NURS 3320 Holistic Health Assessment
Exam 1 Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2027
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. Which phase of the nursing process focuses on collecting
subjective and objective patient information?
A. Planning
B. Diagnosis
C. Assessment
D. Evaluation
Answer: C. Assessment
Rationale: Assessment is the first step of the nursing process and
involves gathering comprehensive subjective (patient-reported) and
objective (observable and measurable) data. Accurate assessment
establishes the foundation for identifying nursing diagnoses, developing
interventions, and evaluating patient outcomes.
2. During a health interview, which communication technique best
encourages the patient to provide detailed information?
A. Asking leading questions
,B. Asking open-ended questions
C. Interrupting frequently
D. Using medical terminology
Answer: B. Asking open-ended questions
Rationale: Open-ended questions encourage patients to describe
symptoms, concerns, and experiences in their own words, allowing
nurses to gather more comprehensive and accurate information while
promoting patient-centered communication.
3. Which source of health information is considered the most
reliable?
A. A family member
B. The patient's electronic health record
C. The patient
D. Emergency medical personnel
Answer: C. The patient
Rationale: Whenever possible, the patient is considered the primary and
most reliable source of health information because they can directly
describe symptoms, health history, and concerns. Secondary sources are
used when patients cannot communicate effectively.
4. Which assessment technique should the nurse perform first
during a physical examination of the abdomen?
,A. Palpation
B. Auscultation
C. Percussion
D. Inspection
Answer: D. Inspection
Rationale: The abdominal assessment follows the sequence of
inspection, auscultation, percussion, and palpation. Inspection is
performed first to observe contour, symmetry, skin condition, and
movement without altering bowel sounds.
5. Which assessment finding is considered subjective data?
A. Blood pressure of 126/80 mm Hg
B. Temperature of 98.6°F
C. Patient reports abdominal pain rated 7 out of 10
D. Oxygen saturation of 98%
Answer: C. Patient reports abdominal pain rated 7 out of 10
Rationale: Subjective data consist of information that only the patient
can describe, including pain, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. Objective
data are measurable findings obtained through observation or
examination.
6. Which action best demonstrates therapeutic communication?
A. Finishing the patient's sentences
, B. Giving unsolicited advice
C. Maintaining eye contact and active listening
D. Changing the subject when emotions arise
Answer: C. Maintaining eye contact and active listening
Rationale: Active listening, appropriate eye contact, and attentive body
language foster trust, encourage communication, and strengthen the
therapeutic nurse-patient relationship.
7. Which component is included in a comprehensive health history?
A. Daily staffing assignments
B. Family health history
C. Hospital financial records
D. Insurance information only
Answer: B. Family health history
Rationale: A comprehensive health history includes chief complaint,
history of present illness, past medical history, medications, allergies,
family history, social history, review of systems, and health promotion
practices.
8. The primary purpose of obtaining informed consent is to:
A. Protect the healthcare provider
B. Ensure legal documentation only
Exam 1 Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2027
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. Which phase of the nursing process focuses on collecting
subjective and objective patient information?
A. Planning
B. Diagnosis
C. Assessment
D. Evaluation
Answer: C. Assessment
Rationale: Assessment is the first step of the nursing process and
involves gathering comprehensive subjective (patient-reported) and
objective (observable and measurable) data. Accurate assessment
establishes the foundation for identifying nursing diagnoses, developing
interventions, and evaluating patient outcomes.
2. During a health interview, which communication technique best
encourages the patient to provide detailed information?
A. Asking leading questions
,B. Asking open-ended questions
C. Interrupting frequently
D. Using medical terminology
Answer: B. Asking open-ended questions
Rationale: Open-ended questions encourage patients to describe
symptoms, concerns, and experiences in their own words, allowing
nurses to gather more comprehensive and accurate information while
promoting patient-centered communication.
3. Which source of health information is considered the most
reliable?
A. A family member
B. The patient's electronic health record
C. The patient
D. Emergency medical personnel
Answer: C. The patient
Rationale: Whenever possible, the patient is considered the primary and
most reliable source of health information because they can directly
describe symptoms, health history, and concerns. Secondary sources are
used when patients cannot communicate effectively.
4. Which assessment technique should the nurse perform first
during a physical examination of the abdomen?
,A. Palpation
B. Auscultation
C. Percussion
D. Inspection
Answer: D. Inspection
Rationale: The abdominal assessment follows the sequence of
inspection, auscultation, percussion, and palpation. Inspection is
performed first to observe contour, symmetry, skin condition, and
movement without altering bowel sounds.
5. Which assessment finding is considered subjective data?
A. Blood pressure of 126/80 mm Hg
B. Temperature of 98.6°F
C. Patient reports abdominal pain rated 7 out of 10
D. Oxygen saturation of 98%
Answer: C. Patient reports abdominal pain rated 7 out of 10
Rationale: Subjective data consist of information that only the patient
can describe, including pain, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. Objective
data are measurable findings obtained through observation or
examination.
6. Which action best demonstrates therapeutic communication?
A. Finishing the patient's sentences
, B. Giving unsolicited advice
C. Maintaining eye contact and active listening
D. Changing the subject when emotions arise
Answer: C. Maintaining eye contact and active listening
Rationale: Active listening, appropriate eye contact, and attentive body
language foster trust, encourage communication, and strengthen the
therapeutic nurse-patient relationship.
7. Which component is included in a comprehensive health history?
A. Daily staffing assignments
B. Family health history
C. Hospital financial records
D. Insurance information only
Answer: B. Family health history
Rationale: A comprehensive health history includes chief complaint,
history of present illness, past medical history, medications, allergies,
family history, social history, review of systems, and health promotion
practices.
8. The primary purpose of obtaining informed consent is to:
A. Protect the healthcare provider
B. Ensure legal documentation only
