General Health Assessment: A Comprehensive Guide for Nursing Professionals

Question 1

During a general survey, a patient discloses potential indicators of child abuse. What are the nurse's ethical and legal obligations?

Accepted Answer

Report the suspected abuse to the relevant authorities.

Answer

Maintain confidentiality and refrain from reporting the suspected abuse.

Answer

Document the patient's disclosure and proceed with the physical examination.

Answer

Overlook the patient's disclosure and prioritize completing the physical examination.

Question 2

When gathering a patient's history, which element is crucial?

Accepted Answer

Building a connection and trust with the patient

Answer

Asking questions in order of importance

Answer

Following a rigid history-taking format

Answer

Concentrating solely on the patient's main concern

Question 3

During a routine health exam, a nurse auscultates a client's apical pulse and finds a heart rate of 54 beats per minute. What's the most likely interpretation of this finding?

Accepted Answer

Sinus bradycardia

Answer

Tachycardia

Answer

Heart block

Answer

Atrial fibrillation

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a component of the general survey performed during a health assessment?

Accepted Answer

Biochemical data

Answer

Overall appearance

Answer

Vital signs

Answer

Health status

Question 5

In a head-to-toe examination, which body region should be assessed first?

Accepted Answer

Head

Answer

Neck

Answer

Chest

Answer

Extremities

Question 6

What is the intended purpose of percussing the lungs?

Accepted Answer

To assess air entry, consolidation, and fluid presence

Answer

To determine heart size and borders

Answer

To detect masses or tumors

Answer

To evaluate bowel sounds

Question 7

Which finding is indicative of dehydration?

Accepted Answer

Dry, tacky mucous membranes

Answer

Increased urine output

Answer

Plump, moist skin

Answer

Rapid heart rate

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a known risk factor for coronary artery disease?

Accepted Answer

Regular exercise

Answer

Smoking

Answer

Physical inactivity

Answer

Obesity

Question 9

What is the potential clinical significance of a laterally displaced point of maximal impulse (PMI)?

Accepted Answer

Left ventricular hypertrophy

Answer

Mitral regurgitation

Answer

Tricuspid valve stenosis

Answer

Aortic stenosis

Question 10

Which percussion note is typically associated with a consolidated lung?

Accepted Answer

Dullness

Answer

Resonance

Answer

Hyperresonance

Answer

Tympany

Question 11

What is the main purpose of the Braden Scale?

Accepted Answer

To assess risk for pressure injuries

Answer

To determine the severity of malnutrition

Answer

To evaluate pain intensity

Answer

To predict length of hospital stay

Question 12

During a general survey, a patient expresses concerns about abnormal physical examination findings. How should the nurse prioritize their response?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge the patient's concerns, provide a clear and understandable explanation of the findings, and offer reassurance.

Answer

Dismiss the patient's concerns and proceed with the examination.

Answer

Provide a brief explanation of the findings without offering emotional support.

Question 13

When measuring blood pressure using a sphygmomanometer, what is the recommended placement of the cuff?

Accepted Answer

On the upper arm, slightly above the elbow crease, with the arrow aligned with the brachial artery

Answer

On the lower arm, below the elbow crease

Answer

On the thigh, just above the knee

Answer

On the calf, just below the knee

Question 14

When examining the nervous system, which test assesses a patient's fine motor skills?

Accepted Answer

Finger-to-nose test

Answer

Romberg test

Answer

Heel-to-shin test

Answer

Gait assessment

Question 15

During an abdominal examination, which technique is used to detect masses or tenderness?

Accepted Answer

Palpation

Answer

Auscultation

Answer

Percussion

Answer

Inspection

Question 16

During a general survey, the nurse auscultates the heart and detects a murmur. What is the appropriate next step for the nurse?

Accepted Answer

Document the murmur and refer the patient to a cardiologist for further evaluation.

Answer

Ignore the murmur, as it is likely not significant.

Answer

Reassure the patient and tell them not to worry about the murmur.

Question 17

During a general survey, a patient presents with unilateral facial weakness and slurred speech. What is the most likely neurological deficit?

Accepted Answer

B. Brainstem

Answer

A. Cerebellar

Answer

C. Peripheral nerve

Answer

D. Metabolic encephalopathy

Question 18

When assessing a patient's appearance, which of the following is NOT an important indicator of potential health issues?

Accepted Answer

Hair texture

Answer

Facial expression

Answer

Skin color

Answer

Body posture

Question 19

Which vital sign is typically measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg)?

Accepted Answer

Blood pressure

Answer

Temperature

Answer

Pulse rate

Answer

Respiratory rate

Question 20

When assessing a patient's vital signs, which of the following should the nurse do first?

Accepted Answer

Palpate the pulse

Answer

Measure blood pressure

Answer

Auscultate the lungs

Answer

Take temperature

Question 21

Which of the following is a normal finding for a respiratory rate in an adult?

