NUR 111 PCC TEST 3 – ASSESSMENT 2026/2027 – STUDY GUIDE,
PRACTICE QUESTIONS & EXAM REVIEW
Physical exam assessment collects data through - correct answer ✔✔inspection, palpation, percussion,
and auscultation
These skills are performed one at a time, and in this order (except the abdominal assessment)
What senses are used during inspection? - correct answer ✔✔vision and smell
Which areas should be palpated last? - correct answer ✔✔Tender areas
Light palpation - correct answer ✔✔done with 1 hand by pressing the skin gently with the tips of 2 or 3
fingers help close together
deep palpation - correct answer ✔✔done by placing 1 hand on top of the other and pressing down with
the fingertips of both hands
Sitting position is for examination of: - correct answer ✔✔Head and neck, back, posterior thorax and
lungs, anterior thorax and lungs, breasts, axillae, heart, vital signs, and upper extremities
Sitting upright provides full expansion of lungs and better visualization of symmetry of upper body parts.
Physically weakened patient sometimes is unable to sit. Use supine position with head of bed elevated
instead.
Supine position is for examination of: - correct answer ✔✔Head and neck, anterior thorax and lungs,
breasts, axillae, heart, abdomen, extremities, pulses
This is most normally relaxed position. It provides easy access to pulse sites.
If patient becomes short of breath easily, raise head of bed.
Dorsal recumbent position is for examination of: - correct answer ✔✔Head and neck, anterior thorax
and lungs, breasts, axillae, heart, abdomen
Position is for abdominal assessment because it promotes relaxation of abdominal muscles.
Patients with painful disorders are more comfortable with knees flexed.
Lithotomy position is for examination of: - correct answer ✔✔Female genitalia and genital tract
Position provides maximal exposure of female genitalia and facilitates insertion of vaginal speculum.
Lithotomy position is embarrassing and uncomfortable; thus examiner minimizes time that patient
spends in it. Keep patient well draped.
PRACTICE QUESTIONS & EXAM REVIEW
Physical exam assessment collects data through - correct answer ✔✔inspection, palpation, percussion,
and auscultation
These skills are performed one at a time, and in this order (except the abdominal assessment)
What senses are used during inspection? - correct answer ✔✔vision and smell
Which areas should be palpated last? - correct answer ✔✔Tender areas
Light palpation - correct answer ✔✔done with 1 hand by pressing the skin gently with the tips of 2 or 3
fingers help close together
deep palpation - correct answer ✔✔done by placing 1 hand on top of the other and pressing down with
the fingertips of both hands
Sitting position is for examination of: - correct answer ✔✔Head and neck, back, posterior thorax and
lungs, anterior thorax and lungs, breasts, axillae, heart, vital signs, and upper extremities
Sitting upright provides full expansion of lungs and better visualization of symmetry of upper body parts.
Physically weakened patient sometimes is unable to sit. Use supine position with head of bed elevated
instead.
Supine position is for examination of: - correct answer ✔✔Head and neck, anterior thorax and lungs,
breasts, axillae, heart, abdomen, extremities, pulses
This is most normally relaxed position. It provides easy access to pulse sites.
If patient becomes short of breath easily, raise head of bed.
Dorsal recumbent position is for examination of: - correct answer ✔✔Head and neck, anterior thorax
and lungs, breasts, axillae, heart, abdomen
Position is for abdominal assessment because it promotes relaxation of abdominal muscles.
Patients with painful disorders are more comfortable with knees flexed.
Lithotomy position is for examination of: - correct answer ✔✔Female genitalia and genital tract
Position provides maximal exposure of female genitalia and facilitates insertion of vaginal speculum.
Lithotomy position is embarrassing and uncomfortable; thus examiner minimizes time that patient
spends in it. Keep patient well draped.
