NURS 3320 Holistic Health Assessment
Final Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2027
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. During a comprehensive health assessment, which action should
the nurse perform first?
A. Perform the physical examination
B. Obtain a complete health history
C. Document nursing diagnoses
D. Develop the plan of care
Answer: B. Obtain a complete health history
Rationale: A comprehensive health assessment always begins with
obtaining a detailed health history. The health history provides
subjective data that guides the physical examination, identifies risk
factors, and helps the nurse determine areas requiring further
,assessment. Nursing diagnoses and care planning occur after sufficient
assessment data have been collected.
2. Which communication technique is most effective for encouraging
a patient to provide additional information?
A. Asking multiple questions at once
B. Using leading questions
C. Remaining silent after the patient's response
D. Interrupting to clarify details
Answer: C. Remaining silent after the patient's response
Rationale: Therapeutic silence encourages patients to continue
speaking, organize their thoughts, and share additional information. It
demonstrates active listening and allows patients time to express
concerns without feeling rushed or pressured.
3. Which component of the health history includes allergies,
medications, surgeries, and chronic illnesses?
A. Family history
B. Social history
,C. Past medical history
D. Review of systems
Answer: C. Past medical history
Rationale: The past medical history contains information regarding
previous illnesses, surgeries, hospitalizations, medications, allergies,
immunizations, and chronic medical conditions. This information assists
healthcare providers in identifying health risks and planning care.
4. Which vital sign is considered the most sensitive indicator of a
patient's cardiovascular status?
A. Temperature
B. Respiratory rate
C. Blood pressure
D. Pulse
Answer: D. Pulse
Rationale: The pulse provides immediate information about heart rate,
rhythm, and circulatory status. Changes in pulse rate or rhythm may
indicate cardiovascular compromise, pain, anxiety, dehydration, or
systemic illness.
, 5. Which assessment finding requires immediate follow-up?
A. Blood pressure of 118/74 mmHg
B. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute
C. Temperature of 98.6°F (37°C)
D. Pulse rate of 76 beats per minute
Answer: B. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute
Rationale: A respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute is below the
normal adult range and may indicate respiratory depression,
neurological impairment, or medication effects. Immediate assessment
and intervention are necessary because inadequate ventilation can
rapidly become life-threatening.
6. Which part of the stethoscope is best for assessing low-pitched
heart sounds?
A. Diaphragm
B. Bell
C. Tubing
Final Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2027
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. During a comprehensive health assessment, which action should
the nurse perform first?
A. Perform the physical examination
B. Obtain a complete health history
C. Document nursing diagnoses
D. Develop the plan of care
Answer: B. Obtain a complete health history
Rationale: A comprehensive health assessment always begins with
obtaining a detailed health history. The health history provides
subjective data that guides the physical examination, identifies risk
factors, and helps the nurse determine areas requiring further
,assessment. Nursing diagnoses and care planning occur after sufficient
assessment data have been collected.
2. Which communication technique is most effective for encouraging
a patient to provide additional information?
A. Asking multiple questions at once
B. Using leading questions
C. Remaining silent after the patient's response
D. Interrupting to clarify details
Answer: C. Remaining silent after the patient's response
Rationale: Therapeutic silence encourages patients to continue
speaking, organize their thoughts, and share additional information. It
demonstrates active listening and allows patients time to express
concerns without feeling rushed or pressured.
3. Which component of the health history includes allergies,
medications, surgeries, and chronic illnesses?
A. Family history
B. Social history
,C. Past medical history
D. Review of systems
Answer: C. Past medical history
Rationale: The past medical history contains information regarding
previous illnesses, surgeries, hospitalizations, medications, allergies,
immunizations, and chronic medical conditions. This information assists
healthcare providers in identifying health risks and planning care.
4. Which vital sign is considered the most sensitive indicator of a
patient's cardiovascular status?
A. Temperature
B. Respiratory rate
C. Blood pressure
D. Pulse
Answer: D. Pulse
Rationale: The pulse provides immediate information about heart rate,
rhythm, and circulatory status. Changes in pulse rate or rhythm may
indicate cardiovascular compromise, pain, anxiety, dehydration, or
systemic illness.
, 5. Which assessment finding requires immediate follow-up?
A. Blood pressure of 118/74 mmHg
B. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute
C. Temperature of 98.6°F (37°C)
D. Pulse rate of 76 beats per minute
Answer: B. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute
Rationale: A respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute is below the
normal adult range and may indicate respiratory depression,
neurological impairment, or medication effects. Immediate assessment
and intervention are necessary because inadequate ventilation can
rapidly become life-threatening.
6. Which part of the stethoscope is best for assessing low-pitched
heart sounds?
A. Diaphragm
B. Bell
C. Tubing
