Chapter 3: The Interview, Chapter 10: Pain Assessment, Chapter 9: General Survey, Measurement, Vital Signs, Chapter 8: Assessment Techniques, Chapter 2: Cultural Competency, Chapter 4: The Complete Health History

38. When examining an infant, the nurse should examine which area first? a. Ear b. Nose c. Throat d. Abdomen

ANS: D The least-distressing steps are performed first, saving the invasive steps of the examination of the eye, ear, nose, and throat until last.

34. When examining an older adult, the nurse should use which technique? a. Avoid touching the patient too much. b. Attempt to perform the entire physical examination during one visit. c. Speak loudly and slowly because most aging adults have hearing deficits. d. Arrange the sequence of the examination to allow as few position changes as possible.

34. When examining an older adult, the nurse should use which technique? a. Avoid touching the patient too much. b. Attempt to perform the entire physical examination during one visit. c. Speak loudly and slowly because most aging adults have hearing deficits. d. Arrange the sequence of the examination to allow as few position changes as possible.

26. While measuring a patients blood pressure, the nurse recalls that certain factors, such as __________, help determine blood pressure. a. Pulse rate b. Pulse pressure c. Vascular output d. Peripheral vascular resistance

ANS: D The level of blood pressure is determined by five factors: cardiac output, peripheral vascular resistance, volume of circulating blood, viscosity, and elasticity of the vessel walls.

29. A student is late for his appointment and has rushed across campus to the health clinic. The nurse should: a. Allow 5 minutes for him to relax and rest before checking his vital signs. b. Check the blood pressure in both arms, expecting a difference in the readings because of his recent exercise. c. Immediately monitor his vital signs on his arrival at the clinic and then 5 minutes later, recording any differences. d. Check his blood pressure in the supine position, which will provide a more accurate reading and will allow him to relax at the same time.

ANS: A A comfortable, relaxed person yields a valid blood pressure. Many people are anxious at the beginning of an examination; the nurse should allow at least a 5-minute rest period before measuring blood pressure.

4. A patient tells the nurse that she has had abdominal pain for the past week. What would be the nurses best response? a. Can you point to where it hurts? b. Well talk more about that later in the interview. c. What have you had to eat in the last 24 hours? d. Have you ever had any surgeries on your abdomen?

ANS: A A final summary of any symptom the person has should include, along with seven other critical characteristics, Location: specific. The person is asked to point to the location.

18. To assess a rectal temperature accurately in an adult, the nurse would: a. Use a lubricated blunt tip thermometer. b. Insert the thermometer 2 to 3 inches into the rectum. c. Leave the thermometer in place up to 8 minutes if the patient is febrile. d. Wait 2 to 3 minutes if the patient has recently smoked a cigarette.

ANS: A A lubricated rectal thermometer (with a short, blunt tip) is inserted only 2 to 3 cm (1 inch) into the adult rectum and left in place for 2 minutes. Cigarette smoking does not alter rectal temperatures.

27. The nurse is asking a patient for his reason for seeking care and asks about the signs and symptoms he is experiencing. Which of these is an example of a symptom? a. Chest pain b. Clammy skin c. Serum potassium level at 4.2 mEq/L d. Body temperature of 100 F

ANS: A A symptom is a subjective sensation (e.g., chest pain) that a person feels from a disorder. A sign is an objective abnormality that the examiner can detect on physical examination or in laboratory reports, as illustrated by the other responses.

21. A man is at the clinic for a physical examination. He states that he is very anxious about the physical examination. What steps can the nurse take to make him more comfortable? a. Appear unhurried and confident when examining him. b. Stay in the room when he undresses in case he needs assistance. c. Ask him to change into an examining gown and to take off his undergarments. d. Defer measuring vital signs until the end of the examination, which allows him time to become comfortable.

ANS: A Anxiety can be reduced by an examiner who is confident, self-assured, considerate, and unhurried. Familiar and relatively nonthreatening actions, such as measuring the persons vital signs, will gradually accustom the person to the examination.

11. A woman who has lived in the United States for a year after moving from Europe has learned to speak English and is almost finished with her college studies. She now dresses like her peers and says that her family in Europe would hardly recognize her. This nurse recognizes that this situation illustrates which concept? a. Assimilation b. Heritage consistency c. Biculturalism d. Acculturation

ANS: A Assimilation is the process by which a person develops a new cultural identity and becomes like members of the dominant culture. This concept does not reflect heritage consistency. Biculturalism is a dual pattern of identification; acculturation is the process of adapting to and acquiring another culture.

28. A female nurse is interviewing a man who has recently immigrated. During the course of the interview, he leans forward and then finally moves his chair close enough that his knees are nearly touching the nurses knees. The nurse begins to feel uncomfortable with his proximity. Which statement most closely reflects what the nurse should do next? a. The nurse should try to relax; these behaviors are culturally appropriate for this person. b. The nurse should discreetly move his or her chair back until the distance is more comfortable, and then continue with the interview. c. These behaviors are indicative of sexual aggression, and the nurse should confront this person about his behaviors. d. The nurse should laugh but tell him that he or she is uncomfortable with his proximity and ask him to move away.

ANS: A Both the patients and the nurses sense of spatial distance are significant throughout the interview and physical examination, with culturally appropriate distance zones varying widely. Some cultural groups value close physical proximity and may perceive a health care provider who is distancing him or herself as being aloof and unfriendly.

26. A 30-year-old woman has recently moved to the United States with her husband. They are living with the womans sister until they can get a home of their own. When company arrives to visit with the womans sister, the woman feels suddenly shy and retreats to the back bedroom to hide until the company leaves. She explains that her reaction to guests is simply because she does not know how to speak perfect English. This woman could be experiencing: a. Culture shock. b. Cultural taboos. c. Cultural unfamiliarity. d. Culture disorientation.

ANS: A Culture shock is a term used to describe the state of disorientation or inability to respond to the behavior of a different cultural group because of its sudden strangeness, unfamiliarity, and incompatibility with the individuals perceptions and expectations. The other terms are not correct.

8. The nurse is reviewing percussion techniques with a newly graduated nurse. Which technique, if used by the new nurse, indicates that more review is needed? a. Percussing once over each area b. Quickly lifting the striking finger after each stroke c. Striking with the fingertip, not the finger pad d. Using the wrist to make the strikes, not the arm

ANS: A For percussion, the nurse should percuss two times over each location. The striking finger should be quickly lifted because a resting finger damps off vibrations. The tip of the striking finger should make contact, not the pad of the finger. The wrist must be relaxed and is used to make the strikes, not the arm.

12. The nurse is obtaining a history from a 30-year-old male patient and is concerned about health promotion activities. Which of these questions would be appropriate to use to assess health promotion activities for this patient? a. Do you perform testicular self-examinations? b. Have you ever noticed any pain in your testicles? c. Have you had any problems with passing urine? d. Do you have any history of sexually transmitted diseases?

ANS: A Health promotion for a man would include the performance of testicular self-examinations. The other questions are asking about possible disease or illness issues.

5. When reviewing the demographics of ethnic groups in the United States, the nurse recalls that the largest and fastest growing population is: a. Hispanic. b. Black. c. Asian. d. American Indian.

ANS: A Hispanics are the largest and fastest growing population in the United States, followed by Asians, Blacks, American Indians and Alaska natives, and other groups.

47. The nurse is assessing an 8-year-old child whose growth rate measures below the third percentile for a child his age. He appears significantly younger than his stated age and is chubby with infantile facial features. Which condition does this child have? a. Hypopituitary dwarfism b. Achondroplastic dwarfism c. Marfan syndrome d. Acromegaly

ANS: A Hypopituitary dwarfism is caused by a deficiency in growth hormone in childhood and results in a retardation of growth below the third percentile, delayed puberty, and other problems. The childs appearance fits this description. Achondroplastic dwarfism is a genetic disorder resulting in characteristic deformities; Marfan syndrome is an inherited connective tissue disorder characterized by a tall, thin stature and other features. Acromegaly is the result of excessive secretion of growth hormone in adulthood. (For more information, see Table 9-5, Abnormalities in Body Height and Proportion.)

25. The nurse recognizes that working with children with a different cultural perspective may be especially difficult because: a. Children have spiritual needs that are influenced by their stages of development. b. Children have spiritual needs that are direct reflections of what is occurring in their homes. c. Religious beliefs rarely affect the parents perceptions of the illness. d. Parents are often the decision makers, and they have no knowledge of their childrens spiritual needs.

ANS: A Illness during childhood may be an especially difficult clinical situation. Children, as well as adults, have spiritual needs that vary according to the childs developmental level and the religious climate that exists in the family. The other statements are not correct.

30. The nurse is performing a health interview on a patient who has a language barrier, and no interpreter is available. Which is the best example of an appropriate question for the nurse to ask in this situation? a. Do you take medicine? b. Do you sterilize the bottles? c. Do you have nausea and vomiting? d. You have been taking your medicine, havent you?

ANS: A In a situation during which a language barrier exists and no interpreter is available, simple words should be used, avoiding medical jargon. The use of contractions and pronouns should also be avoided. Nouns should be repeatedly used, and one topic at a time should be discussed.

33. When auscultating the blood pressure of a 25-year-old patient, the nurse notices the phase I Korotkoff sounds begin at 200 mm Hg. At 100 mm Hg, the Korotkoff sounds muffle. At 92 mm Hg, the Korotkoff sounds disappear. How should the nurse record this patients blood pressure? a. 200/92 b. 200/100 c. 100/200/92 d. 200/100/92

ANS: A In adults, the last audible sound best indicates the diastolic pressure. When a variance is greater than 10 to 12 mm Hg between phases IV and V, both phases should be recorded along with the systolic reading (e.g., 142/98/80).

13. When evaluating the temperature of older adults, the nurse should remember which aspect about an older adults body temperature? a. The body temperature of the older adult is lower than that of a younger adult. b. An older adults body temperature is approximately the same as that of a young child. c. Body temperature depends on the type of thermometer used. d. In the older adult, the body temperature varies widely because of less effective heat control mechanisms.

ANS: A In older adults, the body temperature is usually lower than in other age groups, with a mean temperature of 36.2 C.

45. A 75-year-old man with a history of hypertension was recently changed to a new antihypertensive drug. He reports feeling dizzy at times. How should the nurse evaluate his blood pressure? a. Blood pressure and pulse should be recorded in the supine, sitting, and standing positions. b. The patient should be directed to walk around the room and his blood pressure assessed after this activity. c. Blood pressure and pulse are assessed at the beginning and at the end of the examination. d. Blood pressure is taken on the right arm and then 5 minutes later on the left arm.

ANS: A Orthostatic vital signs should be taken when the person is hypertensive or is taking antihypertensive medications, when the person reports fainting or syncope, or when volume depletion is suspected. The blood pressure and pulse readings are recorded in the supine, sitting, and standing positions.

16. The nurse will use which technique of assessment to determine the presence of crepitus, swelling, and pulsations? a. Palpation b. Inspection c. Percussion d. Auscultation

ANS: A Palpation applies the sense of touch to assess texture, temperature, moisture, organ location and size, as well as any swelling, vibration or pulsation, rigidity or spasticity, crepitation, presence of lumps or masses, and the presence of tenderness or pain.

4. Which of these techniques uses the sense of touch to assess texture, temperature, moisture, and swelling when the nurse is assessing a patient? a. Palpation b. Inspection c. Percussion d. Auscultation

ANS: A Palpation uses the sense of touch to assess the patient for these factors. Inspection involves vision; percussion assesses through the use of palpable vibrations and audible sounds; and auscultation uses the sense of hearing.

11. The nurse is reviewing the principles of nociception. During which phase of nociception does the conscious awareness of a painful sensation occur? a. Perception b. Modulation c. Transduction d. Transmission

ANS: A Perception is the third phase of nociception and indicates the conscious awareness of a painful sensation. During this phase, the sensation is recognized by higher cortical structures and identified as pain.

9. When percussing over the liver of a patient, the nurse notices a dull sound. The nurse should: a. Consider this a normal finding. b. Palpate this area for an underlying mass. c. Reposition the hands, and attempt to percuss in this area again. d. Consider this finding as abnormal, and refer the patient for additional treatment.

ANS: A Percussion over relatively dense organs, such as the liver or spleen, will produce a dull sound. The other responses are not correct.

4. During an examination of a child, the nurse considers that physical growth is the best index of a childs: a. General health. b. Genetic makeup. c. Nutritional status. d. Activity and exercise patterns.

ANS: A Physical growth is the best index of a childs general health; recording the childs height and weight helps determine normal growth patterns.

19. Which technique is correct when the nurse is assessing the radial pulse of a patient? The pulse is counted for: a. 1 minute, if the rhythm is irregular. b. 15 seconds and then multiplied by 4, if the rhythm is regular. c. 2 full minutes to detect any variation in amplitude. d. 10 seconds and then multiplied by 6, if the patient has no history of cardiac abnormalities.

ANS: A Recent research suggests that the 30-second interval multiplied by 2 is the most accurate and efficient technique when heart rates are normal or rapid and when rhythms are regular. If the rhythm is irregular, then the pulse is counted for 1 full minute.

18. As the nurse enters a patients room, the nurse finds her crying. The patient states that she has just found out that the lump in her breast is cancer and says, Im so afraid of, um, you know. The nurses most therapeutic response would be to say in a gentle manner: a. Youre afraid you might lose your breast? b. No, Im not sure what you are talking about. c. Ill wait here until you get yourself under control, and then we can talk. d. I can see that you are very upset. Perhaps we should discuss this later.

ANS: A Reflection echoes the patients words, repeating part of what the person has just said. Reflection can also help express the feelings behind a persons words.

24. The nurse is assessing the vital signs of a 3-year-old patient who appears to have an irregular respiratory pattern. How should the nurse assess this childs respirations? a. Respirations should be counted for 1 full minute, noticing rate and rhythm. b. Childs pulse and respirations should be simultaneously checked for 30 seconds. c. Childs respirations should be checked for a minimum of 5 minutes to identify any variations in his or her respiratory pattern. d. Patients respirations should be counted for 15 seconds and then multiplied by 4 to obtain the number of respirations per minute.

ANS: A Respirations are counted for 1 full minute if an abnormality is suspected. The other responses are not correct actions.

10. When taking a history from a newly admitted patient, the nurse notices that he often pauses and expectantly looks at the nurse. What would be the nurses best response to this behavior? a. Be silent, and allow him to continue when he is ready. b. Smile at him and say, Dont worry about all of this. Im sure we can find out why youre having these pains. c. Lean back in the chair and ask, You are looking at me kind of funny; there isnt anything wrong, is there? d. Stand up and say, I can see that this interview is uncomfortable for you. We can continue it another time.

