NSU HEALTH ASSESSMENT EXAM 2 UPDATED ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS

NSU HEALTH ASSESSMENT EXAM 2 UPDATED ACTUAL
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS

Question:
What is a bruit?
Answer:
soft, whoosing, pulsatile sound

Question:
This is formed by the union of the costal margins at the xyphoid process and usually
measures 90 degrees or less.
Answer:
costal angle

Question:
Where can a HCP palpate the 12th rib?
Answer:
between the spine and the patients side, palpate for the free tip

Question:
List the reference lines located anteriorly, posteriorly and laterally.
Answer:
anterior: midsternal, midclavicular, anterior axillary posterior: vertebral, scapular
lateral: anterior axillary, midaxillary, posterior axillary

Question:
T or F: The left lung has an upper, middle and lower lobe.
Answer:
False, upper and lower only. The right lung has upper, middle and lower.

Question:
T or F: The anterior chest contains mostly upper and middle lobes.
Answer:
True

Question:
T or F: The posterior chest contains mostly lower lobes.
Answer:
True

Question:
Discuss the 4 major functions of the respiratory system.
Answer:
oxygen supply, CO2 removal, acid base balance, heat exchange

,Question:
Involuntary control of respirations is mediated by the pons and medulla via what form
of regulation?
Answer:
humoral (change in O2 + CO2 blood levels)

Question:
The normal stimulus to breathe is...
Answer:
hypercapnia

Question:
T or F: Anteroposterior diameter increases with expiration.
Answer:
False, decreases with expiration and increases with inspiration

Question:
Discuss some developmental changes which should be considered when assessing the
respiratory capacity of an aging adult.
Answer:
- cartilage calcification = decreased thorax mobility
- respiratory muscle weakening
- decreased lung elasticity
- histologic changes (alveolar
destruction) = decreased surface area for gas exchange

Question:
Name two respiratory conditions which can be influenced by culture and genetics.
Answer:
tuberculosis and asthma

Question:
Discuss the time lengths for an acute versus a chronic cough.
Answer:
acute: 2-3 weeks chronic: > 2 months

Question:
What is hemoptysis?
Answer:
coughing up blood

Question:
What is orthopnea?
Answer:
difficulty breathing when supine

, Question:
What is paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND)?
Answer:
awakened from sleep with
SOB. Usually have to stand/sit up to achieve comfort

Question:
Which patients often experience PND?
Answer:
heavy smokers, CHF

Question:
Hypoxia is signaled by which color change?
Answer:
cyanosis

Question:
Why should recent travel and area of residence be collected when interviewing a
patient with respiratory complaints?
Answer:
environmental exposure

Question:
Discuss the preparation and tools required for an assessment of the thorax.
Answer:
patient sitting upright with gown access, private/warm room, warm hands and
stethoscope, alcohol wipes, ruler, marking pen

Question:
Discuss the characteristics that should be inspected on the posterior thorax.
Answer:
shape/configuration, skin color, AP diameter, breathing position, straight spinous
process

Question:
What is the tripod position?
Answer:
Leaning forward with arms braced against their knees, chair, or bed. This gives them
leverage so that their abdominal, intercostal, and accessory neck muscles all can aid in
expiration.

Question:
What patients tend to use the tripod position?
Answer:
COPD