Critical Thinking In Health Assessment Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified

Critical Thinking In Health Assessment Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified A patient complains of shortness of breath when lying flat. What should the nurse ask next? “Do you use pillows to sleep or have to sit up at night to breathe?” While auscultating the lungs, the nurse hears crackles in the lower lobes. What should the nurse assess next? Signs of fluid overload or heart failure A client reports a sudden headache that feels “like the worst ever.” What should the nurse do immediately? Initiate emergency evaluation for possible brain bleed A patient complains of chest pain. What is the nurse’s immediate priority in assessment? Assess location, severity, duration, and radiation of the pain During assessment, the nurse notices unequal pupil size. What should the nurse do next? 2 Perform a full neurological exam The nurse observes a diabetic patient with dry, cracked heels. What is a critical question to ask? “Have you been inspecting your feet daily?” A client’s blood pressure is 80/60 and the skin is cool and clammy. What should the nurse assess next? Level of consciousness and urine output A patient is coughing up pink frothy sputum. What should the nurse suspect? Pulmonary edema During abdominal assessment, the nurse hears no bowel sounds for 5 minutes. What does this likely indicate? Possible bowel obstruction or paralytic ileus A patient’s oxygen saturation drops to 88% on room air. What is the first assessment step? Check airway patency and respiratory effort 3 A patient with liver disease has yellowing of the skin and eyes. What is this finding called? Jaundice The nurse palpates a thrill over the AV fistula of a dialysis patient. What should the nurse do next? Document the finding as normal During inspection of the legs, one calf appears red, swollen, and warm. What should the nurse do? Suspect DVT and notify the provider A client is restless, has rapid speech, and a flushed face. What is the nurse’s priority assessment? Check temperature and mental status The nurse is performing a neurological check. What finding requires immediate action? Sudden drop in Glasgow Coma Scale 4 A patient with COPD is breathing rapidly and has bluish lips. What is the next best action? Apply oxygen and assess arterial blood gases The nurse notices that the patient avoids eye contact and is reluctant to speak. What is a good question to ask? “Is there anything you’d like to talk about in private?” A patient has a history of falls and is found wandering in the hallway. What should the nurse assess? Gait, balance, and orientation During an interview, the patient becomes tearful when discussing family. What should the nurse do? Acknowledge the emotion and ask if they want to talk more The nurse finds a patient confused and trying to remove their IV. What is the first action? Reorient the patient and ensure safety