NSG 3160 HEALTH ASSESSMENT EXAM
2 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. During a respiratory assessment, the nurse notes increased tactile fremitus over the lower
right lobe. This finding is most consistent with which condition?
A. Lobar pneumonia
B. Pleural effusion
C. Pneumothorax
D. Emphysema
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Tactile fremitus increases with conditions that increase the
density of lung tissue, such as consolidation in pneumonia. Pneumothorax, pleural effusion,
and emphysema all decrease or obstruct the transmission of vibrations.
2. When auscultating the heart, the nurse identifies a blowing, swooshing sound heard best
at the left 2nd intercostal space. How should this be documented?
A. A systolic murmur at the aortic area
B. A systolic murmur at the pulmonic area
C. A diastolic murmur at the tricuspid area
,D. A friction rub at the mitral area
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The 2nd left intercostal space is the pulmonic area. A blowing,
swooshing sound indicates a murmur. Since it is not specified as diastolic or systolic, in a
test setting, location is the primary identifier.
3. The nurse is performing an abdominal assessment. Which is the correct sequence of
techniques to avoid altering bowel sounds?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D. Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: For the abdominal exam, auscultation is performed immediately
after inspection because percussion and palpation can increase peristalsis, leading to false-
positive bowel sounds.
4. A patient presents with sharp, stabbing chest pain that increases with deep inspiration and
coughing. The nurse suspects:
A. Myocardial infarction
B. Angina pectoris
, C. Pleuritis
D. Heart failure
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Pleuritic pain is typically sharp, knife-like, and aggravated by
deep breathing or coughing, which distinguishes it from cardiac pain.
5. Which cranial nerve is assessed by asking the patient to stick out their tongue and move it
from side to side?
A. CN IX (Glossopharyngeal)
B. CN X (Vagus)
C. CN VII (Facial)
D. CN XII (Hypoglossal)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) controls the motor function of
the tongue. Symmetry and strength are assessed by tongue movement.
6. During a breast exam, the nurse notes a single, firm, mobile, non-tender lump in a 22-year-
old female. This most likely represents:
A. Breast cancer
B. Fibrocystic disease
C. Mammary duct ectasia
2 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. During a respiratory assessment, the nurse notes increased tactile fremitus over the lower
right lobe. This finding is most consistent with which condition?
A. Lobar pneumonia
B. Pleural effusion
C. Pneumothorax
D. Emphysema
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Tactile fremitus increases with conditions that increase the
density of lung tissue, such as consolidation in pneumonia. Pneumothorax, pleural effusion,
and emphysema all decrease or obstruct the transmission of vibrations.
2. When auscultating the heart, the nurse identifies a blowing, swooshing sound heard best
at the left 2nd intercostal space. How should this be documented?
A. A systolic murmur at the aortic area
B. A systolic murmur at the pulmonic area
C. A diastolic murmur at the tricuspid area
,D. A friction rub at the mitral area
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The 2nd left intercostal space is the pulmonic area. A blowing,
swooshing sound indicates a murmur. Since it is not specified as diastolic or systolic, in a
test setting, location is the primary identifier.
3. The nurse is performing an abdominal assessment. Which is the correct sequence of
techniques to avoid altering bowel sounds?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D. Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: For the abdominal exam, auscultation is performed immediately
after inspection because percussion and palpation can increase peristalsis, leading to false-
positive bowel sounds.
4. A patient presents with sharp, stabbing chest pain that increases with deep inspiration and
coughing. The nurse suspects:
A. Myocardial infarction
B. Angina pectoris
, C. Pleuritis
D. Heart failure
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Pleuritic pain is typically sharp, knife-like, and aggravated by
deep breathing or coughing, which distinguishes it from cardiac pain.
5. Which cranial nerve is assessed by asking the patient to stick out their tongue and move it
from side to side?
A. CN IX (Glossopharyngeal)
B. CN X (Vagus)
C. CN VII (Facial)
D. CN XII (Hypoglossal)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) controls the motor function of
the tongue. Symmetry and strength are assessed by tongue movement.
6. During a breast exam, the nurse notes a single, firm, mobile, non-tender lump in a 22-year-
old female. This most likely represents:
A. Breast cancer
B. Fibrocystic disease
C. Mammary duct ectasia
