NUR 2092 Health Assessment Quiz Bank | 110 Questions & Answers | Rated A+ Rasmussen College | 2026-2027
NUR 2092 / NUR2092 Health Assessment
Comprehensive Quiz Bank
More Than 100 Questions and Answers | Rated A+
Aligned with Rasmussen College 2026-2027 Health Assessment Curriculum
Total Questions: 110 | Format: Multiple Choice | Cognitive Levels: 30% Recall, 50% Application, 20% Analysis
Question Style: 75% Scenario-Based | 25% Direct Recall / Technique Identification
SECTION 1: Health Assessment Foundations and Techniques
(Health History, Interviewing, Physical Examination Techniques, & Documentation)
— Q1-20
Q1: A 67-year-old male is admitted to the medical-surgical unit. The nurse is preparing to conduct
a comprehensive health history. Which component of the health history should the nurse collect
first after introducing themselves and establishing rapport?
A. History of present illness (HPI)
B. Biographic data [CORRECT]
C. Reason for seeking care
D. Past health history
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Biographic data (name, age, gender, occupation, contact information) is always collected first
because it establishes the patient's identity, ensures proper documentation, and provides context for the rest
of the interview. Reason for seeking care and HPI follow biographic data. Past health history is collected later
in the sequence. Collecting HPI first is premature without confirming patient identity, which is a critical safety
and legal step in NUR2092 documentation standards.
Q2: A nurse is interviewing a 45-year-old female who reports chronic abdominal pain. The nurse
asks, "Can you describe what the pain feels like?" This type of question is best classified as
which interviewing technique?
A. Closed-ended question
B. Leading question
C. Open-ended question [CORRECT]
D. Direct question
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Open-ended questions allow patients to respond in their own words and encourage elaboration,
which is essential for gathering rich subjective data about symptoms such as pain quality. Closed-ended
questions limit responses to yes/no or short answers and are useful for clarifying specific facts. Leading
questions bias the patient's response, which is unethical. A direct question is a closed-ended variant.
NUR2092 emphasizes using open-ended questions early in the interview to build the HPI.
NUR2092 Health Assessment | Comprehensive Quiz Bank Page 1
,NUR 2092 Health Assessment Quiz Bank | 110 Questions & Answers | Rated A+ Rasmussen College | 2026-2027
Q3: During the working phase of a patient interview, the nurse maintains direct eye contact, leans
slightly forward, and periodically restates what the patient has shared. Which combination of
therapeutic communication techniques is the nurse demonstrating?
A. Active listening and reflection [CORRECT]
B. Closed-ended questioning and clarification
C. Silence and broad opening
D. Confrontation and summarization
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Active listening incorporates nonverbal behaviors such as eye contact, leaning forward, and
attentive posture, while reflection (restating) validates the patient's feelings and encourages continued
sharing. This is a core NUR2092 therapeutic communication skill. Closed-ended questioning limits patient
responses. Silence and broad opening are different techniques used selectively. Confrontation is used when
discrepancies are noted and is not represented here.
Q4: A nursing student is preparing to perform a comprehensive physical assessment on a
hospitalized adult patient. In which sequence should the four fundamental physical examination
techniques be performed, with the exception of the abdomen?
A. Auscultation, Palpation, Percussion, Inspection
B. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation [CORRECT]
C. Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation
D. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The standard sequence for physical examination is Inspection → Palpation → Percussion →
Auscultation. This order minimizes stimulation that could alter subsequent findings (e.g., bowel sounds). The
abdomen is the only exception: the order becomes Inspection → Auscultation → Percussion → Palpation
because palpation and percussion can alter bowel sounds before auscultation. NUR2092 students must
memorize both sequences and recognize the abdominal exception.
Q5: A nurse is percussing the chest of a patient with suspected pleural effusion. The nurse places
the pleximeter finger firmly against the chest wall and strikes it with the plexor finger of the
dominant hand. Which percussion technique is being used?
A. Direct percussion
B. Blunt percussion
C. Indirect (mediate) percussion [CORRECT]
D. Fist percussion
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Indirect (mediate) percussion uses the pleximeter finger of the nondominant hand placed against
the body surface, with the plexor finger of the dominant hand striking it. This is the most common percussion
technique used to assess underlying structures such as the lungs and abdomen. Direct percussion involves
striking the body surface directly with the plexor finger, used over sinuses or infant chest. Blunt and fist
percussion are used to assess organ tenderness (e.g., kidney fist percussion).
