Walden University
Advanced Health Assessment: HEENT & Respiratory Systems
Comprehensive Exam with Rationales (Updated 2026)
NURS 6201; Advanced Health Assessment:
HEENT & Respiratory Systems
Comprehensive Exam
SECTION I: HEENT (Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose, Throat)
Question 1
A fleshy, wedge-shaped growth extending from the nasal
conjunctiva onto the cornea that may impair vision is best
described as:
A. Pinguecula
B. Hordeolum
C. Corneal arcus
D. Pterygium
Rationale:
A pterygium is a fibrovascular wedge-shaped growth
extending onto the cornea, commonly from the nasal side.
Larger lesions can impair vision or eye movement.
Question 2
A 9-year-old girl presents with fever, sore throat, cracked red lips,
and a sandpaper-like rash sparing the area around the mouth.
What is the next best step?
1|Page
, Walden University
Advanced Health Assessment: HEENT & Respiratory Systems
Comprehensive Exam with Rationales (Updated 2026)
A. Begin antiviral therapy
B. Treat empirically for Kawasaki disease
C. Provide supportive care only
D. Obtain rapid strep test and throat culture
Rationale:
This presentation is consistent with scarlet fever.
Confirmation with rapid strep testing and culture is required
before antibiotic therapy. Fever duration is insufficient for
Kawasaki disease.
Question 3
A painless, bright red patch on the sclera following coughing is
most consistent with:
A. Uveitis
B. Conjunctivitis
C. Subconjunctival hemorrhage
D. Corneal abrasion
Rationale:
Subconjunctival hemorrhage results from increased venous
pressure due to coughing or straining and resolves without
treatment.
Question 4
A red, itchy eye with purulent discharge and no pain is most
consistent with:
2|Page
Advanced Health Assessment: HEENT & Respiratory Systems
Comprehensive Exam with Rationales (Updated 2026)
NURS 6201; Advanced Health Assessment:
HEENT & Respiratory Systems
Comprehensive Exam
SECTION I: HEENT (Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose, Throat)
Question 1
A fleshy, wedge-shaped growth extending from the nasal
conjunctiva onto the cornea that may impair vision is best
described as:
A. Pinguecula
B. Hordeolum
C. Corneal arcus
D. Pterygium
Rationale:
A pterygium is a fibrovascular wedge-shaped growth
extending onto the cornea, commonly from the nasal side.
Larger lesions can impair vision or eye movement.
Question 2
A 9-year-old girl presents with fever, sore throat, cracked red lips,
and a sandpaper-like rash sparing the area around the mouth.
What is the next best step?
1|Page
, Walden University
Advanced Health Assessment: HEENT & Respiratory Systems
Comprehensive Exam with Rationales (Updated 2026)
A. Begin antiviral therapy
B. Treat empirically for Kawasaki disease
C. Provide supportive care only
D. Obtain rapid strep test and throat culture
Rationale:
This presentation is consistent with scarlet fever.
Confirmation with rapid strep testing and culture is required
before antibiotic therapy. Fever duration is insufficient for
Kawasaki disease.
Question 3
A painless, bright red patch on the sclera following coughing is
most consistent with:
A. Uveitis
B. Conjunctivitis
C. Subconjunctival hemorrhage
D. Corneal abrasion
Rationale:
Subconjunctival hemorrhage results from increased venous
pressure due to coughing or straining and resolves without
treatment.
Question 4
A red, itchy eye with purulent discharge and no pain is most
consistent with:
2|Page
