NR509 FINAL EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS
BANK 350 MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
WITH ANSWERS AND RATIONALE
2026/2027 UPDATE
SECTION 1: HEALTH HISTORY & PATIENT INTERVIEWING (Questions 1-40)
Question 1
When performing a physical assessment, the first technique the nurse will
always use is:
A. Palpation
B. Inspection
C. Percussion
D. Auscultation
Answer: B. Inspection
Rationale: Inspection is always the first technique used in physical
assessment. It involves visual examination of the patient and provides a
significant amount of information before any hands-on techniques are
employed.
,---
Question 2
The nurse is preparing to perform a physical assessment. Which statement is
true about the inspection phase?
A. Usually yields little information
B. Takes time and reveals a surprising amount of information
C. May be somewhat uncomfortable for the expert practitioner
D. Requires a quick glance at the patient's body systems before proceeding
with palpation
Answer: B. Takes time and reveals a surprising amount of information
Rationale: Inspection requires time and careful observation. It reveals a
surprising amount of information about the patient's overall appearance,
behavior, and physical status.
---
Question 3
The nurse is assessing a patient's skin during an office visit. What part of the
hand and technique should be used to best assess the patient's skin
temperature?
A. Fingertips; they are more sensitive to small changes in temperature
B. Dorsal surface of the hand; the skin is thinner on this surface than on the
palms
C. Ulnar portion of the hand; increased blood supply in this area enhances
temperature sensitivity
,D. Palmar surface of the hand; this surface is the most sensitive to
temperature variations
Answer: B. Dorsal surface of the hand; the skin is thinner on this surface than
on the palms
Rationale: The dorsal surface of the hand has thinner skin than the palms,
making it more sensitive to temperature changes.
---
Question 4
Which technique uses the sense of touch to assess texture, temperature,
moisture, and swelling?
A. Palpation
B. Inspection
C. Percussion
D. Auscultation
Answer: A. Palpation
Rationale: Palpation uses the sense of touch to assess texture, temperature,
moisture, organ location and size, and swelling, vibration, pulsation, rigidity,
and crepitation.
---
, Question 5
The nurse is preparing to assess a patient's abdomen by palpation. How
should the nurse proceed?
A. Palpation of reportedly tender areas is avoided because palpation may
cause pain
B. Palpating a tender area is quickly performed to avoid discomfort
C. The assessment begins with deep palpation while encouraging the patient
to relax
D. The assessment begins with light palpation to detect surface characteristics
and accustom the patient
Answer: D. The assessment begins with light palpation to detect surface
characteristics and to accustom the patient to being touched
Rationale: Light palpation should always precede deep palpation. This allows
the patient to become accustomed to touch and helps identify surface
characteristics before deeper structures are assessed.
---
Question 6
What is the primary purpose of a physical assessment?
A. To establish a therapeutic relationship
B. To gather objective data about the patient's health status
C. To provide treatment recommendations
D. To document the patient's medical history
BANK 350 MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
WITH ANSWERS AND RATIONALE
2026/2027 UPDATE
SECTION 1: HEALTH HISTORY & PATIENT INTERVIEWING (Questions 1-40)
Question 1
When performing a physical assessment, the first technique the nurse will
always use is:
A. Palpation
B. Inspection
C. Percussion
D. Auscultation
Answer: B. Inspection
Rationale: Inspection is always the first technique used in physical
assessment. It involves visual examination of the patient and provides a
significant amount of information before any hands-on techniques are
employed.
,---
Question 2
The nurse is preparing to perform a physical assessment. Which statement is
true about the inspection phase?
A. Usually yields little information
B. Takes time and reveals a surprising amount of information
C. May be somewhat uncomfortable for the expert practitioner
D. Requires a quick glance at the patient's body systems before proceeding
with palpation
Answer: B. Takes time and reveals a surprising amount of information
Rationale: Inspection requires time and careful observation. It reveals a
surprising amount of information about the patient's overall appearance,
behavior, and physical status.
---
Question 3
The nurse is assessing a patient's skin during an office visit. What part of the
hand and technique should be used to best assess the patient's skin
temperature?
A. Fingertips; they are more sensitive to small changes in temperature
B. Dorsal surface of the hand; the skin is thinner on this surface than on the
palms
C. Ulnar portion of the hand; increased blood supply in this area enhances
temperature sensitivity
,D. Palmar surface of the hand; this surface is the most sensitive to
temperature variations
Answer: B. Dorsal surface of the hand; the skin is thinner on this surface than
on the palms
Rationale: The dorsal surface of the hand has thinner skin than the palms,
making it more sensitive to temperature changes.
---
Question 4
Which technique uses the sense of touch to assess texture, temperature,
moisture, and swelling?
A. Palpation
B. Inspection
C. Percussion
D. Auscultation
Answer: A. Palpation
Rationale: Palpation uses the sense of touch to assess texture, temperature,
moisture, organ location and size, and swelling, vibration, pulsation, rigidity,
and crepitation.
---
, Question 5
The nurse is preparing to assess a patient's abdomen by palpation. How
should the nurse proceed?
A. Palpation of reportedly tender areas is avoided because palpation may
cause pain
B. Palpating a tender area is quickly performed to avoid discomfort
C. The assessment begins with deep palpation while encouraging the patient
to relax
D. The assessment begins with light palpation to detect surface characteristics
and accustom the patient
Answer: D. The assessment begins with light palpation to detect surface
characteristics and to accustom the patient to being touched
Rationale: Light palpation should always precede deep palpation. This allows
the patient to become accustomed to touch and helps identify surface
characteristics before deeper structures are assessed.
---
Question 6
What is the primary purpose of a physical assessment?
A. To establish a therapeutic relationship
B. To gather objective data about the patient's health status
C. To provide treatment recommendations
D. To document the patient's medical history
