Physical Assessment Module 3 Quiz Study Guide
1. Know the difference between subjective and objective data
o Subjective data (symptom) - is what the client (or family member) tells you
o Objective data (sign) - is measurable like vital signs or lab results, or what the
nurse observes, feels, hears, and smells.
2. Know the components of General Survey, Past Health History, and Comprehensive Health
History
o General survey – physical appearance, body structure, mobility, and behavior
o Past health history – childhood illnesses, hospitalization/surgeries,
accidents/injuries, major diseases/illnesses, immunizations, recent
travel/military services, and date of last examination
o Comprehensive health history – health history, past health history, family
history, review of symptoms, HEENT, respiratory, cardiovascular, breast,
gastrointestinal, genitourinary, female/male reproductive, musculoskeletal, and
neurological, and psychosocial profile
3. Remember not to provide false assurances to patients, only facts
4. Familiarize yourself with cultural competence
o Cultural competence – caregivers apply a universal concept of understanding to
all contextual aspects of care
5. Study the different types of nutritional assessments (food diary, 24-hour recall, calorie count,
etc.)
o History – the nurse needs to consider items such as eating patterns, changes in
appetite or taste, illnesses, food allergies, medications, family history, etc
o Food diary – The food diary is the most comprehensive method. It requires the
client to write down everything they eat and drink over a period, e.g. a week or
1. Know the difference between subjective and objective data
o Subjective data (symptom) - is what the client (or family member) tells you
o Objective data (sign) - is measurable like vital signs or lab results, or what the
nurse observes, feels, hears, and smells.
2. Know the components of General Survey, Past Health History, and Comprehensive Health
History
o General survey – physical appearance, body structure, mobility, and behavior
o Past health history – childhood illnesses, hospitalization/surgeries,
accidents/injuries, major diseases/illnesses, immunizations, recent
travel/military services, and date of last examination
o Comprehensive health history – health history, past health history, family
history, review of symptoms, HEENT, respiratory, cardiovascular, breast,
gastrointestinal, genitourinary, female/male reproductive, musculoskeletal, and
neurological, and psychosocial profile
3. Remember not to provide false assurances to patients, only facts
4. Familiarize yourself with cultural competence
o Cultural competence – caregivers apply a universal concept of understanding to
all contextual aspects of care
5. Study the different types of nutritional assessments (food diary, 24-hour recall, calorie count,
etc.)
o History – the nurse needs to consider items such as eating patterns, changes in
appetite or taste, illnesses, food allergies, medications, family history, etc
o Food diary – The food diary is the most comprehensive method. It requires the
client to write down everything they eat and drink over a period, e.g. a week or
