,South University NSG 6020 Midterm Exam | Advanced
Health & Physical Assessment (2026) Q&A
1. A patient reports a "burning" sensation in their chest after meals. Using the
OLDCARTS mnemonic, which component is the nurse practitioner assessing?
A) Onset
B) Location
C) Quality
D) Severity
Correct Answer: Quality
Rationale: The "C" in OLDCARTS stands for Character, which refers to the quality of
the symptom. Asking the patient to describe the sensation (e.g., burning, sharp, dull)
assesses the symptom's character. Onset is when it began, location is where it is felt,
and severity is its intensity.
2. During an interview, a patient consistently avoids eye contact and gives brief,
guarded answers. Which action by the nurse practitioner is most appropriate to build
trust?
A) Immediately confront the patient about their defensiveness.
B) Ask a series of rapid-fire, closed-ended questions to get facts quickly.
C) Use an open-ended, non-judgmental statement like, "Tell me more about what
brings you in today."
D) Document the patient as "uncooperative" and proceed with the physical exam.
Correct Answer: Use an open-ended, non-judgmental statement like, "Tell me more
about what brings you in today."
,Rationale: A guarded patient requires a gentle, non-threatening approach. Open-
ended questions and facilitative statements encourage the patient to share
information at their own pace and help build rapport. Confrontation or rapid
questioning can increase defensiveness.
3. A 68-year-old patient is being assessed for a routine check-up. To ensure the
examination is not rushed and to show respect for the patient's autonomy, what is
the most important initial step?
A) Ask the patient to change into a gown immediately.
B) Begin by taking a complete set of vital signs.
C) Explain the purpose and process of the examination.
D) Perform a comprehensive head-to-toe assessment without interruption.
Correct Answer: Explain the purpose and process of the examination.
Rationale: Explaining the purpose and sequence of the examination respects the
patient's autonomy, reduces anxiety, and establishes a collaborative relationship. This
is a critical component of patient-centered care and helps ensure informed consent.
4. A nurse practitioner is interviewing a patient from a culture that values indirect
communication and avoids direct eye contact with authority figures. How should the
nurse practitioner adapt their technique?
A) Insist on direct eye contact to ensure the patient is paying attention.
B) Interpret the lack of eye contact as a sign of dishonesty.
C) Recognize the cultural difference and use a softer, more indirect approach to
questioning.
D) Terminate the interview and ask a colleague from the same culture to complete it.
, Correct Answer: Recognize the cultural difference and use a softer, more indirect
approach to questioning.
Rationale: Cultural competence involves understanding and respecting differences
in communication styles. In many cultures, avoiding direct eye contact is a sign of
respect, not dishonesty. Adapting the approach builds trust and ensures a more
accurate history.
5. Which of the following is considered subjective data?
A) A patient's blood pressure reading of 142/88 mmHg.
B) A patient's report of a headache.
C) The presence of crackles noted on auscultation.
D) The observation of a rash on the patient's arm.
Correct Answer: A patient's report of a headache.
Rationale: Subjective data are symptoms reported by the patient that cannot be
directly observed or measured by the examiner, such as pain, nausea, or a headache.
Blood pressure, crackles, and a rash are objective, observable findings.
6. A patient states, "I feel like my heart is racing." Which part of the health history
does this statement best belong to?
A) Past medical history
B) Chief complaint
C) Family history
D) Review of systems
Correct Answer: Chief complaint
Health & Physical Assessment (2026) Q&A
1. A patient reports a "burning" sensation in their chest after meals. Using the
OLDCARTS mnemonic, which component is the nurse practitioner assessing?
A) Onset
B) Location
C) Quality
D) Severity
Correct Answer: Quality
Rationale: The "C" in OLDCARTS stands for Character, which refers to the quality of
the symptom. Asking the patient to describe the sensation (e.g., burning, sharp, dull)
assesses the symptom's character. Onset is when it began, location is where it is felt,
and severity is its intensity.
2. During an interview, a patient consistently avoids eye contact and gives brief,
guarded answers. Which action by the nurse practitioner is most appropriate to build
trust?
A) Immediately confront the patient about their defensiveness.
B) Ask a series of rapid-fire, closed-ended questions to get facts quickly.
C) Use an open-ended, non-judgmental statement like, "Tell me more about what
brings you in today."
D) Document the patient as "uncooperative" and proceed with the physical exam.
Correct Answer: Use an open-ended, non-judgmental statement like, "Tell me more
about what brings you in today."
,Rationale: A guarded patient requires a gentle, non-threatening approach. Open-
ended questions and facilitative statements encourage the patient to share
information at their own pace and help build rapport. Confrontation or rapid
questioning can increase defensiveness.
3. A 68-year-old patient is being assessed for a routine check-up. To ensure the
examination is not rushed and to show respect for the patient's autonomy, what is
the most important initial step?
A) Ask the patient to change into a gown immediately.
B) Begin by taking a complete set of vital signs.
C) Explain the purpose and process of the examination.
D) Perform a comprehensive head-to-toe assessment without interruption.
Correct Answer: Explain the purpose and process of the examination.
Rationale: Explaining the purpose and sequence of the examination respects the
patient's autonomy, reduces anxiety, and establishes a collaborative relationship. This
is a critical component of patient-centered care and helps ensure informed consent.
4. A nurse practitioner is interviewing a patient from a culture that values indirect
communication and avoids direct eye contact with authority figures. How should the
nurse practitioner adapt their technique?
A) Insist on direct eye contact to ensure the patient is paying attention.
B) Interpret the lack of eye contact as a sign of dishonesty.
C) Recognize the cultural difference and use a softer, more indirect approach to
questioning.
D) Terminate the interview and ask a colleague from the same culture to complete it.
, Correct Answer: Recognize the cultural difference and use a softer, more indirect
approach to questioning.
Rationale: Cultural competence involves understanding and respecting differences
in communication styles. In many cultures, avoiding direct eye contact is a sign of
respect, not dishonesty. Adapting the approach builds trust and ensures a more
accurate history.
5. Which of the following is considered subjective data?
A) A patient's blood pressure reading of 142/88 mmHg.
B) A patient's report of a headache.
C) The presence of crackles noted on auscultation.
D) The observation of a rash on the patient's arm.
Correct Answer: A patient's report of a headache.
Rationale: Subjective data are symptoms reported by the patient that cannot be
directly observed or measured by the examiner, such as pain, nausea, or a headache.
Blood pressure, crackles, and a rash are objective, observable findings.
6. A patient states, "I feel like my heart is racing." Which part of the health history
does this statement best belong to?
A) Past medical history
B) Chief complaint
C) Family history
D) Review of systems
Correct Answer: Chief complaint
