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1. Mr. Teban is a 73-year old patient diagnosed with pneumonia. Which data would be
of greatest concern to the nurse when completing the nursing assessment of the
patient?
A. Alert and oriented to date, time, and place
B. Buccal cyanosis and capillary refill greater than 3 seconds
C. Clear breath sounds and nonproductive cough
D. Hemoglobin concentration of 13 g/dl and leukocyte count 5,300/mm3
2. During the nursing assessment, which data represent information concerning
health beliefs?
A. Family role and relationship patterns
B. Educational level and financial status
C. Promotive, preventive, and restorative health practices
D. Use of prescribed and over-the-counter medications
3. Nurse Patrick is acquiring information from a client in the emergency department.
Which is an example of biographic information that may be obtained during a health
history?
A. The chief complaint
B. Past health status
C. History immunizations
D. Location of an advance directive
4. John Joseph was scheduled for a physical assessment. When percussing the
clients chest, the nurse would expect to find which assessment data as a normal
sign over his lungs?
A. Dullness
B. Resonance

C. Hyperresonance
D. Tympany
5. Matteo is diagnosed with dehydration and underwent series of tests. Which
laboratory result would warrant immediate intervention by the nurse?
A. Serum sodium level of 138 mEq/L
B. Serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L
C. Serum glucose level of 120 mg/dl
D. Serum creatinine level of 0.6 mg/100 ml
6. During an otoscopic examination, which action should be avoided to prevent the
client from discomfort and injury?
A. Tipping the clients head away from the examiner and pulling the ear up and back
B. Inserting the otoscope inferiorly into the distal portion of the external canal
C. Inserting the otoscope superiorly into the proximal two-thirds of the external canal
D. Bracing the examiners hand against the clients head
7. When assessing the lower extremities for arterial function, which intervention
should the nurse perform?
A. Assessing the medial malleoli for pitting edema
B. Performing Allens test
C. Assessing the Homans sign
D. Palpating the pedal pulses
8. Newly hired nurse Liza is excited to perform her very first physical assessment
with a 19-year-old client. Which assessment examination requires Liza to wear
gloves?
A. Breast
B. Integumentary
C. Ophthalmic
D. Oral

9. Nurse Renor is about to perform Rombergs test to Pierro. To ensure the latters
safety, which intervention should nurse Renor implement?
A. Allowing the client to keep his eyes open
B. Having the client hold on to furniture
C. Letting the client spread his feet apart
D. Standing close to provide support
10. Physical assessment is being performed to Geoff by Nurse Tine. During the
abdominal examination, Tine should perform the four physical examination
techniques in which sequence?
A. Auscultation immediately after inspection and then percussion and palpation
B. Percussion, followed by inspection, auscultation, and palpation
C. Palpation of tender areas first and then inspection, percussion, and auscultation
D. Inspection and then palpation, percussion, and auscultation
11. Which assessment data should the nurse include when obtaining a review of
body systems
A. Brief statement about what brought the client to the health care provider
B. Client complaints of chest pain, dyspnea, or abdominal pain
C. Information about the clients sexual performance and preference
D. The clients name, address, age, and phone number
12. Tywin has come to the nursing clinic for a comprehensive health assessment.
Which statement would be the best way to end the history interview?
A. What brought you to the clinic today?
B. Would you describe your overall health as good?
C. Do you understand what is happening?
D. Is there anything else you would like to tell me?
13. For which time period would the nurse notify the health care provider that the
client had no bowel sounds?

A. 2 minutes
B. 3 minutes
C. 4 minutes
D. 5 minutes
14. Evaluating the apical pulse is the most reliable noninvasive way to assess cardiac
function. Which is the best area for auscultating the apical pulse?
A. Aortic arch
B. Pulmonic area
C. Tricuspid area
D. Mitral area
15. Beginning in their 20s, women should be told about the benefits and limitations of
breast self-exam (BSE). Which scientific rationale should the nurse remember when
performing a breast examination on a female client?
A. One half of all breast cancer deaths occur in women ages 35 to 45
B. The tail of Spence area must be included in self-examination
C. The position of choice for the breast examination is supine
D. A pad should be placed under the opposite scapula of the breast being palpated
16. Mr. Lim, who has chronic pain, loss of self-esteem, no job, and bodily
disfigurement from severe burns over the trunk and arms, is admitted to a pain
center. Which evaluation criteria would indicate the clients successful rehabilitation?
A. The client remains free of the aftermath phase of the pain experience.
B. The client experiences decreased frequency of acute pain episodes.
C. The client continues normal growth and development with intact support systems.
D. The client develops increased tolerance for severe pain in the future.
17. Christine Ann is about to take her NCLEX examination next week and is currently
reviewing the concept of pain. Which scientific rationale would indicate that she
understands the topic?