NUR2092 Health Assessment | Comprehensive Quiz Bank Page 2
,NUR 2092 Health Assessment Quiz Bank | 110 Questions & Answers | Rated A+ Rasmussen College | 2026-2027
Q6: A nurse caring for a patient with Clostridium difficile infection notes a foul-smelling, greenish
stool. The nurse uses the sense of smell to gather assessment data. Which physical examination
technique is being applied?
A. Inspection
B. Olfaction [CORRECT]
C. Palpation
D. Auscultation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Olfaction (the use of smell) is a distinct physical examination technique that provides important
clinical clues. Foul-smelling stool may indicate C. difficile, while a fruity breath odor suggests diabetic
ketoacidosis, and a musty odor may indicate liver failure. Although often grouped with inspection, olfaction is
recognized as a separate technique in NUR2092 curriculum because odors frequently signal pathologic
conditions. Palpation uses touch, auscultation uses sound, and inspection uses vision.
Q7: A nurse is palpating a patient's abdomen and applies pressure to a depth of approximately 4-5
cm to assess the liver edge. Which type of palpation is being performed?
A. Light palpation
B. Deep palpation [CORRECT]
C. Bimanual palpation
D. Ballottement
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Deep palpation is performed by pressing 4-5 cm into the tissue to assess underlying organs,
masses, or tenderness, such as the liver edge, spleen, or aortic pulsations. Light palpation presses
approximately 1 cm to assess surface characteristics, tenderness, and muscle tone. Bimanual palpation uses
both hands (one on top of the other) to apply greater pressure or to assess large organs. Ballottement is a
specific technique used to assess floating structures or fetal movement.
Q8: A nurse is documenting the following: "Patient reports sharp, stabbing chest pain rated 8/10
that radiates to the left arm, onset 2 hours ago after walking up stairs." This documentation
appears in which section of the SOAP note?
A. Subjective [CORRECT]
B. Objective
C. Assessment
D. Plan
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Subjective data consists of information reported by the patient (symptoms, feelings, perceptions),
such as pain description, onset, and quality. The Objective section includes measurable, observable data
(vital signs, physical exam findings). Assessment contains the nurse's clinical interpretation or diagnosis, and
Plan includes interventions and follow-up. This patient-reported pain description is classic subjective data
and is foundational to the HPI in NUR2092 documentation standards.
NUR2092 Health Assessment | Comprehensive Quiz Bank Page 3
, NUR 2092 Health Assessment Quiz Bank | 110 Questions & Answers | Rated A+ Rasmussen College | 2026-2027
Q9: During a handoff report, a nurse uses the SBAR communication framework. Which statement
represents the "Recommendation" component?
A. "The patient is a 72-year-old male admitted for heart failure."
B. "He has crackles in both lower lobes and 2+ pitting edema."
C. "I think he is experiencing acute decompensation."
D. "I recommend you evaluate him for IV diuretics within the next hour." [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The Recommendation (R) in SBAR is a specific, actionable request — what the nurse wants the
provider to do, and by when. "I recommend you evaluate him for IV diuretics within the next hour" is a clear
action request. Situation (S) describes the patient and current issue; Background (B) provides relevant
history; Assessment (A) is the nurse's clinical interpretation. NUR2092 emphasizes SBAR for clear,
structured interprofessional communication.
Q10: A nurse is conducting an interview with a patient who recently immigrated and speaks
limited English. The patient's adult son offers to interpret. What is the most appropriate nursing
action?
A. Accept the son's offer to save time and ensure family involvement
B. Decline and use a qualified medical interpreter to ensure accurate, unbiased communication
[CORRECT]
C. Use simple medical terminology and gestures to communicate directly
D. Reschedule the interview until an English-speaking family member is available
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A qualified medical interpreter must be used to ensure accurate translation, preserve patient
confidentiality, and prevent family bias or omission. Using family members as interpreters violates HIPAA,
may produce inaccurate translations, and can cause family conflict. Gestures and simple terms cannot
convey complex health information. NUR2092 emphasizes cultural competence and the use of certified
interpreters as a patient safety standard.
Q11: A nurse is completing a health history on a 50-year-old male with hypertension. The patient
reports his father died of a myocardial infarction at age 58 and his mother has type 2 diabetes.
This information is documented in which part of the health history?
A. Past health history
B. History of present illness
C. Family history [CORRECT]
D. Psychosocial history
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Family history documents the health status or cause of death of blood relatives, typically including
parents, grandparents, siblings, and children, because many conditions (cardiovascular disease, diabetes,
certain cancers) have genetic predispositions. Past health history covers the patient's own childhood
illnesses, hospitalizations, surgeries, and immunizations. HPI details the current chief complaint.
Psychosocial history addresses lifestyle factors such as occupation, stress, and relationships.
