South College Physical Assessment Exam 1

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Sample questions from South College Physical Assessment Exam 1

This material has 90 questions with answers and rationales. Here are the first 5.

1. 1.Which statement best describes the purpose of a nursing health assessment?

   • A.To collect information that supports clinical judgment and an individualized plan of care
   • B.To establish a medical diagnosis before the provider evaluates the client
   • C.To document only abnormal findings for the health care team
   • D.To replace the need for ongoing evaluation after care is started

   Rationale: Assessment collects subjective and objective information used to identify needs and guide a plan of care. Establishing a medical diagnosis is not the nurse's sole purpose, and assessment does not replace evaluation. Both relevant normal and abnormal findings may be important to document.

2. 2.In a community clinic, a client reports fatigue. Which finding is objective data?

   • A.The client reports sleeping about 5 hours each night.
   • B.The client rates fatigue as 7 on a 0-to-10 scale.
   • C.The client says, "I feel tired every afternoon."
   • D.The nurse observes the client pause twice while walking from the waiting room.

   Rationale: An observed pause during walking is directly seen by the nurse and is objective data. The client's descriptions, rating, and reported sleep are subjective data, even when quantified. Distinguishing data sources helps keep documentation accurate.

3. 3.In the emergency department, a client arrives with severe shortness of breath. Which assessment approach is most appropriate initially?

   • A.Comprehensive assessment of every body system
   • B.Follow-up assessment of previously documented findings
   • C.Focused assessment of respiratory status and immediate concerns
   • D.Routine assessment at the next scheduled interval

   Rationale: A focused assessment targets the urgent problem and relevant findings, allowing timely evaluation of respiratory status. A comprehensive assessment may be appropriate when the client's immediate condition permits, but it is not the initial priority here. Follow-up and routine assessments are not substitutes for evaluating an acute concern.

4. 4.At a scheduled clinic revisit, which description best fits a follow-up assessment?

   • A.A rapid assessment performed during a life-threatening event
   • B.A reassessment of a previously identified problem and response to the plan
   • C.An examination limited to one body system regardless of prior findings
   • D.A first, complete baseline review of health status

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.

5. 5.A client's chart contains a new finding that changes the identified nursing diagnosis. What should the nurse do next in the nursing process?

   • A.Use the updated diagnosis and findings to revise goals and interventions
   • B.Continue the original plan without revision
   • C.Repeat the assessment only after the current plan is complete
   • D.Document the finding only at the end of the shift

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.