NUR 2180 Module 7 Exam | Physical Assessment | Rasmussen University 2026/2027 Edition
NUR 2180
Module 7 Exam: Physical Assessment
Rasmussen University | 2026/2027 Edition
45 Questions | Comprehensive Assessment Review
HEENT | Neurological | Skin, Hair & Nails | Thorax & Lungs
Answer Key with Detailed Rationales Included
Page 1
, NUR 2180 Module 7 Exam | Physical Assessment | Rasmussen University 2026/2027 Edition
Section 1: HEENT Assessment (Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose, Throat) - Questions 1-20
Q1. A nurse is performing a head and face inspection on a client. Which of the following findings should the nurse
recognize as a normal variation rather than an abnormal finding?
A. Asymmetrical facial movements when the client smiles [CORRECT]
B. Unilateral ptosis of the left eyelid
C. Visible pulsation of the temporal artery
D. Facial droop on the right side at rest
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Mild asymmetry in facial expressions can be a normal variation in some individuals and does not necessarily indicate a
neurological deficit. Unilateral ptosis, visible arterial pulsation, and facial droop at rest are abnormal findings that warrant further
evaluation for conditions such as myasthenia gravis, temporal arteritis, or stroke. The nurse should correlate findings with the clinical
context.
Q2. A nurse is palpating the sinuses of a client who reports facial pressure and tenderness. Which technique is correct
for palpating the frontal sinuses?
A. Press firmly on the maxillary area below the cheekbones
B. Apply gentle upward pressure with the thumbs below the superior orbital ridges [CORRECT]
C. Compress the nares and ask the client to blow
D. Palpate the mastoid process behind the ear
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The frontal sinuses are located above the eyebrows, and the correct palpation technique involves applying gentle upward
pressure with the thumbs below the superior orbital ridges to assess for tenderness. Pressing on the maxillary area assesses the
maxillary sinuses, compressing the nares evaluates patency, and palpating the mastoid process checks for mastoiditis. Tenderness over
the frontal sinuses suggests sinusitis.
Q3. A nurse is preparing to assess a client visual acuity using a Snellen chart. The client stands 20 feet from the chart
and reads the line marked 20/40. How should the nurse interpret this result?
A. The client can read at 20 feet what a person with normal vision can read at 40 feet [CORRECT]
B. The client can read at 40 feet what a person with normal vision can read at 20 feet
C. The client has 20% of normal visual acuity
D. The client requires a 40-diopter lens correction
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A Snellen chart result of 20/40 means the client can read at 20 feet what a person with normal vision can read at 40 feet,
indicating reduced visual acuity. The numerator represents the testing distance (20 feet), and the denominator represents the distance
at which a person with normal vision could read the same line. A result of 20/20 is considered normal vision, and anything worse
than 20/20 indicates some degree of visual impairment.
Q4. A nurse uses a Rosenbaum pocket chart to assess near vision. The client is able to read the 20/30 line at a distance
of 14 inches. Which documentation is most accurate?
A. Near vision: 14/14 with Rosenbaum chart
B. Near vision: J4 at 14 inches
C. Near vision equivalent: 20/30 at 14 inches [CORRECT]
Page 2
NUR 2180
Module 7 Exam: Physical Assessment
Rasmussen University | 2026/2027 Edition
45 Questions | Comprehensive Assessment Review
HEENT | Neurological | Skin, Hair & Nails | Thorax & Lungs
Answer Key with Detailed Rationales Included
Page 1
, NUR 2180 Module 7 Exam | Physical Assessment | Rasmussen University 2026/2027 Edition
Section 1: HEENT Assessment (Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose, Throat) - Questions 1-20
Q1. A nurse is performing a head and face inspection on a client. Which of the following findings should the nurse
recognize as a normal variation rather than an abnormal finding?
A. Asymmetrical facial movements when the client smiles [CORRECT]
B. Unilateral ptosis of the left eyelid
C. Visible pulsation of the temporal artery
D. Facial droop on the right side at rest
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Mild asymmetry in facial expressions can be a normal variation in some individuals and does not necessarily indicate a
neurological deficit. Unilateral ptosis, visible arterial pulsation, and facial droop at rest are abnormal findings that warrant further
evaluation for conditions such as myasthenia gravis, temporal arteritis, or stroke. The nurse should correlate findings with the clinical
context.
Q2. A nurse is palpating the sinuses of a client who reports facial pressure and tenderness. Which technique is correct
for palpating the frontal sinuses?
A. Press firmly on the maxillary area below the cheekbones
B. Apply gentle upward pressure with the thumbs below the superior orbital ridges [CORRECT]
C. Compress the nares and ask the client to blow
D. Palpate the mastoid process behind the ear
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The frontal sinuses are located above the eyebrows, and the correct palpation technique involves applying gentle upward
pressure with the thumbs below the superior orbital ridges to assess for tenderness. Pressing on the maxillary area assesses the
maxillary sinuses, compressing the nares evaluates patency, and palpating the mastoid process checks for mastoiditis. Tenderness over
the frontal sinuses suggests sinusitis.
Q3. A nurse is preparing to assess a client visual acuity using a Snellen chart. The client stands 20 feet from the chart
and reads the line marked 20/40. How should the nurse interpret this result?
A. The client can read at 20 feet what a person with normal vision can read at 40 feet [CORRECT]
B. The client can read at 40 feet what a person with normal vision can read at 20 feet
C. The client has 20% of normal visual acuity
D. The client requires a 40-diopter lens correction
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A Snellen chart result of 20/40 means the client can read at 20 feet what a person with normal vision can read at 40 feet,
indicating reduced visual acuity. The numerator represents the testing distance (20 feet), and the denominator represents the distance
at which a person with normal vision could read the same line. A result of 20/20 is considered normal vision, and anything worse
than 20/20 indicates some degree of visual impairment.
Q4. A nurse uses a Rosenbaum pocket chart to assess near vision. The client is able to read the 20/30 line at a distance
of 14 inches. Which documentation is most accurate?
A. Near vision: 14/14 with Rosenbaum chart
B. Near vision: J4 at 14 inches
C. Near vision equivalent: 20/30 at 14 inches [CORRECT]
Page 2
