Nursing 251 Exam 2 Questions & Answers 2026 | High-Yield
Review | Graded A+
1. During a patient interview, if a client uses a specific term to describe their
symptoms, how should the interviewer respond to enhance understanding?
The interviewer should ask the client to explain the term in simpler
language.
The interviewer should repeat the term back to the client to confirm
understanding.
The interviewer should change the subject to avoid confusion.
The interviewer should ignore the term and use medical terminology
instead.
2. Mr. Shea is a 51-year-old patient who presents with complaints of a skin
lesion. On examination, you note a linear skin lesion that runs along a nerve
route. Which term would you use when documenting this finding?
Annular
Shingles
Dermatome
Zosteriform
3. Describe why cracked and dry lips might be an important finding during a
skin assessment.
Cracked and dry lips are a common sign of aging.
Cracked and dry lips are usually harmless and require no action.
Cracked and dry lips are a sign of good hydration.
, Cracked and dry lips may indicate dehydration or other underlying
health issues.
4. During a patient assessment, you observe that the buccal mucosa is pale and
dry. What should be your next step?
Document the finding without further assessment.
Ignore the finding as it is not significant.
Immediately refer the patient for surgery.
Assess the patient's hydration status.
5. Why is it important for a client to swallow during a thyroid gland assessment?
Swallowing increases blood flow to the thyroid gland.
Swallowing prevents gag reflex during the assessment.
Swallowing helps to relax the neck muscles.
Swallowing allows the thyroid gland to move, making it easier to
assess.
6. Describe the role of the oculomotor nerve in the assessment of pupil
response during a neurological examination.
The oculomotor nerve does not play a role in pupil response
assessment.
The oculomotor nerve controls pupil constriction and is assessed by
checking the reaction of the pupils to light and accommodation.
The oculomotor nerve is responsible for eye movement only, without
affecting pupil size.
The oculomotor nerve is involved in hearing and balance, not vision.
,7. What is essential for a nurse to effectively discuss sensitive issues with
patients?
Advanced preparation in these areas
Personal experiences with death, dying, and sexuality
Experience dealing with these types of patients
Knowledge of his/her own thoughts and feelings about these issues
8. What is the normal anatomical position of the soft palate?
Asymmetrical and not fused
Absent or malformed
Thickened and discolored
Fused at midline and symmetrical
9. What technique is recommended for improving patient understanding during
an interview?
The use of phrases that are commonly used by other clients in the
area.
The use of the simplest language possible.
The use of the correct medical and technical terminology.
The use of the client's own terms if possible.
10. An older adult client who only speaks a different language than hospital staff
has been admitted to the emergency department after suffering a fall and
suspected hip fracture in the home. Who is the best person to perform
translation services for the client?
a family member
, a trusted friend
a bilingual hospital employee
a hospital translator
11. What is the most serious type of skin cancer that is rapidly increasing in the
U.S.?
Squamous cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma
Melanoma
Carcinoma in situ
12. What type of skin cancer is the most frequently observed malignancy in
Caucasians, affecting 20% of the population? It is typically referred to as
keratinocyte carcinomas such as basal cell carcinoma (75-80%) or squamous
cell carcinoma (25%). The two most important risk factors are skin phototype
and UV light exposure.
Melanoma skin cancer
Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC)
Bowen's disease
Actinic keratosis (AKs)
13. What is the reason for assessing each carotid artery individually during a
head and neck examination?
To prevent a reduction of the blood supply to the brain
To prevent a decreased pulse pressure
To prevent a premature ventricular heart sound
Review | Graded A+
1. During a patient interview, if a client uses a specific term to describe their
symptoms, how should the interviewer respond to enhance understanding?
The interviewer should ask the client to explain the term in simpler
language.
The interviewer should repeat the term back to the client to confirm
understanding.
The interviewer should change the subject to avoid confusion.
The interviewer should ignore the term and use medical terminology
instead.
2. Mr. Shea is a 51-year-old patient who presents with complaints of a skin
lesion. On examination, you note a linear skin lesion that runs along a nerve
route. Which term would you use when documenting this finding?
Annular
Shingles
Dermatome
Zosteriform
3. Describe why cracked and dry lips might be an important finding during a
skin assessment.
Cracked and dry lips are a common sign of aging.
Cracked and dry lips are usually harmless and require no action.
Cracked and dry lips are a sign of good hydration.
, Cracked and dry lips may indicate dehydration or other underlying
health issues.
4. During a patient assessment, you observe that the buccal mucosa is pale and
dry. What should be your next step?
Document the finding without further assessment.
Ignore the finding as it is not significant.
Immediately refer the patient for surgery.
Assess the patient's hydration status.
5. Why is it important for a client to swallow during a thyroid gland assessment?
Swallowing increases blood flow to the thyroid gland.
Swallowing prevents gag reflex during the assessment.
Swallowing helps to relax the neck muscles.
Swallowing allows the thyroid gland to move, making it easier to
assess.
6. Describe the role of the oculomotor nerve in the assessment of pupil
response during a neurological examination.
The oculomotor nerve does not play a role in pupil response
assessment.
The oculomotor nerve controls pupil constriction and is assessed by
checking the reaction of the pupils to light and accommodation.
The oculomotor nerve is responsible for eye movement only, without
affecting pupil size.
The oculomotor nerve is involved in hearing and balance, not vision.
,7. What is essential for a nurse to effectively discuss sensitive issues with
patients?
Advanced preparation in these areas
Personal experiences with death, dying, and sexuality
Experience dealing with these types of patients
Knowledge of his/her own thoughts and feelings about these issues
8. What is the normal anatomical position of the soft palate?
Asymmetrical and not fused
Absent or malformed
Thickened and discolored
Fused at midline and symmetrical
9. What technique is recommended for improving patient understanding during
an interview?
The use of phrases that are commonly used by other clients in the
area.
The use of the simplest language possible.
The use of the correct medical and technical terminology.
The use of the client's own terms if possible.
10. An older adult client who only speaks a different language than hospital staff
has been admitted to the emergency department after suffering a fall and
suspected hip fracture in the home. Who is the best person to perform
translation services for the client?
a family member
, a trusted friend
a bilingual hospital employee
a hospital translator
11. What is the most serious type of skin cancer that is rapidly increasing in the
U.S.?
Squamous cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma
Melanoma
Carcinoma in situ
12. What type of skin cancer is the most frequently observed malignancy in
Caucasians, affecting 20% of the population? It is typically referred to as
keratinocyte carcinomas such as basal cell carcinoma (75-80%) or squamous
cell carcinoma (25%). The two most important risk factors are skin phototype
and UV light exposure.
Melanoma skin cancer
Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC)
Bowen's disease
Actinic keratosis (AKs)
13. What is the reason for assessing each carotid artery individually during a
head and neck examination?
To prevent a reduction of the blood supply to the brain
To prevent a decreased pulse pressure
To prevent a premature ventricular heart sound
