CELBAN - Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for Nurses Patient Health History Taking Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient tells the nurse, "I've just been feeling a bit under the weather lately." Which of the following is the nurse's most therapeutic and effective response to clarify this statement?

Accepted Answer

Can you tell me more about what 'under the weather' feels like for you?

Answer

It's probably just a virus; a lot of that is going around.

Answer

Have you taken your temperature?

Answer

You should try to get more rest and drink fluids.

Question 2

When taking a patient's health history, which of the following represents subjective data?

Accepted Answer

The patient states, "I've had a sharp headache behind my eyes for two days."

Answer

The patient's blood pressure reading is 145/92 mmHg.

Answer

A rash with raised red papules is noted on the patient's forearms.

Answer

The patient grimaces when their abdomen is palpated.

Question 3

A nurse is assessing a patient's chief complaint of ankle pain. The nurse asks, "On a scale of 0 to 10, with 10 being the worst pain imaginable, how would you rate your pain right now?" This question is designed to assess which component of the PQRSTU symptom assessment framework?

Accepted Answer

Severity (S)

Answer

Quality (Q)

Answer

Provocation (P)

Answer

Timing (T)

Question 4

Which of the following is the most effective initial question to ask a patient who has just arrived in the clinic with a chief complaint of "stomach pain"?

Accepted Answer

Can you describe what the pain feels like?

Answer

Is the pain sharp or dull?

Answer

Does eating make the pain worse?

Answer

Have you had this pain before?

Question 5

A nurse needs to inquire about a new patient's alcohol intake as part of a comprehensive health history. What is the most professional and non-judgmental way to ask this question?

Accepted Answer

Because some medications are affected by alcohol, it's important for me to ask about your use. Can you tell me how many alcoholic beverages you might have in a typical week?

Answer

You don't drink alcohol, do you?

Answer

I need to know if you are a heavy drinker for your chart.

Answer

Many people drink socially. How much alcohol would you say you drink?

Question 6

During a health history interview, a nurse asks the patient, "What do you believe might be causing your symptoms?" What is the primary purpose of this question?

Accepted Answer

To assess the patient's insight, health beliefs, and understanding of their illness.

Answer

To evaluate the patient's level of medical knowledge.

Answer

To quickly confirm a diagnosis before the physician arrives.

Answer

To determine if the patient is likely to be compliant with treatment.