Health assessment exam 2 study guide
2025-2026
Chapter 08:
1. When performing a physical assessment, the first technique the nurse will always use is:
a. Palpation.
b. Inspection.
c. Percussion.
d. Auscultation.
B
The skills requisite for the physical examination are inspection, palpation, percussion,
and auscultation. The skills are performed one at a time and in this order (with the
exception of the abdominal assessment, during which auscultation takes place before
palpation and percussion). The assessment of each body system begins with inspection.
A focused inspection takes time and yields a surprising amount of information.
2. The nurse is preparing to perform a physical assessment. Which statement is true about
the physical assessment? The inspection phase:
a. Usually yields little information.
b. Takes time and reveals a surprising
Amount of information.
c. May be somewhat uncomfortable for the
Expert practitioner.
d. Requires a quick glance at the patient’s
Body systems before proceeding with
palpation.
B
A focused inspection takes time and yields a surprising amount of information. Initially,
the examiner may feel uncomfortable, staring at the person without also doing
something. A focused assessment is significantly more than a “quick glance.”
3. The nurse is assessing a patient’s skin during an office visit. What part of the hand and
technique should be used to best assess the patient’s skin temperature?
a. Fingertips; they are more sensitive to
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Small changes in temperature.
b. Dorsal surface of the hand; the skin is
Thinner on this surface than on the palms.
c. Ulnar portion of the hand; increased blood
Supply in this area enhances temperature
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