NSG 3160 HEALTH ASSESSMENT EXAM
2 V1 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. During a respiratory assessment, the nurse notes a coarse, low-pitched, snoring sound that
clears somewhat with coughing. How should the nurse document this finding?
A. Wheezes
B. Crackles
C. Rhonchi
D. Pleural friction rub
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Rhonchi (also known as sonorous wheezes) are low-pitched,
continuous sounds caused by secretions in the larger airways and often clear with
coughing, unlike crackles or high-pitched wheezes.
2. When auscultating the heart, the nurse identifies a sound occurring immediately after S2 at
the apex. This finding most likely represents:
A. S3 gallop
B. S4 gallop
,C. Aortic stenosis murmur
D. Normal S1 splitting
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: S3, or a ventricular gallop, occurs early in diastole right after S2
and is best heard at the apex; it is often associated with heart failure or fluid overload in
adults.
3. Which sequence should the nurse follow when performing a comprehensive physical
assessment of the abdomen?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
C. Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection
D. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In abdominal assessment, auscultation is performed before
percussion and palpation to avoid stimulating bowel sounds or causing pain that might
alter the results.
4. A patient presents with a ‘blowing’ sound heard over the carotid artery. This is known as a
bruit and indicates:
A. Hyperdynamic circulation
, B. Competent venous valves
C. Normal blood flow in the elderly
D. Vascular turbulence due to narrowing
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A bruit is a blowing or swishing sound indicating turbulent
blood flow, usually caused by atherosclerotic narrowing of the artery.
5. When assessing for tactile fremitus, the nurse should expect to feel the strongest
vibrations in which area?
A. Over the lung bases
B. Between the scapulae and around the sternum
C. Over the scapulae
D. Along the midaxillary line
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Tactile fremitus is most intense between the scapulae and
around the sternum where the major bronchi are closest to the chest wall.
6. The nurse is testing a patient’s cranial nerves and asks the patient to shrug their shoulders
against resistance. Which nerve is being assessed?
A. CN X (Vagus)
B. CN XII (Hypoglossal)
2 V1 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. During a respiratory assessment, the nurse notes a coarse, low-pitched, snoring sound that
clears somewhat with coughing. How should the nurse document this finding?
A. Wheezes
B. Crackles
C. Rhonchi
D. Pleural friction rub
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Rhonchi (also known as sonorous wheezes) are low-pitched,
continuous sounds caused by secretions in the larger airways and often clear with
coughing, unlike crackles or high-pitched wheezes.
2. When auscultating the heart, the nurse identifies a sound occurring immediately after S2 at
the apex. This finding most likely represents:
A. S3 gallop
B. S4 gallop
,C. Aortic stenosis murmur
D. Normal S1 splitting
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: S3, or a ventricular gallop, occurs early in diastole right after S2
and is best heard at the apex; it is often associated with heart failure or fluid overload in
adults.
3. Which sequence should the nurse follow when performing a comprehensive physical
assessment of the abdomen?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
C. Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection
D. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In abdominal assessment, auscultation is performed before
percussion and palpation to avoid stimulating bowel sounds or causing pain that might
alter the results.
4. A patient presents with a ‘blowing’ sound heard over the carotid artery. This is known as a
bruit and indicates:
A. Hyperdynamic circulation
, B. Competent venous valves
C. Normal blood flow in the elderly
D. Vascular turbulence due to narrowing
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A bruit is a blowing or swishing sound indicating turbulent
blood flow, usually caused by atherosclerotic narrowing of the artery.
5. When assessing for tactile fremitus, the nurse should expect to feel the strongest
vibrations in which area?
A. Over the lung bases
B. Between the scapulae and around the sternum
C. Over the scapulae
D. Along the midaxillary line
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Tactile fremitus is most intense between the scapulae and
around the sternum where the major bronchi are closest to the chest wall.
6. The nurse is testing a patient’s cranial nerves and asks the patient to shrug their shoulders
against resistance. Which nerve is being assessed?
A. CN X (Vagus)
B. CN XII (Hypoglossal)
