NSG 6020 HEALTH ASSESSMENT
MIDTERM PRACTICE EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. When assessing the abdomen, which of the following is the correct order of examination
techniques?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Percussion, Auscultation, Palpation, Inspection
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In abdominal assessment, auscultation is performed before
percussion and palpation to avoid altering bowel sounds.
2. Which heart sound is produced by the closure of the semilunar valves?
A. S1
B. S3
C. S2
,D. S4
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: S2 is produced by the closure of the aortic and pulmonic
(semilunar) valves at the beginning of diastole.
3. During a physical exam, a patient displays a positive Romberg test. What does this
primarily indicate?
A. A deficit in the vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII)
B. Lack of motor strength in the lower extremities
C. Inflammation of the sciatic nerve
D. Poor cerebellar function or loss of proprioception
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The Romberg test assesses balance; a positive result (loss of
balance when eyes are closed) suggests ataxia or sensory loss.
4. A 65-year-old patient presents with a ‘pigeon chest’ appearance. What is the clinical term
for this?
A. Pectus excavatum
B. Kyphosis
C. Barrel chest
D. Pectus carinatum
, Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Pectus carinatum is a protrusion of the sternum and ribs, often
called pigeon chest.
5. Which cranial nerve is being tested when asking a patient to stick out their tongue?
A. CN IX (Glossopharyngeal)
B. CN X (Vagus)
C. CN XII (Hypoglossal)
D. CN XI (Accessory)
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) controls the motor movements
of the tongue.
6. What is the normal expected sound when percussing over healthy lung tissue?
A. Resonance
B. Dullness
C. Tympany
D. Hyperresonance
Answer: A
MIDTERM PRACTICE EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. When assessing the abdomen, which of the following is the correct order of examination
techniques?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Percussion, Auscultation, Palpation, Inspection
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In abdominal assessment, auscultation is performed before
percussion and palpation to avoid altering bowel sounds.
2. Which heart sound is produced by the closure of the semilunar valves?
A. S1
B. S3
C. S2
,D. S4
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: S2 is produced by the closure of the aortic and pulmonic
(semilunar) valves at the beginning of diastole.
3. During a physical exam, a patient displays a positive Romberg test. What does this
primarily indicate?
A. A deficit in the vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII)
B. Lack of motor strength in the lower extremities
C. Inflammation of the sciatic nerve
D. Poor cerebellar function or loss of proprioception
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The Romberg test assesses balance; a positive result (loss of
balance when eyes are closed) suggests ataxia or sensory loss.
4. A 65-year-old patient presents with a ‘pigeon chest’ appearance. What is the clinical term
for this?
A. Pectus excavatum
B. Kyphosis
C. Barrel chest
D. Pectus carinatum
, Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Pectus carinatum is a protrusion of the sternum and ribs, often
called pigeon chest.
5. Which cranial nerve is being tested when asking a patient to stick out their tongue?
A. CN IX (Glossopharyngeal)
B. CN X (Vagus)
C. CN XII (Hypoglossal)
D. CN XI (Accessory)
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) controls the motor movements
of the tongue.
6. What is the normal expected sound when percussing over healthy lung tissue?
A. Resonance
B. Dullness
C. Tympany
D. Hyperresonance
Answer: A