ANS: A Silent attentiveness communicates that the person has time to think and to organize what he or she wishes to say without an interruption from the nurse. Health professionals most often interrupt this thinking silence. The other responses are not conducive to ideal communication.

9. The nurse knows that one advantage of the tympanic membrane thermometer (TMT) is that: a. Rapid measurement is useful for uncooperative younger children. b. Using the TMT is the most accurate method for measuring body temperature in newborn infants. c. Measuring temperature using the TMT is inexpensive. d. Studies strongly support the use of the TMT in children under the age 6 years.

ANS: A The TMT is useful for young children who may not cooperate for oral temperatures and fear rectal temperatures. However, the use a TMT with newborn infants and young children is conflicting.

34. During a follow-up visit, the nurse discovers that a patient has not been taking his insulin on a regular basis. The nurse asks, Why havent you taken your insulin? Which statement is an appropriate evaluation of this question? a. This question may place the patient on the defensive. b. This question is an innocent search for information. c. Discussing his behavior with his wife would have been better. d. A direct question is the best way to discover the reasons for his behavior.

ANS: A The adults use of why questions usually implies blame and condemnation and places the person on the defensive. The other statements are not correct.

14. The nurse is preparing to use a stethoscope for auscultation. Which statement is true regarding the diaphragm of the stethoscope? The diaphragm: a. Is used to listen for high-pitched sounds. b. Is used to listen for low-pitched sounds. c. Should be lightly held against the persons skin to block out low-pitched sounds. d. Should be lightly held against the persons skin to listen for extra heart sounds and murmurs.

ANS: A The diaphragm of the stethoscope is best for listening to high-pitched sounds such as breath, bowel, and normal heart sounds. It should be firmly held against the persons skin, firmly enough to leave a ring. The bell of the stethoscope is best for soft, low-pitched sounds such as extra heart sounds or murmurs.

1. The nurse is performing a general survey. Which action is a component of the general survey? a. Observing the patients body stature and nutritional status b. Interpreting the subjective information the patient has reported c. Measuring the patients temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure d. Observing specific body systems while performing the physical assessment

ANS: A The general survey is a study of the whole person that includes observing the patients physical appearance, body structure, mobility, and behavior.

25. A 75-year-old woman is at the office for a preoperative interview. The nurse is aware that the interview may take longer than interviews with younger persons. What is the reason for this? a. An aged person has a longer story to tell. b. An aged person is usually lonely and likes to have someone with whom to talk. c. Aged persons lose much of their mental abilities and require longer time to complete an interview. d. As a person ages, he or she is unable to hear; thus the interviewer usually needs to repeat much of what is said.

ANS: A The interview usually takes longer with older adults because they have a longer story to tell. It is not necessarily true that all older adults are lonely, have lost mental abilities, or are hard of hearing.

17. Illness is considered part of lifes rhythmic course and is an outward sign of disharmony within. This statement most accurately reflects the views about illness from which theory? a. Naturalistic b. Biomedical c. Reductionist d. Magicoreligious

ANS: A The naturalistic perspective states that the laws of nature create imbalances, chaos, and disease. From the perspective of the Chinese, for example, illness is not considered an introducing agent; rather, illness is considered a part of lifes rhythmic course and an outward sign of disharmony within. The other options are not correct.

26. The nurse is interviewing a male patient who has a hearing impairment. What techniques would be most beneficial in communicating with this patient? a. Determine the communication method he prefers. b. Avoid using facial and hand gestures because most hearing-impaired people find this degrading. c. Request a sign language interpreter before meeting with him to help facilitate the communication. d. Speak loudly and with exaggerated facial movement when talking with him because doing so will help him lip read.

ANS: A The nurse should ask the deaf person the preferred way to communicateby signing, lip reading, or writing. If the person prefers lip reading, then the nurse should be sure to face him squarely and have good lighting on the nurses face. The nurse should not exaggerate lip movements because this distorts words. Similarly, shouting distorts the reception of a hearing aid the person may wear. The nurse should speak slowly and supplement his or her voice with appropriate hand gestures or pantomime.

6. During an assessment, the nurse notices that a patient is handling a small charm that is tied to a leather strip around his neck. Which action by the nurse is appropriate? a. Ask the patient about the item and its significance. b. Ask the patient to lock the item with other valuables in the hospitals safe. c. Tell the patient that a family member should take valuables home. d. No action is necessary.

ANS: A The nurse should inquire about the amulets meaning. Amulets, such as charms, are often considered an important means of protection from evil spirits by some cultures

3. The nurse makes which adjustment in the physical environment to promote the success of an interview? a. Reduces noise by turning off televisions and radios b. Reduces the distance between the interviewer and the patient to 2 feet or less c. Provides a dim light that makes the room cozy and helps the patient relax d. Arranges seating across a desk or table to allow the patient some personal space

ANS: A The nurse should reduce noise by turning off the television, radio, and other unnecessary equipment, because multiple stimuli are confusing. The interviewer and patient should be approximately 4 to 5 feet apart; the room should be well-lit, enabling the interviewer and patient to see each other clearly. Having a table or desk in between the two people creates the idea of a barrier; equal-status seating, at eye level, is better.

27. When preparing to perform a physical examination on an infant, the nurse should: a. Have the parent remove all clothing except the diaper on a boy. b. Instruct the parent to feed the infant immediately before the examination. c. Encourage the infant to suck on a pacifier during the abdominal examination. d. Ask the parent to leave the room briefly when assessing the infants vital signs.

ANS: A The parent should always be present to increase the childs feeling of security and to understand normal growth and development. The timing of the examination should be 1 to 2 hours after feeding when the baby is neither too drowsy nor too hungry. Infants do not object to being nude; clothing should be removed, but a diaper should be left on a boy.

20. When assessing a patients pulse, the nurse should also notice which of these characteristics? a. Force b. Pallor c. Capillary refill time d. Timing in the cardiac cycle

ANS: A The pulse is assessed for rate, rhythm, and force.

4. In an interview, the nurse may find it necessary to take notes to aid his or her memory later. Which statement is true regarding note-taking? a. Note-taking may impede the nurses observation of the patients nonverbal behaviors. b. Note-taking allows the patient to continue at his or her own pace as the nurse records what is said. c. Note-taking allows the nurse to shift attention away from the patient, resulting in an increased comfort level. d. Note-taking allows the nurse to break eye contact with the patient, which may increase his or her level of comfort.

ANS: A The use of history forms and note-taking may be unavoidable. However, the nurse must be aware that note-taking during the interview has disadvantages. It breaks eye contact too often and shifts the attention away from the patient, which diminishes his or her sense of importance. Note-taking may also interrupt the patients narrative flow, and it impedes the observation of the patients nonverbal behavior.

What should the nurse do first when beginning the examination? a. Auscultate the lungs and heart while the infant is still sleeping. b. Examine the infants hips, because this procedure is uncomfortable. c. Begin with the assessment of the eye, and continue with the remainder of the examination in a head-to-toe approach. d. Wake the infant before beginning any portion of the examination to obtain the most accurate assessment of body systems.

ANS: A When the infant is quiet or sleeping is an ideal time to assess the cardiac, respiratory, and abdominal systems. Assessment of the eye, ear, nose, and throat are invasive procedures that should be performed at the end of the examination.

33. A female patient does not speak English well, and the nurse needs to choose an interpreter. Which of the following would be the most appropriate choice? a. Trained interpreter b. Male family member c. Female family member d. Volunteer college student from the foreign language studies department

ANS: A Whenever possible, the nurse should use a trained interpreter, preferably one who knows medical terminology. In general, an older, more mature interpreter is preferred to a younger, less experienced one, and the same gender is preferred when possible.

37. The nurse is preparing to measure the vital signs of a 6-month-old infant. Which action by the nurse is correct? a. Respirations are measured; then pulse and temperature. b. Vital signs should be measured more frequently than in an adult. c. Procedures are explained to the parent, and the infant is encouraged to handle the equipment. d. The nurse should first perform the physical examination to allow the infant to become more familiar with her and then measure the infants vital signs.

ANS: A With an infant, the order of vital sign measurements is reversed to respiration, pulse, and temperature. Taking the temperature first, especially if it is rectal, may cause the infant to cry, which will increase the respiratory and pulse rate, thus masking the normal resting values. The vital signs are measured with the same purpose and frequency as would be measured in an adult.

15. An Asian-American woman is experiencing diarrhea, which is believed to be cold or yin. The nurse expects that the woman is likely to try to treat it with: a. Foods that are hot or yang. b. Readings and Eastern medicine meditations. c. High doses of medicines believed to be cold. d. No treatment is tried because diarrhea is an expected part of life.

ANS: A Yin foods are cold and yang foods are hot. Cold foods are eaten with a hot illness, and hot foods are eaten with a cold illness. The other explanations do not reflect the yin/yang theory.

3. A patients weekly blood pressure readings for 2 months have ranged between 124/84 mm Hg and 136/88 mm Hg, with an average reading of 126/86 mm Hg. The nurse knows that this blood pressure falls within which blood pressure category? a. Normal blood pressure b. Prehypertension c. Stage 1 hypertension d. Stage 2 hypertension

ANS: B According to the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee (JNC 7) guidelines, prehypertension blood pressure readings are systolic readings of 120 to 139 mm Hg or diastolic readings of 50 to 89 mm Hg.

1. While measuring a patients blood pressure, the nurse uses the proper technique to obtain an accurate reading. Which of these situations will result in a falsely high blood pressure reading? Select all that apply. a. The person supports his or her own arm during the blood pressure reading. b. The blood pressure cuff is too narrow for the extremity. c. The arm is held above level of the heart. d. The cuff is loosely wrapped around the arm. e. The person is sitting with his or her legs crossed. f. The nurse does not inflate the cuff high enough.

ANS: A, B, D, E Several factors can result in blood pressure readings that are too high or too low. Having the patients arm held above the level of the heart is one part of the correct technique. (Refer to Table 9-5, Common Errors in Blood Pressure Measurement.)

1. The nurse is preparing to palpate the thorax and abdomen of a patient. Which of these statements describes the correct technique for this procedure? Select all that apply. a. Warm the hands first before touching the patient. b. For deep palpation, use one long continuous palpation when assessing the liver. c. Start with light palpation to detect surface characteristics. d. Use the fingertips to examine skin texture, swelling, pulsation, and presence of lumps. e. Identify any tender areas, and palpate them last. f. Use the palms of the hands to assess temperature of the skin.

ANS: A, C, D, E The hands should always be warmed before beginning palpation. Intermittent pressure rather than one long continuous palpation is used; any tender areas are identified and palpated last. Fingertips are used to examine skin texture, swelling, pulsation, and the presence of lumps. The dorsa (backs) of the hands are used to assess skin temperature because the skin on the dorsa is thinner than on the palms.

1. The nurse is assessing a patients headache pain. Which questions reflect one or more of the critical characteristics of symptoms that should be assessed? Select all that apply. a. Where is the headache pain? b. Did you have these headaches as a child? c. On a scale of 1 to 10, how bad is the pain? d. How often do the headaches occur? e. What makes the headaches feel better? f. Do you have any family history of headaches?

ANS: A, C, D, E The mnemonic PQRSTU may help the nurse remember to address the critical characteristics that need to be assessed: (1) P: provocative or palliative; (2) Q: quality or quantity; (3) R: region or radiation; (4) S: severity scale; (5) T: timing; and (6) U: understand the patients perception. Asking, Where is the pain? reflects region. Asking the patient to rate the pain on a 1 to 10 scale reflects severity. Asking How often reflects timing. Asking what makes the pain better reflects provocative. The other options reflect health history and family history.

2. The nurse is conducting an interview in an outpatient clinic and is using a computer to record data. Which are the best uses of the computer in this situation? Select all that apply. a. Collect the patients data in a direct, face-to-face manner. b. Enter all the data as the patient states them. c. Ask the patient to wait as the nurse enters the data. d. Type the data into the computer after the narrative is fully explored. e. Allow the patient to see the monitor during typing.

ANS: A, D, E The use of a computer can become a barrier. The nurse should begin the interview as usual by greeting the patient, establishing rapport, and collecting the patients narrative story in a direct, face-to-face manner. Only after the narrative is fully explored should the nurse type data into the computer. When typing, the nurse should position the monitor so that the patient can see it.

1. During assessment of a patients pain, the nurse is aware that certain nonverbal behaviors are associated with chronic pain. Which of these behaviors are associated with chronic pain? Select all that apply. a. Sleeping b. Moaning c. Diaphoresis d. Bracing e. Restlessness f. Rubbing

ANS: A, D, F Behaviors that have been associated with chronic pain include bracing, rubbing, diminished activity, sighing, and changes in appetite. In addition, those with chronic pain may sleep in an attempt at distraction. The other behaviors are associated with acute pain.

27. During a prenatal check, a patient begins to cry as the nurse asks her about previous pregnancies. She states that she is remembering her last pregnancy, which ended in miscarriage. The nurses best response to her crying would be: a. Im so sorry for making you cry! b. I can see that you are sad remembering this. It is all right to cry. c. Why dont I step out for a few minutes until youre feeling better? d. I can see that you feel sad about this; why dont we talk about something else?

ANS: B A beginning examiner usually feels horrified when the patient starts crying. When the nurse says something that makes the person cry, the nurse should not think he or she has hurt the person. The nurse has simply hit on an important topic; therefore, moving on to a new topic is essential. The nurse should allow the person to cry and to express his or her feelings fully. The nurse can offer a tissue and wait until the crying subsides to talk.

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 patients body systems before proceeding with palpation.

ANS: 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.

17. During an assessment of a patients family history, the nurse constructs a genogram. Which statement best describes a genogram? a. List of diseases present in a persons near relatives b. Graphic family tree that uses symbols to depict the gender, relationship, and age of immediate family members c. Drawing that depicts the patients family members up to five generations back d. Description of the health of a persons children and grandchildren

ANS: B A genogram (or pedigree) is a graphic family tree that uses symbols to depict the gender, relationship, and age of immediate blood relatives in at least three generations (parents, grandparents, siblings). The other options do not describe a genogram.

40. During an examination of a patients abdomen, the nurse notes that the abdomen is rounded and firm to the touch. During percussion, the nurse notes a drumlike quality of the sounds across the quadrants. This type of sound indicates: a. Constipation. b. Air-filled areas. c. Presence of a tumor. d. Presence of dense organs.

ANS: B A musical or drumlike sound (tympany) is heard when percussion occurs over an air-filled viscus, such as the stomach or intestines.

