Senior Practicum Basic Physical Assessment Practice Test

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• If a nurse observes redness, swelling, and induration at a surgical wound site, what should be the next action?
• What is the primary concern if a nurse inadvertently massages the carotid sinus during palpation?
• Which steps are involved in conducting a thorough abdominal assessment?
• Which pulse site should a nurse palpate to assess the effectiveness of cardiac compressions during adult CPR?
• What is the highest priority assessment for a nurse responding to a multivehicle collision?
• Why is it important to assess hydration status during a physical exam?
• For a client with darker skin, where is the best place to check for pallor?
• What is the primary purpose of checking peripheral pulses?
• In assessing a client's safety, which factors are crucial for the nurse to evaluate?
• What are the potential ethical considerations during a physical assessment?
• What is the significance of checking for lymphadenopathy?
• What is the primary purpose of a physical assessment?
• What is considered the normal range for adult blood pressure?
• What is a normal finding when assessing skin turgor in an elderly client?
• What should a nurse’s primary intervention be after administering medications to control symptoms of a chronic condition?
• Why is it important to assess a patient's history before a physical assessment?
• What characteristic of a lump in the breast indicates it may be typical of fibrocystic breast disease?
• Which action taken by a UAP while measuring blood pressure is correct?
• What does phrenic nerve involvement primarily affect in a client?
• Which assessment is best for evaluating postural blood pressure changes in a client reporting dizziness?
• What does a tympanic thermometer measure?
• What finding in a post-operative total hip replacement patient requires immediate action?
• What is the priority nursing diagnosis for a client with Alzheimer's disease in home care settings?
• What is a common complication that needs monitoring after a total hip replacement?
• Which subjective data most strongly indicates an immune deficiency in a client?
• What does the Glasgow Coma Scale measure?
• Which nursing assessment finding in an elderly client with sepsis needs immediate attention?
• What is the purpose of percussion in a physical assessment?
• How do you assess gait during a physical assessment?
• What is the first step in conducting a physical assessment?
• What is assessed during the auscultation phase of a physical assessment?
• Which finding should be reported as abnormal during an abdominal assessment?
• What is an early sign of hypocalcemia that a nurse should monitor for?
• When a client presents with a combative behavior due to substance use, what is the nurse’s priority action?
• What is the most effective way to assess a client's ability to perform activities of daily living?
• What vital sign assessment is crucial for a client with potential internal bleeding?
• During an assessment, which finding suggests effective suctioning has occurred?
• What is the significance of measuring heart rate during a physical assessment?
• How does a patient's emotional state potentially affect their physical assessment?
• What does a higher than normal blood pressure reading indicate?
• What does an increasing pulse rate and decreasing blood pressure in a postoperative client signify?
• What range is considered a normal resting heart rate for adults?
• During the inspection phase of a physical assessment, the observer looks for which of the following?
• Inspecting a patient helps to identify which of the following?
• What assessment should be conducted after checking the vital signs of a postoperative client?
• Which of the following describes normal bowel sounds in a client management plan for Crohn's disease?
• What assessment question would best determine a client’s need for pain medication when they report abdominal pain?
• What is a recommended dietary factor for clients undergoing cancer screening?
• What physiological parameters may indicate shock during a physical assessment?
• Which observation indicates that a client tolerated ambulation without distress after 3 days of bed rest?
• During a vision test, what does the numerator of 20 in visual acuity signify?
• For a patient with a rash, which inquiry would best assist in diagnosing the condition?
• When documenting serous discharge from an abdominal dressing, how should the nurse describe this drainage?
• What hormonal change causes a rise in basal body temperature during the ovulation cycle?
• Which sign indicates a healthy stoma following a colostomy?
• What can frequent changes in a patient’s vital signs indicate during assessment?
• What is indicated by a tight and painful lump in the breast?
• What is the initial sign of infection that should be monitored for in a client with a shift to the left in WBC count?
• When developing culturally acceptable care strategies, which client factor is most vital?
• Name a tool used to assess pain during a physical assessment.
• What is a sign of effective therapy in a client with osteoporosis?
• If the nurse cannot palpate the patient's left pedal pulses, what is the first step?
