NSG 6020 3P Exam 2026 | Advanced Health Assessment,
Pathophysiology & Pharmacology Practice Questions |
Comprehensive Review
80 Original Multiple-Choice Practice Questions
Choose the best answer. Correct answers are highlighted and each question includes a
concise rationale.
1. Which of the following is the most important first step when evaluating a
patient with a new complaint?
A. Obtain a focused history and perform an appropriate physical examination
B. Order a broad panel of laboratory tests
C. Refer the patient to a specialist
D. Start empiric treatment immediately
Correct Answer: A. Obtain a focused history and perform an appropriate physical examination
Rationale: The best answer is Obtain a focused history and perform an appropriate
physical examination. It is the most appropriate choice based on core clinical assessment
and 3P principles; the other options do not best address the question.
2. The mnemonic OPQRST is most useful for assessing which symptom?
A. Immunization status
B. Pain
C. Medication adherence
D. Family history
Correct Answer: B. Pain
Rationale: The best answer is Pain. It is the most appropriate choice based on core
clinical assessment and 3P principles; the other options do not best address the
question.
3. Which
component of the history of present illness refers to factors that make a
symptom better or worse?
A. Provocation/Palliation
B. Quality
,C. Severity
D. Region/Radiation
Correct Answer: A. Provocation/Palliation
Rationale: The best answer is Provocation/Palliation. It is the most appropriate choice
based on core clinical assessment and 3P principles; the other options do not best
address the question.
,4. Which finding is considered objective data?
A. Patient states pain is 8/10
B. Blood pressure of 148/92 mmHg
C. Patient reports fatigue
D. Patient reports dizziness
Correct Answer: B. Blood pressure of 148/92 mmHg
Rationale: The best answer is Blood pressure of 148/92 mmHg. It is the most appropriate
choice based on core clinical assessment and 3P principles; the other options do not best
address the question.
5. Which
technique is generally performed first during a routine abdominal
examination?
A. Inspection
B. Percussion
C. Auscultation
D. Palpation
Correct Answer: A. Inspection
Rationale: The best answer is Inspection. It is the most appropriate choice based on
core clinical assessment and 3P principles; the other options do not best address the
question.
6. Why is palpation performed after auscultation during an abdominal examination?
A. Palpation cannot detect tenderness
B. Palpation may alter bowel sounds
C. Percussion must always follow palpation
D. Auscultation requires muscle contraction
Correct Answer: B. Palpation may alter bowel sounds
Rationale: The best answer is Palpation may alter bowel sounds. It is the most appropriate
choice based on core clinical assessment and 3P principles; the other options do not best
address the question.
7. Which examination technique is used to assess the density of underlying tissue?
A. Palpation
B. Olfaction
C. Inspection
D. Percussion
, Correct Answer: D. Percussion
Rationale: The best answer is Percussion. It is the most appropriate choice based on
core clinical assessment and 3P principles; the other options do not best address the
question.
Pathophysiology & Pharmacology Practice Questions |
Comprehensive Review
80 Original Multiple-Choice Practice Questions
Choose the best answer. Correct answers are highlighted and each question includes a
concise rationale.
1. Which of the following is the most important first step when evaluating a
patient with a new complaint?
A. Obtain a focused history and perform an appropriate physical examination
B. Order a broad panel of laboratory tests
C. Refer the patient to a specialist
D. Start empiric treatment immediately
Correct Answer: A. Obtain a focused history and perform an appropriate physical examination
Rationale: The best answer is Obtain a focused history and perform an appropriate
physical examination. It is the most appropriate choice based on core clinical assessment
and 3P principles; the other options do not best address the question.
2. The mnemonic OPQRST is most useful for assessing which symptom?
A. Immunization status
B. Pain
C. Medication adherence
D. Family history
Correct Answer: B. Pain
Rationale: The best answer is Pain. It is the most appropriate choice based on core
clinical assessment and 3P principles; the other options do not best address the
question.
3. Which
component of the history of present illness refers to factors that make a
symptom better or worse?
A. Provocation/Palliation
B. Quality
,C. Severity
D. Region/Radiation
Correct Answer: A. Provocation/Palliation
Rationale: The best answer is Provocation/Palliation. It is the most appropriate choice
based on core clinical assessment and 3P principles; the other options do not best
address the question.
,4. Which finding is considered objective data?
A. Patient states pain is 8/10
B. Blood pressure of 148/92 mmHg
C. Patient reports fatigue
D. Patient reports dizziness
Correct Answer: B. Blood pressure of 148/92 mmHg
Rationale: The best answer is Blood pressure of 148/92 mmHg. It is the most appropriate
choice based on core clinical assessment and 3P principles; the other options do not best
address the question.
5. Which
technique is generally performed first during a routine abdominal
examination?
A. Inspection
B. Percussion
C. Auscultation
D. Palpation
Correct Answer: A. Inspection
Rationale: The best answer is Inspection. It is the most appropriate choice based on
core clinical assessment and 3P principles; the other options do not best address the
question.
6. Why is palpation performed after auscultation during an abdominal examination?
A. Palpation cannot detect tenderness
B. Palpation may alter bowel sounds
C. Percussion must always follow palpation
D. Auscultation requires muscle contraction
Correct Answer: B. Palpation may alter bowel sounds
Rationale: The best answer is Palpation may alter bowel sounds. It is the most appropriate
choice based on core clinical assessment and 3P principles; the other options do not best
address the question.
7. Which examination technique is used to assess the density of underlying tissue?
A. Palpation
B. Olfaction
C. Inspection
D. Percussion
, Correct Answer: D. Percussion
Rationale: The best answer is Percussion. It is the most appropriate choice based on
core clinical assessment and 3P principles; the other options do not best address the
question.