2. When the nurse is evaluating the reliability of a patients responses, which of these statements would be correct? The patient: a. Has a history of drug abuse and therefore is not reliable. b. Provided consistent information and therefore is reliable. c. Smiled throughout interview and therefore is assumed reliable. d. Would not answer questions concerning stress and therefore is not reliable.

ANS: B A reliable person always gives the same answers, even when questions are rephrased or are repeated later in the interview. The other statements are not correct.

39. The nurse is conducting a health fair for older adults. Which statement is true regarding vital sign measurements in aging adults? a. The pulse is more difficult to palpate because of the stiffness of the blood vessels. b. An increased respiratory rate and a shallower inspiratory phase are expected findings. c. A decreased pulse pressure occurs from changes in the systolic and diastolic blood pressures. d. Changes in the bodys temperature regulatory mechanism leave the older person more likely to develop a fever.

ANS: B Aging causes a decrease in vital capacity and decreased inspiratory reserve volume. The examiner may notice a shallower inspiratory phase and an increased respiratory rate. An increase in the rigidity of the arterial walls makes the pulse actually easier to palpate. Pulse pressure is widened in older adults, and changes in the body temperature regulatory mechanism leave the older person less likely to have fever but at a greater risk for hypothermia.

15. In response to a question regarding the use of alcohol, a patient asks the nurse why the nurse needs to know. What is the reason for needing this information? a. This information is necessary to determine the patients reliability. b. Alcohol can interact with all medications and can make some diseases worse. c. The nurse needs to be able to teach the patient about the dangers of alcohol use. d. This information is not necessary unless a drinking problem is obvious.

ANS: B Alcohol adversely interacts with all medications and is a factor in many social problems such as child or sexual abuse, automobile accidents, and assaults; alcohol also contributes to many illnesses and disease processes. Therefore, assessing for signs of hazardous alcohol use is important. The other options are not correct.

22. A mother brings her 28-month-old daughter into the clinic for a well-child visit. At the beginning of the visit, the nurse focuses attention away from the toddler, but as the interview progresses, the toddler begins to warm up and is smiling shyly at the nurse. The nurse will be most successful in interacting with the toddler if which is done next? a. Tickle the toddler, and get her to laugh. b. Stoop down to her level, and ask her about the toy she is holding. c. Continue to ignore her until it is time for the physical examination. d. Ask the mother to leave during the examination of the toddler, because toddlers often fuss less if their parent is not in view.

ANS: B Although most of the communication is with the parent, the nurse should not completely ignore the child. Making contact will help ease the toddler later during the physical examination. The nurse should begin by asking about the toys the child is playing with or about a special doll or teddy bear brought from home. Does your doll have a name? or What can your truck do? Stoop down to meet the child at his or her eye level.

14. The nurse is reviewing theories of illness. The germ theory, which states that microscopic organisms such as bacteria and viruses are responsible for specific disease conditions, is a basic belief of which theory of illness? a. Holistic b. Biomedical c. Naturalistic d. Magicoreligious

ANS: B Among the biomedical explanations for disease is the germ theory, which states that microscopic organisms such as bacteria and viruses are responsible for specific disease conditions. The naturalistic, or holistic, perspective holds that the forces of nature must be kept in natural balance. The magicoreligious perspective holds that supernatural forces dominate and cause illness or health.

12. The nurse is conducting a heritage assessment. Which question is most appropriate for this assessment? a. What is your religion? b. Do you mostly participate in the religious traditions of your family? c. Do you smoke? d. Do you have a history of heart disease?

ANS: B Asking questions about participation in the religious traditions of family enables the nurse to assess a persons heritage. Simply asking about ones religion, smoking history, or health history does not reflect heritage.

12. When assessing the intensity of a patients pain, which question by the nurse is appropriate? a. What makes your pain better or worse? b. How much pain do you have now? c. How does pain limit your activities? d. What does your pain feel like?

ANS: B Asking the patient how much pain do you have? is an assessment of the intensity of a patients pain; various intensity scales can be used. Asking what makes ones pain better or worse assesses alleviating or aggravating factors. Asking whether pain limits ones activities assesses the degree of impairment and quality of life. Asking what does your pain feel like assesses the quality of pain.

19. As part of the health history of a 6-year-old boy at a clinic for a sports physical examination, the nurse reviews his immunization record and notes that his last measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination was at 15 months of age. What recommendation should the nurse make? a. No further MMR immunizations are needed. b. MMR vaccination needs to be repeated at 4 to 6 years of age. c. MMR immunization needs to be repeated every 4 years until age 21 years. d. A recommendation cannot be made until the physician is consulted

ANS: B Because of recent outbreaks of measles across the United States, the American Academy of Pediatrics (2006) recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine, one at 12 to 15 months of age and one at age 4 to 6 years.

6. The nurse would use bimanual palpation technique in which situation? a. Palpating the thorax of an infant b. Palpating the kidneys and uterus c. Assessing pulsations and vibrations d. Assessing the presence of tenderness and pain

ANS: B Bimanual palpation requires the use of both hands to envelop or capture certain body parts or organs such as the kidneys, uterus, or adnexa. The other situations are not appropriate for bimanual palpation.

32. The nurse is assessing a new patient who has recently immigrated to the United States. Which question is appropriate to add to the health history? a. Why did you come to the United States? b. When did you come to the United States and from what country? c. What made you leave your native country? d. Are you planning to return to your home?

ANS: B Biographic data, such as when the person entered the United States and from what country, are appropriate additions to the health history. The other answers do not reflect appropriate questions.

30. The nurse will perform a palpated pressure before auscultating blood pressure. The reason for this is to: a. More clearly hear the Korotkoff sounds. b. Detect the presence of an auscultatory gap. c. Avoid missing a falsely elevated blood pressure. d. More readily identify phase IV of the Korotkoff sounds.

ANS: B Inflation of the cuff 20 to 30 mm Hg beyond the point at which a palpated pulse disappears will avoid missing an auscultatory gap, which is a period when the Korotkoff sounds disappear during auscultation.

16. A pregnant woman states, I just know labor will be so painful that I wont be able to stand it. I know it sounds awful, but I really dread going into labor. The nurse responds by stating, Oh, dont worry about labor so much. I have been through it, and although it is painful, many good medications are available to decrease the pain. Which statement is true regarding this response? The nurses reply was a: a. Therapeutic response. By sharing something personal, the nurse gives hope to this woman. b. Nontherapeutic response. By providing false reassurance, the nurse actually cut off further discussion of the womans fears. c. Therapeutic response. By providing information about the medications available, the nurse is giving information to the woman. d. Nontherapeutic response. The nurse is essentially giving the message to the woman that labor cannot be tolerated without medication.

ANS: B By providing false assurance or reassurance, this courage builder relieves the womans anxiety and gives the nurse the false sense of having provided comfort. However, for the woman, providing false assurance or reassurance actually closes off communication, trivializes her anxiety, and effectively denies any further talk of it.

17. During a visit to the clinic, a patient states, The doctor just told me he thought I ought to stop smoking. He doesnt understand how hard Ive tried. I just dont know the best way to do it. What should I do? The nurses most appropriate response in this case would be: a. Id quit if I were you. The doctor really knows what he is talking about. b. Would you like some information about the different ways a person can quit smoking? c. Stopping your dependence on cigarettes can be very difficult. I understand how you feel. d. Why are you confused? Didnt the doctor give you the information about the smoking cessation program we offer?

ANS: B Clarification should be used when the persons word choice is ambiguous or confusing. Clarification is also used to summarize the persons words or to simplify the words to make them clearer; the nurse should then ask if he or she is on the right track. The other responses give unwanted advice or do not offer a helpful response.

1. The nurse is conducting an interview with a woman who has recently learned that she is pregnant and who has come to the clinic today to begin prenatal care. The woman states that she and her husband are excited about the pregnancy but have a few questions. She looks nervously at her hands during the interview and sighs loudly. Considering the concept of communication, which statement does the nurse know to be most accurate? The woman is: a. Excited about her pregnancy but nervous about the labor. b. Exhibiting verbal and nonverbal behaviors that do not match. c. Excited about her pregnancy, but her husband is not and this is upsetting to her. d. Not excited about her pregnancy but believes the nurse will negatively respond to her if she states this.

ANS: B Communication is all behaviors, conscious and unconscious, verbal and nonverbal. All behaviors have meaning. Her behavior does not imply that she is nervous about labor, upset by her husband, or worried about the nurses response.

1. The nurse is reviewing the development of culture. Which statement is correct regarding the development of ones culture? Culture is: a. Genetically determined on the basis of racial background. b. Learned through language acquisition and socialization. c. A nonspecific phenomenon and is adaptive but unnecessary. d. Biologically determined on the basis of physical characteristics.

ANS: B Culture is learned from birth through language acquisition and socialization. It is not biologically or genetically determined and is learned by the individual.

25. The nurse is performing a functional assessment on an 82-year-old patient who recently had a stroke. Which of these questions would be most important to ask? a. Do you wear glasses? b. Are you able to dress yourself? c. Do you have any thyroid problems? d. How many times a day do you have a bowel movement?

ANS: B Functional assessment measures how a person manages day-to-day activities. For the older person, the meaning of health becomes those activities that they can or cannot do. The other responses do not relate to functional assessment.

23. The nurse is reviewing concepts of cultural aspects of pain. Which statement is true regarding pain? a. All patients will behave the same way when in pain. b. Just as patients vary in their perceptions of pain, so will they vary in their expressions of pain. c. Cultural norms have very little to do with pain tolerance, because pain tolerance is always biologically determined. d. A patients expression of pain is largely dependent on the amount of tissue injury associated with the pain.

ANS: B In addition to expecting variations in pain perception and tolerance, the nurse should expect variations in the expression of pain. It is well known that individuals turn to their social environment for validation and comparison. The other statements are incorrect.

27. A nurse is helping at a health fair at a local mall. When taking blood pressures on a variety of people, the nurse keeps in mind that: a. After menopause, blood pressure readings in women are usually lower than those taken in men. b. The blood pressure of a Black adult is usually higher than that of a White adult of the same age. c. Blood pressure measurements in people who are overweight should be the same as those of people who are at a normal weight. d. A teenagers blood pressure reading will be lower than that of an adult.

ANS: B In the United States, a Black adults blood pressure is usually higher than that of a White adult of the same age. The incidence of hypertension is twice as high in Blacks as it is in Whites. After menopause, blood pressure in women is higher than in men; blood pressure measurements in people who are obese are usually higher than in those who are not overweight. Normally, a gradual rise occurs through childhood and into the adult years.

3. The nurse is assessing the vital signs of a 20-year-old male marathon runner and documents the following vital signs: temperature36 C; pulse48 beats per minute; respirations14 breaths per minute; blood pressure104/68 mm Hg. Which statement is true concerning these results? a. The patient is experiencing tachycardia. b. These are normal vital signs for a healthy, athletic adult. c. The patients pulse rate is not normalhis physician should be notified. d. On the basis of these readings, the patient should return to the clinic in 1 week.

ANS: B In the adult, a heart rate less than 50 beats per minute is called bradycardia, which normally occurs in the well-trained athlete whose heart muscle develops along with the skeletal muscles.

48. The nurse is counting an infants respirations. Which technique is correct? a. Watching the chest rise and fall b. Watching the abdomen for movement c. Placing a hand across the infants chest d. Using a stethoscope to listen to the breath sounds

ANS: B Watching the abdomen for movement is the correct technique because the infants respirations are normally more diaphragmatic than thoracic. The other responses do not reflect correct techniques.

14. The nurse has used interpretation regarding a patients statement or actions. After using this technique, it would be best for the nurse to: a. Apologize, because using interpretation can be demeaning for the patient. b. Allow time for the patient to confirm or correct the inference. c. Continue with the interview as though nothing has happened. d. Immediately restate the nurses conclusion on the basis of the patients nonverbal response.

ANS: B Interpretation is not based on direct observation as is confrontation, but it is based on ones inference or conclusion. The nurse risks making the wrong inference. If this is the case, then the patient will correct it. However, even if the inference is correct, interpretation helps prompt further discussion of the topic.

7. A female patient tells the nurse that she has had six pregnancies, with four live births at term and two spontaneous abortions. Her four children are still living. How would the nurse record this information? a. P-6, B-4, (S)Ab-2 b. Grav 6, Term 4, (S)Ab-2, Living 4 c. Patient has had four living babies. d. Patient has been pregnant six times.

ANS: B Obstetric history includes the number of pregnancies (gravidity), number of deliveries in which the fetus reached term (term), number of preterm pregnancies (preterm), number of incomplete pregnancies (abortions), and number of children living (living). This is recorded: Grav _____ Term _____ Preterm _____ Ab _____ Living _____. For any incomplete pregnancies, the duration is recorded and whether the pregnancy resulted in a spontaneous (S) or an induced (I) abortion.

35. A 70-year-old man has a blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg in a lying position, 130/80 mm Hg in a sitting position, and 100/60 mm Hg in a standing position. How should the nurse evaluate these findings? a. These readings are a normal response and attributable to changes in the patients position. b. The change in blood pressure readings is called orthostatic hypotension. c. The blood pressure reading in the lying position is within normal limits. d. The change in blood pressure readings is considered within normal limits for the patients age.

ANS: B Orthostatic hypotension is a drop in systolic pressure of more than 20 mm Hg, which occurs with a quick change to a standing position. Aging people have the greatest risk of this problem.

2. A patient has suddenly developed shortness of breath and appears to be in significant respiratory distress. After calling the physician and placing the patient on oxygen, which of these actions is the best for the nurse to take when further assessing the patient? a. Count the patients respirations. b. Bilaterally percuss the thorax, noting any differences in percussion tones. c. Call for a chest x-ray study, and wait for the results before beginning an assessment. d. Inspect the thorax for any new masses and bleeding associated with respirations.

ANS: B Percussion is always available, portable, and offers instant feedback regarding changes in underlying tissue density, which may yield clues of the patients physical status.

46. Which of these specific measurements is the best index of a childs general health? a. Vital signs b. Height and weight c. Head circumference d. Chest circumference

ANS: B Physical growth, measured by height and weight, is the best index of a childs general health.

32. The nurse has collected the following information on a patient: palpated blood pressure180 mm Hg; auscultated blood pressure170/100 mm Hg; apical pulse60 beats per minute; radial pulse70 beats per minute. What is the patients pulse pressure? a. 10 b. 70 c. 80 d. 100

ANS: B Pulse pressure is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure (170 100 = 70) and reflects the stroke volume.

33. The nurse is reviewing concepts related to ones heritage and beliefs. The belief in divine or superhuman power(s) to be obeyed and worshipped as the creator(s) and ruler(s) of the universe is known as: a. Culture. b. Religion. c. Ethnicity. d. Spirituality.

