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Quizzes > Health & Medicine > Human Anatomy & Medicine

Master the General Survey: Nursing Skills Quiz

Ready to sharpen your general survey nursing sample skills? Dive in and test yourself!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art nurse with clipboard patient mobility mental status icons free nursing quiz prompt on sky blue background

Ready to sharpen your general survey nursing example skills? This free general survey nursing example quiz is designed for busy RNs eager to test their patient observation, mobility, and mental status assessment abilities. Whether you're brushing up on nurse general survey techniques or exploring a general survey nursing sample, this interactive tool lets you tackle real-world scenarios and common general survey questions. Along the way, you'll get a taste of more advanced nursing assessment questions and discover how to excel in any scenario. Dive in now to challenge yourself, gauge your strengths, and take the next step in your nursing journey with our engaging nursing quiz !

What is the primary purpose of performing a general survey in nursing?
To replace detailed physical assessment
To obtain baseline data and detect obvious deviations
To diagnose specific diseases
To implement treatment plans
The general survey provides an immediate overview of the patient's health status and can identify obvious deviations that require further assessment. It establishes baseline data through observation of the patient's general condition before detailed examination. It is not designed to diagnose specific diseases or replace comprehensive assessments. More info
Which of the following is NOT a component of the general survey?
Physical appearance
Behavior
Mobility
Auscultation
The general survey uses observation and inspection to assess physical appearance, body structure, mobility, and behavior. Auscultation involves using a stethoscope to listen to internal sounds and is part of specific system assessments. It is not included in the initial general survey. Learn more
What is the normal respiratory rate for a healthy adult at rest?
20 - 28 breaths per minute
8 - 12 breaths per minute
12 - 20 breaths per minute
28 - 36 breaths per minute
A normal resting adult respiratory rate ranges from 12 to 20 breaths per minute. Rates below 12 or above 20 may indicate respiratory or metabolic issues. Respirations should be counted unobtrusively to avoid alteration by the patient's awareness. More details
During general survey, the nurse observes a patient's posture. What does an upright posture typically indicate?
Neurological deficit
Good musculoskeletal health
Cardiovascular disease
Nervousness
Posture is assessed as part of the general survey under mobility and body structure. An upright and erect posture typically indicates good musculoskeletal strength and balance. Deviations such as slumping or hunching may signal pain or musculoskeletal problems. Reference
Which of the following findings during a general survey suggests potential neurological impairment?
Regular gait
Good eye contact
Slurred speech
Clear speech
Slurred speech suggests impairment of cranial nerves or central nervous system functioning and may indicate a neurological deficit. Clear, articulate speech is expected in a normal neurological assessment. Gait and eye contact also contribute to neurological evaluation but slurred speech is a direct sign. Source
When assessing body structure during a general survey, the nurse is evaluating which of the following?
Vital signs
Pupillary response
Stature
Speech
Body structure in the general survey includes assessment of stature, build, and nutritional status. Stature refers to the patient's height relative to age and genetics. Speech, vital signs, and pupillary responses fall under other assessment categories. Details
In a general survey, observing fidgeting and restlessness primarily assesses which category?
Mobility
Nutrition
Cognition
Behavior
Behavior in the general survey covers facial expression, mood, speech, and body movements. Fidgeting and restlessness are behavioral cues often associated with anxiety or discomfort. Mobility focuses on gait and range of motion rather than specific restless movements. More info
Which vital sign is typically measured first in a general survey if no equipment is attached?
Temperature
Oxygen saturation
Blood pressure
Pulse
When no equipment is attached, manual measurements such as pulse are often taken first. Respirations can be observed before the patient is aware, but pulse assessment is straightforward and requires no additional tools. Blood pressure and oxygen saturation require devices to obtain accurate readings. More information
A nurse identifies kyphosis in an elderly patient. This abnormality falls under which component of the general survey?
Body structure
Physical appearance
Behavior
Mobility
Body structure in the general survey includes assessment of skeletal frame and spinal curvature. Kyphosis, or an excessive thoracic curvature, is a body structure abnormality. Physical appearance covers overall appearance, and mobility covers movement; behavior covers mental/emotional state. More
A patient has a BMI of 32. This BMI is classified as:
Obese
Normal weight
Underweight
Overweight
BMI classifies weight status based on height and weight. According to CDC guidelines, a BMI of 30 or above is categorized as obese. Overweight is defined as a BMI between 25 and 29.9. Reference
When observing a patient's gait, the nurse notes the patient has an unsteady walk. Which aspect of the general survey does this finding relate to?
Cognition
Mobility
Nutrition
Behavior
Mobility covers assessment of gait, posture, and overall movement. An unsteady or staggering gait directly relates to mobility. Behavior includes facial expressions and mood, while nutrition and cognition are assessed separately. Learn more
