______________________________________
NSG 3160: EXAM 3
HEALTH ASSESSMENT
LATEST UPDATE SET 1 & 2
AT GALEN COLLEGE OF NURSING
EXAM- QUESTIONS & (UPDATED)
ANSWERS
PROGRAM: NSG (Nursing Program)
COURSE NUMBER: NSG 3160
COURSE NAME: HEALTH ASSESSMENT
EXAM NAME: EXAM 3
NSG 3160: EXAM 3
, SET 1
1. Modifiable Risk Factors for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
A 54-year-old client arrives at a primary care clinic for a routine health
assessment. The nurse reviews the client's history and notes that the client
smokes one pack of cigarettes daily, has a sedentary lifestyle, consumes a diet
high in saturated fats, and was recently diagnosed with hypertension and type 2
diabetes mellitus. The client asks which health conditions and habits can be
changed to reduce the risk of developing coronary artery disease. Based on
current cardiovascular health principles, which factors should the nurse identify
as modifiable risk factors for CAD?
Multiple Choice Options
A. Family history, age, and gender
B. Smoking, obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes
C. Ethnicity, age, and hereditary disorders
D. Congenital heart defects and advancing age
Correct Answer: B. Smoking, obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, and
diabetes
Rationale:
Coronary artery disease develops when plaque accumulates within the coronary
arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle. Smoking damages blood vessel
walls and promotes plaque formation. Obesity contributes to hypertension,
dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance, all of which increase cardiovascular risk.
Hypertension damages arterial walls, while elevated cholesterol accelerates
atherosclerosis. Diabetes contributes to vascular injury and significantly increases
the likelihood of CAD development. These factors are considered modifiable
,because lifestyle changes, medications, and preventive interventions can reduce
or eliminate their impact.
2. Assessing Chest Pain for Possible Cardiac Causes
A 62-year-old client presents to the emergency department reporting chest
discomfort that began earlier in the day. The client appears anxious and states
that the pain started while performing household chores. Before assuming the
pain is cardiac in origin, the nurse must gather additional information. Which
question is most important for the nurse to ask during the initial assessment?
Multiple Choice Options
A. "What is your favorite activity?"
B. "Is the pain sudden, and what brings it on?"
C. "How many hours did you sleep last night?"
D. "Have you traveled recently?"
Correct Answer: B. "Is the pain sudden, and what brings it on?"
Rationale:
Chest pain can arise from cardiac, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal,
or psychological causes. Determining whether the pain was sudden in onset and
identifying triggers can provide valuable diagnostic clues. Cardiac pain is often
associated with exertion, stress, or increased oxygen demand. Understanding
precipitating and relieving factors helps differentiate cardiac pain from non-
cardiac causes. A thorough assessment prevents incorrect assumptions and
supports timely intervention. Therefore, evaluating onset and provoking factors is
a critical component of chest pain assessment.
3. Recognizing Signs of Pulmonary Embolism
, A 45-year-old client arrives at the emergency department with complaints of
chest pain and shortness of breath. The client reports that the pain becomes
significantly worse when taking a deep breath and describes it as sharp and
stabbing. The nurse suspects a pulmonary condition that may require immediate
intervention. Which assessment finding is most consistent with pulmonary
embolism?
Multiple Choice Options
A. Burning pain after eating spicy foods
B. Dull pain relieved by rest
C. Sharp, stabbing pain that worsens with deep breathing
D. Aching pain localized to the shoulder
Correct Answer: C. Sharp, stabbing pain that worsens with deep breathing
Rationale:
Pulmonary embolism commonly produces pleuritic chest pain that is sharp,
sudden, and worsens during inspiration. This occurs because the embolus causes
irritation of the pleural surfaces surrounding the lungs. Clients often present with
accompanying symptoms such as shortness of breath, tachypnea, anxiety, and
hypoxemia. The condition can rapidly become life-threatening if not recognized
and treated promptly. Nurses should immediately report findings suggestive of
pulmonary embolism and monitor respiratory status closely. Early identification
improves patient outcomes.
4. Identifying Signs of Pneumonia
A 68-year-old client is admitted with fever, fatigue, productive cough, and chest
discomfort. During assessment, the client reports a sharp, stabbing pain in the
chest that occurs when coughing and taking deep breaths. The nurse considers
several respiratory conditions while evaluating the symptoms. Which finding is
most characteristic of pneumonia?