A. Pain is an objective sign of a more serious problem

B. Pain sensation is affected by a clients anticipation of pain
C. Intractable pain may be relieved by treatment
D. Psychological factors rarely contribute to a clients pain perception
18. Miggy, a 6-year-old boy, received a small paper cut on his finger, his mother let
him wash it and apply small amount of antibacterial ointment and bandage. Then she
let him watch TV and eat an apple. This is an example of which type of pain
intervention?
A. Pharmacologic therapy
B. Environmental alteration
C. Control and distraction
D. Cutaneous stimulation
19. Which statement represents the best rationale for using noninvasive and nonpharmacologic pain-control measures in conjunction with other measures?
A. These measures are more effective than analgesics.
B. These measures decrease input to large fibers.
C. These measures potentiate the effects of analgesics.
D. These measures block transmission of type C fiber impulses.
20. When evaluating a clients adaptation to pain, which behavior indicates
appropriate adaptation?
A. The client distracts himself during pain episodes.
B. The client denies the existence of any pain.
C. The client reports no need for family support.
D. The client reports pain reduction with decreased activity.
21. In planning pain reduction interventions, which pain theory provides information
most useful to nurses?
A. Specificity theory
B. Pattern theory

C. Gate-control theory
D. Central-control theory
22. Ryan underwent an open reduction and internal fixation of the left hip. One day
after the operation, the client is complaining of pain. Which data would cause the
nurse to refrain from administering the pain medication and to notify the health care
provider instead?
A. Left hip dressing dry and intact
B. Blood pressure of 114/78 mm Hg; pulse rate of 82 beats per minute
C. Left leg in functional anatomic position
D. Left foot cold to touch; no palpable pedal pulse
23. Which term would the nurse use to document pain at one site that is perceived in
other site?
A. Referred pain
B. Phantom pain
C. Intractable pain
D. Aftermath of pain
24. Chuck, who is in the hospital, complains of abdominal pain that ranks 9 on a
scale of 1 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain). Which interventions should the nurse
implement? (Select all that apply.)
A. Assessing the clients bowel sounds
B. Taking the clients blood pressure and apical pulse
C. Obtaining a pulse oximeter reading
D. Notifying the health care provider
E. Determining the last time the client received pain medication
F. Encouraging the client to turn, cough, and deep breathe
25. Albert who suffered severe burns 6 months ago is expressing concern about the
possible loss of job-performance abilities and physical disfigurement. Which
intervention is the most appropriate for him?

A. Referring the client for counseling and occupational therapy

B. Staying with the client as much as possible and building trust
C. Providing cutaneous stimulation and pharmacologic therapy
D. Providing distraction and guided imagery techniques
26. Mrs. Bagapayo who had abdominal surgery 3 days earlier complains of sharp,
throbbing abdominal pain that ranks 8 on a scale of 1 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain).
Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
A. Assessing the client to rule out possible complications secondary to surgery
B. Checking the clients chart to determine when pain medication was last administered
C. Explaining to the client that the pain should not be this severe 3 days postoperatively
D. Obtaining an order for a stronger pain medication because the clients pain has
increased
27. Which term refers to the pain that has a slower onset, is diffuse, radiates, and is
marked by somatic pain from organs in any body activity?
A. Acute pain
B. Chronic pain
C. Superficial pain
D. Deep pain
28. A 50-year-old widower has arthritis and remains in bed too long because it hurts
to get started. Which intervention should the nurse plan?
A. Telling the client to strictly limit the amount of movement of his inflamed joints
B. Teaching the clients family how to transfer the client into a wheelchair
C. Teaching the client the proper method for massaging inflamed, sore joints
D. Encouraging gentle range-of-motion exercises after administering aspirin and before
rising
29. Which intervention should the nurse include as a nonpharmacologic pain-relief
intervention for chronic pain?