During the general survey, a nurse assesses a patient's affect when observing which feature?
Skin turgor
Respiratory effort
Facial expressions
Muscle strength
Affect, reflecting mood and feelings, is observed through facial expressions and tone of voice during the general survey. Muscle strength and respiratory effort are part of other physical assessments. Skin turgor relates to hydration status. Source
The Mini-Mental State Examination primarily assesses which domain?
Nutritional status
Cognitive function
Physical mobility
Pulmonary function
The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is a brief screening tool for cognitive domains such as orientation, memory, and language. It does not assess physical, nutritional, or pulmonary functions. Its purpose is to detect cognitive impairment. More
A patient seems drowsy and requires loud verbal stimuli to arouse. This assessment pertains to which component of the general survey?
Pain
Mood
Level of consciousness
Nutritional status
Level of consciousness spans a patient's state from alertness to coma. A drowsy patient requiring loud verbal stimuli indicates a decreased level of consciousness. Mood, nutrition, and pain assessments cover different domains. Reference
The Glasgow Coma Scale is used to assess which of the following?
Behavioral health
Nutritional status
Cardiovascular status
Neurological function
The Glasgow Coma Scale quantifies neurological function based on eye, verbal, and motor responses. It is widely used to assess the severity of brain injury. It is not designed to evaluate cardiovascular, nutritional, or behavioral health. Details
The nurse documents the patient's speech as "pressured." What does this imply?
Loud speech
Rapid speech
Slurred speech
Slow speech
Pressured speech is characterized by rapid and continuous speech often seen in manic states or anxiety disorders. It differs from loud speech or slurred speech, which indicate different issues. Slow speech is referred to as hesitant or bradyphasia. Reference
An older adult patient exhibits a flat affect and minimal eye contact during the general survey. Which mood state does this most likely indicate?
Euphoric
Anxious
Manic
Depressed
Flat affect and minimal eye contact are classic signs of depression, reflecting a lack of emotional expression. Anxious or manic states present with heightened affect, and a euphoric mood presents as an exaggerated sense of well-being. More info
A BMI of 18.3 in an adult indicates which classification?
Overweight
Obese
Underweight
Normal weight
BMI categories define underweight as less than 18.5, normal weight 18.5 - 24.9, overweight 25 - 29.9, and obesity as 30 or greater. A BMI of 18.3 falls within the underweight range. Reference
When assessing body symmetry, the nurse is evaluating which of the following?
Equal reflexes
Equal breath sounds
Equal muscle mass and contour on both sides
Equal pupil size
Body symmetry assessment checks for equal size, shape, and muscle development on both sides of the body. Equal breath sounds and pupil size are part of different assessments. Reflex equality assesses neurological function. Details
A patient's blood pressure reads 128/82 mm Hg. According to the American College of Cardiology/AHA guidelines, this falls into which category?
Stage 1 hypertension
Stage 2 hypertension
Elevated
Normal
According to AHA/ACC guidelines, Stage 1 hypertension is defined by a systolic pressure of 130 - 139 mm Hg or a diastolic pressure of 80 - 89 mm Hg. A reading of 128/82 mm Hg meets the diastolic criteria for Stage 1. More
In gait assessment, the term "base" refers to which of the following?
The distance between the patient's feet
The number of steps per minute
The stride length
The arm swing amplitude
The base of support in gait assessment refers to the distance between the patient's feet during walking. Stride length and step rate (cadence) are measured separately. Arm swing amplitude is not part of base measurement. Source
When observing respiratory effort in the general survey, which finding suggests respiratory distress?
Shallow breathing only during speech
Even respiratory rhythm
Quiet, effortless breathing
Use of accessory muscles
Use of accessory muscles indicates increased work of breathing and respiratory distress. Normal breathing is quiet and unlabored. Shallow breathing only during speech and even rhythm do not usually indicate distress. More info
A waist-to-hip ratio greater than 1.0 in men is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This ratio is calculated by dividing waist circumference by which measurement?
Chest circumference
Hip circumference
BMI
Height
The waist-to-hip ratio is calculated by dividing waist circumference by hip circumference. A ratio above 1.0 in men indicates central obesity and increased cardiovascular risk. Chest circumference is not used. Reference
A patient is oriented to person and place but disoriented to time. This presentation is best described as which of the following?
Confabulation
Lethargy
Clouding of consciousness
Disorientation to time
Orientation is assessed in four spheres: person, place, time, and situation. Being aware of person and place but not time indicates specific disorientation to time. Clouding of consciousness affects overall clarity of awareness, and confabulation is a memory error. More
In the context of a general survey, "rigor" refers to which of the following?
Muscle flexibility
Nausea
Skin turgor
Shaking chills
In clinical assessment, a rigor refers to a shaking chill often accompanied by fever. It is distinct from skin turgor, which assesses hydration, and muscle flexibility. Nausea is unrelated to rigor. Source
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand General Survey Fundamentals -

