NSG 3160 EXAM 1
HEALTH ASSESSMENT
ACTUAL QUESTIONS & ANSWERS /2026-2027
What type of database is most appropriate when the rapid collection of data is required and often
compiled concurrently with lifesaving measures?
a. Complete
b. Focused
c. Follow-up
d. Emergency - Correct Answer d. Emergency
An emergency database includes the rapid collection of data often obtained concurrently with lifesaving
measures. A focused database is for a limited or short-term problem; this database concerns mainly one
problem, one cue complex, or one body system. A follow-up database is used to follow up on short-term
or chronic health problems; the statuses of identified problems are evaluated at regular and appropriate
intervals. A complete database includes a complete health history and a full physical examination; it
describes the current and past health state and forms a baseline against which all future changes can be
measured.
A nurse precepting a student nurse asks, "What's the most important step in the critical-thinking
process?"
a. Clustering subjective and objective data
b. Analyzing health data
c. Using evidence-based assessment techniques
d. Prioritizing health concerns - Correct Answer c. Using evidence-based assessment techniques
,Evidence-based techniques are supported by research showing effectiveness of the technique that
provides the safest and most current techniques to promote the health of patients. Clustering subjective
and objective data is a step in the critical-thinking process, but is not the most important step. Analyzing
health data is a step in the critical-thinking process, but is not the most important step. Prioritizing
health concerns is a step in the critical-thinking process, but is not the most important step.
What type of database is most appropriate for an individual who is admitted to a long-term care
facility?
a. Focused
b. Complete
c. Emergency
d. Follow-up - Correct Answer b. Complete
A complete database includes a complete health history and a full physical examination; it describes the
current and past health state and forms a baseline against which all future changes can be measured. A
focused database is for a limited or short-term problem; this database concerns mainly one problem,
one cue complex, or one body system. A follow-up database is used to follow up on short-term or
chronic health problems; the statuses of identified problems are evaluated at regular and appropriate
intervals. An emergency database includes a rapid collection of data often obtained concurrently with
lifesaving measures.
Which of the following is an example of objective data?
a. A sore throat
b. An earache
c. Alert and oriented
d. Dizziness - Correct Answer c. Alert and oriented
Objective data is what the health professional observes; level of consciousness and orientation are
observations. Subjective data is what the person says about himself or herself during history taking.
,Which of the following is an example of subjective data?
a. Blood glucose 126 md/dL
b. Pain rated at 7 out of 10
c. Heart rate of 76 bpm
d. Bruising on lower leg - Correct Answer b. Pain rated at 7 out of 10
Subjective data is what the patient says about himself or herself during history taking. Objective data is
what the health professional observes by inspecting, percussing, palpating, and auscultating during the
physical examination. Blood glucose is measured by using a drop of blood placed on a test strip in a
glucometer. Bruising is assessed by inspection. Heart rate is assessed by palpation of the radial artery or
auscultated with a stethoscope when listening to heart sounds.
A complete database is
a. used to collect data rapidly and is often compiled concurrently with lifesaving measures.
b. used to evaluate the cause or etiology of disease.
c. used for a limited or short-term problem usually consisting of one problem, one cue complex, or one
body system.
d. used to perform a thorough or comprehensive health history and physical examination. - Correct
Answer d. used to perform a thorough or comprehensive health history and physical examination.
A complete database includes a complete health history and a full physical examination; it describes the
current and past health state and forms a baseline against which all future changes can be measured. An
emergency database is a rapid collection of data often obtained concurrently with lifesaving measures. A
focused database is for a limited or short-term problem; this database concerns mainly one problem,
one cue complex, or one body system. Medical diagnoses are used to evaluate the cause or etiology of
the disease.
A patient admitted to the hospital with asthma has the following problems identified based on an
admission health history and physical assessment. Which problem is a first-level priority?
a. Ineffective self-health management
b. Impaired gas exchange
c. Readiness for enhanced spiritual well-being
, d. Risk for infection - Correct Answer b. Impaired gas exchange
First-level priority problems are problems that are emergent, life-threatening, and immediate. Impaired
gas exchange is an emergent and immediate problem. Third-level priority problems are problems that
are important to the patient's health but can be addressed after more urgent health problems are
addressed. Ineffective self-health management is an example of a third-level priority. Second-level
priority problems are problems that are next in urgency; these problems require prompt intervention to
forestall further deterioration. Risk for infection is an example of a second-level priority. Third-level
priority problems are problems that are important to the patient's health but can be addressed after
more urgent health problems are addressed. Wellness diagnoses are third-level priority problems.
Which of the following actions/behaviors in the critical-thinking process are important for the novice
nurse to remember? (Select all that apply.)
a. Disregard initial cues
b. Approach assessment with a nonjudgmental attitude
c. Cluster associated assessment data
d. Perform assessment in whatever manner works for you.
e. Avoid making assumptions - Correct Answer b, c, e
The nurse should never make assumptions as they may bias data collection and selection of diagnoses.
An important aspect to gain trust with the patient is to maintain a nonjudgmental attitude. Once all
health assessment data has been collected, it is important to cluster signs and symptoms as this will help
in the critical thinking and decision-making process regarding medical and nursing diagnoses. It also
helps to categorize problems as the first, second, or third priority. The nurse should never disregard any
cues. These are important in the critical thinking and diagnosis decision-making process. Novice nurses
do not have enough experience to vary from the step-by-step process for health assessment data
collection. As the nurse gains experience, he/she will learn when it's appropriate to vary the process.
An example of subjective data is
a. decreased range of motion.
b. crepitation in the left knee joint.
