NUR 6001 EXAM 2 – Advanced Health Assessment
(2026)
William Paterson University (WPU) – Practice Exam
SECTION 1: General Approach & Comprehensive History
(Questions 1–40)
1. A 72-year-old patient reports feeling "dizzy when
standing up." Which component of the health history is
most important to clarify?
A. Family history of syncope
B. Onset, duration, and alleviating factors
C. Immunization status
D. Use of herbal supplements
Answer: B
Rationale: Orthostatic dizziness requires detailed timing
(onset, duration) and triggers (e.g., after meals,
,medication timing). Family history is relevant but less
immediate. Herbal supplements could contribute, but
clarifying the symptom characteristics is the most
comprehensive approach.
2. When using the "OLDCARTS" mnemonic for pain
assessment, the "R" stands for:
A. Radiation
B. Relief
C. Reproduction
D. Rhythm
Answer: A
Rationale: OLDCARTS = Onset, Location, Duration,
Character, Aggravating factors, Relieving factors, Timing,
Severity. "R" stands for Radiation (where the pain
spreads).
3. A patient avoids eye contact, shifts in seat, and gives
vague answers. The nurse should:
,A. Redirect firmly to obtain clear answers
B. Note behavior as possible anxiety or cultural norm
C. End the interview immediately
D. Ask a family member to interpret
Answer: B
Rationale: Nonverbal cues require interpretation;
anxiety, cultural differences, or discomfort are common
causes. The nurse should acknowledge the behavior
respectfully rather than ending the interview or
redirecting firmly.
4. The mnemonic "PQRSTU" for symptom analysis
includes "U" for:
A. Understanding
B. Unusual features
C. Uncertainty
D. Underlying cause
Answer: B
Rationale: PQRSTU = Provocation/Palliation, Quality,
Region/Radiation, Severity, Timing, Understanding
patient's perspective (what they think it is). Some
sources use"U" for"Usualpattern" or "Unusual features."
, 5. A patient's chief complaint is "I feel tiredall the time."
What is the next priority?
A. Ordera CBC and iron panel
B. Assess fordepression and sleep quality
C. Inquire aboutonset, duration, and severity of fatigue
D. Reviewthyroid medication compliance
Answer: C
Rationale: Always fully characterize the symptom before
ordering tests or focusing on specific causes. Fatigue is
multifactorial and requires a thorough symptom analysis.
6. Which interviewing technique is mostlikelytoincrease
patientdisclosure?
A. Asking "Why didn't you take your medication?"
B. Using open-ended questions followedby reflective
listening
C. Completingareview of systemsbeforethehistory of
presentillness
D. Asking leadingquestions to confirm suspicions
Answer: B
(2026)
William Paterson University (WPU) – Practice Exam
SECTION 1: General Approach & Comprehensive History
(Questions 1–40)
1. A 72-year-old patient reports feeling "dizzy when
standing up." Which component of the health history is
most important to clarify?
A. Family history of syncope
B. Onset, duration, and alleviating factors
C. Immunization status
D. Use of herbal supplements
Answer: B
Rationale: Orthostatic dizziness requires detailed timing
(onset, duration) and triggers (e.g., after meals,
,medication timing). Family history is relevant but less
immediate. Herbal supplements could contribute, but
clarifying the symptom characteristics is the most
comprehensive approach.
2. When using the "OLDCARTS" mnemonic for pain
assessment, the "R" stands for:
A. Radiation
B. Relief
C. Reproduction
D. Rhythm
Answer: A
Rationale: OLDCARTS = Onset, Location, Duration,
Character, Aggravating factors, Relieving factors, Timing,
Severity. "R" stands for Radiation (where the pain
spreads).
3. A patient avoids eye contact, shifts in seat, and gives
vague answers. The nurse should:
,A. Redirect firmly to obtain clear answers
B. Note behavior as possible anxiety or cultural norm
C. End the interview immediately
D. Ask a family member to interpret
Answer: B
Rationale: Nonverbal cues require interpretation;
anxiety, cultural differences, or discomfort are common
causes. The nurse should acknowledge the behavior
respectfully rather than ending the interview or
redirecting firmly.
4. The mnemonic "PQRSTU" for symptom analysis
includes "U" for:
A. Understanding
B. Unusual features
C. Uncertainty
D. Underlying cause
Answer: B
Rationale: PQRSTU = Provocation/Palliation, Quality,
Region/Radiation, Severity, Timing, Understanding
patient's perspective (what they think it is). Some
sources use"U" for"Usualpattern" or "Unusual features."
, 5. A patient's chief complaint is "I feel tiredall the time."
What is the next priority?
A. Ordera CBC and iron panel
B. Assess fordepression and sleep quality
C. Inquire aboutonset, duration, and severity of fatigue
D. Reviewthyroid medication compliance
Answer: C
Rationale: Always fully characterize the symptom before
ordering tests or focusing on specific causes. Fatigue is
multifactorial and requires a thorough symptom analysis.
6. Which interviewing technique is mostlikelytoincrease
patientdisclosure?
A. Asking "Why didn't you take your medication?"
B. Using open-ended questions followedby reflective
listening
C. Completingareview of systemsbeforethehistory of
presentillness
D. Asking leadingquestions to confirm suspicions
Answer: B
