2026 EDITION HEALTH ASSESSMENT
EXAM questions and verified answers
with rationales
1. During a general physical assessment, which examination
technique is typically performed first?
A. Percussion
B. Inspection
C. Palpation
D. Auscultation
Correct Answer: B. Inspection
Rationale: Inspection is the initial step in most physical
examinations because it allows the nurse to gather visual
information before touching the patient. Subsequent
techniques depend on the body system being assessed.
2. Which body temperature measurement site generally
reflects core body temperature most accurately in a
conscious adult?
A. Axillary
B. Tympanic
C. Oral
,D. Temporal artery
Correct Answer: C. Oral
Rationale: Oral temperature provides a reliable estimate of
core body temperature in cooperative adults when no factors
such as recent eating, drinking, or oxygen therapy interfere
with the measurement.
3. Which pulse site is commonly used to assess circulation
during routine adult vital sign assessment?
A. Femoral
B. Carotid
C. Radial
D. Apical
Correct Answer: C. Radial
Rationale: The radial pulse is easily accessible and suitable for
routine assessment of pulse rate, rhythm, and strength in
adults.
4. A respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute in a healthy
adult is interpreted as:
A. Bradypnoea
B. Tachypnoea
C. Within the expected adult range
D. Apnoea
,Correct Answer: C. Within the expected adult range
Rationale: A normal adult respiratory rate generally ranges
from 12 to 20 breaths per minute; therefore, 18 breaths per
minute is considered normal.
5. Which characteristic is assessed when evaluating the
quality of a patient's pulse?
A. Colour
B. Symmetry
C. Strength
D. Moisture
Correct Answer: C. Strength
Rationale: Pulse assessment includes evaluating rate, rhythm,
and strength (amplitude), which provides information about
cardiovascular status.
6. Which examination technique involves listening to sounds
produced within the body?
A. Percussion
B. Inspection
C. Palpation
D. Auscultation
Correct Answer: D. Auscultation
, Rationale: Auscultation uses a stethoscope to assess sounds
from the heart, lungs, blood vessels, and gastrointestinal
tract.
7. Before measuring blood pressure, the patient should
ideally rest for approximately:
A. 1 minute
B. 5 minutes
C. 15 minutes
D. 30 minutes
Correct Answer: B. 5 minutes
Rationale: Resting for about five minutes before blood
pressure measurement helps obtain a more accurate reading
by minimising temporary physiological influences.
8. Which finding during skin assessment indicates adequate
peripheral perfusion?
A. Delayed capillary refill exceeding 3 seconds
B. Cool, pale extremities
C. Capillary refill within 2 seconds
D. Cyanosis of the nail beds
Correct Answer: C. Capillary refill within 2 seconds
EXAM questions and verified answers
with rationales
1. During a general physical assessment, which examination
technique is typically performed first?
A. Percussion
B. Inspection
C. Palpation
D. Auscultation
Correct Answer: B. Inspection
Rationale: Inspection is the initial step in most physical
examinations because it allows the nurse to gather visual
information before touching the patient. Subsequent
techniques depend on the body system being assessed.
2. Which body temperature measurement site generally
reflects core body temperature most accurately in a
conscious adult?
A. Axillary
B. Tympanic
C. Oral
,D. Temporal artery
Correct Answer: C. Oral
Rationale: Oral temperature provides a reliable estimate of
core body temperature in cooperative adults when no factors
such as recent eating, drinking, or oxygen therapy interfere
with the measurement.
3. Which pulse site is commonly used to assess circulation
during routine adult vital sign assessment?
A. Femoral
B. Carotid
C. Radial
D. Apical
Correct Answer: C. Radial
Rationale: The radial pulse is easily accessible and suitable for
routine assessment of pulse rate, rhythm, and strength in
adults.
4. A respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute in a healthy
adult is interpreted as:
A. Bradypnoea
B. Tachypnoea
C. Within the expected adult range
D. Apnoea
,Correct Answer: C. Within the expected adult range
Rationale: A normal adult respiratory rate generally ranges
from 12 to 20 breaths per minute; therefore, 18 breaths per
minute is considered normal.
5. Which characteristic is assessed when evaluating the
quality of a patient's pulse?
A. Colour
B. Symmetry
C. Strength
D. Moisture
Correct Answer: C. Strength
Rationale: Pulse assessment includes evaluating rate, rhythm,
and strength (amplitude), which provides information about
cardiovascular status.
6. Which examination technique involves listening to sounds
produced within the body?
A. Percussion
B. Inspection
C. Palpation
D. Auscultation
Correct Answer: D. Auscultation
, Rationale: Auscultation uses a stethoscope to assess sounds
from the heart, lungs, blood vessels, and gastrointestinal
tract.
7. Before measuring blood pressure, the patient should
ideally rest for approximately:
A. 1 minute
B. 5 minutes
C. 15 minutes
D. 30 minutes
Correct Answer: B. 5 minutes
Rationale: Resting for about five minutes before blood
pressure measurement helps obtain a more accurate reading
by minimising temporary physiological influences.
8. Which finding during skin assessment indicates adequate
peripheral perfusion?
A. Delayed capillary refill exceeding 3 seconds
B. Cool, pale extremities
C. Capillary refill within 2 seconds
D. Cyanosis of the nail beds
Correct Answer: C. Capillary refill within 2 seconds
