NUR 504 EXAM 5 – Advanced Health Assessment
(2026)
St. Thomas University (STU) – Practice Examination
Questions 1–200
SECTION 1: HEALTH HISTORY & INTERVIEWING
(Questions 1–30)
1. The provider is preparing to take a health history for
a new patient. He 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. Heart rate 88 bpm and regular
D. Pupils equal, round, and reactive to light
Answer: B
Rationale: Subjective data consists of information
reported by the patient, including symptoms, feelings,
perceptions, and concerns. Objective data (A, C, D) are
measurable findings obtained through physical
examination, laboratory tests, or diagnostic procedures.
,3. Which of the following is true regarding the data
taken in a health history?
A. Most health history data are objective and measurable
B. Objective data are error-free, quantifiable data
C. Subjective data, being inherently less accurate, are of
less value than objective data
D. A successful individualized plan of care must
incorporate subjective data
Answer: D
Rationale: Both subjective and objective data are essential
for an accurate assessment. Subjective data provide the
patient's perspective and experience of illness, which is
critical for developing an individualized, patient-centered
plan of care.
4. What do Coulehan and Block define as "listening to
the total communication... and letting the patient
know that you are really hearing"?
A. Cultural competence
B. Patience
, C. Empathy
D. Top-tier communication
. Answer: C
Rationale: Empathy involves actively listening to the
patient's total communication and conveying that you
truly understand their experience. It is a core component
of the therapeutic relationship and effective health
assessment
5. Which of the following is true of both
comprehensive and focused health histories?
A. They both include identifying data
B. They both include a social history
C. They both include a family history
D. They are both conducted in emergency situations
Answer: A
Rationale: Both comprehensive and focused health
histories include identifying data (name, age, gender, etc.).
Comprehensive histories include detailed social and family
history; focused histories may omit these if not relevant to
the presenting complaint.
(2026)
St. Thomas University (STU) – Practice Examination
Questions 1–200
SECTION 1: HEALTH HISTORY & INTERVIEWING
(Questions 1–30)
1. The provider is preparing to take a health history for
a new patient. He 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. Heart rate 88 bpm and regular
D. Pupils equal, round, and reactive to light
Answer: B
Rationale: Subjective data consists of information
reported by the patient, including symptoms, feelings,
perceptions, and concerns. Objective data (A, C, D) are
measurable findings obtained through physical
examination, laboratory tests, or diagnostic procedures.
,3. Which of the following is true regarding the data
taken in a health history?
A. Most health history data are objective and measurable
B. Objective data are error-free, quantifiable data
C. Subjective data, being inherently less accurate, are of
less value than objective data
D. A successful individualized plan of care must
incorporate subjective data
Answer: D
Rationale: Both subjective and objective data are essential
for an accurate assessment. Subjective data provide the
patient's perspective and experience of illness, which is
critical for developing an individualized, patient-centered
plan of care.
4. What do Coulehan and Block define as "listening to
the total communication... and letting the patient
know that you are really hearing"?
A. Cultural competence
B. Patience
, C. Empathy
D. Top-tier communication
. Answer: C
Rationale: Empathy involves actively listening to the
patient's total communication and conveying that you
truly understand their experience. It is a core component
of the therapeutic relationship and effective health
assessment
5. Which of the following is true of both
comprehensive and focused health histories?
A. They both include identifying data
B. They both include a social history
C. They both include a family history
D. They are both conducted in emergency situations
Answer: A
Rationale: Both comprehensive and focused health
histories include identifying data (name, age, gender, etc.).
Comprehensive histories include detailed social and family
history; focused histories may omit these if not relevant to
the presenting complaint.
