NURS 190 PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT
WEEK 1 COMPREHENSIVE QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. During the assessment phase of the nursing process, which action is considered a priority
for the nurse?
A. Formulating nursing diagnoses based on identified problems
B. Establishing a database of client information through systematic collection
C. Setting measurable goals and outcomes for patient care
D. Evaluating the effectiveness of nursing interventions
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The assessment phase is the first step of the nursing process,
focusing solely on the systematic collection, verification, and communication of data to
establish a comprehensive database.
2. A nurse is conducting a health history. Which of the following is an example of subjective
data?
A. A blood pressure reading of 145/92 mmHg
B. A visible skin rash on the patient’s upper torso
,C. A patient’s report of a ‘throbbing’ headache for two days
D. An oxygen saturation level of 94% on room air
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Subjective data are the patient’s verbal descriptions of their
health problems (symptoms), whereas objective data are measurable and observable signs.
3. When assessing an adult’s blood pressure, the nurse notes the cuff is too narrow for the
patient’s arm circumference. What effect will this have on the reading?
A. The blood pressure reading will be falsely high
B. The diastolic pressure will be accurate, but systolic will be low
C. The blood pressure reading will be falsely low
D. The reading will be unaffected if the cuff is applied tightly
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A blood pressure cuff that is too small or narrow for the arm size
results in a falsely high reading because it requires more pressure to occlude the artery.
4. The nurse is performing a general survey. Which component is included in this assessment?
A. Observation of the patient’s level of consciousness and hygiene
B. Palpation of the abdomen for masses
C. Auscultation of the apical pulse rate
, D. Testing deep tendon reflexes
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The general survey is a study of the whole person, covering
physical appearance, body structure, mobility, and behavior, including level of
consciousness.
5. Which communication technique is most effective for encouraging a patient to elaborate
on their symptoms?
A. Asking closed-ended questions that require ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers
B. Using medical terminology to ensure precision
C. Asking open-ended questions like ‘Tell me more about your pain’
D. Providing personal opinions on the patient’s lifestyle choices
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Open-ended questions allow the patient to provide more
information and describe their feelings and symptoms in their own words.
6. A patient’s pulse is described as ‘thready and weak.’ What numerical grade should the
nurse assign to this finding?
A. 0
B. 2+
C. 1+
WEEK 1 COMPREHENSIVE QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. During the assessment phase of the nursing process, which action is considered a priority
for the nurse?
A. Formulating nursing diagnoses based on identified problems
B. Establishing a database of client information through systematic collection
C. Setting measurable goals and outcomes for patient care
D. Evaluating the effectiveness of nursing interventions
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The assessment phase is the first step of the nursing process,
focusing solely on the systematic collection, verification, and communication of data to
establish a comprehensive database.
2. A nurse is conducting a health history. Which of the following is an example of subjective
data?
A. A blood pressure reading of 145/92 mmHg
B. A visible skin rash on the patient’s upper torso
,C. A patient’s report of a ‘throbbing’ headache for two days
D. An oxygen saturation level of 94% on room air
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Subjective data are the patient’s verbal descriptions of their
health problems (symptoms), whereas objective data are measurable and observable signs.
3. When assessing an adult’s blood pressure, the nurse notes the cuff is too narrow for the
patient’s arm circumference. What effect will this have on the reading?
A. The blood pressure reading will be falsely high
B. The diastolic pressure will be accurate, but systolic will be low
C. The blood pressure reading will be falsely low
D. The reading will be unaffected if the cuff is applied tightly
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A blood pressure cuff that is too small or narrow for the arm size
results in a falsely high reading because it requires more pressure to occlude the artery.
4. The nurse is performing a general survey. Which component is included in this assessment?
A. Observation of the patient’s level of consciousness and hygiene
B. Palpation of the abdomen for masses
C. Auscultation of the apical pulse rate
, D. Testing deep tendon reflexes
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The general survey is a study of the whole person, covering
physical appearance, body structure, mobility, and behavior, including level of
consciousness.
5. Which communication technique is most effective for encouraging a patient to elaborate
on their symptoms?
A. Asking closed-ended questions that require ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers
B. Using medical terminology to ensure precision
C. Asking open-ended questions like ‘Tell me more about your pain’
D. Providing personal opinions on the patient’s lifestyle choices
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Open-ended questions allow the patient to provide more
information and describe their feelings and symptoms in their own words.
6. A patient’s pulse is described as ‘thready and weak.’ What numerical grade should the
nurse assign to this finding?
A. 0
B. 2+
C. 1+