• In which direction does the ear canal of an infant or young child slant?
• When assessing a patient’s posture, what are you observing for?
• What symptom is expected in a client recovering from aspiration pneumonia?
• What are the components of a neurological assessment?
• Which pulse is assessed by palpating the inner aspect of the ankle, below the medial malleolus?
• What intervention is inappropriate for a client experiencing fluid overload after surgery?
• What question should a nurse ask to assess a client's preoperative cognitive-perceptual pattern?
• What is the priority nursing action for a client presenting with abdominal pain and upper GI bleeding?
• What initial assessments should a nurse perform upon a client’s transfer to the postanesthesia recovery room?
• What type of question best encourages communication from a client who may be hesitant to express pain?
• What is edema primarily characterized by?
• In what situation would a nurse be required to report abnormal findings during a physical assessment?
• When assessing an elderly client, how should a nurse modify the assessment approach?
• After a total abdominal hysterectomy, what early assessment change might indicate sepsis?
• How does the nurse elicit rebound tenderness in a patient suspected of having peritonitis?
• What vital sign change may indicate a postoperative hemorrhage?
• Prior to discharge, which key aspect should not be overlooked when caring for a client recovering from surgery?
• When a colostomy is newly created, what should the nurse inform the client about possible stoma characteristics?
• If a nurse notes a client’s respiratory rate at 28 breaths/min, what should she conclude?
• In assessing a patient with shingles, which description best describes the lesions observed?
• Orthostatic hypotension is defined as:
• What is the primary focus when assessing an older adult's skin?
• What prescription should the nurse recommend to the HCP for a client experiencing fluid overload after surgery?
• When using the SBAR method to communicate a change in a client’s condition, what is the first step?
• According to recommended screening protocols, when should fecal occult blood testing begin for low-risk asymptomatic clients?
• Which symptom is typically associated with thrombophlebitis?
• Which method is commonly used for assessing breath sounds during a physical exam?
• What complication should a nurse prioritize for a client on complete bed rest?
• What is orthopnea, and why is it assessed?
• What medical term should be used to describe elevated, round, blister-like lesions filled with clear fluid?
• What indicates the successful engagement of the biceps reflex test?
• Who should a nurse prioritize to assess first during a change-of-shift report?
• Which assessment technique uses tapping to evaluate organ size?
• To ensure accurate receipt of lab results over the phone, what should a nurse do after writing down the results?
• What is the significance of assessing range of motion in a physical assessment?
• What is assessed by performing deep palpation during a physical examination?
• Why should the nurse palpate carotid arteries one at a time?
• How is the biceps reflex assessed in a client?
• What condition can be suggested by the assessment of pitting edema?
• What action should a nurse take if a client is at risk for dysphagia after a medical procedure?
• Auscultation in a physical assessment primarily involves which of the following?
• What is the significance of checking capillary refill time?
• What are some common signs of respiratory distress?
• What is an important factor when documenting assessment findings?
• When assessing a rash, which question is most relevant for identifying potential allergens?
• Which assessment techniques are crucial for evaluating musculoskeletal health?
• What is the equivalent Centigrade temperature for a measured fever of 102° F?
• What is a common sign of impending sepsis in elderly clients?
• Which of the following is NOT one of the four basic techniques used in physical assessment?
• What is the expected response of vital signs in a client who is safely tolerating ambulation?
• What is an important factor to remember when conducting an assessment on a senior client?
• What is the role of auscultation in a respiratory assessment?
• What should a nurse do if an adolescent client wishes to keep information about an abortion confidential?
• A shift to the left in a white blood cell differential indicates what in a post-operative client?
• Which data indicate a problem when assessing a client's respiratory status?
• Which of the following should the nurse assess for in a client experiencing parasympathetic responses to pain?
• What knowledge base does a nurse primarily use to determine appropriate interventions for a client's medical condition?
• Why is obtaining a health history important before a physical assessment?
• What does a visual acuity of 20/40 indicate about a client's vision?
• What are abnormal findings you might identify during a physical examination?
• What condition should a nurse suspect if a client’s arterial blood gas values indicate a pH of 7.24?
