NSG 500 Exam 3 V3 | NSG 500 Advanced
Health Assessment | Wilkes University |
2026 Q&A with Rationale (Wilkes NSG500
Exam 3 2026)
1. During a neurological examination, the clinician asks the patient to puff out their cheeks
and smile. Which cranial nerve is primarily being assessed?
A. Cranial Nerve V
B. Cranial Nerve X
C. Cranial Nerve VII
D. Cranial Nerve XII
Answer: C
Rationale: Cranial nerve VII, the facial nerve, controls the muscles of facial expression and
taste on the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. The examiner assesses this nerve by
observing symmetry while the patient smiles, frowns, and puffs their cheeks. Abnormal
findings might suggest a peripheral lesion like Bell’s palsy or a central nervous system
event.
2. A patient presents with knee pain after a sports injury. The examiner performs the
McMurray test and hears a palpable click. This finding is most suggestive of which condition?
A. Anterior cruciate ligament tear
,B. Medial collateral ligament sprain
C. Patellar tendonitis
D. Meniscal tear
Answer: D
Rationale: The McMurray test is specifically designed to evaluate the integrity of the
medial and lateral menisci within the knee joint. A positive result is indicated by a click or
pop felt or heard during flexion and rotation of the knee. This test helps the clinician
differentiate mechanical intra-articular obstructions from ligamentous instability.
3. When assessing the musculoskeletal system, the clinician notes hard, painless bony
enlargements on the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints. These are documented as:
A. Bouchard nodes
B. Tophi
C. Swan-neck deformities
D. Heberden nodes
Answer: D
Rationale: Heberden nodes are classic physical exam findings associated with
osteoarthritis, occurring at the distal interphalangeal joints. In contrast, Bouchard nodes
occur at the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints. Identifying these bony overgrowths
, helps the clinician distinguish osteoarthritis from other inflammatory arthritides like
rheumatoid arthritis.
4. A 55-year-old male presents for a wellness exam. Upon digital rectal examination, the
clinician notes a firm, non-tender, symmetrically enlarged prostate without nodules. What is
the most likely diagnosis?
A. Prostatitis
B. Prostate cancer
C. Prostatic abscess
D. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Answer: D
Rationale: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia typically presents as a smooth, firm, and
symmetrical enlargement of the prostate gland. Prostatic cancer usually presents with
hard, irregular nodules or asymmetry during the digital rectal exam. Prostatitis would
more likely present with significant tenderness and systemic symptoms like fever.
5. During a breast examination, the clinician notes a small, mobile, firm, rubbery, and non-
tender lump in a 22-year-old female. Which condition does this most likely represent?
A. Fibroadenoma
B. Fibrocystic change
C. Invasive ductal carcinoma
Health Assessment | Wilkes University |
2026 Q&A with Rationale (Wilkes NSG500
Exam 3 2026)
1. During a neurological examination, the clinician asks the patient to puff out their cheeks
and smile. Which cranial nerve is primarily being assessed?
A. Cranial Nerve V
B. Cranial Nerve X
C. Cranial Nerve VII
D. Cranial Nerve XII
Answer: C
Rationale: Cranial nerve VII, the facial nerve, controls the muscles of facial expression and
taste on the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. The examiner assesses this nerve by
observing symmetry while the patient smiles, frowns, and puffs their cheeks. Abnormal
findings might suggest a peripheral lesion like Bell’s palsy or a central nervous system
event.
2. A patient presents with knee pain after a sports injury. The examiner performs the
McMurray test and hears a palpable click. This finding is most suggestive of which condition?
A. Anterior cruciate ligament tear
,B. Medial collateral ligament sprain
C. Patellar tendonitis
D. Meniscal tear
Answer: D
Rationale: The McMurray test is specifically designed to evaluate the integrity of the
medial and lateral menisci within the knee joint. A positive result is indicated by a click or
pop felt or heard during flexion and rotation of the knee. This test helps the clinician
differentiate mechanical intra-articular obstructions from ligamentous instability.
3. When assessing the musculoskeletal system, the clinician notes hard, painless bony
enlargements on the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints. These are documented as:
A. Bouchard nodes
B. Tophi
C. Swan-neck deformities
D. Heberden nodes
Answer: D
Rationale: Heberden nodes are classic physical exam findings associated with
osteoarthritis, occurring at the distal interphalangeal joints. In contrast, Bouchard nodes
occur at the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints. Identifying these bony overgrowths
, helps the clinician distinguish osteoarthritis from other inflammatory arthritides like
rheumatoid arthritis.
4. A 55-year-old male presents for a wellness exam. Upon digital rectal examination, the
clinician notes a firm, non-tender, symmetrically enlarged prostate without nodules. What is
the most likely diagnosis?
A. Prostatitis
B. Prostate cancer
C. Prostatic abscess
D. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Answer: D
Rationale: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia typically presents as a smooth, firm, and
symmetrical enlargement of the prostate gland. Prostatic cancer usually presents with
hard, irregular nodules or asymmetry during the digital rectal exam. Prostatitis would
more likely present with significant tenderness and systemic symptoms like fever.
5. During a breast examination, the clinician notes a small, mobile, firm, rubbery, and non-
tender lump in a 22-year-old female. Which condition does this most likely represent?
A. Fibroadenoma
B. Fibrocystic change
C. Invasive ductal carcinoma
