NUR 3270/NUR3270 Final Exam V2 | Comp
Health Assessment Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. When initiating a health history interview, which technique should the nurse use to
encourage the patient to provide a detailed narrative?
A. Asking closed-ended questions
B. Using open-ended questions
C. Directing the conversation with leading questions
D. Interrupting frequently to clarify details
Answer: B
Rationale: Open-ended questions allow the patient to express their concerns in their own
words and provide more comprehensive information. Closed-ended questions typically
result in one-word answers, which may miss crucial diagnostic details. Using an open-
ended approach fosters a therapeutic relationship and ensures the nurse captures the
patient’s unique perspective.
2. Which of the following findings is considered objective data?
A. The patient reports feeling dizzy
B. The patient describes their pain as sharp
C. The patient states they have a history of asthma
,D. A blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg
Answer: D
Rationale: Objective data is information that is observable and measurable by the
healthcare provider, such as vital signs or physical exam findings. Subjective data consists
of information reported by the patient, including their feelings, perceptions, and self-
reported history. A blood pressure reading is a concrete measurement that can be verified
by another clinician.
3. In the ABCDE mnemonic for assessing skin lesions for potential melanoma, what does the
‘D’ stand for?
A. Depth
B. Density
C. Discoloration
D. Diameter
Answer: D
Rationale: The ‘D’ in the ABCDE mnemonic stands for diameter, specifically focusing on
lesions larger than 6 mm, which is about the size of a pencil eraser. Assessing the diameter
is a key step in identifying suspicious moles that may indicate melanoma. Early detection of
changes in diameter can significantly improve the prognosis for skin cancer patients.
, 4. When assessing a patient with dark skin for cyanosis, where is the most reliable area to
check for a bluish tint?
A. The palms of the hands
B. The oral mucosa and conjunctiva
C. The sclera of the eyes
D. The nail beds
Answer: B
Rationale: In individuals with dark skin pigmentation, cyanosis is best detected in areas
where the skin is thin and blood flow is close to the surface, such as the oral mucosa. The
conjunctiva of the eyes and the nail beds can also be assessed, though the mouth is often
the most reliable site. This allows the nurse to identify hypoxia even when skin melanin
obscures peripheral color changes.
5. A nurse finds that a patient has a 4mm deep indentation that lasts for a few seconds after
pressing on the tibia. How should this be documented?
A. 1+ Pitting edema
B. 3+ Pitting edema
C. 2+ Pitting edema
D. 4+ Pitting edema
Answer: C
Health Assessment Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. When initiating a health history interview, which technique should the nurse use to
encourage the patient to provide a detailed narrative?
A. Asking closed-ended questions
B. Using open-ended questions
C. Directing the conversation with leading questions
D. Interrupting frequently to clarify details
Answer: B
Rationale: Open-ended questions allow the patient to express their concerns in their own
words and provide more comprehensive information. Closed-ended questions typically
result in one-word answers, which may miss crucial diagnostic details. Using an open-
ended approach fosters a therapeutic relationship and ensures the nurse captures the
patient’s unique perspective.
2. Which of the following findings is considered objective data?
A. The patient reports feeling dizzy
B. The patient describes their pain as sharp
C. The patient states they have a history of asthma
,D. A blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg
Answer: D
Rationale: Objective data is information that is observable and measurable by the
healthcare provider, such as vital signs or physical exam findings. Subjective data consists
of information reported by the patient, including their feelings, perceptions, and self-
reported history. A blood pressure reading is a concrete measurement that can be verified
by another clinician.
3. In the ABCDE mnemonic for assessing skin lesions for potential melanoma, what does the
‘D’ stand for?
A. Depth
B. Density
C. Discoloration
D. Diameter
Answer: D
Rationale: The ‘D’ in the ABCDE mnemonic stands for diameter, specifically focusing on
lesions larger than 6 mm, which is about the size of a pencil eraser. Assessing the diameter
is a key step in identifying suspicious moles that may indicate melanoma. Early detection of
changes in diameter can significantly improve the prognosis for skin cancer patients.
, 4. When assessing a patient with dark skin for cyanosis, where is the most reliable area to
check for a bluish tint?
A. The palms of the hands
B. The oral mucosa and conjunctiva
C. The sclera of the eyes
D. The nail beds
Answer: B
Rationale: In individuals with dark skin pigmentation, cyanosis is best detected in areas
where the skin is thin and blood flow is close to the surface, such as the oral mucosa. The
conjunctiva of the eyes and the nail beds can also be assessed, though the mouth is often
the most reliable site. This allows the nurse to identify hypoxia even when skin melanin
obscures peripheral color changes.
5. A nurse finds that a patient has a 4mm deep indentation that lasts for a few seconds after
pressing on the tibia. How should this be documented?
A. 1+ Pitting edema
B. 3+ Pitting edema
C. 2+ Pitting edema
D. 4+ Pitting edema
Answer: C
