WGU D443 HEALTH ASSESSMENT OA PRACTICE EXAM 1 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |STUDY GUIDE| INSTANT
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Core Domains
Physical Assessment Techniques and Normal Findings
Vital Signs Assessment and Interpretation
Integumentary System Assessment
Head, Neck, and Throat Assessment
Cardiovascular System Assessment
Respiratory System Assessment
Gastrointestinal System Assessment
Musculoskeletal System Assessment
Neurological Function Assessment
Ethical and Legal Compliance in Health Assessment*
,This comprehensive health assessment exam evaluates foundational knowledge and clinical decision-making
skills essential for nursing practitioners. The purpose is to assess mastery of systematic physical examination
techniques, normal versus abnormal findings, and critical thinking required for real-world patient care. The
test features multiple-choice and scenario-based questions that emphasize applied professional knowledge,
regulatory compliance, ethics, and professional standards. Students will demonstrate proficiency in vital
signs interpretation, system-specific assessments, and evidence-based decision-making. The exam prioritizes
real-world application, requiring candidates to analyze clinical scenarios and make appropriate clinical
judgments. Success indicates readiness for objective assessment in clinical practice and competency in
conducting thorough, patient-centered health assessments.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
During a physical assessment, a nurse observes that a patient's skin appears yellowish, particularly around the
sclera. Which laboratory value should the nurse prioritize for confirmation?
A. Hemoglobin level
B. Bilirubin level
C. White blood cell count
D. Platelet count
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Scleral yellowing is a classic sign of jaundice, which indicates elevated bilirubin levels in the
blood. This is the most direct laboratory correlation to confirm hepatic dysfunction or hemolysis.
,Question 2
A patient reports experiencing monthly skin self-exams. According to current guidelines for skin cancer
prevention, what is the nurse's appropriate response?
A. "Monthly self-exams are recommended and demonstrate good preventive care."
B. "Self-exams should be performed weekly for early detection."
C. "Annual self-exams are sufficient for most patients."
D. "Self-exams are not necessary if you see a dermatologist yearly."
🟢 Correct answer: A
🔴 RATIONALE: Monthly skin self-exams are the recommended frequency for early detection of skin changes.
This aligns with current guidelines emphasizing regular self-monitoring for skin cancer prevention.
Question 3
When assessing vital signs, which finding in an adult patient requires immediate follow-up?
A. Blood pressure 118/76 mmHg
B. Heart rate 92 beats per minute
C. Respiratory rate 28 breaths per minute
D. Temperature 37.2°C (99.0°F)
🟢 Correct answer: C
, 🔴 RATIONALE: A respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute is elevated (tachypnea) for an adult, with normal
range being 12-20 breaths per minute. This indicates potential respiratory distress or underlying pathology
requiring immediate assessment.
Question 4
A nurse is performing a cardiovascular assessment. Which finding represents a normal observation in a healthy
adult?
A. S4 heart sound heard at the apex
B. Jugular venous pressure 6 cm above the sternal angle
C. Capillary refill time of 2 seconds
D. Peripheral edema in both lower extremities
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: Capillary refill time of 2 seconds is within normal limits (normal is less than 3 seconds). S4 is
abnormal, JVP should be less than 4 cm, and peripheral edema indicates pathology.
Question 5
During a respiratory assessment, the nurse notes decreased breath sounds in the lower lobes. The patient has a
history of recent surgery and shallow breathing. What is the most likely cause?
A. Pneumonia
B. Pulmonary embolism
C. Atelectasis
D. Pleural effusion
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |STUDY GUIDE| INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
Physical Assessment Techniques and Normal Findings
Vital Signs Assessment and Interpretation
Integumentary System Assessment
Head, Neck, and Throat Assessment
Cardiovascular System Assessment
Respiratory System Assessment
Gastrointestinal System Assessment
Musculoskeletal System Assessment
Neurological Function Assessment
Ethical and Legal Compliance in Health Assessment*
,This comprehensive health assessment exam evaluates foundational knowledge and clinical decision-making
skills essential for nursing practitioners. The purpose is to assess mastery of systematic physical examination
techniques, normal versus abnormal findings, and critical thinking required for real-world patient care. The
test features multiple-choice and scenario-based questions that emphasize applied professional knowledge,
regulatory compliance, ethics, and professional standards. Students will demonstrate proficiency in vital
signs interpretation, system-specific assessments, and evidence-based decision-making. The exam prioritizes
real-world application, requiring candidates to analyze clinical scenarios and make appropriate clinical
judgments. Success indicates readiness for objective assessment in clinical practice and competency in
conducting thorough, patient-centered health assessments.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
During a physical assessment, a nurse observes that a patient's skin appears yellowish, particularly around the
sclera. Which laboratory value should the nurse prioritize for confirmation?
A. Hemoglobin level
B. Bilirubin level
C. White blood cell count
D. Platelet count
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Scleral yellowing is a classic sign of jaundice, which indicates elevated bilirubin levels in the
blood. This is the most direct laboratory correlation to confirm hepatic dysfunction or hemolysis.
,Question 2
A patient reports experiencing monthly skin self-exams. According to current guidelines for skin cancer
prevention, what is the nurse's appropriate response?
A. "Monthly self-exams are recommended and demonstrate good preventive care."
B. "Self-exams should be performed weekly for early detection."
C. "Annual self-exams are sufficient for most patients."
D. "Self-exams are not necessary if you see a dermatologist yearly."
🟢 Correct answer: A
🔴 RATIONALE: Monthly skin self-exams are the recommended frequency for early detection of skin changes.
This aligns with current guidelines emphasizing regular self-monitoring for skin cancer prevention.
Question 3
When assessing vital signs, which finding in an adult patient requires immediate follow-up?
A. Blood pressure 118/76 mmHg
B. Heart rate 92 beats per minute
C. Respiratory rate 28 breaths per minute
D. Temperature 37.2°C (99.0°F)
🟢 Correct answer: C
, 🔴 RATIONALE: A respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute is elevated (tachypnea) for an adult, with normal
range being 12-20 breaths per minute. This indicates potential respiratory distress or underlying pathology
requiring immediate assessment.
Question 4
A nurse is performing a cardiovascular assessment. Which finding represents a normal observation in a healthy
adult?
A. S4 heart sound heard at the apex
B. Jugular venous pressure 6 cm above the sternal angle
C. Capillary refill time of 2 seconds
D. Peripheral edema in both lower extremities
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: Capillary refill time of 2 seconds is within normal limits (normal is less than 3 seconds). S4 is
abnormal, JVP should be less than 4 cm, and peripheral edema indicates pathology.
Question 5
During a respiratory assessment, the nurse notes decreased breath sounds in the lower lobes. The patient has a
history of recent surgery and shallow breathing. What is the most likely cause?
A. Pneumonia
B. Pulmonary embolism
C. Atelectasis
D. Pleural effusion
