NSG 3160 HEALTH ASSESSMENT FINAL
EXAM V2 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. When assessing the abdomen of a patient reporting sharp right upper quadrant pain,
which sequence of physical examination techniques is correct?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D. Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The correct order for abdominal assessment is inspection,
auscultation, percussion, and palpation. Palpation and percussion are performed last to
avoid altering bowel sounds or causing unnecessary pain before auscultation.
2. A 72-year-old patient presents with a ‘ventricular gallop’ heard during early diastole. This
sound is most likely:
A. An S4 heart sound indicating stiff ventricles.
B. An S3 heart sound, which may indicate heart failure in an older adult.
,C. A friction rub associated with pericarditis.
D. A systolic murmur indicating aortic stenosis.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: An S3 heart sound, or ventricular gallop, occurs in early diastole
during the rapid filling phase of the ventricles. While normal in children and athletes, in
older adults it often indicates volume overload or heart failure.
3. During a neurological exam, the nurse asks the patient to identify a familiar object, such as
a key, placed in their hand while their eyes are closed. This tests for:
A. Graphesthesia
B. Proprioception
C. Two-point discrimination
D. Stereognosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Stereognosis is the ability to recognize an object by touch and
manipulation. Graphesthesia is the ability to ‘read’ a number traced on the skin.
4. Which cranial nerve is being assessed when the nurse asks the patient to stick out their
tongue and move it from side to side?
A. Cranial Nerve IX (Glossopharyngeal)
B. Cranial Nerve X (Vagus)
, C. Cranial Nerve VII (Facial)
D. Cranial Nerve XII (Hypoglossal)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Cranial Nerve XII, the hypoglossal nerve, controls the muscles of
the tongue. Deviation or tremors suggest nerve damage.
5. A patient exhibits a positive Romberg test. The nurse interprets this as a potential problem
with:
A. Occipital lobe processing
B. Muscle strength in the lower extremities
C. Cranial Nerve V (Trigeminal) function
D. Cerebellar function or proprioception
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The Romberg test assesses the patient’s ability to maintain an
upright posture with eyes closed. A positive result (loss of balance) suggests ataxia due to
vestibular dysfunction, cerebellar issues, or loss of proprioception.
6. When percussing the lungs of a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD), the nurse expects to hear:
A. Resonance
B. Dullness
EXAM V2 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. When assessing the abdomen of a patient reporting sharp right upper quadrant pain,
which sequence of physical examination techniques is correct?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D. Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The correct order for abdominal assessment is inspection,
auscultation, percussion, and palpation. Palpation and percussion are performed last to
avoid altering bowel sounds or causing unnecessary pain before auscultation.
2. A 72-year-old patient presents with a ‘ventricular gallop’ heard during early diastole. This
sound is most likely:
A. An S4 heart sound indicating stiff ventricles.
B. An S3 heart sound, which may indicate heart failure in an older adult.
,C. A friction rub associated with pericarditis.
D. A systolic murmur indicating aortic stenosis.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: An S3 heart sound, or ventricular gallop, occurs in early diastole
during the rapid filling phase of the ventricles. While normal in children and athletes, in
older adults it often indicates volume overload or heart failure.
3. During a neurological exam, the nurse asks the patient to identify a familiar object, such as
a key, placed in their hand while their eyes are closed. This tests for:
A. Graphesthesia
B. Proprioception
C. Two-point discrimination
D. Stereognosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Stereognosis is the ability to recognize an object by touch and
manipulation. Graphesthesia is the ability to ‘read’ a number traced on the skin.
4. Which cranial nerve is being assessed when the nurse asks the patient to stick out their
tongue and move it from side to side?
A. Cranial Nerve IX (Glossopharyngeal)
B. Cranial Nerve X (Vagus)
, C. Cranial Nerve VII (Facial)
D. Cranial Nerve XII (Hypoglossal)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Cranial Nerve XII, the hypoglossal nerve, controls the muscles of
the tongue. Deviation or tremors suggest nerve damage.
5. A patient exhibits a positive Romberg test. The nurse interprets this as a potential problem
with:
A. Occipital lobe processing
B. Muscle strength in the lower extremities
C. Cranial Nerve V (Trigeminal) function
D. Cerebellar function or proprioception
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The Romberg test assesses the patient’s ability to maintain an
upright posture with eyes closed. A positive result (loss of balance) suggests ataxia due to
vestibular dysfunction, cerebellar issues, or loss of proprioception.
6. When percussing the lungs of a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD), the nurse expects to hear:
A. Resonance
B. Dullness
