Answer: D
Rationale: Palpation is the use of hands and fingers to gather information through touch. It
allows the nurse to assess for masses, pulsations, and organ location. This technique is
performed after inspection in most body system assessments.
2. When assessing a patient’s pulse, the nurse notes it is ‘weak and thready.’ How should this
be documented?
A. 1+
B. 2+
C. 3+
,D. 0
Answer: A
Rationale: The 1+ grade indicates a weak or thready pulse that is easily obliterated by
pressure. A 2+ grade is considered a normal pulse, while 3+ or 4+ indicates a bounding
pulse. Accurate documentation of pulse amplitude is essential for monitoring
cardiovascular health.
3. Which part of the hand is most sensitive for assessing skin temperature?
A. Palmar surface
B. Dorsal surface
C. Ulnar surface
D. Finger pads
Answer: B
Rationale: The dorsal surface or back of the hand is the most sensitive area for detecting
temperature changes. This is because the skin on the back of the hand is thinner than on
the palms. Using this area ensures a more accurate assessment of a patient’s warmth or
coolness.
4. A nurse is using a Snellen chart to assess a patient’s vision. The patient can read at 20 feet
what a normal eye can read at 40 feet. What is the result?
A. 20/20
, B. 40/20
C. 20/40
D. 10/20
Answer: C
Rationale: In Snellen results, the first number represents the distance the patient is
standing from the chart. The second number represents the distance at which a person
with normal vision could read the same line. A result of 20/40 indicates the patient’s visual
acuity is lower than average.
5. Which of the following describes ‘subjective data’ during a health assessment?
A. The patient’s blood pressure reading
B. A visible rash on the patient’s arm
C. The patient’s report of a headache
D. The presence of an audible heart murmur
Answer: C
Rationale: Subjective data consists of information provided by the patient that cannot be
directly observed or measured by the nurse. This includes symptoms such as pain, nausea,
or feelings of anxiety. Objective data, in contrast, includes measurable signs like vital signs
or physical exam findings.