ANS: B Religion is defined as an organized system of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially belief in or the worship of God or gods. Spirituality is born out of each persons unique life experiences and his or her personal efforts to find purpose and meaning in life. Ethnicity pertains to a social group within the social system that claims to possess variable traits, such as a common geographic origin, religion, race, and others.

25. The nurse keeps in mind that the most important reason to share information and to offer brief teaching while performing the physical examination is to help the: a. Examiner feel more comfortable and to gain control of the situation. b. Examiner to build rapport and to increase the patients confidence in him or her. c. Patient understand his or her disease process and treatment modalities. d. Patient identify questions about his or her disease and the potential areas of patient education.

ANS: B Sharing information builds rapport and increases the patients confidence in the examiner. It also gives the patient a little more control in a situation during which feeling completely helpless is often present.

22. Symptoms, such as pain, are often influenced by a persons cultural heritage. Which of the following is a true statement regarding pain? a. Nurses attitudes toward their patients pain are unrelated to their own experiences with pain. b. Nurses need to recognize that many cultures practice silent suffering as a response to pain. c. A nurses area of clinical practice will most likely determine his or her assessment of a patients pain. d. A nurses years of clinical experience and current position are strong indicators of his or her response to patient pain.

ANS: B Silent suffering is a potential response to pain in many cultures. The nurses assessment of pain needs to be embedded in a cultural context. The other responses are not correct.

21. When assessing the pulse of a 6-year-old boy, the nurse notices that his heart rate varies with his respiratory cycle, speeding up at the peak of inspiration and slowing to normal with expiration. The nurses next action would be to: a. Immediately notify the physician. b. Consider this finding normal in children and young adults. c. Check the childs blood pressure, and note any variation with respiration. d. Document that this child has bradycardia, and continue with the assessment.

ANS: B Sinus arrhythmia is commonly found in children and young adults. During the respiratory cycle, the heart rate varies, speeding up at the peak of inspiration and slowing to normal with expiration.

31. With which of these patients would it be most appropriate for the nurse to use games during the assessment, such as having the patient blow out the light on the penlight? a. Infant b. Preschool child c. School-age child d. Adolescent

ANS: B When assessing preschool children, using games or allowing them to play with the equipment to reduce their fears can be helpful. Such games are not appropriate for the other age groups.

8. The nurse recognizes that an example of a person who is heritage consistent would be a: a. Woman who has adapted her clothing to the clothing style of her new country. b. Woman who follows the traditions that her mother followed regarding meals. c. Man who is not sure of his ancestors country of origin. d. Child who is not able to speak his parents native language.

ANS: B Someone who is heritage consistent lives a lifestyle that reflects his or her traditional heritage, not the norms and customs of the new country.

24. A 16-year-old boy has just been admitted to the unit for overnight observation after being in an automobile accident. What is the nurses best approach to communicating with him? a. Use periods of silence to communicate respect for him. b. Be totally honest with him, even if the information is unpleasant. c. Tell him that everything that is discussed will be kept totally confidential. d. Use slang language when possible to help him open up.

ANS: B Successful communication with an adolescent is possible and can be rewarding. The guidelines are simple. The first consideration is ones attitude, which must be one of respect. Second, communication must be totally honest. An adolescents intuition is highly tuned and can detect phoniness or the withholding of information. Always tell him or her the truth.

26. The nurse is examining an infant and prepares to elicit the Moro reflex at which time during the examination? a. When the infant is sleeping b. At the end of the examination c. Before auscultation of the thorax d. Halfway through the examination

ANS: B The Moro or startle reflex is elicited at the end of the examination because it may cause the infant to cry.

18. An individual who takes the magicoreligious perspective of illness and disease is likely to believe that his or her illness was caused by: a. Germs and viruses. b. Supernatural forces. c. Eating imbalanced foods. d. An imbalance within his or her spiritual nature.

ANS: B The basic premise of the magicoreligious perspective is that the world is seen as an arena in which supernatural forces dominate. The fate of the world and those in it depends on the actions of supernatural forces for good or evil. The other answers do not reflect the magicoreligious perspective.

39. While auscultating heart sounds, the nurse hears a murmur. Which of these instruments should be used to assess this murmur? a. Electrocardiogram b. Bell of the stethoscope c. Diaphragm of the stethoscope d. Palpation with the nurses palm of the hand

ANS: B The bell of the stethoscope is best for soft, low-pitched sounds such as extra heart sounds or murmurs. The diaphragm of the stethoscope is best used for high-pitched sounds such as breath, bowel, and normal heart sounds.

11. The nurse is examining a patient who is complaining of feeling cold. Which is a mechanism of heat loss in the body? a. Exercise b. Radiation c. Metabolism d. Food digestion

ANS: B The body maintains a steady temperature through a thermostat or feedback mechanism, which is regulated in the hypothalamus of the brain. The hypothalamus regulates heat production from metabolism, exercise, food digestion, and external factors with heat loss through radiation, evaporation of sweat, convection, and conduction.

30. The nurse is incorporating a persons spiritual values into the health history. Which of these questions illustrates the community portion of the FICA (faith and belief, importance and influence, community, and addressing or applying in care) questions? a. Do you believe in God? b. Are you a part of any religious or spiritual congregation? c. Do you consider yourself to be a religious or spiritual person? d. How does your religious faith influence the way you think about your health?

ANS: B The community is assessed when the nurse asks whether a person is part of a religious or spiritual community or congregation. The other areas assessed are faith, influence, and addressing any religious or spiritual issues or concerns.

3. The nurse is assessing a patients skin during an office visit. What part of the hand and technique should be used to best assess the patients skin temperature? a. Fingertips; they are more sensitive to 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 sensitivity. d. Palmar surface of the hand; this surface is the most sensitive to temperature variations because of its increased nerve supply in this area.

ANS: B The dorsa (backs) of the hands and fingers are best for determining temperature because the skin is thinner on the dorsal surfaces than on the palms. Fingertips are best for fine, tactile discrimination. The other responses are not useful for palpation.

5. A 1-month-old infant has a head measurement of 34 cm and has a chest circumference of 32 cm. Based on the interpretation of these findings, the nurse would: a. Refer the infant to a physician for further evaluation. b. Consider these findings normal for a 1-month-old infant. c. Expect the chest circumference to be greater than the head circumference. d. Ask the parent to return in 2 weeks to re-evaluate the head and chest circumferences.

ANS: B The newborns head measures approximately 32 to 38 cm and is approximately 2 cm larger than the chest circumference. Between 6 months and 2 years, both measurements are approximately the same, and after age 2 years, the chest circumference is greater than the head circumference.

13. In the majority culture of America, coughing, sweating, and diarrhea are symptoms of an illness. For some individuals of Mexican-American origin, however, these symptoms are a normal part of living. The nurse recognizes that this difference is true, probably because Mexican-Americans: a. Have less efficient immune systems and are often ill. b. Consider these symptoms part of normal living, not symptoms of ill health. c. Come from Mexico, and coughing is normal and healthy there. d. Are usually in a lower socioeconomic group and are more likely to be sick.

ANS: B The nurse needs to identify the meaning of health to the patient, remembering that concepts are derived, in part, from the way in which members of the cultural group define health.

10. When assessing an older adult, which vital sign changes occur with aging? a. Increase in pulse rate b. Widened pulse pressure c. Increase in body temperature d. Decrease in diastolic blood pressure

ANS: B With aging, the nurse keeps in mind that the systolic blood pressure increases, leading to widened pulse pressure. With many older people, both the systolic and diastolic pressures increase. The pulse rate and temperature do not increase.

38. A 4-month-old child is at the clinic for a well-baby check-up and immunizations. Which of these actions is most appropriate when the nurse is assessing an infants vital signs? a. The infants radial pulse should be palpated, and the nurse should notice any fluctuations resulting from activity or exercise. b. The nurse should auscultate an apical rate for 1 minute and then assess for any normal irregularities, such as sinus arrhythmia. c. The infants blood pressure should be assessed by using a stethoscope with a large diaphragm piece to hear the soft muffled Korotkoff sounds. d. The infants chest should be observed and the respiratory rate counted for 1 minute; the respiratory pattern may vary significantly.

ANS: B The nurse palpates or auscultates an apical rate with infants and toddlers. The pulse should be counted for 1 full minute to account for normal irregularities, such as sinus arrhythmia. Children younger than 3 years of age have such small arm vessels; consequently, hearing Korotkoff sounds with a stethoscope is difficult. The nurse should use either an electronic blood pressure device that uses oscillometry or a Doppler ultrasound device to amplify the sounds.

11. A woman is discussing the problems she is having with her 2-year-old son. She says, He wont go to sleep at night, and during the day he has several fits. I get so upset when that happens. The nurses best verbal response would be: a. Go on, Im listening. b. Fits? Tell me what you mean by this. c. Yes, it can be upsetting when a child has a fit. d. Dont be upset when he has a fit; every 2 year old has fits.

ANS: B The nurse should use clarification when the persons word choice is ambiguous or confusing (e.g., Tell me what you mean by fits.). Clarification is also used to summarize the persons words or to simplify the words to make them clearer; the nurse should then ask if he or she is on the right track.

22. When performing a physical examination, safety must be considered to protect the examiner and the patient against the spread of infection. Which of these statements describes the most appropriate action the nurse should take when performing a physical examination? a. Washing ones hands after removing gloves is not necessary, as long as the gloves are still intact. b. Hands are washed before and after every physical patient encounter. c. Hands are washed before the examination of each body system to prevent the spread of bacteria from one part of the body to another. d. Gloves are worn throughout the entire examination to demonstrate to the patient concern regarding the spread of infectious diseases.

ANS: B The nurse should wash his or her hands before and after every physical patient encounter; after contact with blood, body fluids, secretions, and excretions; after contact with any equipment contaminated with body fluids; and after removing gloves. Hands should be washed after gloves have been removed, even if the gloves appear to be intact. Gloves should be worn when potential contact with any body fluids is present.

10. The review of systems provides the nurse with: a. Physical findings related to each system. b. Information regarding health promotion practices. c. An opportunity to teach the patient medical terms. d. Information necessary for the nurse to diagnose the patients medical problem.

ANS: B The purposes of the review of systems are to: (1) evaluate the past and current health state of each body system, (2) double check facts in case any significant data were omitted in the present illness section, and (3) evaluate health promotion practices.

1. When performing a physical assessment, the first technique the nurse will always use is: a. Palpation. b. Inspection. c. Percussion. d. Auscultation.

ANS: 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.

13. The nurse is teaching a class on basic assessment skills. Which of these statements is true regarding the stethoscope and its use? a. Slope of the earpieces should point posteriorly (toward the occiput). b. Although the stethoscope does not magnify sound, it does block out extraneous room noise. c. Fit and quality of the stethoscope are not as important as its ability to magnify sound. d. Ideal tubing length should be 22 inches to dampen the distortion of sound.

ANS: B The stethoscope does not magnify sound, but it does block out extraneous room sounds. The slope of the earpieces should point forward toward the examiners nose. Long tubing will distort sound. The fit and quality of the stethoscope are both important.

16. Which of these actions illustrates the correct technique the nurse should use when assessing oral temperature with a mercury thermometer? a. Wait 30 minutes if the patient has ingested hot or iced liquids. b. Leave the thermometer in place 3 to 4 minutes if the patient is afebrile. c. Place the thermometer in front of the tongue, and ask the patient to close his or her lips. d. Shake the mercury-in-glass thermometer down to below 36.6 C before taking the temperature.

ANS: B The thermometer should be left in place 3 to 4 minutes if the person is afebrile and up to 8 minutes if the person is febrile. The nurse should wait 15 minutes if the person has just ingested hot or iced liquids and 2 minutes if he or she has just smoked.

35. The nurse is nearing the end of an interview. Which statement is appropriate at this time? a. Did we forget something? b. Is there anything else you would like to mention? c. I need to go on to the next patient. Ill be back. d. While Im here, lets talk about your upcoming surgery.

ANS: B This question offers the person a final opportunity for self-expression. No new topic should be introduced. The other questions are not appropriate.

28. The nurse notices a colleague is preparing to check the blood pressure of a patient who is obese by using a standard-sized blood pressure cuff. The nurse should expect the reading to: a. Yield a falsely low blood pressure. b. Yield a falsely high blood pressure. c. Be the same, regardless of cuff size. d. Vary as a result of the technique of the person performing the assessment.

ANS: B Using a cuff that is too narrow yields a falsely high blood pressure because it takes extra pressure to compress the artery.

10. When assessing a patients pain, the nurse knows that an example of visceral pain would be: a. Hip fracture. b. Cholecystitis. c. Second-degree burns. d. Pain after a leg amputation.

ANS: B Visceral pain originates from the larger interior organs, such as the gallbladder, liver, or kidneys.

32. The nurse is preparing to examine a 4-year-old child. Which action is appropriate for this age group? a. Explain the procedures in detail to alleviate the childs anxiety. b. Give the child feedback and reassurance during the examination. c. Do not ask the child to remove his or her clothes because children at this age are usually very private. d. Perform an examination of the ear, nose, and throat first, and then examine the thorax and abdomen.

ANS: B With preschool children, short, simple explanations should be used. Children at this age are usually willing to undress. An examination of the head should be performed last. During the examination, needed feedback and reassurance should be given to the preschooler.

2. During an admission assessment of a patient with dementia, the nurse assesses for pain because the patient has recently had several falls. Which of these are appropriate for the nurse to assess in a patient with dementia? Select all that apply. a. Ask the patient, Do you have pain? b. Assess the patients breathing independent of vocalization. c. Note whether the patient is calling out, groaning, or crying. d. Have the patient rate pain on a 1-to-10 scale. e. Observe the patients body language for pacing and agitation.

ANS: B, C, E Patients with dementia may say no when, in reality, they are very uncomfortable because words have lost their meaning. Patients with dementia become less able to identify and describe pain over time, although pain is still present. People with dementia communicate pain through their behaviors. Agitation, pacing, and repetitive yelling may indicate pain and not a worsening of the dementia. (See Figure 10-10 for the Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia [PAINAD] scale, which may also be used to assess pain in persons with dementia.)

2. The nurse is conducting a developmental history on a 5-year-old child. Which questions are appropriate to ask the parents for this part of the assessment? Select all that apply. a. How much junk food does your child eat? b. How many teeth has he lost, and when did he lose them? c. Is he able to tie his shoelaces? d. Does he take a childrens vitamin? e. Can he tell time? f. Does he have any food allergies?

ANS: B, C, E Questions about tooth loss, ability to tell time, and ability to tie shoelaces are appropriate questions for a developmental assessment. Questions about junk food intake and vitamins are part of a nutritional history. Questions about food allergies are not part of a developmental history.

