1. A 54-year-old male patient presents with a persistent cough and unexplained weight loss. Which of the following assessments is most critical to perform first? - A) Blood pressure measurement - B) Lung auscultation - C) Abdominal palpation - D) Neurological examination Answer: B) Lung auscultation. Rationale: The symptoms suggest a respiratory issue, making lung auscultation the most immediate assessment to determine the presence of abnormal breath sounds. 2. When assessing a patient with suspected heart failure, which of the following findings would indicate fluid overload? - A) Decreased jugular venous pressure - B) Crackles in the lower lobes of the lungs - C) Dry mucous membranes - D) Flat neck veins Answer: B) Crackles in the lower lobes of the lungs. Rationale: Crackles are indicative of fluid in the alveoli, which is a common sign of fluid overload in heart failure. 3. In evaluating a patient's nutritional status, which assessment