West Coast University, 2026 – Final Exam Study Guide with
Complete Questions and Correct Answers
Introduction
This document contains a comprehensive final exam study guide
for West Coast University NURS 190 Physical Assessment, featuring
complete exam-style questions with correct answers. It covers
head-to-toe physical assessment, respiratory, cardiovascular,
neurological, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, skin,
lymphatic, and abdominal assessments, including normal and
abnormal findings, assessment techniques, diagnostic tests, cranial
nerves, reflexes, heart and lung sounds, and common clinical
conditions. The question-and-answer format makes it an excellent
resource for reviewing essential physical assessment concepts,
reinforcing clinical knowledge, and preparing for the NURS 190
final examination.
Exam Questions and Answers
What is the common cause of begin nipple discharge or post
menopausal patient? --- correct precise answer ---Intraductal
papilloma
A serous or serosangiuneous
Patient with an orange peel or Peau D' Orange is a sign of ---
correct precise answer ---malignancy
,any change to the breast lump must be further evaluated by the
patient
What is the most reliable indicator for central cyanosis when
assessing an asthmatic pt? --- correct precise answer ---Oral mucosa
When you are listening to the lungs using whispered pectoriloquy
and the pt has bilateral PNA and both lungs are filled with fluid..
What sounds would you hear? --- correct precise answer ---Loud,
clear bilaterally
When you are listening to healthy lungs using the whispered
pectoriloguy what do you hear? --- correct precise answer ---Soft
and indistinguishable
Alveoli --- correct precise answer ---The functional unit of the lung.
What is the most appropriate technique in assessing the respiratory
system is? --- correct precise answer ---Assessing from side to side
because you are comparing the right and left lungs for any
abnormally
4 normal breath sounds
Tracheal
Bronchial
Bronchovesicular
Vesicular --- correct precise answer ---tracheal: over trachea, I<E ,
harsh high pitched
,bronchial: superior to each clavicle and 1st intercoastal space, E>I ,
loud high pitched
bronchovesicular: over major bronchi 2nd and 3rdICS, between
scapula, I=E , medium loudness medium pitch
vesicular: remainder of lungs, I>E , soft low pitched
Abnormal respiratory pattern
Tachypnea
Hyperventilation
Bradypnea
Hypoventilation
Cheyne-Stokes
Biot's (Ataxic) --- correct precise answer ---Tachypnea: >24 Rapid,
Shallow
Hyperventlation: >24, Rapid, deep
Bradypnea: <10 Slow Regular
Hypoventilation: <10 Irregular, low/shallow
Cheyne-Stokes: Deep, apnea, regular when pt dying
Biot's (Ataxic): Shallow, deep, apnea, irregular, when pt. has brain
tumor or injury
, Eupnea --- correct precise answer ---normal breathing, even regular
I=E
Eupnea with a sigh: normal
Eupnea with multiple signs: abnormal leading to hyperventilation
Obstructive breathing --- correct precise answer ---prolonged
expiration
common in COPD, chronic bronchitis, or asthmatic pt.
Differentiate between adventitious breath sounds
Fine/Coarse/Crackles --- correct precise answer ---Fine:
High pitched, short crackling
Collapsed or fluid filled alveoli open
Coarse:
Loud, moist, low pitched, bubbling
Collapsed or fluid filled alveoli open
Crackles:
pt has lobar pna due to collapsed and fluid filled lungs
Differentiate between adventitious rhonchi lung sounds
Wheezes/Rhonchi/Stridor/Friction Rub --- correct precise answer --
-Wheezes (Sibilant):
Expiration/Inspiration when severe