NSG 3160 HEALTH ASSESSMENT FINAL
EXAM V2 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. During a respiratory assessment, the nurse notes a ‘dull’ percussion note over the lower
right lobe. Which condition is most likely associated with this finding?
A. Pneumothorax
B. Emphysema
C. Asthmatic bronchospasm
D. Pleural effusion
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A dull percussion note indicates an abnormal density in the
lungs, such as fluid in the pleural space (pleural effusion) or consolidation like pneumonia.
Pneumothorax and emphysema typically produce hyperresonance.
2. When assessing the carotid arteries, which action by the nurse is correct to prevent carotid
sinus syncope?
A. Palpate only one carotid artery at a time.
B. Palpate both carotid arteries simultaneously to compare strength.
C. Apply firm pressure to the upper neck region.
,D. Auscultate for bruits while the patient breathes deeply.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Simultaneous palpation can compromise arterial blood flow to
the brain, and pressure on the upper neck may trigger the carotid sinus reflex, leading to a
sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure.
3. A patient presents with a ‘swishing’ sound heard during auscultation at the 2nd right
intercostal space. This is most likely indicative of:
A. Mitral regurgitation
B. Pulmonic stenosis
C. Aortic stenosis
D. Tricuspid regurgitation
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The 2nd right intercostal space is the aortic area. A systolic
murmur (swishing) in this area is characteristic of aortic stenosis.
4. The nurse is performing a neurological exam on a patient who cannot identify a common
object placed in their hand with eyes closed. This finding is documented as:
A. Agraphesthesia
B. Anosmia
C. Ataxia
, D. Astereognosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Astereognosis is the inability to identify objects by touch,
indicating a lesion in the sensory cortex or posterior column.
5. Which physical exam maneuver is specifically used to assess for cholecystitis?
A. Rovsing sign
B. Blumberg sign
C. Iliopsoas muscle test
D. Murphy sign
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The Murphy sign involves palpating the liver border while the
patient takes a deep breath; sharp pain causing inspiratory arrest is positive for gallbladder
inflammation.
6. When assessing for a pupillary light reflex, the nurse notes that the right eye constricts
when light is shone into the left eye. This is known as:
A. Direct light reflex
B. Consensual light reflex
C. Accommodation
D. Convergence
EXAM V2 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. During a respiratory assessment, the nurse notes a ‘dull’ percussion note over the lower
right lobe. Which condition is most likely associated with this finding?
A. Pneumothorax
B. Emphysema
C. Asthmatic bronchospasm
D. Pleural effusion
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A dull percussion note indicates an abnormal density in the
lungs, such as fluid in the pleural space (pleural effusion) or consolidation like pneumonia.
Pneumothorax and emphysema typically produce hyperresonance.
2. When assessing the carotid arteries, which action by the nurse is correct to prevent carotid
sinus syncope?
A. Palpate only one carotid artery at a time.
B. Palpate both carotid arteries simultaneously to compare strength.
C. Apply firm pressure to the upper neck region.
,D. Auscultate for bruits while the patient breathes deeply.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Simultaneous palpation can compromise arterial blood flow to
the brain, and pressure on the upper neck may trigger the carotid sinus reflex, leading to a
sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure.
3. A patient presents with a ‘swishing’ sound heard during auscultation at the 2nd right
intercostal space. This is most likely indicative of:
A. Mitral regurgitation
B. Pulmonic stenosis
C. Aortic stenosis
D. Tricuspid regurgitation
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The 2nd right intercostal space is the aortic area. A systolic
murmur (swishing) in this area is characteristic of aortic stenosis.
4. The nurse is performing a neurological exam on a patient who cannot identify a common
object placed in their hand with eyes closed. This finding is documented as:
A. Agraphesthesia
B. Anosmia
C. Ataxia
, D. Astereognosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Astereognosis is the inability to identify objects by touch,
indicating a lesion in the sensory cortex or posterior column.
5. Which physical exam maneuver is specifically used to assess for cholecystitis?
A. Rovsing sign
B. Blumberg sign
C. Iliopsoas muscle test
D. Murphy sign
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The Murphy sign involves palpating the liver border while the
patient takes a deep breath; sharp pain causing inspiratory arrest is positive for gallbladder
inflammation.
6. When assessing for a pupillary light reflex, the nurse notes that the right eye constricts
when light is shone into the left eye. This is known as:
A. Direct light reflex
B. Consensual light reflex
C. Accommodation
D. Convergence
