Page 1 of 100
NSG3160 HEALTH ASSESSMENT EXAM QUESTIONS LATEST VERSION
2026 - 2027
NURSING PROCESS (Questions 1–30)
1. The nurse is preparing to conduct a health history. Which statement best
describes the purpose of the health history?
A) To obtain objective data about the patient's physical condition
B) To collect subjective data about the patient's health status and concerns
C) To perform a comprehensive physical examination
D) To order diagnostic tests
Answer: B
The health history collects subjective data, including the patient's feelings, perceptions,
and concerns. Objective data is collected during the physical examination.
2. Which type of health assessment is performed when a patient is admitted to
the hospital?
A) Focused assessment
B) Emergency assessment
C) Comprehensive assessment
D) Follow-up assessment
Answer: C
A comprehensive assessment is performed on admission to establish a baseline and
includes a complete health history and physical examination.
3. The nurse is conducting a focused assessment. Which situation would
warrant a focused assessment?
, Page 2 of 100
A) A patient is admitted for the first time
B) A patient reports new onset of chest pain
C) A patient is scheduled for a routine physical
D) A patient is being discharged from the hospital
Answer: B
A focused assessment is performed when a specific problem is identified, such as new
onset of chest pain. It focuses on the affected body system.
4. During which phase of the nursing process does the nurse collect data?
A) Planning
B) Implementation
C) Assessment
D) Evaluation
Answer: C
Assessment is the first phase of the nursing process and involves collecting subjective
and objective data.
5. The nurse is documenting assessment findings. Which finding is an example
of objective data?
A) Patient states, "I feel dizzy"
B) Patient rates pain as 6/10
C) Blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg
D) Patient reports nausea
Answer: C
Objective data is measurable and observable. Blood pressure is an objective finding.
Pain ratings and patient reports are subjective.
6. Which of the following is a primary source of data during a health
assessment?
, Page 3 of 100
A) The patient's family
B) The patient's medical record
C) The patient
D) The patient's healthcare provider
Answer: C
The patient is the primary source of data. Family members, medical records, and other
providers are secondary sources.
7. The nurse is using the SOAP format for documentation. What does the "A"
stand for?
A) Assessment
B) Analysis
C) Action
D) Abnormal
Answer: A
SOAP stands for Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan.
8. Which assessment technique involves using the sense of touch?
A) Inspection
B) Palpation
C) Percussion
D) Auscultation
Answer: B
Palpation uses the sense of touch to assess texture, temperature, moisture, and
tenderness.
9. The nurse is preparing to perform a physical examination. Which action
should the nurse take first?
, Page 4 of 100
A) Perform the examination in a head-to-toe sequence
B) Explain the procedure to the patient and obtain consent
C) Gather all necessary equipment
D) Wash hands
Answer: B
The nurse should first explain the procedure to the patient and obtain consent. This
establishes trust and ensures the patient understands what to expect.
10. Which examination technique should be performed last during an
abdominal assessment?
A) Inspection
B) Auscultation
C) Percussion
D) Palpation
Answer: D
The correct sequence for abdominal assessment is Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion,
and Palpation. Palpation is last to avoid altering bowel sounds.
11. The nurse is assessing a patient's cultural beliefs about health. Which
question is most appropriate?
A) "What religion do you practice?"
B) "What do you believe causes illness?"
C) "Where were you born?"
D) "What language do you speak?"
Answer: B
Asking about the patient's beliefs about illness causation assesses cultural health
beliefs in a patient-centered way.
12. Which of the following is an example of a nursing diagnosis?
NSG3160 HEALTH ASSESSMENT EXAM QUESTIONS LATEST VERSION
2026 - 2027
NURSING PROCESS (Questions 1–30)
1. The nurse is preparing to conduct a health history. Which statement best
describes the purpose of the health history?
A) To obtain objective data about the patient's physical condition
B) To collect subjective data about the patient's health status and concerns
C) To perform a comprehensive physical examination
D) To order diagnostic tests
Answer: B
The health history collects subjective data, including the patient's feelings, perceptions,
and concerns. Objective data is collected during the physical examination.
2. Which type of health assessment is performed when a patient is admitted to
the hospital?
A) Focused assessment
B) Emergency assessment
C) Comprehensive assessment
D) Follow-up assessment
Answer: C
A comprehensive assessment is performed on admission to establish a baseline and
includes a complete health history and physical examination.
3. The nurse is conducting a focused assessment. Which situation would
warrant a focused assessment?
, Page 2 of 100
A) A patient is admitted for the first time
B) A patient reports new onset of chest pain
C) A patient is scheduled for a routine physical
D) A patient is being discharged from the hospital
Answer: B
A focused assessment is performed when a specific problem is identified, such as new
onset of chest pain. It focuses on the affected body system.
4. During which phase of the nursing process does the nurse collect data?
A) Planning
B) Implementation
C) Assessment
D) Evaluation
Answer: C
Assessment is the first phase of the nursing process and involves collecting subjective
and objective data.
5. The nurse is documenting assessment findings. Which finding is an example
of objective data?
A) Patient states, "I feel dizzy"
B) Patient rates pain as 6/10
C) Blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg
D) Patient reports nausea
Answer: C
Objective data is measurable and observable. Blood pressure is an objective finding.
Pain ratings and patient reports are subjective.
6. Which of the following is a primary source of data during a health
assessment?
, Page 3 of 100
A) The patient's family
B) The patient's medical record
C) The patient
D) The patient's healthcare provider
Answer: C
The patient is the primary source of data. Family members, medical records, and other
providers are secondary sources.
7. The nurse is using the SOAP format for documentation. What does the "A"
stand for?
A) Assessment
B) Analysis
C) Action
D) Abnormal
Answer: A
SOAP stands for Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan.
8. Which assessment technique involves using the sense of touch?
A) Inspection
B) Palpation
C) Percussion
D) Auscultation
Answer: B
Palpation uses the sense of touch to assess texture, temperature, moisture, and
tenderness.
9. The nurse is preparing to perform a physical examination. Which action
should the nurse take first?
, Page 4 of 100
A) Perform the examination in a head-to-toe sequence
B) Explain the procedure to the patient and obtain consent
C) Gather all necessary equipment
D) Wash hands
Answer: B
The nurse should first explain the procedure to the patient and obtain consent. This
establishes trust and ensures the patient understands what to expect.
10. Which examination technique should be performed last during an
abdominal assessment?
A) Inspection
B) Auscultation
C) Percussion
D) Palpation
Answer: D
The correct sequence for abdominal assessment is Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion,
and Palpation. Palpation is last to avoid altering bowel sounds.
11. The nurse is assessing a patient's cultural beliefs about health. Which
question is most appropriate?
A) "What religion do you practice?"
B) "What do you believe causes illness?"
C) "Where were you born?"
D) "What language do you speak?"
Answer: B
Asking about the patient's beliefs about illness causation assesses cultural health
beliefs in a patient-centered way.
12. Which of the following is an example of a nursing diagnosis?