A. Referring the client for hypnosis

B. Administering pain medication as prescribed
C. Removing all glaring lights and excessive noise
D. Using transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation
30. A 12-year-old student fall off the stairs, grabs his wrist, and cries, Oh, my wrist!
Help! The pain is so sharp, I think I broke it. Based on this data, the pain the student
is experiencing is caused by impulses traveling from receptors to the spinal cord
along which type of nerve fibers?
A. Type A-delta fibers
B. Autonomic nerve fibers
C. Type C fibers
D. Somatic efferent fibers

Answers and Rationale

Here are the answers for this exam. Gauge your performance by counter checking your
answers to those below. If you have any disputes or clarifications, please direct them to the
comments section.
1. Answer: B. Buccal cyanosis and capillary refill greater than 3 seconds
Buccal cyanosis and capillary refill greater than 3 seconds are indicative of decreased
oxygen to the tissues, which requires immediate intervention. Alert and oriented, clear
breath sounds, nonproductive cough, hemoglobin concentration of 13 g/dl, and leukocyte
count of 5,300/mm3 are normal data.
2. Answer: C. Promotive, preventive, and restorative health practices
The health-beliefs assessment includes expectations of health care; promotive, preventive,
and restorative practices, such as breast self-examination, testicular examination, and seatbelt use; and how the client perceives illness. Use of medications provides information
about the clients personal habits. Educational level, financial status, and family role and
relationship patterns represent information associated with role and relationship patterns.

3. Answer: D. Location of an advance directive

Biographic information may include name, address, gender, race, occupation, and location
of a living will or a durable power of attorney for health care. The chief complaint, past
health status, and history of immunizations are part of assessing the clients health and
illness patterns.
4. Answer: B. Resonance
Normally, when percussing a clients chest, percussion over the lungs reveals resonance, a
hollow or loud, low-pitched sound of long duration. Tympany is typically heard on percussion
over such areas as a gastric air bubble or the intestine. Dullness is typically heard on
percussion of solid organs, such as the liver or areas of consolidation. Hyperresonance
would be evidenced by percussion over areas of overinflation such as an emphysematous
lungs.
5. Answer: B. Serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L
A normal potassium level is 3.5 to 5.5 mEq/L. A normal sodium level is 135 to 145 mEq/L, a
normal nonfasting glucose level is 85 to 140 mg/dl, and a normal creatinine level is 0.2 to
0.8 mg/100 ml.
6. Answer: C. Inserting the otoscope superiorly into the proximal two-thirds of the
external canal
In the superior position, the speculum of the otoscope is nearest the tympanic membrane,
and the most sensitive portion of the external canal is the proximal two-thirds. It is important
to avoid these structures during the examination. Tipping the clients head away from the
examiner, pulling the ear up and back, inserting the otoscope inferiorly, and bracing the
examiners hand against the clients head are all appropriate techniques used during an
otoscopic examination.
7. Answer: D. Palpating the pedal pulses
Palpating the clients pedal pulses assists in determining if arterial blood supply to the lower
extremities is sufficient. Assessing the medial malleoli for pitting edema is appropriate for

assessing venous function of the lower extremity. Allens test is used to evaluate arterial
blood flow before inserting an arterial line in an upper extremity or obtaining arterial blood
gases. Homans sign is used to evaluate the possibility of deep vein thrombosis.
8. Answer: D. Oral
Gloves should be worn any time there is a risk of exposure to the clients blood or body
fluids. Oral, rectal, and genital examinations require gloves because they involve contact
with body fluids. Ophthalmic, breast, or integumentary examinations normally do not involve
contact with the clients body fluids and do not require the nurse to wear gloves for
protection. However, if there are areas of skin breakdown or drainage, gloves should be
used.
9. Answer: D. Standing close to provide support
During Rombergs test, the client is asked to stand with feet together and eyes shut and still
maintain balance with the minimum of sway. If the client loses his balance, the nurse
standing close to provide support, such as having an arm close around his shoulder, can
prevent a fall. Allowing the client to keep his eyes open, spread his feet apart, or hang on to
a piece of furniture interferes with the proper execution of the test and yields invalid results.
10. Answer: A. Auscultation immediately after inspection and then percussion and
palpation
With an abdominal assessment, auscultation always is performed before percussion and
palpation because any abdominal manipulation, such as from palpation or percussion, can
alter bowel sounds. Percussion should never precede inspection or auscultation, and any
tender or painful areas should be palpated last.
11. Answer: B. Client complaints of chest pain, dyspnea, or abdominal pain
Client complaints about chest pain, dyspnea, or abdominal pain are considered part of the
review of body systems. This potion of the assessment elicits subjective information on the
clients perceptions of major body system functions, including cardiac, respiratory, and
abdominal. The clients name, address, age, and phone number are biographical data. A
brief statement about what brought the client to the health care provider is the chief