1. The nurse is conducting an interview. Which of these statements is true regarding open-ended questions? Select all that apply. a. Open-ended questions elicit cold facts. b. They allow for self-expression. c. Open-ended questions build and enhance rapport. d. They leave interactions neutral. e. Open-ended questions call for short one- to two-word answers. f. They are used when narrative information is needed.

ANS: B, C, F Open-ended questions allow for self-expression, build and enhance rapport, and obtain narrative information. These features enhance communication during an interview. The other statements are appropriate for closed or direct questions.

1. The nurse is reviewing aspects of cultural care. Which statements illustrate proper cultural care? Select all that apply. a. Examine the patient within the context of ones own cultural health and illness practices. b. Select questions that are not complex. c. Ask questions rapidly. d. Touch patients within the cultural boundaries of their heritage. e. Pace questions throughout the physical examination.

ANS: B, D, E Patients should be examined within the context of their own cultural health and illness practices. Questions should be simply stated and not rapidly asked.

41. The nurse is preparing to examine a 6-year-old child. Which action is most appropriate? a. The thorax, abdomen, and genitalia are examined before the head. b. Talking about the equipment being used is avoided because doing so may increase the childs anxiety. c. The nurse should keep in mind that a child at this age will have a sense of modesty. d. The child is asked to undress from the waist up.

ANS: C A 6-year-old child has a sense of modesty. The child should undress him or herself, leaving underpants on and using a gown or drape. A school-age child is curious to know how equipment works, and the sequence should progress from the childs head to the toes.

1. When evaluating a patients pain, the nurse knows that an example of acute pain would be: a. Arthritic pain. b. Fibromyalgia. c. Kidney stones. d. Low back pain.

ANS: C Acute pain is short-term and dissipates after an injury heals, such as with kidney stones. The other conditions are examples of chronic pain during which the pain continues for 6 months or longer and does not stop when the injury heals.

31. The nurse is taking an initial blood pressure reading on a 72-year-old patient with documented hypertension. How should the nurse proceed? a. Cuff should be placed on the patients arm and inflated 30 mm Hg above the patients pulse rate. b. Cuff should be inflated to 200 mm Hg in an attempt to obtain the most accurate systolic reading. c. Cuff should be inflated 30 mm Hg above the point at which the palpated pulse disappears. d. After confirming the patients previous blood pressure readings, the cuff should be inflated 30 mm Hg above the highest systolic reading recorded.

ANS: C An auscultatory gap occurs in approximately 5% of the people, most often in those with hypertension. To check for the presence of an auscultatory gap, the cuff should be inflated 20 to 30 mm Hg beyond the point at which the palpated pulse disappears.

12. A 17-year-old single mother is describing how difficult it is to raise a 3-year-old child by herself. During the course of the interview she states, I cant believe my boyfriend left me to do this by myself! What a terrible thing to do to me! Which of these responses by the nurse uses empathy? a. You feel alone. b. You cant believe he left you alone? c. It must be so hard to face this all alone. d. I would be angry, too; raising a child alone is no picnic.

ANS: C An empathetic response recognizes the feeling and puts it into words. It names the feeling, allows its expression, and strengthens rapport. Other empathetic responses are, This must be very hard for you, I understand, or simply placing your hand on the persons arm. Simply reflecting the persons words or agreeing with the person is not an empathetic response.

14. A 60-year-old male patient has been treated for pneumonia for the past 6 weeks. He is seen today in the clinic for an unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds over the last 6 weeks. The nurse knows that: a. Weight loss is probably the result of unhealthy eating habits. b. Chronic diseases such as hypertension cause weight loss. c. Unexplained weight loss often accompanies short-term illnesses. d. Weight loss is probably the result of a mental health dysfunction.

ANS: C An unexplained weight loss may be a sign of a short-term illness or a chronic illness such as endocrine disease, malignancy, depression, anorexia nervosa, or bulimia.

6. The nurse is assessing an 80-year-old male patient. Which assessment findings would be considered normal? a. Increase in body weight from his younger years b. Additional deposits of fat on the thighs and lower legs c. Presence of kyphosis and flexion in the knees and hips d. Change in overall body proportion, including a longer trunk and shorter extremities

ANS: C Changes that occur in the aging person include more prominent bony landmarks, decreased body weight (especially in men), a decrease in subcutaneous fat from the face and periphery, and additional fat deposited on the abdomen and hips. Postural changes of kyphosis and slight flexion in the knees and hips also occur.

31. During a class on cultural practices, the nurse hears the term cultural taboo. Which statement illustrates the concept of a cultural taboo? a. Believing that illness is a punishment of sin b. Trying prayer before seeking medical help c. Refusing to accept blood products as part of treatment d. Stating that a childs birth defect is the result of the parents sins

ANS: C Cultural taboos are practices that are to be avoided, such as receiving blood products, eating pork, and consuming caffeine. The other answers do not reflect cultural taboos.

50. During an examination, the nurse notices that a female patient has a round moon face, central trunk obesity, and a cervical hump. Her skin is fragile with bruises. The nurse determines that the patient has which condition? a. Marfan syndrome b. Gigantism c. Cushing syndrome d. Acromegaly

ANS: C Cushing syndrome is characterized by weight gain and edema with central trunk and cervical obesity (buffalo hump) and round plethoric face (moon face). Excessive catabolism causes muscle wasting; weakness; thin arms and legs; reduced height; and thin, fragile skin with purple abdominal striae, bruising, and acne. (See Table 9-5, Abnormalities in Body Height and Proportion, for the definitions of the other conditions.)

3. During a seminar on cultural aspects of nursing, the nurse recognizes that the definition stating the specific and distinct knowledge, beliefs, skills, and customs acquired by members of a society reflects which term? a. Mores b. Norms c. Culture d. Social learning

ANS: C The culture that develops in any given society is always specific and distinctive, encompassing all of the knowledge, beliefs, customs, and skills acquired by members of the society. The other terms do not fit the given definition.

19. The nurse is unable to palpate the right radial pulse on a patient. The best action would be to: a. Auscultate over the area with a fetoscope. b. Use a goniometer to measure the pulsations. c. Use a Doppler device to check for pulsations over the area. d. Check for the presence of pulsations with a stethoscope.

ANS: C Doppler devices are used to augment pulse or blood pressure measurements. Goniometers measure joint range of motion. A fetoscope is used to auscultate fetal heart tones. Stethoscopes are used to auscultate breath, bowel, and heart sounds.

9. After a class on culture and ethnicity, the new graduate nurse reflects a correct understanding of the concept of ethnicity with which statement? a. Ethnicity is dynamic and ever changing. b. Ethnicity is the belief in a higher power. c. Ethnicity pertains to a social group within the social system that claims shared values and traditions. d. Ethnicity is learned from birth through the processes of language acquisition and socialization.

ANS: C Ethnicity pertains to a social group within the social system that claims to have variable traits, such as a common geographic origin, migratory status, religion, race, language, values, traditions, symbols, or food preferences.Culture is dynamic, ever changing, and learned from birth through the processes of language acquisition and socialization. Religion is the belief in a higher power.

40. In a patient with acromegaly, the nurse will expect to discover which assessment findings? a. Heavy, flattened facial features b. Growth retardation and a delayed onset of puberty c. Overgrowth of bone in the face, head, hands, and feet d. Increased height and weight and delayed sexual development

ANS: C Excessive secretions of growth hormone in adulthood after normal completion of body growth causes an overgrowth of the bones in the face, head, hands, and feet but no change in height.

21. When the nurse asks for a description of who lives with a child, the method of discipline, and the support system of the child, what part of the assessment is being performed? a. Family history b. Review of systems c. Functional assessment d. Reason for seeking care

ANS: C Functional assessment includes interpersonal relationships and home environment. Family history includes illnesses in family members; a review of systems includes questions about the various body systems; and the reason for seeking care is the rationale for requesting health care.

14. The nurse knows that which statement is true regarding the pain experienced by infants? a. Pain in infants can only be assessed by physiologic changes, such as an increased heart rate. b. The FPS-R can be used to assess pain in infants. c. A procedure that induces pain in adults will also induce pain in the infant. d. Infants feel pain less than do adults.

ANS: C If a procedure or disease process causes pain in an adult, then it will also cause pain in an infant. Physiologic changes cannot be exclusively used to confirm or deny pain because other factors, such as medications, fluid status, or stress may cause physiologic changes. The FPS-R can be used starting at age 4 years.

43. What type of blood pressure measurement error is most likely to occur if the nurse does not check for the presence of an auscultatory gap? a. Diastolic blood pressure may not be heard. b. Diastolic blood pressure may be falsely low. c. Systolic blood pressure may be falsely low. d. Systolic blood pressure may be falsely high.

ANS: C If an auscultatory gap is undetected, then a falsely low systolic or falsely high diastolic reading may result, which is common in patients with hypertension.

34. A patient is seen in the clinic for complaints of fainting episodes that started last week. How should the nurse proceed with the examination? a. Blood pressure readings are taken in both the arms and the thighs. b. The patient is assisted to a lying position, and his blood pressure is taken. c. His blood pressure is recorded in the lying, sitting, and standing positions. d. His blood pressure is recorded in the lying and sitting positions; these numbers are then averaged to obtain a mean blood pressure.

ANS: C If the person is known to have hypertension, is taking antihypertensive medications, or reports a history of fainting or syncope, then the blood pressure reading should be taken in three positions: lying, sitting, and standing.

20. An older Mexican-American woman with traditional beliefs has been admitted to an inpatient care unit. A culturally sensitive nurse would: a. Contact the hospital administrator about the best course of action. b. Automatically get a curandero for her, because requesting one herself is not culturally appropriate. c. Further assess the patients cultural beliefs and offer the patient assistance in contacting a curandero or priest if she desires. d. Ask the family what they would like to do because Mexican-Americans traditionally give control of decision making to their families.

ANS: C In addition to seeking help from the biomedical or scientific health care provider, patients may also seek help from folk or religious healers. Some people, such as those of Mexican-American or American-Indian origins, may believe that the cure is incomplete unless the body, mind, and spirit are also healed (although the division of the person into parts is a Western concept).

44. When considering the concepts related to blood pressure, the nurse knows that the concept of mean arterial pressure (MAP) is best described by which statement? a. MAP is the pressure of the arterial pulse. b. MAP reflects the stroke volume of the heart. c. MAP is the pressure forcing blood into the tissues, averaged over the cardiac cycle. d. MAP is an average of the systolic and diastolic blood pressures and reflects tissue perfusion.

ANS: C MAP is the pressure that forces blood into the tissues, averaged over the cardiac cycle. Stroke volume is reflected by the blood pressure. MAP is not an arithmetic average of systolic and diastolic pressures because diastole lasts longer; rather, it is a value closer to diastolic pressure plus one third of the pulse pressure.

16. Many Asians believe in the yin/yang theory, which is rooted in the ancient Chinese philosophy of Tao. Which statement most accurately reflects health in an Asian with this belief? a. A person is able to work and produce. b. A person is happy, stable, and feels good. c. All aspects of the person are in perfect balance. d. A person is able to care for others and function socially.

ANS: C Many Asians believe in the yin/yang theory, in which health is believed to exist when all aspects of the person are in perfect balance. The other statements do not describe this theory.

12. When measuring a patients body temperature, the nurse keeps in mind that body temperature is influenced by: a. Constipation. b. Patients emotional state. c. Diurnal cycle. d. Nocturnal cycle.

ANS: C Normal temperature is influenced by the diurnal cycle, exercise, and age. The other responses do not influence body temperature.

2. Which statement indicates that the nurse understands the pain experienced by an older adult? a. Older adults must learn to tolerate pain. b. Pain is a normal process of aging and is to be expected. c. Pain indicates a pathologic condition or an injury and is not a normal process of aging. d. Older individuals perceive pain to a lesser degree than do younger individuals.

ANS: C Pain indicates a pathologic condition or an injury and should never be considered something that an older adult should expect or tolerate. Pain is not a normal process of aging, and no evidence suggests that pain perception is reduced with aging.

7. The nurse is preparing to percuss the abdomen of a patient. The purpose of the percussion is to assess the __________ of the underlying tissue. a. Turgor b. Texture c. Density d. Consistency

ANS: C Percussion yields a sound that depicts the location, size, and density of the underlying organ. Turgor and texture are assessed with palpation.

14. In response to a question about stress, a 39-year-old woman tells the nurse that her husband and mother both died in the past year. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate? a. This has been a difficult year for you. b. I dont know how anyone could handle that much stress in 1 year! c. What did you do to cope with the loss of both your husband and mother? d. That is a lot of stress; now lets go on to the next section of your history.

ANS: C Questions about coping and stress management include questions regarding the kinds of stresses in ones life, especially in the last year, any changes in lifestyle or any current stress, methods tried to relieve stress, and whether these methods have been helpful.

9. The nurse is taking a family history. Important diseases or problems about which the patient should be specifically asked include: a. Emphysema. b. Head trauma. c. Mental illness. d. Fractured bones.

ANS: C Questions concerning any family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, obesity, blood disorders, breast and ovarian cancers, colon cancer, sickle cell anemia, arthritis, allergies, alcohol or drug addiction, mental illness, suicide, seizure disorder, kidney disease, and tuberculosis should be asked.

7. The nurse should measure rectal temperatures in which of these patients? a. School-age child b. Older adult c. Comatose adult d. Patient receiving oxygen by nasal cannula

ANS: C Rectal temperatures should be taken when the other routes are impractical, such as for comatose or confused persons, for those in shock, or for those who cannot close the mouth because of breathing or oxygen tubes, a wired mandible, or other facial dysfunctions.

4. A patient states that the pain medication is not working and rates his postoperative pain at a 10 on a 1-to-10 scale. Which of these assessment findings indicates an acute pain response to poorly controlled pain? a. Confusion b. Hyperventilation c. Increased blood pressure and pulse d. Depression

ANS: C Responses to poorly controlled acute pain include tachycardia, elevated blood pressure, and hypoventilation. Confusion and depression are associated with poorly controlled chronic pain (see Table 10-1).

37. During an interview, the nurse would expect that most of the interview will take place at what distance? a. Intimate zone b. Personal distance c. Social distance d. Public distance

ANS: C Social distance, 4 to 12 feet, is usually the distance category for most of the interview. Public distance, over 12 feet, is too much distance; the intimate zone is inappropriate, and the personal distance will be used for the physical assessment.

10. The nurse is comparing the concepts of religion and spirituality. Which of the following is an appropriate component of ones spirituality? a. Belief in and the worship of God or gods b. Attendance at a specific church or place of worship c. Personal effort made to find purpose and meaning in life d. Being closely tied to ones ethnic background

ANS: C Spirituality refers to each persons unique life experiences and his or her personal effort to find purpose and meaning in life. The other responses apply to religion.