NUR2092 Health Assessment | Comprehensive Quiz Bank Page 4
NUR 2092 / NUR2092 Health Assessment
Comprehensive Quiz Bank
More Than 100 Questions and Answers | Rated A+
Aligned with Rasmussen College 2026-2027 Health Assessment Curriculum
Total Questions: 110 | Format: Multiple Choice | Cognitive Levels: 30% Recall, 50% Application, 20% Analysis
Question Style: 75% Scenario-Based | 25% Direct Recall / Technique Identification
SECTION 1: Health Assessment Foundations and Techniques
(Health History, Interviewing, Physical Examination Techniques, & Documentation)
— Q1-20
Q1: A 67-year-old male is admitted to the medical-surgical unit. The nurse is preparing to conduct
a comprehensive health history. Which component of the health history should the nurse collect
first after introducing themselves and establishing rapport?
A. History of present illness (HPI)
B. Biographic data [CORRECT]
C. Reason for seeking care
D. Past health history
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Biographic data (name, age, gender, occupation, contact information) is always collected first
because it establishes the patient's identity, ensures proper documentation, and provides context for the rest
of the interview. Reason for seeking care and HPI follow biographic data. Past health history is collected later
in the sequence. Collecting HPI first is premature without confirming patient identity, which is a critical safety
and legal step in NUR2092 documentation standards.
Q2: A nurse is interviewing a 45-year-old female who reports chronic abdominal pain. The nurse
asks, "Can you describe what the pain feels like?" This type of question is best classified as
which interviewing technique?
A. Closed-ended question
B. Leading question
C. Open-ended question [CORRECT]
D. Direct question
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Open-ended questions allow patients to respond in their own words and encourage elaboration,
which is essential for gathering rich subjective data about symptoms such as pain quality. Closed-ended
questions limit responses to yes/no or short answers and are useful for clarifying specific facts. Leading
questions bias the patient's response, which is unethical. A direct question is a closed-ended variant.
NUR2092 emphasizes using open-ended questions early in the interview to build the HPI.
NUR2092 Health Assessment | Comprehensive Quiz Bank Page 1
,NUR 2092 Health Assessment Quiz Bank | 110 Questions & Answers | Rated A+ Rasmussen College | 2026-2027
Q3: During the working phase of a patient interview, the nurse maintains direct eye contact, leans
slightly forward, and periodically restates what the patient has shared. Which combination of
therapeutic communication techniques is the nurse demonstrating?
A. Active listening and reflection [CORRECT]
B. Closed-ended questioning and clarification
C. Silence and broad opening
D. Confrontation and summarization
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Active listening incorporates nonverbal behaviors such as eye contact, leaning forward, and
attentive posture, while reflection (restating) validates the patient's feelings and encourages continued
sharing. This is a core NUR2092 therapeutic communication skill. Closed-ended questioning limits patient
responses. Silence and broad opening are different techniques used selectively. Confrontation is used when
discrepancies are noted and is not represented here.
Q4: A nursing student is preparing to perform a comprehensive physical assessment on a
hospitalized adult patient. In which sequence should the four fundamental physical examination
techniques be performed, with the exception of the abdomen?
A. Auscultation, Palpation, Percussion, Inspection
B. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation [CORRECT]
C. Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation
D. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The standard sequence for physical examination is Inspection → Palpation → Percussion →
Auscultation. This order minimizes stimulation that could alter subsequent findings (e.g., bowel sounds). The
abdomen is the only exception: the order becomes Inspection → Auscultation → Percussion → Palpation
because palpation and percussion can alter bowel sounds before auscultation. NUR2092 students must
memorize both sequences and recognize the abdominal exception.
Q5: A nurse is percussing the chest of a patient with suspected pleural effusion. The nurse places
the pleximeter finger firmly against the chest wall and strikes it with the plexor finger of the
dominant hand. Which percussion technique is being used?
A. Direct percussion
B. Blunt percussion
C. Indirect (mediate) percussion [CORRECT]
D. Fist percussion
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Indirect (mediate) percussion uses the pleximeter finger of the nondominant hand placed against
the body surface, with the plexor finger of the dominant hand striking it. This is the most common percussion
technique used to assess underlying structures such as the lungs and abdomen. Direct percussion involves
striking the body surface directly with the plexor finger, used over sinuses or infant chest. Blunt and fist
percussion are used to assess organ tenderness (e.g., kidney fist percussion).
NUR2092 Health Assessment | Comprehensive Quiz Bank Page 2
,NUR 2092 Health Assessment Quiz Bank | 110 Questions & Answers | Rated A+ Rasmussen College | 2026-2027
Q6: A nurse caring for a patient with Clostridium difficile infection notes a foul-smelling, greenish
stool. The nurse uses the sense of smell to gather assessment data. Which physical examination
technique is being applied?
