NSG 3160 Exam 1 V1 | NSG 3160 Health
Assessment | Actual Q&A with Rationale (NSG3160
Exam 1) | Galen
1. A nurse is preparing to conduct a health history for a new patient. Which of the following is
considered subjective data?
A. The patient’s blood pressure reading of 120/80 mmHg.
B. A visible rash on the patient’s left forearm.
C. The patient’s report of a dull, aching pain in the lower back.
D. The nurse’s observation of the patient’s gait.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Subjective data consists of information that the patient tells the nurse, such
as their feelings or perceptions. Pain is always a subjective experience because it cannot be
seen or measured directly by the clinician. Objective data, conversely, is what the nurse
observes or measures, such as vital signs or physical findings.
2. When performing a physical assessment, in what order should the nurse perform the four
basic techniques for most body systems?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Palpation, Percussion, Inspection, Auscultation
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
,D. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The standard sequence for physical assessment is Inspection, followed by
Palpation, Percussion, and then Auscultation. This order allows the nurse to gather visual
data first before physically touching or manipulating the body. The only major exception to
this rule is the abdominal assessment, where auscultation follows inspection to avoid
altering bowel sounds.
3. The nurse is collecting a complete health history. Which of the following components
should be included? (Select all that apply)
A. Biographical data
B. Reason for seeking care
C. Past medical history
D. Review of systems
E. Functional assessment
F. Current physical examination findings
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D, E
Explanation: A complete health history focuses on subjective data and past information
provided by the patient. It includes biographical data, the reason for seeking care, and a
, thorough review of past health and current systems. Physical examination findings are
considered objective data and are recorded separately from the health history.
4. A nurse is assessing a client’s pulse. Which characteristic of the pulse refers to its rhythm?
A. The strength of the blood flow.
B. The pattern of the beats and intervals between them.
C. The number of beats per minute.
D. The elasticity of the arterial wall.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Rhythm refers to the regularity or pattern of the heartbeats and the intervals
between them. A normal rhythm is regular, meaning the time between beats is consistent.
If the intervals vary, the rhythm is described as irregular or arrhythmic.
5. During a general survey, the nurse notes that the patient is ‘oriented x 3.’ This refers to the
patient’s awareness of which factors?
A. Person, Place, and Time
B. Person, Place, and Situation
C. Time, Location, and Medical History
D. Name, Age, and Occupation
Correct Answer: A
Assessment | Actual Q&A with Rationale (NSG3160
Exam 1) | Galen
1. A nurse is preparing to conduct a health history for a new patient. Which of the following is
considered subjective data?
A. The patient’s blood pressure reading of 120/80 mmHg.
B. A visible rash on the patient’s left forearm.
C. The patient’s report of a dull, aching pain in the lower back.
D. The nurse’s observation of the patient’s gait.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Subjective data consists of information that the patient tells the nurse, such
as their feelings or perceptions. Pain is always a subjective experience because it cannot be
seen or measured directly by the clinician. Objective data, conversely, is what the nurse
observes or measures, such as vital signs or physical findings.
2. When performing a physical assessment, in what order should the nurse perform the four
basic techniques for most body systems?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Palpation, Percussion, Inspection, Auscultation
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
,D. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The standard sequence for physical assessment is Inspection, followed by
Palpation, Percussion, and then Auscultation. This order allows the nurse to gather visual
data first before physically touching or manipulating the body. The only major exception to
this rule is the abdominal assessment, where auscultation follows inspection to avoid
altering bowel sounds.
3. The nurse is collecting a complete health history. Which of the following components
should be included? (Select all that apply)
A. Biographical data
B. Reason for seeking care
C. Past medical history
D. Review of systems
E. Functional assessment
F. Current physical examination findings
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D, E
Explanation: A complete health history focuses on subjective data and past information
provided by the patient. It includes biographical data, the reason for seeking care, and a
, thorough review of past health and current systems. Physical examination findings are
considered objective data and are recorded separately from the health history.
4. A nurse is assessing a client’s pulse. Which characteristic of the pulse refers to its rhythm?
A. The strength of the blood flow.
B. The pattern of the beats and intervals between them.
C. The number of beats per minute.
D. The elasticity of the arterial wall.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Rhythm refers to the regularity or pattern of the heartbeats and the intervals
between them. A normal rhythm is regular, meaning the time between beats is consistent.
If the intervals vary, the rhythm is described as irregular or arrhythmic.
5. During a general survey, the nurse notes that the patient is ‘oriented x 3.’ This refers to the
patient’s awareness of which factors?
A. Person, Place, and Time
B. Person, Place, and Situation
C. Time, Location, and Medical History
D. Name, Age, and Occupation
Correct Answer: A
