,NUR 2092 Exam 4 | Health Assessment (2026) Actual Q&A
PDF | Rasmussen College
1. Which statement defines the primary purpose of the health history interview?
A) To identify the patient's current medical problems only
B) To establish a therapeutic relationship and collect subjective data about the
patient's health status
C) To provide a legal document for the patient's medical record
D) To determine the patient's insurance coverage and financial status
Correct Answer: B) To establish a therapeutic relationship and collect subjective data
about the patient's health status
Rationale: The health history interview serves a dual purpose: building a therapeutic
nurse-patient relationship through communication and empathy, and systematically
collecting subjective data that only the patient can provide. These data form the
foundation for accurate assessment and clinical judgment.
2. A 45‑year‑old woman arrives for her first clinic visit in three years and appears
anxious, avoiding eye contact. What is the most appropriate initial action to establish
a therapeutic relationship?
A) Begin with the most sensitive questions to get them out of the way quickly
B) Hand the patient a written questionnaire to complete in the waiting room
C) Sit at eye level, introduce yourself, and explain the purpose of the interview
D) Ask a colleague to conduct the interview since the patient seems uncomfortable
Correct Answer: C) Sit at eye level, introduce yourself, and explain the purpose of
the interview
,Rationale: Establishing rapport through introduction and explanation builds trust
and reduces anxiety. Starting with sensitive questions increases discomfort, written
forms eliminate therapeutic communication, and delegating avoids the nurse's
responsibility to build rapport.
3. A 62‑year‑old man with hypertension and type 2 diabetes takes his blood pressure
medication only when he feels dizzy. Which component of the health history is most
important to explore further based on this finding?
A) Past medical history of dizziness episodes
B) Current medication adherence and health literacy
C) Family history of cardiovascular disease
D) Review of systems for neurological symptoms
Correct Answer: B) Current medication adherence and health literacy
Rationale: The patient's behavior indicates poor medication adherence and low
health literacy about how antihypertensives work, making this the priority to explore.
While other areas are relevant, addressing the root cause of nonadherence is the
most critical assessment need.
4. According to the nursing process, the nurse analyzes subjective and objective data
to identify patient problems. What is this phase called?
A) Assessment
B) Diagnosis
C) Planning
D) Implementation
Correct Answer: B) Diagnosis
, Rationale: In the nursing process, the diagnosis phase follows assessment. During
this phase, the nurse analyzes and interprets the collected data to formulate nursing
diagnoses that identify actual or potential health problems. Planning involves setting
goals, implementation involves carrying out interventions, and evaluation determines
effectiveness.
5. Which of the following is an example of objective data?
A) Patient reports severe headache rated 8/10
B) Patient states feeling nauseous after eating
C) Patient describes burning pain in the right foot
D) Patient's blood pressure reading is 142/88 mmHg
Correct Answer: D) Patient's blood pressure reading is 142/88 mmHg
Rationale: Objective data are observable and measurable findings obtained through
physical examination, diagnostic tests, or direct observation. A blood pressure
reading is a measurable vital sign. The other options are subjective data, consisting
of what the patient reports about their own experience.
6. A nurse is preparing to conduct a physical assessment on an adult patient. What is
the correct order of techniques for the abdominal assessment?
A) Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B) Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
C) Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
D) Percussion, Palpation, Auscultation, Inspection
Correct Answer: C) Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
PDF | Rasmussen College
1. Which statement defines the primary purpose of the health history interview?
A) To identify the patient's current medical problems only
B) To establish a therapeutic relationship and collect subjective data about the
patient's health status
C) To provide a legal document for the patient's medical record
D) To determine the patient's insurance coverage and financial status
Correct Answer: B) To establish a therapeutic relationship and collect subjective data
about the patient's health status
Rationale: The health history interview serves a dual purpose: building a therapeutic
nurse-patient relationship through communication and empathy, and systematically
collecting subjective data that only the patient can provide. These data form the
foundation for accurate assessment and clinical judgment.
2. A 45‑year‑old woman arrives for her first clinic visit in three years and appears
anxious, avoiding eye contact. What is the most appropriate initial action to establish
a therapeutic relationship?
A) Begin with the most sensitive questions to get them out of the way quickly
B) Hand the patient a written questionnaire to complete in the waiting room
C) Sit at eye level, introduce yourself, and explain the purpose of the interview
D) Ask a colleague to conduct the interview since the patient seems uncomfortable
Correct Answer: C) Sit at eye level, introduce yourself, and explain the purpose of
the interview
,Rationale: Establishing rapport through introduction and explanation builds trust
and reduces anxiety. Starting with sensitive questions increases discomfort, written
forms eliminate therapeutic communication, and delegating avoids the nurse's
responsibility to build rapport.
3. A 62‑year‑old man with hypertension and type 2 diabetes takes his blood pressure
medication only when he feels dizzy. Which component of the health history is most
important to explore further based on this finding?
A) Past medical history of dizziness episodes
B) Current medication adherence and health literacy
C) Family history of cardiovascular disease
D) Review of systems for neurological symptoms
Correct Answer: B) Current medication adherence and health literacy
Rationale: The patient's behavior indicates poor medication adherence and low
health literacy about how antihypertensives work, making this the priority to explore.
While other areas are relevant, addressing the root cause of nonadherence is the
most critical assessment need.
4. According to the nursing process, the nurse analyzes subjective and objective data
to identify patient problems. What is this phase called?
A) Assessment
B) Diagnosis
C) Planning
D) Implementation
Correct Answer: B) Diagnosis
, Rationale: In the nursing process, the diagnosis phase follows assessment. During
this phase, the nurse analyzes and interprets the collected data to formulate nursing
diagnoses that identify actual or potential health problems. Planning involves setting
goals, implementation involves carrying out interventions, and evaluation determines
effectiveness.
5. Which of the following is an example of objective data?
A) Patient reports severe headache rated 8/10
B) Patient states feeling nauseous after eating
C) Patient describes burning pain in the right foot
D) Patient's blood pressure reading is 142/88 mmHg
Correct Answer: D) Patient's blood pressure reading is 142/88 mmHg
Rationale: Objective data are observable and measurable findings obtained through
physical examination, diagnostic tests, or direct observation. A blood pressure
reading is a measurable vital sign. The other options are subjective data, consisting
of what the patient reports about their own experience.
6. A nurse is preparing to conduct a physical assessment on an adult patient. What is
the correct order of techniques for the abdominal assessment?
A) Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B) Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
C) Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
D) Percussion, Palpation, Auscultation, Inspection
Correct Answer: C) Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
