WGU D443 – Health Assessment Exam
Questions and Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf.
1. During a comprehensive health assessment, which action should
the nurse perform first?
A. Perform a head-to-toe physical examination
B. Review laboratory findings
C. Obtain a thorough health history
D. Develop nursing diagnoses
Rationale: A comprehensive health assessment begins with obtaining a
detailed health history. The history provides subjective information
about the patient's current health concerns, past medical history,
medications, allergies, family history, social history, and lifestyle. This
information guides the physical examination and helps the nurse
prioritize areas requiring further assessment.
2. Which technique should the nurse use when assessing the
abdomen?
A. Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation
B. Inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation
,C. Palpation, percussion, inspection, auscultation
D. Auscultation, inspection, palpation, percussion
Rationale: The correct sequence for abdominal assessment is inspection,
auscultation, percussion, and palpation. Auscultation is performed
before percussion and palpation because these techniques can stimulate
bowel sounds and alter the assessment findings.
3. Which pulse site is commonly used during adult cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR) to assess circulation?
A. Radial
B. Brachial
C. Carotid
D. Femoral
Rationale: The carotid pulse is the preferred central pulse for assessing
circulation in adults during emergencies because it is large, easily
accessible, and remains palpable even when peripheral perfusion is
poor.
4. A patient reports chest pain rated 8 out of 10. This information is
classified as:
A. Objective data
B. Subjective data
C. Secondary data
D. Diagnostic data
,Rationale: Subjective data are symptoms reported directly by the
patient. Pain intensity is a subjective finding because only the patient
can accurately describe the experience.
5. Which normal adult respiratory rate should the nurse expect
during assessment?
A. 8–10 breaths/minute
B. 10–14 breaths/minute
C. 12–20 breaths/minute
D. 22–30 breaths/minute
Rationale: The normal resting respiratory rate for healthy adults ranges
from 12 to 20 breaths per minute. Rates outside this range may indicate
respiratory or systemic disorders.
6. Which assessment finding is considered a normal heart sound?
A. S3 in every adult
B. S1 produced by closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves
C. Pericardial friction rub
D. Loud systolic murmur
Rationale: S1 is produced by closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves at
the beginning of ventricular systole. It is a normal heart sound heard
best at the cardiac apex.
, 7. During assessment, the nurse notes that the patient's pupils are
equal, round, reactive to light, and accommodate. This finding is
documented as:
A. PERL
B. PERRLA
C. PEARL
D. PRLA
Rationale: PERRLA stands for Pupils Equal, Round, Reactive to Light, and
Accommodation. This is a common abbreviation documenting a normal
eye assessment.
8. Which cranial nerve is primarily responsible for hearing?
A. Cranial nerve II
B. Cranial nerve V
C. Cranial nerve VII
D. Cranial nerve VIII
Rationale: Cranial nerve VIII, the vestibulocochlear nerve, is responsible
for hearing and balance. Assessment includes hearing acuity tests such
as the whisper test or tuning fork tests.
9. Which body mass index (BMI) range is classified as normal?
A. Less than 18.5 kg/m²
B. 18.5–24.9 kg/m²
C. 25.0–29.9 kg/m²
D. 30 kg/m² or greater
Questions and Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf.
1. During a comprehensive health assessment, which action should
the nurse perform first?
A. Perform a head-to-toe physical examination
B. Review laboratory findings
C. Obtain a thorough health history
D. Develop nursing diagnoses
Rationale: A comprehensive health assessment begins with obtaining a
detailed health history. The history provides subjective information
about the patient's current health concerns, past medical history,
medications, allergies, family history, social history, and lifestyle. This
information guides the physical examination and helps the nurse
prioritize areas requiring further assessment.
2. Which technique should the nurse use when assessing the
abdomen?
A. Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation
B. Inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation
,C. Palpation, percussion, inspection, auscultation
D. Auscultation, inspection, palpation, percussion
Rationale: The correct sequence for abdominal assessment is inspection,
auscultation, percussion, and palpation. Auscultation is performed
before percussion and palpation because these techniques can stimulate
bowel sounds and alter the assessment findings.
3. Which pulse site is commonly used during adult cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR) to assess circulation?
A. Radial
B. Brachial
C. Carotid
D. Femoral
Rationale: The carotid pulse is the preferred central pulse for assessing
circulation in adults during emergencies because it is large, easily
accessible, and remains palpable even when peripheral perfusion is
poor.
4. A patient reports chest pain rated 8 out of 10. This information is
classified as:
A. Objective data
B. Subjective data
C. Secondary data
D. Diagnostic data
,Rationale: Subjective data are symptoms reported directly by the
patient. Pain intensity is a subjective finding because only the patient
can accurately describe the experience.
5. Which normal adult respiratory rate should the nurse expect
during assessment?
A. 8–10 breaths/minute
B. 10–14 breaths/minute
C. 12–20 breaths/minute
D. 22–30 breaths/minute
Rationale: The normal resting respiratory rate for healthy adults ranges
from 12 to 20 breaths per minute. Rates outside this range may indicate
respiratory or systemic disorders.
6. Which assessment finding is considered a normal heart sound?
A. S3 in every adult
B. S1 produced by closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves
C. Pericardial friction rub
D. Loud systolic murmur
Rationale: S1 is produced by closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves at
the beginning of ventricular systole. It is a normal heart sound heard
best at the cardiac apex.
, 7. During assessment, the nurse notes that the patient's pupils are
equal, round, reactive to light, and accommodate. This finding is
documented as:
A. PERL
B. PERRLA
C. PEARL
D. PRLA
Rationale: PERRLA stands for Pupils Equal, Round, Reactive to Light, and
Accommodation. This is a common abbreviation documenting a normal
eye assessment.
8. Which cranial nerve is primarily responsible for hearing?
A. Cranial nerve II
B. Cranial nerve V
C. Cranial nerve VII
D. Cranial nerve VIII
Rationale: Cranial nerve VIII, the vestibulocochlear nerve, is responsible
for hearing and balance. Assessment includes hearing acuity tests such
as the whisper test or tuning fork tests.
9. Which body mass index (BMI) range is classified as normal?
A. Less than 18.5 kg/m²
B. 18.5–24.9 kg/m²
C. 25.0–29.9 kg/m²
D. 30 kg/m² or greater
