Q&A PDF | Rasmussen College
1. Which of the following describes subjective data?
A) The patient's blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg
B) The patient states they have a "throbbing" headache
C) The nurse observes the patient is grimacing
D) The laboratory results show a high white blood cell count
Correct Answer: B) The patient states they have a "throbbing" headache
Rationale: Subjective data consist of information provided by the patient that cannot
be independently verified by the nurse, such as descriptions of pain or feelings.
Objective data are measurable findings like blood pressure, grimacing (observed), or
lab results. Differentiating these is fundamental to accurate health assessment.
2. During an interview, the nurse asks, "Can you tell me more about your shortness of
breath?" This is an example of which type of question?
A) A closed-ended question
B) A biased question
C) A leading question
D) An open-ended question
Correct Answer: D) An open-ended question
Rationale: Open-ended questions encourage the patient to provide a narrative and
express their feelings or concerns in detail. This technique is essential during the
,initial phase of a health history interview to gather broad information. Closed-ended
questions typically result in a simple "yes" or "no" response.
3. Which physical assessment technique involves the use of the sense of touch to
assess texture, temperature, and moisture?
A) Inspection
B) Percussion
C) Palpation
D) Auscultation
Correct Answer: C) Palpation
Rationale: Palpation is the use of the hands to touch and feel specific body
characteristics such as organ size or skin texture. It follows inspection and provides
deeper clinical information about the physical state of the patient. Different parts of
the hand are used for different assessments, such as the dorsal side for temperature.
4. When assessing a patient's radial pulse, what is the standard procedure for an
adult with a regular rhythm?
A) Count for 15 seconds and multiply by 4
B) Count for 30 seconds and multiply by 2
C) Count for 60 seconds always
D) Count for 10 seconds and multiply by 6
Correct Answer: B) Count for 30 seconds and multiply by 2
Rationale: Counting the pulse for 30 seconds and multiplying by two is the standard
clinical practice for regular rhythms. If the rhythm is irregular, the nurse must count
, for a full minute to ensure accuracy. This method balances efficiency with clinical
precision in an acute care setting.
5. What is the priority action when a nurse enters a room and finds a patient
struggling to breathe?
A) Perform a focused assessment on the respiratory system
B) Check the patient's ID band
C) Complete a full head-to-toe assessment
D) Review the patient's medical history for allergies
Correct Answer: A) Perform a focused assessment on the respiratory system
Rationale: In an emergent situation, the nurse must perform a focused assessment
to address the immediate life-threatening concern. Airway, breathing, and circulation
take priority over non-urgent historical data collection. Once the patient is stabilized,
a more comprehensive assessment can be completed.
6. A 45-year-old woman arrives at the primary care clinic for her first visit in three
years. The nurse is preparing to conduct a comprehensive health history. The patient
appears anxious and avoids eye contact. What is the most appropriate initial action
to establish a therapeutic relationship?
A) Sit at eye level, introduce yourself, and explain the purpose of the interview
B) Begin with the most sensitive questions to get them out of the way quickly
C) Hand the patient a written questionnaire to complete in the waiting room
D) Ask a colleague to conduct the interview since the patient seems uncomfortable
Correct Answer: A) Sit at eye level, introduce yourself, and explain the purpose of
the interview