36. Which of these statements is true regarding the use of Standard Precautions in the health care setting? a. Standard Precautions apply to all body fluids, including sweat. b. Use alcohol-based hand rub if hands are visibly dirty. c. Standard Precautions are intended for use with all patients, regardless of their risk or presumed infection status. d. Standard Precautions are to be used only when nonintact skin, excretions containing visible blood, or expected contact with mucous membranes is present.

ANS: C Standard Precautions are designed to reduce the risk of transmission of microorganisms from both recognized and unrecognized sources and are intended for use for all patients, regardless of their risk or presumed infection status. Standard Precautions apply to blood and all other body fluids, secretions and excretions except sweatregardless of whether they contain visible blood, nonintact skin, or mucous membranes. Hands should be washed with soap and water if visibly soiled with blood or body fluids. Alcohol-based hand rubs can be used if hands are not visibly soiled.

17. The nurse is taking temperatures in a clinic with a TMT. Which statement is true regarding use of the TMT? a. A tympanic temperature is more time consuming than a rectal temperature. b. The tympanic method is more invasive and uncomfortable than the oral method. c. The risk of cross-contamination is reduced, compared with the rectal route. d. The tympanic membrane most accurately reflects the temperature in the ophthalmic artery.

ANS: C The TMT is a noninvasive, nontraumatic device that is extremely quick and efficient. The chance of cross-contamination with the TMT is minimal because the ear canal is lined with skin, not mucous membranes.

29. A 2-year-old child has been brought to the clinic for a well-child checkup. The best way for the nurse to begin the assessment is to: a. Ask the parent to place the child on the examining table. b. Have the parent remove all of the childs clothing before the examination. c. Allow the child to keep a security object such as a toy or blanket during the examination. d. Initially focus the interactions on the child, essentially ignoring the parent until the childs trust has been obtained.

ANS: C The best place to examine the toddler is on the parents lap. Toddlers understand symbols; therefore, a security object is helpful. Initially, the focus is more on the parent, which allows the child to adjust gradually and to become familiar with you. A 2-year-old child does not like to take off his or her clothes. Therefore, ask the parent to undress one body part at a time.

23. The nurse is examining a patients lower leg and notices a draining ulceration. Which of these actions is most appropriate in this situation? a. Washing hands, and contacting the physician b. Continuing to examine the ulceration, and then washing hands c. Washing hands, putting on gloves, and continuing with the examination of the ulceration d. Washing hands, proceeding with rest of the physical examination, and then continuing with the examination of the leg ulceration

ANS: C The examiner should wear gloves when the potential contact with any body fluids is present. In this situation, the nurse should wash his or her hands, put on gloves, and continue examining the ulceration.

23. The nurse is performing a review of systems on a 76-year-old patient. Which of these statements is correct for this situation? a. The questions asked are identical for all ages. b. The interviewer will start incorporating different questions for patients 70 years of age and older. c. Questions that are reflective of the normal effects of aging are added. d. At this age, a review of systems is not necessarythe focus should be on current problems.

ANS: C The health history includes the same format as that described for the younger adult, as well as some additional questions. These additional questions address ways in which the activities of daily living may have been affected by the normal aging processes or by the effects of chronic illness or disability.

22. When assessing the force, or strength, of a pulse, the nurse recalls that the pulse: a. Is usually recorded on a 0- to 2-point scale. b. Demonstrates elasticity of the vessel wall. c. Is a reflection of the hearts stroke volume. d. Reflects the blood volume in the arteries during diastole.

ANS: C The heart pumps an amount of blood (the stroke volume) into the aorta. The force flares the arterial walls and generates a pressure wave, which is felt in the periphery as the pulse.

11. Which of these statements represents subjective data the nurse obtained from the patient regarding the patients skin? a. Skin appears dry. b. No lesions are obvious. c. Patient denies any color change. d. Lesion is noted on the lateral aspect of the right arm.

ANS: C The history should be limited to patient statements or subjective datafactors that the person says were or were not present

35. The most important step that the nurse can take to prevent the transmission of microorganisms in the hospital setting is to: a. Wear protective eye wear at all times. b. Wear gloves during any and all contact with patients. c. Wash hands before and after contact with each patient. d. Clean the stethoscope with an alcohol swab between patients.

ANS: C The most important step to decrease the risk of microorganism transmission is to wash hands promptly and thoroughly before and after physical contact with each patient. Stethoscopes should also be cleansed with an alcohol swab before and after each patient contact. The best routine is to combine stethoscope rubbing with hand hygiene each time hand hygiene is performed.

2. Receiving is a part of the communication process. Which receiver is most likely to misinterpret a message sent by a health care professional? a. Well-adjusted adolescent who came in for a sports physical b. Recovering alcoholic who came in for a basic physical examination c. Man whose wife has just been diagnosed with lung cancer d. Man with a hearing impairment who uses sign language to communicate and who has an interpreter with him

ANS: C The receiver attaches meaning determined by his or her experiences, culture, self-concept, and current physical and emotional states. The man whose wife has just been diagnosed with lung cancer may be experiencing emotions that affect his receiving.

24. During the examination, offering some brief teaching about the patients body or the examiners findings is often appropriate. Which one of these statements by the nurse is most appropriate? a. Your atrial dysrhythmias are under control. b. You have pitting edema and mild varicosities. c. Your pulse is 80 beats per minute, which is within the normal range. d. Im using my stethoscope to listen for any crackles, wheezes, or rubs.

ANS: C The sharing of some information builds rapport, as long as the patient is able to understand the terminology.

5. A patients blood pressure is 118/82 mm Hg. He asks the nurse, What do the numbers mean? The nurses best reply is: a. The numbers are within the normal range and are nothing to worry about. b. The bottom number is the diastolic pressure and reflects the stroke volume of the heart. c. The top number is the systolic blood pressure and reflects the pressure of the blood against the arteries when the heart contracts. d. The concept of blood pressure is difficult to understand. The primary thing to be concerned about is the top number, or the systolic blood pressure.

ANS: C The systolic pressure is the maximum pressure felt on the artery during left ventricular contraction, or systole. The diastolic pressure is the elastic recoil, or resting, pressure that the blood constantly exerts in between each contraction. The nurse should answer the patients question and use terms he can understand.

0. The nurse is unable to identify any changes in sound when percussing over the abdomen of an obese patient. What should the nurse do next? a. Ask the patient to take deep breaths to relax the abdominal musculature. b. Consider this finding as normal, and proceed with the abdominal assessment. c. Increase the amount of strength used when attempting to percuss over the abdomen. d. Decrease the amount of strength used when attempting to percuss over the abdomen.

ANS: C The thickness of the persons body wall will be a factor. The nurse needs a stronger percussion stroke for persons with obese or very muscular body walls. The force of the blow determines the loudness of the note. The other actions are not correct.

19. A nurse is taking complete health histories on all of the patients attending a wellness workshop. On the history form, one of the written questions asks, You dont smoke, drink, or take drugs, do you? This question is an example of: a. Talking too much. b. Using confrontation. c. Using biased or leading questions. d. Using blunt language to deal with distasteful topics.

ANS: C This question is an example of using leading or biased questions. Asking, You dont smoke, do you? implies that one answer is better than another. If the person wants to please someone, then he or she is either forced to answer in a way that corresponds to his or her implied values or is made to feel guilty when admitting the other answer.

15. During an interview, a woman says, I have decided that I can no longer allow my children to live with their fathers violence, but I just cant seem to leave him. Using interpretation, the nurses best response would be: a. You are going to leave him? b. If you are afraid for your children, then why cant you leave? c. It sounds as if you might be afraid of how your husband will respond. d. It sounds as though you have made your decision. I think it is a good one.

ANS: C This statement is not based on ones inference or conclusion. It links events, makes associations, or implies cause. Interpretation also ascribes feelings and helps the person understand his or her own feelings in relation to the verbal message. The other statements do not reflect interpretation.

8. The nurse is preparing to measure the length, weight, chest, and head circumference of a 6-month-old infant. Which measurement technique is correct? a. Measuring the infants length by using a tape measure b. Weighing the infant by placing him or her on an electronic standing scale c. Measuring the chest circumference at the nipple line with a tape measure d. Measuring the head circumference by wrapping the tape measure over the nose and cheekbones

ANS: C To measure the chest circumference, the tape is encircled around the chest at the nipple line. The length should be measured on a horizontal measuring board. Weight should be measured on a platform-type balance scale. Head circumference is measured with the tape around the head, aligned at the eyebrows, and at the prominent frontal and occipital bonesthe widest span is correct.

32. The nurse makes this comment to a patient, I know it may be hard, but you should do what the doctor ordered because she is the expert in this field. Which statement is correct about the nurses comment? a. This comment is inappropriate because it shows the nurses bias. b. This comment is appropriate because members of the health care team are experts in their area of patient care. c. This type of comment promotes dependency and inferiority on the part of the patient and is best avoided in an interview situation. d. Using authority statements when dealing with patients, especially when they are undecided about an issue, is necessary at times.

ANS: C Using authority responses promotes dependency and inferiority. Avoiding the use of authority is best. Although the health care provider and patient do not have equal professional knowledge, both have equally worthy roles in the health process. The other statements are not correct.

36. The nurse is helping another nurse to take a blood pressure reading on a patients thigh. Which action is correct regarding thigh pressure? a. Either the popliteal or femoral vessels should be auscultated to obtain a thigh pressure. b. The best position to measure thigh pressure is the supine position with the knee slightly bent. c. If the blood pressure in the arm is high in an adolescent, then it should be compared with the thigh pressure. d. The thigh pressure is lower than the pressure in the arm, which is attributable to the distance away from the heart and the size of the popliteal vessels.

ANS: C When blood pressure measured at the arm is excessively high, particularly in adolescents and young adults, it is compared with thigh pressure to check for coarctation of the aorta. The popliteal artery is auscultated for the reading. Generally, thigh pressure is higher than that of the arm; however, if coarctation of the artery is present, then arm pressures are higher than thigh pressures.

19. If an American Indian woman has come to the clinic to seek help with regulating her diabetes, then the nurse can expect that she: a. Will comply with the treatment prescribed. b. Has obviously given up her belief in naturalistic causes of disease. c. May also be seeking the assistance of a shaman or medicine man. d. Will need extra help in dealing with her illness and may be experiencing a crisis of faith.

ANS: C When self-treatment is unsuccessful, the individual may turn to the lay or folk healing systems, to spiritual or religious healing, or to scientific biomedicine. In addition to seeking help from a biomedical or scientific health care provider, patients may also seek help from folk or religious healers.

5. A 60-year-old woman has developed reflexive sympathetic dystrophy after arthroscopic repair of her shoulder. A key feature of this condition is that the: a. Affected extremity will eventually regain its function. b. Pain is felt at one site but originates from another location. c. Patients pain will be associated with nausea, pallor, and diaphoresis. d. Slightest touch, such as a sleeve brushing against her arm, causes severe and intense pain.

ANS: D A key feature of reflexive sympathetic dystrophy is that a typically innocuous stimulus can create a severe, intensely painful response. The affected extremity becomes less functional over time.

2. When measuring a patients weight, the nurse is aware of which of these guidelines? a. The patient is always weighed wearing only his or her undergarments. b. The type of scale does not matter, as long as the weights are similar from day to day. c. The patient may leave on his or her jacket and shoes as long as these are documented next to the weight. d. Attempts should be made to weigh the patient at approximately the same time of day, if a sequence of weights is necessary.

ANS: D A standardized balance scale is used to measure weight. The patient should remove his or her shoes and heavy outer clothing. If a sequence of repeated weights is necessary, then the nurse should attempt to weigh the patient at approximately the same time of day and with the same types of clothing worn each time.

13. A patient is complaining of severe knee pain after twisting it during a basketball game and is requesting pain medication. Which action by the nurse is appropriate? a. Completing the physical examination first and then giving the pain medication b. Telling the patient that the pain medication must wait until after the x-ray images are completed c. Evaluating the full range of motion of the knee and then medicating for pain d. Administering pain medication and then proceeding with the assessment

ANS: D According to the American Pain Society (1992), In cases in which the cause of acute pain is uncertain, establishing a diagnosis is a priority, but symptomatic treatment of pain should be given while the investigation is proceeding. With occasional exceptions, (e.g., the initial examination of the patient with an acute condition of the abdomen), it is rarely justified to defer analgesia until a diagnosis is made. In fact, a comfortable patient is better able to cooperate with diagnostic procedures.

6. A woman has just entered the emergency department after being battered by her husband. The nurse needs to get some information from her to begin treatment. What is the best choice for an opening phase of the interview with this patient? a. Hello, Nancy, my name is Mrs. C. b. Hello, Mrs. H., my name is Mrs. C. It sure is cold today! c. Mrs. H., my name is Mrs. C. How are you? d. Mrs. H., my name is Mrs. C. Ill need to ask you a few questions about what happened.

ANS: D Address the person by using his or her surname. The nurse should introduce him or herself and give the reason for the interview. Friendly small talk is not needed to build rapport.

27. After a symptom is recognized, the first effort at treatment is often self-care. Which of the following statements about self-care is true? Self-care is: a. Not recognized as valuable by most health care providers. b. Usually ineffective and may delay more effective treatment. c. Always less expensive than biomedical alternatives. d. Influenced by the accessibility of over-the-counter medicines.

ANS: D After a symptom is identified, the first effort at treatment is often self-care. The availability of over-the-counter medications, the relatively high literacy level of Americans, and the influence of the mass media in communicating health-related information to the general population have contributed to the high percentage of cases of self-treatment.

15. When assessing a 75-year-old patient who has asthma, the nurse notes that he assumes a tripod position, leaning forward with arms braced on the chair. On the basis of this observation, the nurse should: a. Assume that the patient is eager and interested in participating in the interview. b. Evaluate the patient for abdominal pain, which may be exacerbated in the sitting position. c. Assume that the patient is having difficulty breathing and assist him to a supine position. d. Recognize that a tripod position is often used when a patient is having respiratory difficulties.

ANS: D Assuming a tripod positionleaning forward with arms braced on chair armsoccurs with chronic pulmonary disease. The other actions or assumptions are not correct.

18. A 5-year-old boy is being admitted to the hospital to have his tonsils removed. Which information should the nurse collect before this procedure? a. Childs birth weight b. Age at which he crawled c. Whether the child has had the measles d. Childs reactions to previous hospitalizations

ANS: D How the child reacted to previous hospitalizations and any complications should be assessed. If the child reacted poorly, then he or she may be afraid now and will need special preparation for the examination that is to follow. The other items are not significant for the procedure.

