NUR 6001/NUR6001 Exam 1 V3 | Advanced
Health Assessment Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. A patient describes their chest pain as ‘crushing’ and ‘heavy.’ Which component of the
OLDCART mnemonic does this represent?
A. Onset
B. Location
C. Aggravating factors
D. Character
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The term ‘crushing’ and ‘heavy’ refers to the quality or nature of the
pain. In the OLDCART mnemonic, this falls under the ‘Character’ section which helps
differentiate types of pain. Understanding the character of pain is essential for diagnosing
underlying conditions like myocardial infarction.
2. Which of the following is considered subjective data?
A. Blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg
B. Heart rate of 88 beats per minute
C. Patient stating, ‘I feel dizzy when I stand up’
D. Presence of a 2cm skin lesion on the arm
,Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Subjective data consists of information provided by the patient that
cannot be measured directly by the examiner. Feelings, perceptions, and concerns reported
during the history-taking process are subjective. Objective data, conversely, are signs that
are observable and measurable during the physical examination.
3. When performing a physical assessment on a patient’s abdomen, what is the correct order
of techniques?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D. Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The order for abdominal assessment is modified to prevent altering
bowel sounds. Auscultation is performed second because percussion and palpation can
increase peristalsis and create false bowel sounds. Following this sequence ensures the
most accurate representation of the patient’s gastrointestinal status.
4. Which part of the hand is most sensitive to vibrations during a physical exam?
A. Fingertips
B. Dorsal surface of the hand
, C. Ulnar surface of the hand
D. Palmar surface of the fingers
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The ulnar surface of the hand and the base of the fingers are the most
sensitive areas for detecting vibrations. This technique is specifically used when assessing
tactile fremitus in the respiratory system. In contrast, fingertips are better for fine tactile
discrimination, and the dorsal surface is best for temperature.
5. A patient presents with a BMI of 32. How would the nurse practitioner classify this finding?
A. Underweight
B. Obese
C. Overweight
D. Normal weight
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Body Mass Index (BMI) categories are standardized across healthcare
for assessing weight status. A BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight, while 30
or above is classified as obese. This classification helps clinicians identify patients at higher
risk for metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.
6. During a skin assessment, the ‘A’ in the ABCDE mnemonic for melanoma stands for:
A. Asymmetry
Health Assessment Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. A patient describes their chest pain as ‘crushing’ and ‘heavy.’ Which component of the
OLDCART mnemonic does this represent?
A. Onset
B. Location
C. Aggravating factors
D. Character
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The term ‘crushing’ and ‘heavy’ refers to the quality or nature of the
pain. In the OLDCART mnemonic, this falls under the ‘Character’ section which helps
differentiate types of pain. Understanding the character of pain is essential for diagnosing
underlying conditions like myocardial infarction.
2. Which of the following is considered subjective data?
A. Blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg
B. Heart rate of 88 beats per minute
C. Patient stating, ‘I feel dizzy when I stand up’
D. Presence of a 2cm skin lesion on the arm
,Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Subjective data consists of information provided by the patient that
cannot be measured directly by the examiner. Feelings, perceptions, and concerns reported
during the history-taking process are subjective. Objective data, conversely, are signs that
are observable and measurable during the physical examination.
3. When performing a physical assessment on a patient’s abdomen, what is the correct order
of techniques?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D. Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The order for abdominal assessment is modified to prevent altering
bowel sounds. Auscultation is performed second because percussion and palpation can
increase peristalsis and create false bowel sounds. Following this sequence ensures the
most accurate representation of the patient’s gastrointestinal status.
4. Which part of the hand is most sensitive to vibrations during a physical exam?
A. Fingertips
B. Dorsal surface of the hand
, C. Ulnar surface of the hand
D. Palmar surface of the fingers
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The ulnar surface of the hand and the base of the fingers are the most
sensitive areas for detecting vibrations. This technique is specifically used when assessing
tactile fremitus in the respiratory system. In contrast, fingertips are better for fine tactile
discrimination, and the dorsal surface is best for temperature.
5. A patient presents with a BMI of 32. How would the nurse practitioner classify this finding?
A. Underweight
B. Obese
C. Overweight
D. Normal weight
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Body Mass Index (BMI) categories are standardized across healthcare
for assessing weight status. A BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight, while 30
or above is classified as obese. This classification helps clinicians identify patients at higher
risk for metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.
6. During a skin assessment, the ‘A’ in the ABCDE mnemonic for melanoma stands for:
A. Asymmetry
