Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

Which of the following is an example of an open-ended question during an assessment?

1. "What medication are you taking?"

2. "How are you feeling today?"

3. "What brings you to the clinic today?"

4. "Why do you think you are depressed?"

The correct answer is: "What brings you to the clinic today?"

The choice of "What brings you to the clinic today?" is an example of an open-ended question because it invites the patient to respond in their own words and express their thoughts or feelings in detail. This type of question encourages a more expansive conversation, allowing healthcare providers to gather comprehensive information about the patient’s situation, concerns, and motivations for seeking care. Open-ended questions are critical in nursing assessments as they help to foster a trusting rapport between the nurse and the patient, enabling the patient to share more about their experiences and perceptions, which is vital for a holistic understanding of their health. By contrast, while the other options may also gather important information, they could potentially lead to more limited responses. For instance, questions that could be answered with a simple "yes" or "no," or that ask for specific information without inviting elaboration, do not serve the same purpose in promoting open dialogue.