37. The nurse is preparing to assess a hospitalized patient who is experiencing significant shortness of breath. How should the nurse proceed with the assessment? a. The patient should lie down to obtain an accurate cardiac, respiratory, and abdominal assessment. b. A thorough history and physical assessment information should be obtained from the patients family member. c. A complete history and physical assessment should be immediately performed to obtain baseline information. d. Body areas appropriate to the problem should be examined and then the assessment completed after the problem has resolved.

ANS: D Both altering the position of the patient during the examination and collecting a mini database by examining the body areas appropriate to the problem may be necessary in this situation. An assessment may be completed later after the distress is resolved.

6. In recording the childhood illnesses of a patient who denies having had any, which note by the nurse would be most accurate? a. Patient denies usual childhood illnesses. b. Patient states he was a very healthy child. c. Patient states his sister had measles, but he didnt. d. Patient denies measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, pertussis, and strep throat.

ANS: D Childhood illnesses include measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, pertussis, and strep throat. Avoid recording usual childhood illnesses because an illness common in the persons childhood may be unusual today (e.g., measles).

30. The nurse is examining a 2-year-old child and asks, May I listen to your heart now? Which critique of the nurses technique is most accurate? a. Asking questions enhances the childs autonomy b. Asking the child for permission helps develop a sense of trust c. This question is an appropriate statement because children at this age like to have choices d. Children at this age like to say, No. The examiner should not offer a choice when no choice is available

ANS: D Children at this age like to say, No. Choices should not be offered when no choice is really available. If the child says, No and the nurse does it anyway, then the nurse loses trust. Autonomy is enhanced by offering a limited option, Shall I listen to your heart next or your tummy?

7. The nurse manager is explaining culturally competent care during a staff meeting. Which statement accurately describes the concept of culturally competent care? The caregiver: a. Is able to speak the patients native language. b. Possesses some basic knowledge of the patients cultural background. c. Applies the proper background knowledge of a patients cultural background to provide the best possible health care. d. Understands and attends to the total context of the patients situation.

ANS: D Culturally competent implies that the caregiver understands and attends to the total context of the individuals situation. This competency includes awareness of immigration status, stress factors, other social factors, and cultural similarities and differences. It does not require the caregiver to speak the patients native language.

2. During a class on the aspects of culture, the nurse shares that culture has four basic characteristics. Which statement correctly reflects one of these characteristics? a. Cultures are static and unchanging, despite changes around them. b. Cultures are never specific, which makes them hard to identify. c. Culture is most clearly reflected in a persons language and behavior. d. Culture adapts to specific environmental factors and available natural resources.

ANS: D Culture has four basic characteristics. Culture adapts to specific conditions related to environmental and technical factors and to the availability of natural resources, and it is dynamic and ever changing. Culture is learned from birth through the process of language acquisition and socialization, but it is not most clearly reflected in ones language and behavior.

15. A patient has been admitted to the hospital with vertebral fractures related to osteoporosis. She is in extreme pain. This type of pain would be classified as: a. Referred. b. Cutaneous. c. Visceral. d. Deep somatic.

ANS: D Deep somatic pain comes from sources such as the blood vessels, joints, tendons, muscles, and bone. Referred pain is felt at one site but originates from another location. Cutaneous pain is derived from the skin surface and subcutaneous tissues. Visceral pain originates from the larger, interior organs.

33. When examining a 16-year-old male teenager, the nurse should: a. Discuss health teaching with the parent because the teen is unlikely to be interested in promoting wellness. b. Ask his parent to stay in the room during the history and physical examination to answer any questions and to alleviate his anxiety. c. Talk to him the same manner as one would talk to a younger child because a teens level of understanding may not match his or her speech. d. Provide feedback that his body is developing normally, and discuss the wide variation among teenagers on the rate of growth and development.

ANS: D During the examination, the adolescent needs feedback that his or her body is healthy and developing normally. The adolescent has a keen awareness of body image and often compares him or herself with peers. Apprise the adolescent of the wide variation among teenagers on the rate of growth and development.

29. A female American Indian has come to the clinic for follow-up diabetic teaching. During the interview, the nurse notices that she never makes eye contact and speaks mostly to the floor. Which statement is true regarding this situation? a. The woman is nervous and embarrassed. b. She has something to hide and is ashamed. c. The woman is showing inconsistent verbal and nonverbal behaviors. d. She is showing that she is carefully listening to what the nurse is saying.

ANS: D Eye contact is perhaps among the most culturally variable nonverbal behaviors. Asian, American Indian, Indochinese, Arabian, and Appalachian people may consider direct eye contact impolite or aggressive, and they may avert their eyes during the interview. American Indians often stare at the floor during the interview, which is a culturally appropriate behavior, indicating that the listener is paying close attention to the speaker.

13. Which of these responses might the nurse expect during a functional assessment of a patient whose leg is in a cast? a. I broke my right leg in a car accident 2 weeks ago. b. The pain is decreasing, but I still need to take acetaminophen. c. I check the color of my toes every evening just like I was taught. d. Im able to transfer myself from the wheelchair to the bed without help.

ANS: D Functional assessment measures a persons self-care ability in the areas of general physical health or absence of illness. The other statements concern health or illness issues.

34. When planning a cultural assessment, the nurse should include which component? a. Family history b. Chief complaint c. Medical history d. Health-related beliefs

ANS: D Health-related beliefs and practices are one component of a cultural assessment. The other items reflect other aspects of the patients history.

42. During auscultation of a patients heart sounds, the nurse hears an unfamiliar sound. The nurse should: a. Document the findings in the patients record. b. Wait 10 minutes, and auscultate the sound again. c. Ask the patient how he or she is feeling. d. Ask another nurse to double check the finding.

ANS: D If an abnormal finding is not familiar, then the nurse may ask another examiner to double check the finding. The other responses do not help identify the unfamiliar sound.

29. In the hot/cold theory, illnesses are believed to be caused by hot or cold entering the body. Which of these patient conditions is most consistent with a cold condition? a. Patient with diabetes and renal failure b. Teenager with an abscessed tooth c. Child with symptoms of itching and a rash d. Older man with gastrointestinal discomfort

ANS: D Illnesses believed to be caused by cold entering the body include earache, chest cramps, gastrointestinal discomfort, rheumatism, and tuberculosis. Those illnesses believed to be caused by heat, or overheating, include sore throats, abscessed teeth, rashes, and kidney disorders.

13. A man has been admitted to the observation unit for observation after being treated for a large cut on his forehead. As the nurse works through the interview, one of the standard questions has to do with alcohol, tobacco, and drug use. When the nurse asks him about tobacco use, he states, I quit smoking after my wife died 7 years ago. However, the nurse notices an open pack of cigarettes in his shirt pocket. Using confrontation, the nurse could say: a. Mr. K., I know that you are lying. b. Mr. K., come on, tell me how much you smoke. c. Mr. K., I didnt realize your wife had died. It must be difficult for you at this time. Please tell me more about that. d. Mr. K., you have said that you dont smoke, but I see that you have an open pack of cigarettes in your pocket.

ANS: D In the case of confrontation, a certain action, feeling, or statement has been observed, and the nurse now focuses the patients attention on it. The nurse should give honest feedback about what is seen or felt. Confrontation may focus on a discrepancy, or the nurse may confront the patient when parts of the story are inconsistent. The other statements are not appropriate.

22. The nurse is obtaining a health history on an 87-year-old woman. Which of the following areas of questioning would be most useful at this time? a. Obstetric history b. Childhood illnesses c. General health for the past 20 years d. Current health promotion activities

ANS: D It is important for the nurse to recognize positive health measures, such as what the person has been doing to help him or herself stay well and to live to an older age. The other responses are not pertinent to a patient of this age.

5. The nurse is preparing to assess a patients abdomen by palpation. How should the nurse proceed? a. Palpation of reportedly tender areas are avoided because palpation in these areas may cause pain. b. Palpating a tender area is quickly performed to avoid any discomfort that the patient may experience. c. The assessment begins with deep palpation, while encouraging the patient to relax and to take deep breaths. d. The assessment begins with light palpation to detect surface characteristics and to accustom the patient to being touched.

ANS: D Light palpation is initially performed to detect any surface characteristics and to accustom the person to being touched. Tender areas should be palpated last, not first.

8. The nurse is reviewing the principles of pain. Which type of pain is due to an abnormal processing of the pain impulse through the peripheral or central nervous system? a. Visceral b. Referred c. Cutaneous d. Neuropathic

ANS: D Neuropathic pain implies an abnormal processing of the pain message. The other types of pain are named according to their sources

8. A patient tells the nurse that he is allergic to penicillin. What would be the nurses best response to this information? a. Are you allergic to any other drugs? b. How often have you received penicillin? c. Ill write your allergy on your chart so you wont receive any penicillin. d. Describe what happens to you when you take penicillin.

ANS: D Note both the allergen (medication, food, or contact agent, such as fabric or environmental agent) and the reaction (rash, itching, runny nose, watery eyes, or difficulty breathing). With a drug, this symptom should not be a side effect but a true allergic reaction.

31. A man arrives at the clinic for his annual wellness physical. He is experiencing no acute health problems. Which question or statement by the nurse is most appropriate when beginning the interview? a. How is your family? b. How is your job? c. Tell me about your hypertension. d. How has your health been since your last visit?

ANS: D Open-ended questions are used for gathering narrative information. This type of questioning should be used to begin the interview, to introduce a new section of questions, and whenever the person introduces a new topic.

11. The nurse hears bilateral loud, long, and low tones when percussing over the lungs of a 4-year-old child. The nurse should: a. Palpate over the area for increased pain and tenderness. b. Ask the child to take shallow breaths, and percuss over the area again. c. Immediately refer the child because of an increased amount of air in the lungs. d. Consider this finding as normal for a child this age, and proceed with the examination.

ANS: D Percussion notes that are loud in amplitude, low in pitch, of a booming quality, and long in duration are normal over a childs lung.

7. A patient has had arthritic pain in her hips for several years since a hip fracture. She is able to move around in her room and has not offered any complaints so far this morning. However, when asked, she states that her pain is bad this morning and rates it at an 8 on a 1-to-10 scale. What does the nurse suspect? The patient: a. Is addicted to her pain medications and cannot obtain pain relief. b. Does not want to trouble the nursing staff with her complaints. c. Is not in pain but rates it high to receive pain medication. d. Has experienced chronic pain for years and has adapted to it.

ANS: D Persons with chronic pain typically try to give little indication that they are in pain and, over time, adapt to the pain. As a result, they are at risk for underdetection.

3. A 4-year-old boy is brought to the emergency department by his mother. She says he points to his stomach and says, It hurts so bad. Which pain assessment tool would be the best choice when assessing this childs pain? a. Descriptor Scale b. Numeric rating scale c. Brief Pain Inventory d. Faces Pain ScaleRevised (FPS-R)

ANS: D Rating scales can be introduced at the age of 4 or 5 years. The FPS-R is designed for use by children and asks the child to choose a face that shows how much hurt (or pain) you have now. Young children should not be asked to rate pain by using numbers.

24. During a class on religion and spirituality, the nurse is asked to define spirituality. Which answer is correct? Spirituality: a. Is a personal search to discover a supreme being. b. Is an organized system of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe. c. Is a belief that each person exists forever in some form, such as a belief in reincarnation or the afterlife. d. Arises out of each persons unique life experience and his or her personal effort to find purpose in life.

ANS: D Spirituality arises out of each persons unique life experience and his or her personal effort to find purpose and meaning in life. The other definitions reflect the concept of religion.

23. During an examination of a 3-year-old child, the nurse will need to take her blood pressure. What might the nurse do to try to gain the childs full cooperation? a. Tell the child that the blood pressure cuff is going to give her arm a big hug. b. Tell the child that the blood pressure cuff is asleep and cannot wake up. c. Give the blood pressure cuff a name and refer to it by this name during the assessment. d. Tell the child that by using the blood pressure cuff, we can see how strong her muscles are.

ANS: D Take the time to give a short, simple explanation with a concrete explanation for any unfamiliar equipment that will be used on the child. Preschoolers are animistic; they imagine inanimate objects can come alive and have human characteristics. Thus a blood pressure cuff can wake up and bite or pinch.

29. During an assessment, the nurse uses the CAGE test. The patient answers yes to two of the questions. What could this be indicating? a. The patient is an alcoholic. b. The patient is annoyed at the questions. c. The patient should be thoroughly examined for possible alcohol withdrawal symptoms. d. The nurse should suspect alcohol abuse and continue with a more thorough substance abuse assessment.

ANS: D The CAGE test is known as the cut down, annoyed, guilty, and eye-opener test. If a person answers yes to two or more of the four CAGE questions, then the nurse should suspect alcohol abuse and continue with a more complete substance abuse assessment.

35. Which of the following reflects the traditional health and illness beliefs and practices of those of African heritage? Health is: a. Being rewarded for good behavior. b. The balance of the body and spirit. c. Maintained by wearing jade amulets. d. Being in harmony with nature.

ANS: D The belief that health is being in harmony with nature reflects the health beliefs of those of African heritages. The other examples represent Iberian and Central and South American heritages, American-Indian heritages, and Asian heritages (See Table 2-3).

42. The nurse is assessing children in a pediatric clinic. Which statement is true regarding the measurement of blood pressure in children? a. Blood pressure guidelines for children are based on age. b. Phase II Korotkoff sounds are the best indicator of systolic blood pressure in children. c. Using a Doppler device is recommended for accurate blood pressure measurements until adolescence. d. The disappearance of phase V Korotkoff sounds can be used for the diastolic reading in children.

ANS: D The disappearance of phase V Korotkoff sounds can be used for the diastolic reading in children, as well as in adults.

15. Before auscultating the abdomen for the presence of bowel sounds on a patient, the nurse should: a. Warm the endpiece of the stethoscope by placing it in warm water. b. Leave the gown on the patient to ensure that he or she does not get chilled during the examination. c. Ensure that the bell side of the stethoscope is turned to the on position. d. Check the temperature of the room, and offer blankets to the patient if he or she feels cold.

ANS: D The examination room should be warm. If the patient shivers, then the involuntary muscle contractions can make it difficult to hear the underlying sounds. The end of the stethoscope should be warmed between the examiners hands, not with water. The nurse should never listen through a gown. The diaphragm of the stethoscope should be used to auscultate for bowel sounds.

26. The nurse is preparing to do a functional assessment. Which statement best describes the purpose of a functional assessment? a. The functional assessment assesses how the individual is coping with life at home. b. It determines how children are meeting developmental milestones. c. The functional assessment can identify any problems with memory the individual may be experiencing. d. It helps determine how a person is managing day-to-day activities.

ANS: D The functional assessment measures how a person manages day-to-day activities. The other answers do not reflect the purpose of a functional assessment.

31. The nurse is preparing to complete a health assessment on a 16-year-old girl whose parents have brought her to the clinic. Which instruction would be appropriate for the parents before the interview begins? a. Please stay during the interview; you can answer for her if she does not know the answer. b. It would help to interview the three of you together. c. While I interview your daughter, will you please stay in the room and complete these family health history questionnaires? d. While I interview your daughter, will you step out to the waiting room and complete these family health history questionnaires?

ANS: D The girl should be interviewed alone. The parents can wait outside and fill out the family health history questionnaires.

28. The nurse is reviewing the hot/cold theory of health and illness. Which statement best describes the basic tenets of this theory? a. The causation of illness is based on supernatural forces that influence the humors of the body. b. Herbs and medicines are classified on their physical characteristics of hot and cold and the humors of the body. c. The four humors of the body consist of blood, yellow bile, spiritual connectedness, and social aspects of the individual. d. The treatment of disease consists of adding or subtracting cold, heat, dryness, or wetness to restore the balance of the humors of the body.

ANS: D The hot/cold theory of health and illness is based on the four humors of the body: blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile. These humors regulate the basic bodily functions, described in terms of temperature, dryness, and moisture. The treatment of disease consists of adding or subtracting cold, heat, dryness, or wetness to restore the balance of the humors. The other statements are not correct.

36. During the interview portion of data collection, the nurse collects __________ data. a. Physical b. Historical c. Objective d. Subjective

ANS: D The interview is the first, and really the most important, part of data collection. During the interview, the nurse collects subjective data; that is, what the person says about him or herself.

30. When providing culturally competent care, nurses must incorporate cultural assessments into their health assessments. Which statement is most appropriate to use when initiating an assessment of cultural beliefs with an older American-Indian patient? a. Are you of the Christian faith? b. Do you want to see a medicine man? c. How often do you seek help from medical providers? d. What cultural or spiritual beliefs are important to you?

ANS: D The nurse needs to assess the cultural beliefs and practices of the patient. American Indians may seek assistance from a medicine man or shaman, but the nurse should not assume this. An open-ended question regarding cultural and spiritual beliefs is best used initially when performing a cultural assessment.

8. A patient has finished giving the nurse information about the reason he is seeking care. When reviewing the data, the nurse finds that some information about past hospitalizations is missing. At this point, which statement by the nurse would be most appropriate to gather these data? a. Mr. Y., at your age, surely you have been hospitalized before! b. Mr. Y., I just need permission to get your medical records from County Medical. c. Mr. Y., you mentioned that you have been hospitalized on several occasions. Would you tell me more about that? d. Mr. Y., I just need to get some additional information about your past hospitalizations. When was the last time you were admitted for chest pain?

ANS: D The nurse should use direct questions after the persons opening narrative to fill in any details he or she left out. The nurse also should use direct questions when specific facts are needed, such as when asking about past health problems or during the review of systems.

38. A female nurse is interviewing a male patient who is near the same age as the nurse. During the interview, the patient makes an overtly sexual comment. The nurses best reaction would be: a. Stop that immediately! b. Oh, you are too funny. Lets keep going with the interview. c. Do you really think I would be interested? d. It makes me uncomfortable when you talk that way. Please stop.

ANS: D The nurses response must make it clear that she is a health professional who can best care for the person by maintaining a professional relationship. At the same time, the nurse should communicate that he or she accepts the person and understands the persons need to be self-assertive but that sexual advances cannot be tolerated.

7. During an interview, the nurse states, You mentioned having shortness of breath. Tell me more about that. Which verbal skill is used with this statement? a. Reflection b. Facilitation c. Direct question d. Open-ended question

ANS: D The open-ended question asks for narrative information. It states the topic to be discussed but only in general terms. The nurse should use it to begin the interview, to introduce a new section of questions, and whenever the person introduces a new topic.

18. An examiner is using an ophthalmoscope to examine a patients eyes. The patient has astigmatism and is nearsighted. The use of which of these techniques would indicate that the examination is being correctly performed? a. Using the large full circle of light when assessing pupils that are not dilated b. Rotating the lens selector dial to the black numbers to compensate for astigmatism c. Using the grid on the lens aperture dial to visualize the external structures of the eye d. Rotating the lens selector dial to bring the object into focus

ANS: D The ophthalmoscope is used to examine the internal eye structures. It can compensate for nearsightedness or farsightedness, but it will not correct for astigmatism. The grid is used to assess size and location of lesions on the fundus. The large full spot of light is used to assess dilated pupils. Rotating the lens selector dial brings the object into focus.

17. The nurse is preparing to use an otoscope for an examination. Which statement is true regarding the otoscope? The otoscope: a. Is often used to direct light onto the sinuses. b. Uses a short, broad speculum to help visualize the ear. c. Is used to examine the structures of the internal ear. d. Directs light into the ear canal and onto the tympanic membrane.

ANS: D The otoscope directs light into the ear canal and onto the tympanic membrane that divides the external and middle ear. A short, broad speculum is used to visualize the nares.

24. A 90-year-old patient tells the nurse that he cannot remember the names of the medications he is taking or for what reason he is taking them. An appropriate response from the nurse would be: a. Can you tell me what they look like? b. Dont worry about it. You are only taking two medications. c. How long have you been taking each of the pills? d. Would you have a family member bring in your medications?

ANS: D The person may not know the drug name or purpose. When this occurs, ask the person or a family member to bring in the drug to be identified. The other responses would not help to identify the medications.

21. During an interview, a parent of a hospitalized child is sitting in an open position. As the interviewer begins to discuss his sons treatment, however, he suddenly crosses his arms against his chest and crosses his legs. This changed posture would suggest that the parent is: a. Simply changing positions. b. More comfortable in this position. c. Tired and needs a break from the interview. d. Uncomfortable talking about his sons treatment

ANS: D The persons position is noted. An open position with the extension of large muscle groups shows relaxation, physical comfort, and a willingness to share information. A closed position with the arms and legs crossed tends to look defensive and anxious. Any change in posture should be noted. If a person in a relaxed position suddenly tenses, then this change in posture suggests possible discomfort with the new topic.

1. The nurse is preparing to conduct a health history. Which of these statements best describes the purpose of a health history? a. To provide an opportunity for interaction between the patient and the nurse b. To provide a form for obtaining the patients biographic information c. To document the normal and abnormal findings of a physical assessment d. To provide a database of subjective information about the patients past and current health

ANS: D The purpose of the health history is to collect subjective datawhat the person says about him or herself. The other options are not correct.

3. A 59-year-old patient tells the nurse that he has ulcerative colitis. He has been having black stools for the last 24 hours. How would the nurse best document his reason for seeking care? a. J.M. is a 59-year-old man seeking treatment for ulcerative colitis. b. J.M. came into the clinic complaining of having black stools for the past 24 hours. c. J.M. is a 59-year-old man who states that he has ulcerative colitis and wants it checked. d. J.M. is a 59-year-old man who states that he has been having black stools for the past 24 hours.

ANS: D The reason for seeking care is a brief spontaneous statement in the persons own words that describes the reason for the visit. It states one (possibly two) signs or symptoms and their duration. It is enclosed in quotation marks to indicate the persons exact words.

28. A patient is describing his symptoms to the nurse. Which of these statements reflects a description of the setting of his symptoms? a. It is a sharp, burning pain in my stomach. b. I also have the sweats and nausea when I feel this pain. c. I think this pain is telling me that something bad is wrong with me. d. This pain happens every time I sit down to use the computer.

ANS: D The setting describes where the person is or what the person is doing when the symptom starts. Describing the pain as sharp and burning reflects the character or quality of the pain; stating that the pain is telling the patient that something bad is wrong with him reflects the patients perception of the pain; and describing the sweats and nausea reflects associated factors that occur with the pain.

20. The nurse is preparing to perform a physical assessment. The correct action by the nurse is reflected by which statement? The nurse: a. Performs the examination from the left side of the bed. b. Examines tender or painful areas first to help relieve the patients anxiety. c. Follows the same examination sequence, regardless of the patients age or condition. d. Organizes the assessment to ensure that the patient does not change positions too often.

ANS: D The steps of the assessment should be organized to ensure that the patient does not change positions too often. The sequence of the steps of the assessment may differ, depending on the age of the person and the examiners preference. Tender or painful areas should be assessed last.

6. The nurse is assessing a patients pain. The nurse knows that the most reliable indicator of pain would be the: a. Patients vital signs. b. Physical examination. c. Results of a computerized axial tomographic scan. d. Subjective report.

ANS: D The subjective report is the most reliable indicator of pain. Physical examination findings can lend support, but the clinician cannot exclusively base the diagnosis of pain on physical assessment findings.

5. A 29-year-old woman tells the nurse that she has excruciating pain in her back. Which would be the nurses appropriate response to the womans statement? a. How does your family react to your pain? b. The pain must be terrible. You probably pinched a nerve. c. Ive had back pain myself, and it can be excruciating. d. How would you say the pain affects your ability to do your daily activities?

ANS: D The symptom of pain is difficult to quantify because of individual interpretation. With pain, adjectives should be avoided and the patient should be asked how the pain affects his or her daily activities. The other responses are not appropriate.

49. When checking for proper blood pressure cuff size, which guideline is correct? a. The standard cuff size is appropriate for all sizes. b. The length of the rubber bladder should equal 80% of the arm circumference. c. The width of the rubber bladder should equal 80% of the arm circumference. d. The width of the rubber bladder should equal 40% of the arm circumference.

ANS: D The width of the rubber bladder should equal 40% of the circumference of the persons arm. The length of the bladder should equal 80% of this circumference.

9. When assessing the quality of a patients pain, the nurse should ask which question? a. When did the pain start? b. Is the pain a stabbing pain? c. Is it a sharp pain or dull pain? d. What does your pain feel like?

ANS: D To assess the quality of a persons pain, the patient is asked to describe the pain in his or her own words.

5. The nurse asks, I would like to ask you some questions about your health and your usual daily activities so that we can better plan your stay here. This question is found at the __________ phase of the interview process. a. Summary b. Closing c. Body d. Opening or introduction

ANS: D When gathering a complete history, the nurse should give the reason for the interview during the opening or introduction phase of the interview, not during or at the end of the interview.

20. When observing a patients verbal and nonverbal communication, the nurse notices a discrepancy. Which statement is true regarding this situation? The nurse should: a. Ask someone who knows the patient well to help interpret this discrepancy. b. Focus on the patients verbal message, and try to ignore the nonverbal behaviors. c. Try to integrate the verbal and nonverbal messages and then interpret them as an average. d. Focus on the patients nonverbal behaviors, because these are often more reflective of a patients true feelings.

ANS: D When nonverbal and verbal messages are congruent, the verbal message is reinforced. When they are incongruent, the nonverbal message tends to be the true one because it is under less conscious control. Thus studying the nonverbal messages of the patients and examiners and understanding their meanings are important. The other statements are not true.

41. The nurse is performing a general survey of a patient. Which finding is considered normal? a. When standing, the patients base is narrow. b. The patient appears older than his stated age. c. Arm span (fingertip to fingertip) is greater than the height. d. Arm span (fingertip to fingertip) equals the patients height.

ANS: D When performing the general survey, the patients arm span (fingertip to fingertip) should equal the patients height. An arm span that is greater than the persons height may indicate Marfan syndrome. The base should be wide when the patient is standing, and an older appearance than the stated age may indicate a history of a chronic illness or chronic alcoholism.

20. In obtaining a review of systems on a healthy 7-year-old girl, the health care provider knows that it would be important to include the: a. Last glaucoma examination. b. Frequency of breast self-examinations. c. Date of her last electrocardiogram. d. Limitations related to her involvement in sports activities.

ANS: D When reviewing the cardiovascular system, the health care provider should ask whether any activity is limited or whether the child can keep up with her peers. The other items are not appropriate for a child this age.

9. In using verbal responses to assist the patients narrative, some responses focus on the patients frame of reference and some focus on the health care providers perspective. An example of a verbal response that focuses on the health care providers perspective would be: a. Empathy. b. Reflection. c. Facilitation. d. Confrontation.

ANS: D When the health care provider uses the response of confrontation, the frame of reference shifts from the patients perspective to the perspective of the health care provider, and the health care provider starts to express his or her own thoughts and feelings. Empathy, reflection, and facilitation responses focus on the patients frame of reference.

21. A 63-year-old Chinese-American man enters the hospital with complaints of chest pain, shortness of breath, and palpitations. Which statement most accurately reflects the nurses best course of action? a. The nurse should focus on performing a full cardiac assessment. b. The nurse should focus on psychosomatic complaints because the patient has just learned that his wife has cancer. c. This patient is not in any danger at present; therefore, the nurse should send him home with instructions to contact his physician. d. It is unclear what is happening with this patient; consequently, the nurse should perform an assessment in both the physical and the psychosocial realms.

ANS: D Wide cultural variations exist in the manner in which certain symptoms and disease conditions are perceived, diagnosed, labeled, and treated. Chinese-Americans sometimes convert mental experiences or states into bodily symptoms (e.g., complaining of cardiac symptoms because the center of emotion in the Chinese culture is the heart).

16. The mother of a 16-month-old toddler tells the nurse that her daughter has an earache. What would be an appropriate response? a. Maybe she is just teething. b. I will check her ear for an ear infection. c. Are you sure she is really having pain? d. Describe what she is doing to indicate she is having pain.

ANS: D With a very young child, the parent is asked, How do you know the child is in pain? A young child pulling at his or her ears should alert parents to the childs ear pain. Statements about teething and questioning whether the child is really having pain do not explore the symptoms, which should be done before a physical examination.

32. The nurse recognizes that categories such as ethnicity, gender, and religion illustrate the concept of: a. Family. b. Cultures. c. Spirituality. d. Subcultures.

ANS: D Within cultures, groups of people share different beliefs, values, and attitudes. Differences occur because of ethnicity, religion, education, occupation, age, and gender. When such groups function within a large culture, they are referred to as subcultural groups.

4. When discussing the use of the term subculture, the nurse recognizes that it is best described as: a. Fitting as many people into the majority culture as possible. b. Defining small groups of people who do not want to be identified with the larger culture. c. Singling out groups of people who suffer differential and unequal treatment as a result of cultural variations. d. Identifying fairly large groups of people with shared characteristics that are not common to all members of a culture.

ANS: D Within cultures, groups of people share different beliefs, values, and attitudes. Differences occur because of ethnicity, religion, education, occupation, age, and gender. When such groups function within a large culture, they are referred to as subcultural groups.