complaint. Information about the clients sexual performance and preference addresses past
health status.
12. Answer: D. Is there anything else you would like to tell me?
By asking the client if there is anything else, the nurse allows the client to end the interview
by discussing feelings and concerns. Asking about what brought the client to the clinic is an
ambiguous question to which the client may answer my car or any similarly disingenuous
reply. Asking if the client describes his overall health as good is a leading question that puts
words in his mouth. Asking if the client understands what is happening is a yes-or-no
question that can elicit little information.
13. Answer: D. 5 minutes
To completely determine that bowel sounds are absent, the nurse must auscultate each of
the four quadrants for at least 5 minutes; 2, 3, or 4 minutes is too short a period to arrive at
this conclusion.
14. Answer: D. Mitral area
The mitral area (also known as the left ventricular area or the apical area), the fifth
intercostal space (ICS) at the left midclavicular line, is the best area for auscultating the
apical pulse. The aortic arch is the second ICS to the right of sternum. The pulmonic area is
the second intercostal space to the left of the sternum. The tricuspid area is the fifth ICS to
the left of the sternum.
15. Answer: B. The tail of Spence area must be included in self-examination
The tail of Spence, an extension of the upper outer quadrant of breast tissue, can develop
breast tumors. This area must also be included in breast self-examination. One half of all
women who die of breast cancer are older than age 65. The correct position for breast selfexamination is not limited to the supine position; the sitting position with hands at sides,
above head, and on the hips is also recommended. A pad is placed under the ipsilateral
(e.g., same side) scapula of the breast being palpated.

16. Answer: C. The client continues normal growth and development with intact
support systems.
Even though the client may experience an aftermath phase, progress is still possible, as is
effective rehabilitation. Aftermath reactions may occur but need not interfere with
rehabilitation. Acute pain is not expected at this stage of recovery. Conditioning probably
would produce less pain tolerance.
17. Answer: B. Pain sensation is affected by a clients anticipation of pain
Phases of pain experience include the anticipation of pain. Fear and anxiety affect a
persons response to sensation and typically intensify the pain. Intractable pain is moderate
to severe pain that cannot be relieved by any known treatment. Pain is a subjective
sensation that cannot be quantified by anyone except the person experiencing it.
Psychological factors contribute to a clients pain perception. In many cases, pain results
from emotions, such as hostility, guilt, or depression.
18. Answer: C. Control and distraction
The mothers actions are example of control and distraction. Involving the child in care and
providing distraction took his mind off the pain. Pharmacologic agents for pain analgesics
were not used. The home environment was not changed, and cutaneous stimulation, such
as massage, vibration, or pressure, was not used.
19. Answer: C. These measures potentiate the effects of analgesics.
Noninvasive measures may result in release of endogenous molecular neuropeptides with
analgesics properties. They potentiate the effect of analgesics. No evidence indicates that
noninvasive and nonpharmacologic measures are more effective than analgesics in
relieving pain. Decreased input over large fibers allows more pain impulses to reach the
central nervous system. There is no connection between type C fiber impulses and
noninvasive and nonpharmacologic pain-control measures.
20. Answer: A. The client distracts himself during pain episodes.

