WGU D443 HEALTH ASSESSMENT OA
PRACTICE EXAM 1 QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2025
1. A patient complains of sudden shortness of breath and chest pain.
Which assessment is the priority?
Auscultation of breath sounds
Auscultating breath sounds helps determine if there are abnormal or
diminished sounds, indicating possible pulmonary pathology such as
pneumothorax or pulmonary embolism.
2. What is the best position to assess the jugular venous pressure?
Supine at 30 to 45 degrees
This position allows for optimal visualization of jugular vein distention,
important in evaluating right-sided heart function.
, 3. During a health history interview, the nurse notices the patient
frequently changes the subject. This is an example of:
Avoidance
Avoidance is a defense mechanism where the patient diverts attention
from topics that are uncomfortable or distressing.
4. Which tool is best used to assess alcohol abuse?
CAGE questionnaire
The CAGE questionnaire is a brief, validated screening tool used to identify
possible alcohol dependence.
5. When percussing the lungs, a dull sound may indicate:
Consolidation
Dullness suggests fluid or solid tissue replacing air in the lungs, as seen in
pneumonia or tumors.
6. A nurse uses the bell of the stethoscope to listen for:
Low-pitched sounds like bruits
The bell is better for detecting low-frequency sounds, such as vascular
bruits and certain heart murmurs.
7. Which cranial nerve is assessed when checking pupil reaction to light?
Cranial nerve III (Oculomotor)
CN III controls the constriction of pupils in response to light.
8. An older adult with kyphosis may experience:
, Restricted lung expansion
Kyphosis can limit thoracic mobility, leading to decreased ventilation and
respiratory function.
9. What is a normal capillary refill time?
Less than 2 seconds
Capillary refill under 2 seconds indicates adequate peripheral perfusion.
10. Which heart sound is best heard with the patient in the left
lateral position?
S3 and S4
The left lateral decubitus position brings the heart closer to the chest wall,
enhancing detection of low-pitched sounds.
11. The most accurate method for assessing core temperature is:
Rectal temperature
Rectal readings are considered the gold standard for core body
temperature, especially in critical situations.
12. The PMI (point of maximal impulse) is normally located:
5th intercostal space, midclavicular line
This is where the apex of the heart contacts the chest wall in a healthy
adult.
13. The mini-mental state exam (MMSE) is used to:
PRACTICE EXAM 1 QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2025
1. A patient complains of sudden shortness of breath and chest pain.
Which assessment is the priority?
Auscultation of breath sounds
Auscultating breath sounds helps determine if there are abnormal or
diminished sounds, indicating possible pulmonary pathology such as
pneumothorax or pulmonary embolism.
2. What is the best position to assess the jugular venous pressure?
Supine at 30 to 45 degrees
This position allows for optimal visualization of jugular vein distention,
important in evaluating right-sided heart function.
, 3. During a health history interview, the nurse notices the patient
frequently changes the subject. This is an example of:
Avoidance
Avoidance is a defense mechanism where the patient diverts attention
from topics that are uncomfortable or distressing.
4. Which tool is best used to assess alcohol abuse?
CAGE questionnaire
The CAGE questionnaire is a brief, validated screening tool used to identify
possible alcohol dependence.
5. When percussing the lungs, a dull sound may indicate:
Consolidation
Dullness suggests fluid or solid tissue replacing air in the lungs, as seen in
pneumonia or tumors.
6. A nurse uses the bell of the stethoscope to listen for:
Low-pitched sounds like bruits
The bell is better for detecting low-frequency sounds, such as vascular
bruits and certain heart murmurs.
7. Which cranial nerve is assessed when checking pupil reaction to light?
Cranial nerve III (Oculomotor)
CN III controls the constriction of pupils in response to light.
8. An older adult with kyphosis may experience:
, Restricted lung expansion
Kyphosis can limit thoracic mobility, leading to decreased ventilation and
respiratory function.
9. What is a normal capillary refill time?
Less than 2 seconds
Capillary refill under 2 seconds indicates adequate peripheral perfusion.
10. Which heart sound is best heard with the patient in the left
lateral position?
S3 and S4
The left lateral decubitus position brings the heart closer to the chest wall,
enhancing detection of low-pitched sounds.
11. The most accurate method for assessing core temperature is:
Rectal temperature
Rectal readings are considered the gold standard for core body
temperature, especially in critical situations.
12. The PMI (point of maximal impulse) is normally located:
5th intercostal space, midclavicular line
This is where the apex of the heart contacts the chest wall in a healthy
adult.
13. The mini-mental state exam (MMSE) is used to:
