General patient examination and differential diagnosis
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Course
Nursing
Institution
Nursing
1. Which of the following is the primary purpose of a general patient examination?
A) To confirm a diagnosis
B) To establish a therapeutic relationship
C) To collect data for diagnosis and treatment planning
D) To provide patient education
Answer: C
Rationale: The primary purpose of a general...
1. Which of the following is the primary purpose of a general patient examination?
A) To confirm a diagnosis
B) To establish a therapeutic relationship
C) To collect data for diagnosis and treatment planning
D) To provide patient education
Answer: C
Rationale: The primary purpose of a general patient examination is to collect data that will assist
in diagnosis and treatment planning.
2. When performing a physical examination, the nurse should:
A) Conduct the examination in a well-lit area.
B) Use dim lighting to promote relaxation.
C) Always examine the patient in the supine position.
D) Ask the patient to undress in a public space.
Answer: A
Rationale: A well-lit area is essential for accurate visual inspection during a physical
examination.
3. During the examination of a patient’s abdomen, which technique should the nurse
perform last?
A) Inspection
B) Auscultation
C) Palpation
D) Percussion
Answer: C
Rationale: Palpation should be performed last to avoid altering bowel sounds before
auscultation.
4. The nurse is assessing a patient’s pulse. Which of the following should the nurse
document?
A) "Pulse normal."
B) "Pulse strong and regular."
,C) "Pulse 76 bpm."
D) "Pulse present."
Answer: C
Rationale: Documenting the actual pulse rate (e.g., "76 bpm") provides specific, measurable
data.
5. Which assessment finding is most concerning for a patient presenting with chest pain?
A) Heart rate of 80 bpm
B) Blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg
C) Severe shortness of breath
D) Mild left arm pain
Answer: C
Rationale: Severe shortness of breath in the context of chest pain may indicate a serious
condition such as myocardial infarction or pulmonary embolism.
6. What is the most appropriate method for the nurse to use when assessing a patient’s
level of consciousness?
A) Observe the patient’s behavior only.
B) Use the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS).
C) Ask the family about the patient’s baseline.
D) Measure vital signs.
Answer: B
Rationale: The Glasgow Coma Scale provides a standardized method for assessing
consciousness based on eye, verbal, and motor responses.
7. The nurse is assessing a patient’s skin turgor. Which area is most appropriate for this
assessment?
A) Forehead
B) Abdomen
C) Back of the hand
D) Chest
Answer: C
Rationale: The back of the hand is a common site to assess skin turgor, especially in adults.
, 8. A patient presents with jaundice. What is the most likely underlying issue?
A) Liver dysfunction
B) Gallbladder infection
C) Pancreatitis
D) Hemorrhoids
Answer: A
Rationale: Jaundice is most commonly associated with liver dysfunction due to elevated
bilirubin levels.
9. Which of the following findings is indicative of dehydration during a general
examination?
A) Increased urine output
B) Moist mucous membranes
C) Sunken eyes
D) Normal skin turgor
Answer: C
Rationale: Sunken eyes are a classic sign of dehydration, along with dry mucous membranes
and decreased skin turgor.
10. When assessing the respiratory system, the nurse should focus on:
A) Heart rate and rhythm
B) Skin color and temperature
C) Breath sounds and effort
D) Peripheral pulses
Answer: C
Rationale: Assessing breath sounds and the effort of breathing is critical in evaluating
respiratory health.
11. Which assessment technique is most appropriate for evaluating a patient’s joint
mobility?
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