,South University NSG 3009 Final Exam | Principles of
Assessment (2026) Q&A
1. Which statement best describes the purpose of evidence-based assessment in nursing?
A) Using assessment techniques that have been validated by research, combined with clinical
expertise and patient preferences
B) Performing a head-to-toe assessment in the same order for every patient regardless of clinical
presentation
C) Relying exclusively on the nurse's clinical experience and intuition without consulting current
research
D) Using the most cost-effective assessment methods regardless of accuracy or patient outcomes
Correct Answer: Using assessment techniques that have been validated by research, combined
with clinical expertise and patient preferences
Rationale: Evidence-based assessment integrates the best available research evidence, the
nurse's clinical expertise, and the patient's values and preferences. It is not a rigid, one-size-fits-
all approach, nor does it rely solely on intuition or cost considerations without regard to
accuracy.
2. What is the primary purpose of the health history in the nursing process?
A) To identify the client's medical diagnosis
B) To collect subjective data that contributes to the nursing diagnosis
C) To determine the client's insurance coverage
D) To prescribe treatment
Correct Answer: To collect subjective data that contributes to the nursing diagnosis
,Rationale: The health history collects subjective data that, along with objective data from the
physical examination, contributes to the formulation of the nursing diagnosis. It does not identify
medical diagnoses, determine insurance coverage, or prescribe treatment.
3. Which type of assessment data includes information the client reports, such as feelings,
perceptions, and symptoms?
A) Objective data
B) Subjective data
C) Diagnostic data
D) Laboratory data
Correct Answer: Subjective data
Rationale: Subjective data are what the client reports, including feelings, perceptions, and
symptoms. Objective data are measurable or observable findings obtained through physical
examination and diagnostic testing.
4. What is the correct order of the nursing process?
A) Assessment, diagnosis, outcome identification, planning, implementation, evaluation
B) Assessment, planning, diagnosis, implementation, evaluation, outcome identification
C) Diagnosis, assessment, planning, implementation, outcome identification, evaluation
D) Planning, assessment, diagnosis, outcome identification, implementation, evaluation
Correct Answer: Assessment, diagnosis, outcome identification, planning, implementation,
evaluation
Rationale: The nursing process is a sequential method of problem-solving that includes
assessment, diagnosis, outcome identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation. The
other sequences are incorrect.
, 5. Which type of priority problem is considered emergent and life-threatening?
A) First-level priority
B) Second-level priority
C) Third-level priority
D) Collaborative problem
Correct Answer: First-level priority
Rationale: First-level priority problems are emergent, life-threatening, and require immediate
intervention, such as airway, breathing, and circulation issues. Second-level priorities require
prompt intervention to prevent deterioration. Third-level priorities are important but not
immediately life-threatening.
6. What is the primary purpose of the pre-orientation phase in the nurse-client relationship?
A) To establish rapport with the client
B) To gather information about the client
C) To set mutual goals with the client
D) To evaluate the effectiveness of the relationship
Correct Answer: To gather information about the client
Rationale: The pre-orientation phase involves the nurse reviewing the client's chart, gathering
data, and planning for the initial interaction before meeting the client. Establishing rapport
occurs during the orientation phase, setting mutual goals is part of the working phase, and
evaluation occurs during the termination phase.
7. Which communication technique involves restating the client's message in the nurse's own
words to confirm understanding?
Assessment (2026) Q&A
1. Which statement best describes the purpose of evidence-based assessment in nursing?
A) Using assessment techniques that have been validated by research, combined with clinical
expertise and patient preferences
B) Performing a head-to-toe assessment in the same order for every patient regardless of clinical
presentation
C) Relying exclusively on the nurse's clinical experience and intuition without consulting current
research
D) Using the most cost-effective assessment methods regardless of accuracy or patient outcomes
Correct Answer: Using assessment techniques that have been validated by research, combined
with clinical expertise and patient preferences
Rationale: Evidence-based assessment integrates the best available research evidence, the
nurse's clinical expertise, and the patient's values and preferences. It is not a rigid, one-size-fits-
all approach, nor does it rely solely on intuition or cost considerations without regard to
accuracy.
2. What is the primary purpose of the health history in the nursing process?
A) To identify the client's medical diagnosis
B) To collect subjective data that contributes to the nursing diagnosis
C) To determine the client's insurance coverage
D) To prescribe treatment
Correct Answer: To collect subjective data that contributes to the nursing diagnosis
,Rationale: The health history collects subjective data that, along with objective data from the
physical examination, contributes to the formulation of the nursing diagnosis. It does not identify
medical diagnoses, determine insurance coverage, or prescribe treatment.
3. Which type of assessment data includes information the client reports, such as feelings,
perceptions, and symptoms?
A) Objective data
B) Subjective data
C) Diagnostic data
D) Laboratory data
Correct Answer: Subjective data
Rationale: Subjective data are what the client reports, including feelings, perceptions, and
symptoms. Objective data are measurable or observable findings obtained through physical
examination and diagnostic testing.
4. What is the correct order of the nursing process?
A) Assessment, diagnosis, outcome identification, planning, implementation, evaluation
B) Assessment, planning, diagnosis, implementation, evaluation, outcome identification
C) Diagnosis, assessment, planning, implementation, outcome identification, evaluation
D) Planning, assessment, diagnosis, outcome identification, implementation, evaluation
Correct Answer: Assessment, diagnosis, outcome identification, planning, implementation,
evaluation
Rationale: The nursing process is a sequential method of problem-solving that includes
assessment, diagnosis, outcome identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation. The
other sequences are incorrect.
, 5. Which type of priority problem is considered emergent and life-threatening?
A) First-level priority
B) Second-level priority
C) Third-level priority
D) Collaborative problem
Correct Answer: First-level priority
Rationale: First-level priority problems are emergent, life-threatening, and require immediate
intervention, such as airway, breathing, and circulation issues. Second-level priorities require
prompt intervention to prevent deterioration. Third-level priorities are important but not
immediately life-threatening.
6. What is the primary purpose of the pre-orientation phase in the nurse-client relationship?
A) To establish rapport with the client
B) To gather information about the client
C) To set mutual goals with the client
D) To evaluate the effectiveness of the relationship
Correct Answer: To gather information about the client
Rationale: The pre-orientation phase involves the nurse reviewing the client's chart, gathering
data, and planning for the initial interaction before meeting the client. Establishing rapport
occurs during the orientation phase, setting mutual goals is part of the working phase, and
evaluation occurs during the termination phase.
7. Which communication technique involves restating the client's message in the nurse's own
words to confirm understanding?