A. Inspection
B. Olfaction [CORRECT]
C. Palpation
D. Auscultation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Olfaction (the use of smell) is a distinct physical examination technique that provides important
clinical clues. Foul-smelling stool may indicate C. difficile, while a fruity breath odor suggests diabetic
ketoacidosis, and a musty odor may indicate liver failure. Although often grouped with inspection, olfaction is
recognized as a separate technique in NUR2092 curriculum because odors frequently signal pathologic
conditions. Palpation uses touch, auscultation uses sound, and inspection uses vision.
Q7: A nurse is palpating a patient's abdomen and applies pressure to a depth of approximately 4-5
cm to assess the liver edge. Which type of palpation is being performed?
A. Light palpation
B. Deep palpation [CORRECT]
C. Bimanual palpation
D. Ballottement
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Deep palpation is performed by pressing 4-5 cm into the tissue to assess underlying organs,
masses, or tenderness, such as the liver edge, spleen, or aortic pulsations. Light palpation presses
approximately 1 cm to assess surface characteristics, tenderness, and muscle tone. Bimanual palpation uses
both hands (one on top of the other) to apply greater pressure or to assess large organs. Ballottement is a
specific technique used to assess floating structures or fetal movement.
Q8: A nurse is documenting the following: "Patient reports sharp, stabbing chest pain rated 8/10
that radiates to the left arm, onset 2 hours ago after walking up stairs." This documentation
appears in which section of the SOAP note?
A. Subjective [CORRECT]
B. Objective
C. Assessment
D. Plan
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Subjective data consists of information reported by the patient (symptoms, feelings, perceptions),
such as pain description, onset, and quality. The Objective section includes measurable, observable data
(vital signs, physical exam findings). Assessment contains the nurse's clinical interpretation or diagnosis, and
Plan includes interventions and follow-up. This patient-reported pain description is classic subjective data
and is foundational to the HPI in NUR2092 documentation standards.
NUR2092 Health Assessment | Comprehensive Quiz Bank Page 3
, NUR 2092 Health Assessment Quiz Bank | 110 Questions & Answers | Rated A+ Rasmussen College | 2026-2027
Q9: During a handoff report, a nurse uses the SBAR communication framework. Which statement
represents the "Recommendation" component?
A. "The patient is a 72-year-old male admitted for heart failure."
B. "He has crackles in both lower lobes and 2+ pitting edema."
C. "I think he is experiencing acute decompensation."
D. "I recommend you evaluate him for IV diuretics within the next hour." [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The Recommendation (R) in SBAR is a specific, actionable request — what the nurse wants the
provider to do, and by when. "I recommend you evaluate him for IV diuretics within the next hour" is a clear
action request. Situation (S) describes the patient and current issue; Background (B) provides relevant
history; Assessment (A) is the nurse's clinical interpretation. NUR2092 emphasizes SBAR for clear,
structured interprofessional communication.
Q10: A nurse is conducting an interview with a patient who recently immigrated and speaks
limited English. The patient's adult son offers to interpret. What is the most appropriate nursing
action?
A. Accept the son's offer to save time and ensure family involvement
B. Decline and use a qualified medical interpreter to ensure accurate, unbiased communication
[CORRECT]
C. Use simple medical terminology and gestures to communicate directly
D. Reschedule the interview until an English-speaking family member is available
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A qualified medical interpreter must be used to ensure accurate translation, preserve patient
confidentiality, and prevent family bias or omission. Using family members as interpreters violates HIPAA,
may produce inaccurate translations, and can cause family conflict. Gestures and simple terms cannot
convey complex health information. NUR2092 emphasizes cultural competence and the use of certified
interpreters as a patient safety standard.
Q11: A nurse is completing a health history on a 50-year-old male with hypertension. The patient
reports his father died of a myocardial infarction at age 58 and his mother has type 2 diabetes.
This information is documented in which part of the health history?
A. Past health history
B. History of present illness
C. Family history [CORRECT]
D. Psychosocial history
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Family history documents the health status or cause of death of blood relatives, typically including
parents, grandparents, siblings, and children, because many conditions (cardiovascular disease, diabetes,
certain cancers) have genetic predispositions. Past health history covers the patient's own childhood
illnesses, hospitalizations, surgeries, and immunizations. HPI details the current chief complaint.
Psychosocial history addresses lifestyle factors such as occupation, stress, and relationships.
NUR2092 Health Assessment | Comprehensive Quiz Bank Page 4