Accepted Answer

12-16 breaths per minute

Answer

8-10 breaths per minute

Answer

18-24 breaths per minute

Answer

25-30 breaths per minute

Question 22

During a general survey, the nurse notes that a patient has a pale, cool, and clammy skin. Which of the following is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Hypovolemia

Answer

Hyperthermia

Answer

Sepsis

Answer

Vasodilation

Question 23

Which of the following is the generally accepted normal range for diastolic blood pressure in healthy adults?

Accepted Answer

60-90 mm Hg

Answer

90-120 mm Hg

Answer

120-140 mm Hg

Answer

140-160 mm Hg

Question 24

Which of the following physical examination findings is indicative of pallor?

Accepted Answer

Pale gums

Answer

Yellowish skin

Answer

Blue nails

Answer

Red eyes

Question 25

Which of the following assessment tools is primarily used to evaluate a patient's level of consciousness?

Accepted Answer

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)

Answer

Respiratory status

Answer

Cardiac function

Answer

Pain intensity

Question 26

What is the main purpose of conducting a general survey in health assessment?

Accepted Answer

To establish a baseline understanding of the patient's overall health status

Answer

To establish a diagnosis

Answer

To develop a treatment plan

Answer

To determine the need for further testing

Question 27

Which component is NOT included in a general survey?

Accepted Answer

Social history

Answer

Overall appearance

Answer

Health status

Answer

Vital signs

Question 28

When palpating axillary lymph nodes, which technique is appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Gently place your fingertips in the axilla and palpate for enlarged or tender nodes.

Answer

Roll the skin between your fingers to feel for any lumps.

Answer

Use firm pressure to press against the skin and locate nodes.

Question 29

In patients experiencing shock, which vital sign alteration is most commonly observed?

Accepted Answer

Tachycardia

Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Bradycardia

Answer

Hypothermia

Question 30

During a respiratory system assessment, which finding is considered abnormal?

Accepted Answer

Crackles in the lung bases

Answer

Clear lung fields on auscultation

Answer

Vesicular breath sounds in all lung fields

Answer

Equal chest expansion bilaterally

Question 31

Which finding is a sign of dehydration?

Accepted Answer

Dry mucous membranes

Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Edema

Answer

Hypothermia

Question 32

To assess abdominal tenderness during a physical examination, which technique is employed?

Accepted Answer

Palpation

Answer

Auscultation

Answer

Percussion

Answer

Inspection

Question 33

Which factor is NOT associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease?

Accepted Answer

Regular physical activity

Answer

Smoking

Answer

Hypertension

Answer

High cholesterol levels

Question 34

When assessing the skin, what finding indicates a positive Homans' sign?

Accepted Answer

Pain in the calf upon dorsiflexion of the foot

Answer

Blanching of the nail bed with pressure

Answer

Thickening of the skin in sun-exposed areas

Answer

Tenderness along the plantar fascia

Question 35

In conducting a general survey, what is the correct sequence of techniques?

Accepted Answer

Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation

Answer

Auscultation, percussion, palpation, inspection

Answer

Palpation, inspection, auscultation, percussion

Answer

Percussion, auscultation, inspection, palpation

Question 36

Which of the following is a common indicator of anxiety during patient assessment?

Accepted Answer

Restlessness

Answer

Flat affect

Answer

Apathy

Answer

Euphoria

Question 37

Which of the following is NOT considered a vital sign in a general health assessment?

Accepted Answer

Weight

Answer

Temperature

Answer

Respiratory rate

Answer

Blood pressure

Question 38

When assessing a patient's overall appearance, which of the following is evaluated?

Accepted Answer

Body posture and gait

Answer

Lifestyle habits

Answer

Occupation

Answer

Social history

Question 39

During a general survey, what should the nurse prioritize in terms of patient positioning?

Accepted Answer

Position that optimizes patient comfort and facilitates thorough assessment

Answer

Standing position for all patients

Answer

Supine position for all patients

Question 40

Which of the following is an abnormal finding that may be identified during a general survey?

Accepted Answer

Jaundice

Answer

Upright posture

Answer

Clear lungs on auscultation

Answer

Smooth skin

Question 41

What is the primary purpose of assessing a patient's health status during a general survey?

Accepted Answer

To establish a baseline and identify potential health concerns

Answer

To diagnose all present diseases

Answer

To determine the patient's risk factors

Question 42

Which of the following is a common component of a comprehensive physical examination?

Accepted Answer

Auscultation

Answer

Discharge planning

Answer

Spiritual assessment

Answer

Medication reconciliation

Question 43

Why is it important to gather accurate patient data during a general survey?

Accepted Answer

Provides a foundation for further assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning

Answer

Helps the nurse make decisions without further investigation

Answer

Satisfies the patient's expectations

Question 44

Which of the following is a limitation of using MCQs to assess general survey skills?

Accepted Answer

MCQs do not evaluate the nurse's physical examination techniques

Answer

MCQs are biased towards certain patient populations

Answer

MCQs are time-consuming to complete

Question 45

How can a nurse best ensure patient comfort during a general survey?

Accepted Answer

Explain the procedure, provide privacy, and use appropriate positioning

Answer

Use complex medical jargon throughout the assessment

Answer

Use formal attire