Free Nursing Process and Health Assessment MCQs with Answers

50 Nursing Process and Health Assessment MCQs from Fundamentals of Nursing, each with the correct answer and a written explanation of why it is correct. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.

Assessment gathers subjective and objective data through health history, physical examination and observation. The nursing process then uses nursing diagnoses, planning, implementation and evaluation to provide individualised care, while distinguishing a nursing diagnosis from a medical diagnosis and identifying priorities such as airway, breathing, circulation and safety.

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50 questions · page 3 of 3

  • A. Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation
  • B. Palpation, inspection, auscultation, percussion
  • C. Auscultation, percussion, palpation, inspection
  • D. Percussion, auscultation, inspection, palpation

Explanation: The usual sequence is inspection, palpation, percussion and auscultation.

Correct answer: Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation
Moderate
  • A. Administer the prescribed antibiotic as recorded
  • B. Ask the patient to describe the previous reaction
  • C. Delete the allergy entry from the medication record
  • D. Ask a family member to decide which record is correct

Explanation: The nurse should validate the discrepancy by asking what happened, when it occurred and how severe the reaction was.

Correct answer: Ask the patient to describe the previous reaction
  • A. The colour and shape of each tablet
  • B. Prescribed, over-the-counter and herbal medicines
  • C. The patient's preferred time for hospital meals
  • D. The name of the patient's nearest neighbour

Explanation: A complete medication history includes prescribed drugs, over-the-counter products, herbal medicines and supplements.

Correct answer: Prescribed, over-the-counter and herbal medicines
  • A. Document that no history can be obtained
  • B. Obtain relevant information from a reliable family member
  • C. Wait until discharge to collect the patient's history
  • D. Assume that the previous admission record is complete

Explanation: A reliable family member or caregiver can provide secondary information when the patient cannot respond accurately.

Correct answer: Obtain relevant information from a reliable family member
Moderate
  • A. Group the findings as a possible fluid retention pattern
  • B. Record each finding without linking related information
  • C. Begin discharge teaching about a low-salt diet
  • D. Ask the patient whether the hospital food is acceptable

Explanation: Analysis involves clustering related cues and identifying patterns that may support a nursing diagnosis.

Correct answer: Group the findings as a possible fluid retention pattern
  • A. Deficient knowledge about diet
  • B. Disturbed sleep pattern
  • C. Ineffective airway clearance
  • D. Readiness for enhanced nutrition

Explanation: Ineffective airway clearance threatens breathing and therefore takes priority over sleep or education needs.

Correct answer: Ineffective airway clearance
Fairly easy
  • A. Patient is difficult and refuses necessary care
  • B. Patient refuses dressing change and states, “It is too painful”
  • C. Patient is noncompliant and does not understand treatment
  • D. Dressing change was omitted because the patient was uncooperative

Explanation: Documentation should state the patient's action and exact reason without judgmental labels.

Correct answer: Patient refuses dressing change and states, “It is too painful”
Moderate
  • A. Leave the patient alone to promote privacy
  • B. Ensure immediate safety and remain with the patient
  • C. Give written information about stress management
  • D. Schedule a routine counselling appointment

Explanation: A statement of suicidal thoughts creates an immediate safety risk. The nurse should stay with the patient, remove potential means when…

Correct answer: Ensure immediate safety and remain with the patient
Fairly easy
  • A. Determine the cause of a new confusion
  • B. Teach a patient how to use an inhaler
  • C. Obtain routine vital signs for a stable patient
  • D. Develop nursing diagnoses from assessment findings

Explanation: Routine vital signs for a stable patient may be delegated, with clear instructions to report abnormal findings.

Correct answer: Obtain routine vital signs for a stable patient
Fairly easy
  • A. Check the patient's current condition and explain the procedure
  • B. Document that the expected outcome has already been achieved
  • C. Replace the nursing diagnosis with a medical diagnosis
  • D. Ask the patient to develop a new care plan independently

Explanation: Before implementation, the nurse reassesses the patient's current condition and explains the planned care.

Correct answer: Check the patient's current condition and explain the procedure