Distraction is an appropriate method of reducing pain. Denying the existence of any pain is
inappropriate and not indicative of coping. Exclusion of family members and other sources
of support represents a maladaptive response. Range-of-motion exercises and at least mild
activity, not decreased activity, can help reduce pain and are important to prevent
complications of immobility.
21. Answer: D. Central-control theory
No one theory explains all the factors underlying the pain experience, but the central-control
theory discusses brain opiates with analgesic properties and how their release can be
affected by actions initiated by the client and caregivers. The gate-control, specificity, and
patter theories do not address pain control to the depth included in the central-control
theory.
22. Answer: D. Left foot cold to touch; no palpable pedal pulse
A left foot cold to touch without palpable pedal pulse represents an abnormal finding on
neurovascular assessment of the left leg. The client is most likely experiencing some
complication from surgery, which requires immediate medical intervention. The nurse
should notify the health care provider of these findings. A dry and intact hip dressing, blood
pressure of 114/78 mm Hg, pulse rate of 82 beats per minute, and a left foot in functional
anatomic position are all normal assessment findings that do not require medical
intervention.
23. Answer: A. Referred pain
Referred pain is pain occurring at one site that is perceived in another site. Referred pain
follows dermatome and nerve root patterns. Phantom pain refers to pain in a part of the
body that is no longer there, such as in amputation. Intractable pain refers to moderate to
severe pain that cannot be relieved by any known treatment. Aftermath of pain, a phase of
the pain experience and the most neglected phase, addresses the clients response to the
pain experience.
24. Answer: A, B, and E

The nurse must rule out complications prior to administering pain medication, so her
interventions would include assessing to make sure the client has bowel sounds and
determining if the client is hemorrhaging by checking the clients blood pressure and pulse.
The nurse must also make sure the pain medication is due according to the health care
providers orders. Obtaining a pulse oximeter reading and turning, coughing, and deep
breathing will not help the clients pain. There is no need to notify the health care provider in
this situation.
25. Answer: A. Referring the client for counseling and occupational therapy
Because it has been 6 months, the client needs professional help to get on with life and
handle the limitations imposed by the current problems. Staying with the client, building
trust, and providing method of pain relief, such as cutaneous stimulation, medications,
distraction, and guided imagery interventions, would have been more appropriate in earlier
stages of postburn injury, when physical pain was most severe and fewer psychologic
factors needed to be addressed.
26. Answer: A. Assessing the client to rule out possible complications secondary to
surgery
The nurse immediate action should be assess the client in an attempt to exclude possible
complications that may be causing the clients complaints. The health care provider ordered
the pain medication for routine postoperative pain that is expected after abdominal surgery,
not for such complications as hemorrhage, infection, or dehiscence. The nurse should never
administer pain medication without assessing the client first. Obtaining an order for a strong
medication may be appropriate after the nurse assesses the client and checks the chart to
see whether the current analgesic is infective. Checking the clients chart is appropriate
after the nurse determines that the client is not experiencing complications from surgery.
Pain is subjective, and each person has his own level of pain tolerance. The nurse must
always believe the clients complaint of pain.
27. Answer: D. Deep pain
Deep pain has a slow onset, is diffuse, and radiates, and is marked by somatic pain from
organs in any body activity. Acute pain is rapid in onset, usually temporary (less than 6
months), and subsides spontaneously. Chronic pain is marked by gradual onset and lengthy

duration (more than 6 months). Superficial pain has abrupt onset with sharp, stinging
quality.
28. Answer: D. Encouraging gentle range-of-motion exercises after administering
aspirin and before rising
Aspirin raises the pain threshold and, although range-of-motion exercises hurt, mild exercise
can relieve pain on rising. Strict limitation of motion only increases the clients pain. Having
others transfer the client into a wheelchair does not increase his feelings of dependency.
Massage increases inflammation and should be avoided with this client.
29. Answer: D. Using transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation
Nonpharmacologic pain relief interventions include cutaneous stimulation, back rubs,
biofeedback, acupuncture, transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation, and more. Hypnosis is
considered an alternative therapy. Medications are pharmacologic measures. Although
removing glaring lights and excessive noise help to reduce or remove noxious stimuli, it is
not specific to pain relief.
30. Answer: A. Type A-delta fibers
Type A-delta fibers conduct impulses at a very rapid rate and are responsible for
transmitting acute sharp pain signals from the peripheral nerves to the spinal cord. Only
type A-delta fibers transmit sharp, piercing pain. Somatic efferent fibers affect the voluntary
movement of skeletal muscles and joints. Type C fibers transmit sensory input at a much
slower rate and produce a slow, chronic type of pain. The autonomic system regulates
involuntary vital functions and organ control such as breathing.