NUR 504 EXAM 1 – Advanced Health Assessment
(2026)
St. Thomas University (STU) – Practice
Examination
Questions 1–200
SECTION 1: HEALTH HISTORY & INTERVIEWING
(Questions 1–40)
1. The provider is preparing to take a health
history for a new patient. He takes the patient to
a private room, asks the patient to don a hospital
gown, steps outside, then returns and asks
permission to conduct the history. He sits at eye
level, observes for sensory deficits, asks
permission to take notes, avoids technical terms,
and observes nonverbal behaviors. Which
mistake did the provider make?
,A. He should have allowed the patient to remain fully
clothed in their own clothing
B. He should not have omitted technical terminology
C. He should have seated himself behind a desk
D. He should have conducted the interview in the
waiting room
Answer: A
Rationale: Asking a patient to change into a hospital
gown before the health history is unnecessary and
may cause discomfort or anxiety. The gown is
typically reserved for the physical examination
portion. The interview should be conducted with the
patient in comfortable street clothes to promote
open communication and respect dignity.
2. Which of the following is an example of
subjective data that may be obtained during a
health history?
A. Blood pressure 142/88 mmHg
B. Patient reports "sharp pain in my chest when I
breathe deeply"
,C. Heartrate88bpmandregular
D. Pupilsequal,round,andreactivetolight
Answer:B
Rationale:Subjectivedataconsistsofinformation
reportedbythepatient,includingsymptoms,feelings,
perceptions,andconcerns.Objectivedata(A,C,D)are
measurablefindingsobtainedthroughphysical
examination,laboratorytests,ordiagnostic
procedures.
3. Whichof thefollowingistrueregardingthedata
takeninahealthhistory?
A. Mosthealthhistorydataareobjectiveand
measurable
B. Objectivedataareerror-free,quantifiabledata
C. Subjectivedata,beinginherentlylessaccurate,areof
lessvaluethanobjectivedata
D. Asuccessfulindividualizedplanofcaremust
incorporatesubjectivedata
Answer:D
, Rationale:Bothsubjectiveandobjectivedataare
essentialforanaccurateassessment.Subjectivedata
providethepatient'sperspectiveandexperienceof
illness,whichiscriticalfordevelopinganindividualized,
patient-centeredplanofcare.
4. Whatdo CoulehanandBlockdefineas"listening
tothetotalcommunication... andlettingthepatient
knowthatyouarereallyhearing"?
A. Culturalcompetence
B.Patience
C. Empathy
D. Top-tiercommunication
Answer:C
Rationale:Empathyinvolvesactivelylisteningtothe
patient'stotalcommunicationandconveyingthatyou
trulyunderstandtheirexperience.Itisacore
componentofthetherapeuticrelationshipand
effectivehealthassessment.
(2026)
St. Thomas University (STU) – Practice
Examination
Questions 1–200
SECTION 1: HEALTH HISTORY & INTERVIEWING
(Questions 1–40)
1. The provider is preparing to take a health
history for a new patient. He takes the patient to
a private room, asks the patient to don a hospital
gown, steps outside, then returns and asks
permission to conduct the history. He sits at eye
level, observes for sensory deficits, asks
permission to take notes, avoids technical terms,
and observes nonverbal behaviors. Which
mistake did the provider make?
,A. He should have allowed the patient to remain fully
clothed in their own clothing
B. He should not have omitted technical terminology
C. He should have seated himself behind a desk
D. He should have conducted the interview in the
waiting room
Answer: A
Rationale: Asking a patient to change into a hospital
gown before the health history is unnecessary and
may cause discomfort or anxiety. The gown is
typically reserved for the physical examination
portion. The interview should be conducted with the
patient in comfortable street clothes to promote
open communication and respect dignity.
2. Which of the following is an example of
subjective data that may be obtained during a
health history?
A. Blood pressure 142/88 mmHg
B. Patient reports "sharp pain in my chest when I
breathe deeply"
,C. Heartrate88bpmandregular
D. Pupilsequal,round,andreactivetolight
Answer:B
Rationale:Subjectivedataconsistsofinformation
reportedbythepatient,includingsymptoms,feelings,
perceptions,andconcerns.Objectivedata(A,C,D)are
measurablefindingsobtainedthroughphysical
examination,laboratorytests,ordiagnostic
procedures.
3. Whichof thefollowingistrueregardingthedata
takeninahealthhistory?
A. Mosthealthhistorydataareobjectiveand
measurable
B. Objectivedataareerror-free,quantifiabledata
C. Subjectivedata,beinginherentlylessaccurate,areof
lessvaluethanobjectivedata
D. Asuccessfulindividualizedplanofcaremust
incorporatesubjectivedata
Answer:D
, Rationale:Bothsubjectiveandobjectivedataare
essentialforanaccurateassessment.Subjectivedata
providethepatient'sperspectiveandexperienceof
illness,whichiscriticalfordevelopinganindividualized,
patient-centeredplanofcare.
4. Whatdo CoulehanandBlockdefineas"listening
tothetotalcommunication... andlettingthepatient
knowthatyouarereallyhearing"?
A. Culturalcompetence
B.Patience
C. Empathy
D. Top-tiercommunication
Answer:C
Rationale:Empathyinvolvesactivelylisteningtothe
patient'stotalcommunicationandconveyingthatyou
trulyunderstandtheirexperience.Itisacore
componentofthetherapeuticrelationshipand
effectivehealthassessment.
