By Susan Fickertt Wilson & Jean Foret Giddens
Complete Updated Edition – All 26 Chapters – 75 Questions Each
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH ASSESSMENT – Questions 1-75
1. A nurse is performing a health assessment on a patient. Which of the following best describes the
purpose of a health assessment?
A) To diagnose medical conditions
B) To establish a baseline for patient care
C) To prescribe medications
D) To perform surgical procedures
Answer: B
Rationale:
Correct: The primary purpose of a health assessment is to establish a baseline for patient care, identify
health problems, and develop a plan of care.
A: Diagnosis is the role of the healthcare provider.
C: Prescribing medications is outside the scope of health assessment.
D: Surgical procedures are not part of health assessment.
Module Reference: Chapter 1 - Introduction to Health Assessment
2. A nurse is admitting a patient to a long-term care facility. Which type of assessment is most
appropriate?
A) Focused assessment
B) Emergency assessment
C) Comprehensive assessment
D) Shift assessment
Answer: C
Rationale:
Correct: A comprehensive assessment is performed during admission to a facility to obtain a detailed
history and complete physical examination.
A: Focused assessments are performed for specific problems.
B: Emergency assessments are performed in life-threatening situations.
D: Shift assessments are performed at the beginning of each shift.
,Module Reference: Chapter 1 - Introduction to Health Assessment
3. A patient presents to the emergency department with chest pain and shortness of breath. Which type
of assessment should the nurse perform?
A) Comprehensive assessment
B) Focused assessment
C) Screening assessment
D) Developmental assessment
Answer: B
Rationale:
Correct: A focused assessment is indicated when a patient presents with a specific acute problem that
requires immediate attention.
A: Comprehensive assessments are too time-consuming in emergencies.
C: Screening assessments are for early disease detection in asymptomatic populations.
D: Developmental assessments focus on growth and development milestones.
Module Reference: Chapter 1 - Introduction to Health Assessment
4. A hospital sponsors a health fair offering free blood pressure and cholesterol screenings. This is an
example of which type of assessment?
A) Comprehensive assessment
B) Focused assessment
C) Screening assessment
D) Emergency assessment
Answer: C
Rationale:
Correct: Screening assessments are performed to detect disease early in asymptomatic populations.
A: Comprehensive assessments are in-depth and performed during admission.
B: Focused assessments target specific problems.
D: Emergency assessments are for life-threatening situations.
Module Reference: Chapter 1 - Introduction to Health Assessment
, 5. A nurse is preparing to perform a physical assessment on a newly admitted patient. Which action
should the nurse take first?
A) Begin the physical examination
B) Review the patient's medical record
C) Obtain informed consent
D) Gather equipment
Answer: B
Rationale:
Correct: The nurse should first review the patient's medical record to understand the reason for
admission, history, and previous findings.
A: The physical examination should follow the health history.
C: Informed consent is not typically required for routine assessments.
D: Gathering equipment should occur after reviewing the record.
Module Reference: Chapter 1 - Introduction to Health Assessment
6. Which component is included in a comprehensive health history?
A) Biographical data
B) Reason for seeking care
C) Past medical history
D) All of the above
Answer: D
Rationale:
Correct: A comprehensive health history includes biographical data, reason for seeking care, history of
present illness, past medical history, family history, social history, and review of systems.
A, B, & C: Each is a component of a comprehensive history.
Module Reference: Chapter 1 - Introduction to Health Assessment
7. A nurse is assessing a patient who reports a headache. The nurse asks, "When did the headache
start?" This question addresses which part of the health history?
A) Past medical history
B) History of present illness
C) Family history
D) Social history