NSG 3160: EXAM 3
HEALTH ASSESSMENT
LATEST UPDATE SET 1 & 2
AT GALEN COLLEGE OF NURSING
EXAM- QUESTIONS & (UPDATED)
ANSWERS
PROGRAM: NSG (Nursing Program)
COURSE NUMBER: NSG 3160
COURSE NAME: HEALTH ASSESSMENT
EXAM NAME: EXAM 3
NSG 3160: EXAM 3
, SET 1
1. Modifiable Risk Factors for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
A 54-year-old client arrives at a primary care clinic for a routine health
assessment. The nurse reviews the client's history and notes that the client
smokes one pack of cigarettes daily, has a sedentary lifestyle, consumes a diet
high in saturated fats, and was recently diagnosed with hypertension and type 2
diabetes mellitus. The client asks which health conditions and habits can be
changed to reduce the risk of developing coronary artery disease. Based on
current cardiovascular health principles, which factors should the nurse identify
as modifiable risk factors for CAD?
Multiple Choice Options
A. Family history, age, and gender
B. Smoking, obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes
C. Ethnicity, age, and hereditary disorders
D. Congenital heart defects and advancing age
Correct Answer: B. Smoking, obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, and
diabetes
Rationale:
Coronary artery disease develops when plaque accumulates within the coronary
arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle. Smoking damages blood vessel
walls and promotes plaque formation. Obesity contributes to hypertension,
dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance, all of which increase cardiovascular risk.
Hypertension damages arterial walls, while elevated cholesterol accelerates
atherosclerosis. Diabetes contributes to vascular injury and significantly increases
the likelihood of CAD development. These factors are considered modifiable
,because lifestyle changes, medications, and preventive interventions can reduce
or eliminate their impact.
2. Assessing Chest Pain for Possible Cardiac Causes
A 62-year-old client presents to the emergency department reporting chest
discomfort that began earlier in the day. The client appears anxious and states
that the pain started while performing household chores. Before assuming the
pain is cardiac in origin, the nurse must gather additional information. Which
question is most important for the nurse to ask during the initial assessment?
Multiple Choice Options
A. "What is your favorite activity?"
B. "Is the pain sudden, and what brings it on?"
C. "How many hours did you sleep last night?"
D. "Have you traveled recently?"
Correct Answer: B. "Is the pain sudden, and what brings it on?"
Rationale:
Chest pain can arise from cardiac, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal,
or psychological causes. Determining whether the pain was sudden in onset and
identifying triggers can provide valuable diagnostic clues. Cardiac pain is often
associated with exertion, stress, or increased oxygen demand. Understanding
precipitating and relieving factors helps differentiate cardiac pain from non-
cardiac causes. A thorough assessment prevents incorrect assumptions and
supports timely intervention. Therefore, evaluating onset and provoking factors is
a critical component of chest pain assessment.
3. Recognizing Signs of Pulmonary Embolism
, A 45-year-old client arrives at the emergency department with complaints of
chest pain and shortness of breath. The client reports that the pain becomes
significantly worse when taking a deep breath and describes it as sharp and
stabbing. The nurse suspects a pulmonary condition that may require immediate
intervention. Which assessment finding is most consistent with pulmonary
embolism?
Multiple Choice Options
A. Burning pain after eating spicy foods
B. Dull pain relieved by rest
C. Sharp, stabbing pain that worsens with deep breathing
D. Aching pain localized to the shoulder
Correct Answer: C. Sharp, stabbing pain that worsens with deep breathing
Rationale:
Pulmonary embolism commonly produces pleuritic chest pain that is sharp,
sudden, and worsens during inspiration. This occurs because the embolus causes
irritation of the pleural surfaces surrounding the lungs. Clients often present with
accompanying symptoms such as shortness of breath, tachypnea, anxiety, and
hypoxemia. The condition can rapidly become life-threatening if not recognized
and treated promptly. Nurses should immediately report findings suggestive of
pulmonary embolism and monitor respiratory status closely. Early identification
improves patient outcomes.
4. Identifying Signs of Pneumonia
A 68-year-old client is admitted with fever, fatigue, productive cough, and chest
discomfort. During assessment, the client reports a sharp, stabbing pain in the
chest that occurs when coughing and taking deep breaths. The nurse considers
several respiratory conditions while evaluating the symptoms. Which finding is
most characteristic of pneumonia?