HEALTH ASSESSMENT
ACTUAL QUESTIONS & ANSWERS /2026-2027
What type of database is most appropriate when the rapid collection of data is required and often
compiled concurrently with lifesaving measures?
a. Complete
b. Focused
c. Follow-up
d. Emergency - Correct Answer d. Emergency
An emergency database includes the rapid collection of data often obtained concurrently with lifesaving
measures. A focused database is for a limited or short-term problem; this database concerns mainly one
problem, one cue complex, or one body system. A follow-up database is used to follow up on short-term
or chronic health problems; the statuses of identified problems are evaluated at regular and appropriate
intervals. A complete database includes a complete health history and a full physical examination; it
describes the current and past health state and forms a baseline against which all future changes can be
measured.
A nurse precepting a student nurse asks, "What's the most important step in the critical-thinking
process?"
a. Clustering subjective and objective data
b. Analyzing health data
c. Using evidence-based assessment techniques
d. Prioritizing health concerns - Correct Answer c. Using evidence-based assessment techniques
,Evidence-based techniques are supported by research showing effectiveness of the technique that
provides the safest and most current techniques to promote the health of patients. Clustering subjective
and objective data is a step in the critical-thinking process, but is not the most important step. Analyzing
health data is a step in the critical-thinking process, but is not the most important step. Prioritizing
health concerns is a step in the critical-thinking process, but is not the most important step.
What type of database is most appropriate for an individual who is admitted to a long-term care
facility?
a. Focused
b. Complete
c. Emergency
d. Follow-up - Correct Answer b. Complete
A complete database includes a complete health history and a full physical examination; it describes the
current and past health state and forms a baseline against which all future changes can be measured. A
focused database is for a limited or short-term problem; this database concerns mainly one problem,
one cue complex, or one body system. A follow-up database is used to follow up on short-term or
chronic health problems; the statuses of identified problems are evaluated at regular and appropriate
intervals. An emergency database includes a rapid collection of data often obtained concurrently with
lifesaving measures.
Which of the following is an example of objective data?
a. A sore throat
b. An earache
c. Alert and oriented
d. Dizziness - Correct Answer c. Alert and oriented
Objective data is what the health professional observes; level of consciousness and orientation are
observations. Subjective data is what the person says about himself or herself during history taking.
,Which of the following is an example of subjective data?
a. Blood glucose 126 md/dL
b. Pain rated at 7 out of 10
c. Heart rate of 76 bpm
d. Bruising on lower leg - Correct Answer b. Pain rated at 7 out of 10
Subjective data is what the patient says about himself or herself during history taking. Objective data is
what the health professional observes by inspecting, percussing, palpating, and auscultating during the
physical examination. Blood glucose is measured by using a drop of blood placed on a test strip in a
glucometer. Bruising is assessed by inspection. Heart rate is assessed by palpation of the radial artery or
auscultated with a stethoscope when listening to heart sounds.
A complete database is
a. used to collect data rapidly and is often compiled concurrently with lifesaving measures.
b. used to evaluate the cause or etiology of disease.
c. used for a limited or short-term problem usually consisting of one problem, one cue complex, or one
body system.
d. used to perform a thorough or comprehensive health history and physical examination. - Correct
Answer d. used to perform a thorough or comprehensive health history and physical examination.
A complete database includes a complete health history and a full physical examination; it describes the
current and past health state and forms a baseline against which all future changes can be measured. An
emergency database is a rapid collection of data often obtained concurrently with lifesaving measures. A
focused database is for a limited or short-term problem; this database concerns mainly one problem,
one cue complex, or one body system. Medical diagnoses are used to evaluate the cause or etiology of
the disease.
A patient admitted to the hospital with asthma has the following problems identified based on an
admission health history and physical assessment. Which problem is a first-level priority?
a. Ineffective self-health management
b. Impaired gas exchange
c. Readiness for enhanced spiritual well-being
, d. Risk for infection - Correct Answer b. Impaired gas exchange
First-level priority problems are problems that are emergent, life-threatening, and immediate. Impaired
gas exchange is an emergent and immediate problem. Third-level priority problems are problems that
are important to the patient's health but can be addressed after more urgent health problems are
addressed. Ineffective self-health management is an example of a third-level priority. Second-level
priority problems are problems that are next in urgency; these problems require prompt intervention to
forestall further deterioration. Risk for infection is an example of a second-level priority. Third-level
priority problems are problems that are important to the patient's health but can be addressed after
more urgent health problems are addressed. Wellness diagnoses are third-level priority problems.
Which of the following actions/behaviors in the critical-thinking process are important for the novice
nurse to remember? (Select all that apply.)
a. Disregard initial cues
b. Approach assessment with a nonjudgmental attitude
c. Cluster associated assessment data
d. Perform assessment in whatever manner works for you.
e. Avoid making assumptions - Correct Answer b, c, e
The nurse should never make assumptions as they may bias data collection and selection of diagnoses.
An important aspect to gain trust with the patient is to maintain a nonjudgmental attitude. Once all
health assessment data has been collected, it is important to cluster signs and symptoms as this will help
in the critical thinking and decision-making process regarding medical and nursing diagnoses. It also
helps to categorize problems as the first, second, or third priority. The nurse should never disregard any
cues. These are important in the critical thinking and diagnosis decision-making process. Novice nurses
do not have enough experience to vary from the step-by-step process for health assessment data
collection. As the nurse gains experience, he/she will learn when it's appropriate to vary the process.
An example of subjective data is
a. decreased range of motion.
b. crepitation in the left knee joint.
