WGU D443 Health Assessment OA Exam
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Answers,Plus Rationales/Expert Verified
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1. Which assessment technique should the nurse use first during a
physical examination?
• A. Palpation
• B. Percussion
• C. Auscultation
• D. Inspection
Correct Answer: D. Inspection
Rationale: Inspection is always the first assessment technique used. It
involves visual observation of the patient's overall appearance, body
structure, mobility, and behavior before any physical contact is made.
2. Which vital sign is most affected by fever?
• A. Blood pressure
• B. Respiratory rate
• C. Pulse
• D. Oxygen saturation
,Correct Answer: C. Pulse
Rationale: Fever increases metabolic demand and causes tachycardia.
The pulse rate typically increases approximately 10 beats per minute for
every 1°F (0.6°C) increase in body temperature.
3. When performing percussion, the nurse is primarily assessing:
• A. Organ function
• B. Tissue density
• C. Pain level
• D. Muscle strength
Correct Answer: B. Tissue density
Rationale: Percussion produces sounds that vary based on the density of
underlying tissue. Dense structures (like bone) produce a flat sound,
while air-filled structures (like lungs) produce resonance.
4. Which statement best describes subjective data?
• A. Measurable findings
• B. Observed behaviors
• C. Patient-reported symptoms
• D. Diagnostic test results
Correct Answer: C. Patient-reported symptoms
,Rationale: Subjective data are information provided by the patient,
including symptoms, feelings, perceptions, and health history. Objective
data are measurable and observable findings.
5. The purpose of auscultation is to assess:
• A. Organ size
• B. Surface characteristics
• C. Internal sounds
• D. Reflexes
Correct Answer: C. Internal sounds
Rationale: Auscultation involves listening to internal body sounds such
as heart sounds, lung sounds, and bowel sounds using a stethoscope.
6. Which position is best for assessing lung sounds?
• A. Supine
• B. Sitting upright
• C. Prone
• D. Trendelenburg
Correct Answer: B. Sitting upright
Rationale: The sitting upright position allows for maximal lung expansion
and provides the best access to posterior and lateral lung fields for
comprehensive auscultation.
, 7. A normal adult respiratory rate is:
• A. 8–12 breaths/min
• B. 10–14 breaths/min
• C. 12–20 breaths/min
• D. 20–28 breaths/min
Correct Answer: C. 12–20 breaths/min
Rationale: The normal resting respiratory rate for a healthy adult is 12 to
20 breaths per minute. Rates outside this range may indicate respiratory
distress or other underlying conditions.
8. Which pulse site is used during CPR in adults?
• A. Radial
• B. Brachial
• C. Carotid
• D. Femoral
Correct Answer: C. Carotid
Rationale: The carotid artery is the preferred pulse site for checking
circulation during CPR in adults because it is central and easily
accessible. The brachial pulse is used for infants.
With Actual Questions & Verified
Answers,Plus Rationales/Expert Verified
For Guaranteed Pass 2025/2026 /Latest
Update/Instant Download Pdf
1. Which assessment technique should the nurse use first during a
physical examination?
• A. Palpation
• B. Percussion
• C. Auscultation
• D. Inspection
Correct Answer: D. Inspection
Rationale: Inspection is always the first assessment technique used. It
involves visual observation of the patient's overall appearance, body
structure, mobility, and behavior before any physical contact is made.
2. Which vital sign is most affected by fever?
• A. Blood pressure
• B. Respiratory rate
• C. Pulse
• D. Oxygen saturation
,Correct Answer: C. Pulse
Rationale: Fever increases metabolic demand and causes tachycardia.
The pulse rate typically increases approximately 10 beats per minute for
every 1°F (0.6°C) increase in body temperature.
3. When performing percussion, the nurse is primarily assessing:
• A. Organ function
• B. Tissue density
• C. Pain level
• D. Muscle strength
Correct Answer: B. Tissue density
Rationale: Percussion produces sounds that vary based on the density of
underlying tissue. Dense structures (like bone) produce a flat sound,
while air-filled structures (like lungs) produce resonance.
4. Which statement best describes subjective data?
• A. Measurable findings
• B. Observed behaviors
• C. Patient-reported symptoms
• D. Diagnostic test results
Correct Answer: C. Patient-reported symptoms
,Rationale: Subjective data are information provided by the patient,
including symptoms, feelings, perceptions, and health history. Objective
data are measurable and observable findings.
5. The purpose of auscultation is to assess:
• A. Organ size
• B. Surface characteristics
• C. Internal sounds
• D. Reflexes
Correct Answer: C. Internal sounds
Rationale: Auscultation involves listening to internal body sounds such
as heart sounds, lung sounds, and bowel sounds using a stethoscope.
6. Which position is best for assessing lung sounds?
• A. Supine
• B. Sitting upright
• C. Prone
• D. Trendelenburg
Correct Answer: B. Sitting upright
Rationale: The sitting upright position allows for maximal lung expansion
and provides the best access to posterior and lateral lung fields for
comprehensive auscultation.
, 7. A normal adult respiratory rate is:
• A. 8–12 breaths/min
• B. 10–14 breaths/min
• C. 12–20 breaths/min
• D. 20–28 breaths/min
Correct Answer: C. 12–20 breaths/min
Rationale: The normal resting respiratory rate for a healthy adult is 12 to
20 breaths per minute. Rates outside this range may indicate respiratory
distress or other underlying conditions.
8. Which pulse site is used during CPR in adults?
• A. Radial
• B. Brachial
• C. Carotid
• D. Femoral
Correct Answer: C. Carotid
Rationale: The carotid artery is the preferred pulse site for checking
circulation during CPR in adults because it is central and easily
accessible. The brachial pulse is used for infants.
