,South University NSG 3009 Exam 2 | Principles of
Assessment (2026) Q&A
1. Which component of the mental status examination evaluates a client's level of consciousness?
A) Appearance
B) Behavior
C) Cognition
D) Thought processes
Correct Answer: Cognition
Rationale: The mental status examination includes appearance, behavior, cognition, and
thought processes. Cognition encompasses level of consciousness, orientation, attention,
memory, and abstract reasoning. Appearance and behavior address grooming, posture, and
cooperation, while thought processes address coherence and logic.
2. What is the primary purpose of the PHQ-2 screening tool?
A) To assess alcohol use disorder
B) To screen for depressed mood
C) To evaluate cognitive function
D) To measure anxiety severity
Correct Answer: To screen for depressed mood
Rationale: The PHQ-2 inquires about the frequency of depressed mood over the past two
weeks, with scores ranging from 0 to 6. It is a brief screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument.
Alcohol screening uses AUDIT or CAGE, cognitive function uses the Mini-Cog, and anxiety
uses GAD-7.
,3. Which screening tool is specifically designed to identify at-risk drinking in older adults?
A) CAGE
B) AUDIT
C) SMAST-G
D) TWEAK
Correct Answer: SMAST-G
Rationale: The SMAST-G (Short Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test-Geriatric Version) is
specifically designed for older adults. The CAGE and AUDIT are general screening tools, while
TWEAK is designed for women, particularly pregnant women.
4. Which laboratory value is most specific for chronic alcohol use?
A) AST
B) GGT
C) MCV
D) CDT
Correct Answer: CDT
Rationale: Carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) is a highly specific marker for chronic
heavy alcohol use. GGT is sensitive but not specific, AST can be elevated in liver disease, and
MCV is a late marker of chronic alcohol use.
5. What is the first step in a nutritional assessment?
A) Comprehensive nutritional assessment
B) Nutrition screening
, C) Anthropometric measurements
D) Laboratory testing
Correct Answer: Nutrition screening
Rationale: Nutrition screening is the first step, using easily obtained data to identify
individuals at nutrition risk. A comprehensive assessment, including anthropometric measures
and laboratory tests, is performed only if the screening indicates risk.
6. Which component of the nutritional assessment includes height, weight, and body mass index?
A) Biochemical
B) Clinical
C) Dietary
D) Anthropometric
Correct Answer: Anthropometric
Rationale: Anthropometric measurements include height, weight, BMI, and skinfold thickness.
Biochemical assessment involves laboratory tests. Clinical assessment involves physical
examination findings. Dietary assessment involves food intake history.
7. What is a common expected skin change in older adults?
A) Increased skin turgor
B) Decreased skin elasticity
C) Excessive sebum production
D) Increased subcutaneous fat
Correct Answer: Decreased skin elasticity
Assessment (2026) Q&A
1. Which component of the mental status examination evaluates a client's level of consciousness?
A) Appearance
B) Behavior
C) Cognition
D) Thought processes
Correct Answer: Cognition
Rationale: The mental status examination includes appearance, behavior, cognition, and
thought processes. Cognition encompasses level of consciousness, orientation, attention,
memory, and abstract reasoning. Appearance and behavior address grooming, posture, and
cooperation, while thought processes address coherence and logic.
2. What is the primary purpose of the PHQ-2 screening tool?
A) To assess alcohol use disorder
B) To screen for depressed mood
C) To evaluate cognitive function
D) To measure anxiety severity
Correct Answer: To screen for depressed mood
Rationale: The PHQ-2 inquires about the frequency of depressed mood over the past two
weeks, with scores ranging from 0 to 6. It is a brief screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument.
Alcohol screening uses AUDIT or CAGE, cognitive function uses the Mini-Cog, and anxiety
uses GAD-7.
,3. Which screening tool is specifically designed to identify at-risk drinking in older adults?
A) CAGE
B) AUDIT
C) SMAST-G
D) TWEAK
Correct Answer: SMAST-G
Rationale: The SMAST-G (Short Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test-Geriatric Version) is
specifically designed for older adults. The CAGE and AUDIT are general screening tools, while
TWEAK is designed for women, particularly pregnant women.
4. Which laboratory value is most specific for chronic alcohol use?
A) AST
B) GGT
C) MCV
D) CDT
Correct Answer: CDT
Rationale: Carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) is a highly specific marker for chronic
heavy alcohol use. GGT is sensitive but not specific, AST can be elevated in liver disease, and
MCV is a late marker of chronic alcohol use.
5. What is the first step in a nutritional assessment?
A) Comprehensive nutritional assessment
B) Nutrition screening
, C) Anthropometric measurements
D) Laboratory testing
Correct Answer: Nutrition screening
Rationale: Nutrition screening is the first step, using easily obtained data to identify
individuals at nutrition risk. A comprehensive assessment, including anthropometric measures
and laboratory tests, is performed only if the screening indicates risk.
6. Which component of the nutritional assessment includes height, weight, and body mass index?
A) Biochemical
B) Clinical
C) Dietary
D) Anthropometric
Correct Answer: Anthropometric
Rationale: Anthropometric measurements include height, weight, BMI, and skinfold thickness.
Biochemical assessment involves laboratory tests. Clinical assessment involves physical
examination findings. Dietary assessment involves food intake history.
7. What is a common expected skin change in older adults?
A) Increased skin turgor
B) Decreased skin elasticity
C) Excessive sebum production
D) Increased subcutaneous fat
Correct Answer: Decreased skin elasticity
