NSG 3160 EXAM 2 V1 | NSG 3160 HEALTH
ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. During a thoracic assessment, the nurse notes a dull percussion note over the lower right
lobe. Which condition is most consistent with this finding?
A. Pneumothorax
B. Emphysema
C. Asthma
D. Lobar pneumonia
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Dullness replaces resonance when fluid or solid tissue replaces
air-filled lung, as seen in pneumonia or pleural effusion.
2. The nurse is auscultating the heart sounds of a client. Where is the S1 sound typically heard
the loudest?
A. At the base of the heart
B. At the second right intercostal space
C. At the apex of the heart
,D. At the second left intercostal space
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: S1, the ‘lub’ sound caused by the closure of the AV valves, is
loudest at the apex of the heart.
3. In which order should the nurse perform the physical assessment of the abdomen?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
C. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
D. Percussion, Palpation, Inspection, Auscultation
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Auscultation is done before percussion and palpation to avoid
altering bowel sounds.
4. A nurse observes a ‘thrill’ while palpating the precordium. What does this finding indicate?
A. A normal heart rhythm
B. A pericardial friction rub
C. A loud heart murmur
D. A split S2 sound
Answer: C
, Conceptual Explanation: A thrill is a fine, palpable vibration that signifies turbulent blood
flow, usually associated with a murmur of grade IV or higher.
5. When assessing the peripheral vascular system, the nurse notes a 3+ pitting edema. How
deep is the indentation for this grade?
A. 2 mm
B. 6 mm
C. 4 mm
D. 8 mm
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: A 3+ edema is characterized by a deep pitting of approximately
6 mm that remains for a short time.
6. The nurse asks the patient to say ‘ninety-nine’ while palpating the posterior thorax. What
is the nurse assessing?
A. Diaphragmatic excursion
B. Crepitus
C. Tactile fremitus
D. Adventitious sounds
Answer: C
ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. During a thoracic assessment, the nurse notes a dull percussion note over the lower right
lobe. Which condition is most consistent with this finding?
A. Pneumothorax
B. Emphysema
C. Asthma
D. Lobar pneumonia
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Dullness replaces resonance when fluid or solid tissue replaces
air-filled lung, as seen in pneumonia or pleural effusion.
2. The nurse is auscultating the heart sounds of a client. Where is the S1 sound typically heard
the loudest?
A. At the base of the heart
B. At the second right intercostal space
C. At the apex of the heart
,D. At the second left intercostal space
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: S1, the ‘lub’ sound caused by the closure of the AV valves, is
loudest at the apex of the heart.
3. In which order should the nurse perform the physical assessment of the abdomen?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
C. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
D. Percussion, Palpation, Inspection, Auscultation
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Auscultation is done before percussion and palpation to avoid
altering bowel sounds.
4. A nurse observes a ‘thrill’ while palpating the precordium. What does this finding indicate?
A. A normal heart rhythm
B. A pericardial friction rub
C. A loud heart murmur
D. A split S2 sound
Answer: C
, Conceptual Explanation: A thrill is a fine, palpable vibration that signifies turbulent blood
flow, usually associated with a murmur of grade IV or higher.
5. When assessing the peripheral vascular system, the nurse notes a 3+ pitting edema. How
deep is the indentation for this grade?
A. 2 mm
B. 6 mm
C. 4 mm
D. 8 mm
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: A 3+ edema is characterized by a deep pitting of approximately
6 mm that remains for a short time.
6. The nurse asks the patient to say ‘ninety-nine’ while palpating the posterior thorax. What
is the nurse assessing?
A. Diaphragmatic excursion
B. Crepitus
C. Tactile fremitus
D. Adventitious sounds
Answer: C