    Gain a clear overview of the key components in a general survey nursing example, including appearance, posture, and behavior assessment.

  2. Apply Nurse General Survey Techniques -

    Use practical general survey nursing sample methods to systematically observe and document patient physical and mental status.

  3. Analyze General Survey Example Nursing Scenarios -

    Interpret real-world patient cases to identify normal versus abnormal findings in gait, posture, and overall presentation.

  4. Evaluate Mental Status Findings -

    Assess and score cognitive and emotional indicators using targeted general survey questions and quiz feedback.

  5. Interpret Mobility and Vital Sign Data -

    Integrate mobility observations and vital sign measurements to form a comprehensive patient assessment.

  6. Differentiate Normal and Abnormal Findings -

    Distinguish between typical and concerning signs in patient appearance and behavior to guide clinical decision-making.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Physical Appearance -

    During a general survey nursing example, observe age, gender, hygiene, and nutritional status to establish a baseline; for instance, note if grooming and clothing match the patient's environment. Use the mnemonic "AGE GAP" (A: Appearance, G: Grooming, E: Expression, G: Gait, A: Affect, P: Posture) to remember these cues. These observations align with American Nurses Association guidelines for a systematic nurse general survey.

  2. Body Structure and Posture -

    Assess height, weight, symmetry, and posture in your general survey nursing sample; for example, a stooped posture may signal musculoskeletal issues. Calculate BMI using weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared (kg/m²) to identify underweight or overweight status. Highlight any asymmetry or deformities, guided by NIH recommendations.

  3. Mobility and Gait -

    Observe range of motion, coordination, and gait patterns; a shuffling gait might suggest neurological concerns. Use the timed Up and Go (TUG) test - stand, walk 3 meters, return, and sit - and aim for completion under 12 seconds. This general survey example nursing technique is endorsed by the CDC for fall risk assessment.

  4. Behavior and Mental Status -

    Evaluate mood, affect, speech, and level of consciousness using structured general survey questions; note if speech is coherent or pressured. Apply the Glasgow Coma Scale (E+V+M, maximum 15) to quantify consciousness in trauma settings. Use the "A&O x4" mnemonic to verify orientation to person, place, time, and situation per Joint Commission standards.

  5. Vital Signs and Measurements -

    Record temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure systematically in your general survey nursing example; abnormal values like BP >140/90 mm Hg flag hypertension. Follow American Heart Association protocols for accurate cuff placement and measurement. Include pain assessment (0 - 10 scale) as the "fifth vital sign" for a comprehensive general survey.

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