• What does an assessment for any peripheral vascular issues generally involve?
• What could diminished breath sounds indicate during a respiratory assessment?
• What is the correct sequence to perform during an abdominal assessment for a client with pain?
• Which factor is most important when assessing skin turgor in elderly individuals?
• In the case of a postoperative client who has not voided since before surgery, what is the nurse's most appropriate initial action?
• Which vital sign is NOT typically measured during a basic physical assessment?
• What characteristic indicates that a client's testes are normal?
• Which vital sign change may indicate a significant concern in a post-surgery client?
• What is a beneficial question for assessing a female client's sexual identity?
• What is a common indication of a high fever during an assessment?
• What is the priority assessment for a nurse to perform on a client returning from the recovery room postmastectomy?
• The differential between a client's apical and radial pulse rates is known as?
• During postoperative assessment, what finding would indicate a potential respiratory issue?
• Which child should receive immediate medical treatment in the emergency department?
• What normal findings can be expected during an abdominal physical examination?
• What action should the nurse take to avoid recording a low systolic blood pressure when there's an auscultatory gap?
• How can cultural considerations influence a physical assessment?
• What should a nurse do first when a client in the surgical unit shows rapid, shallow respirations and declining consciousness?
• After a transesophageal echocardiogram, what action should a nurse take if a client lacks an active gag reflex?
• Which technique involves feeling body parts for temperature and tenderness?
• After observing a client's temperature rise, what should the nurse's next action be?
• In assessing the cardiovascular system, what is the significance of heart sounds?
• What should the nurse prioritize when preparing for the arrival of a child with meningococcal meningitis?
• After suctioning a client with a tracheotomy, which sign indicates no further interventions are needed?
• Which assessment finding indicates a potential problem with a client’s respiratory status?
• What indicates optimal management of a patient with Crohn's disease during an exacerbation?
• What initial action should the nurse take when a client presents with chest pain and black, tarry stools?
• Which factor can influence the accuracy of a physical assessment?
• Define normal respiratory rate for adults.
• How is the abdomen typically divided during a physical assessment?
• Which of the following is not a common risk factor for urinary retention post-surgery?
• What key health topics should be discussed when providing primary prevention education to middle-aged women?
• When using the basal body temperature method for family planning, when should a client take her temperature?
• What should a nurse do next after detecting dyspnea, a nonproductive cough, and back pain in a preoperative client?
• What is the first action a nurse should take upon receiving a neonatal blood glucose level over the phone?
• Which subjective data most indicates a possible immune deficiency in a client?
• Which sign indicates a worsening infection at a surgical site requiring urgent evaluation?
• Which technique is best for measuring blood pressure to avoid inaccurate readings?
• What does the term "cyanosis" signify in a patient?
• In a client with Parkinson's disease, which symptom should the nurse expect?
• What is the correct method for measuring blood pressure?
• How do you assess for jugular venous distension?
• What does a client experiencing weakness and bradycardia indicate about their pain response?
• Why is skin condition assessed during a physical exam?
• How is strength testing conducted in a musculoskeletal assessment?
• What urinary output over two hours would most indicate a potential postoperative complication?
• How is abdominal tenderness typically assessed?
• What is the nurse's responsibility regarding an adolescent's confidentiality in healthcare?
• What factors can influence respiratory rate during assessment?
• What should the nurse be cautious of monitoring after a client’s hysterectomy?
• Which type of drainage is characterized as clear and watery?
• Where would a nurse palpate to assess the occipital lymph nodes during a head and neck assessment?
• What role does a patient’s environment play in their physical assessment?
• Which client should be assessed first according to priority of care?
• How is reflex activity assessed during a physical examination?
• What does palpation help assess during a physical assessment?
• What significant hazard is associated with a client taking digoxin and presenting a potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L?
• How do you assess cranial nerve function as part of the neurological examination?
• What symptom suggests a client’s condition may be worsening rapidly in asthma management?
• What is the most appropriate response by the nurse to a Latino client exhibiting restlessness and refusing dinner?
• What should be included in a documentation of physical assessment findings?
• Which assessment technique might you use to evaluate organomegaly?