NSG 3160 HEALTH ASSESSMENT EXAM
2 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. When assessing the respiratory system of a patient with suspected pneumonia, the nurse
notes increased tactile fremitus. This finding is most consistent with:
A. Pneumothorax
B. Pleural effusion
C. Lung consolidation
D. Emphysema
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Tactile fremitus is increased in conditions where lung tissue is
consolidated, such as pneumonia, because sound travels better through solid/fluid-filled
tissue than air.
2. During a cardiac assessment, the nurse auscultates the second heart sound (S2). Which
physiological event is responsible for this sound?
A. Closure of the semilunar valves
B. Closure of the atrioventricular valves
C. Opening of the mitral valve
,D. Contraction of the ventricles
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The S2 heart sound signifies the closure of the semilunar valves
(aortic and pulmonic) at the beginning of diastole.
3. When performing an abdominal assessment, in which order should the nurse conduct the
examination steps?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Auscultation is performed immediately after inspection to
prevent false bowel sounds that might be induced by percussion or palpation.
4. A patient presents with a ‘bounding’ pulse. How should the nurse document this finding
using the standard pulse amplitude scale?
A. 3+
B. 2+
C. 1+
D. 4+
, Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: On the standard 0 to 3+ scale, 3+ represents a full, bounding
pulse. (Note: some scales use 4+, but 3+ is the common standard for bounding in many
assessment texts).
5. The nurse is testing a patient’s Cranial Nerve III, IV, and VI. Which assessment technique is
most appropriate?
A. Checking the cardinal fields of gaze
B. Assessing visual acuity with a Snellen chart
C. Testing the gag reflex
D. Asking the patient to shrug their shoulders against resistance
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Cranial nerves III (Oculomotor), IV (Trochlear), and VI
(Abducens) control extraocular muscle movements, tested via the six cardinal fields of
gaze.
6. Which breath sound is considered normal when heard over the majority of the peripheral
lung fields?
A. Bronchial
B. Vesicular
C. Bronchovesicular
2 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. When assessing the respiratory system of a patient with suspected pneumonia, the nurse
notes increased tactile fremitus. This finding is most consistent with:
A. Pneumothorax
B. Pleural effusion
C. Lung consolidation
D. Emphysema
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Tactile fremitus is increased in conditions where lung tissue is
consolidated, such as pneumonia, because sound travels better through solid/fluid-filled
tissue than air.
2. During a cardiac assessment, the nurse auscultates the second heart sound (S2). Which
physiological event is responsible for this sound?
A. Closure of the semilunar valves
B. Closure of the atrioventricular valves
C. Opening of the mitral valve
,D. Contraction of the ventricles
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The S2 heart sound signifies the closure of the semilunar valves
(aortic and pulmonic) at the beginning of diastole.
3. When performing an abdominal assessment, in which order should the nurse conduct the
examination steps?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Auscultation is performed immediately after inspection to
prevent false bowel sounds that might be induced by percussion or palpation.
4. A patient presents with a ‘bounding’ pulse. How should the nurse document this finding
using the standard pulse amplitude scale?
A. 3+
B. 2+
C. 1+
D. 4+
, Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: On the standard 0 to 3+ scale, 3+ represents a full, bounding
pulse. (Note: some scales use 4+, but 3+ is the common standard for bounding in many
assessment texts).
5. The nurse is testing a patient’s Cranial Nerve III, IV, and VI. Which assessment technique is
most appropriate?
A. Checking the cardinal fields of gaze
B. Assessing visual acuity with a Snellen chart
C. Testing the gag reflex
D. Asking the patient to shrug their shoulders against resistance
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Cranial nerves III (Oculomotor), IV (Trochlear), and VI
(Abducens) control extraocular muscle movements, tested via the six cardinal fields of
gaze.
6. Which breath sound is considered normal when heard over the majority of the peripheral
lung fields?
A. Bronchial
B. Vesicular
C. Bronchovesicular
