NURS 190 PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT -
WEEK 12 ADVANCED QUIZ 2026
1. When assessing a patient’s neurological status, the nurse notes a positive Babinski sign.
Which finding describes this accurately in an adult?
A. Plantar flexion of all toes
B. Dorsiflexion of the big toe with fanning of other toes
C. Flexion of the hip and knee in response to neck flexion
D. Rapid rhythmic contractions of the calf muscle
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In adults, a positive Babinski sign is abnormal and indicates
upper motor neuron disease; it consists of dorsiflexion of the great toe and fanning of the
other toes.
2. During a cardiac assessment, the nurse auscultates a low-pitched extra heart sound at the
apex during early diastole. This sound is most likely:
A. S4 (Atrial gallop)
B. S3 (Ventricular gallop)
C. Pericardial friction rub
,D. Systolic click
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: S3 occurs in early diastole during the rapid ventricular filling
phase and is often associated with heart failure or fluid overload in adults.
3. Which assessment technique is most appropriate to evaluate for a meniscus tear in the
knee?
A. Bulge sign
B. Lachman test
C. McMurray test
D. Ballottement
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The McMurray test is specifically used to evaluate for meniscus
tears by rotating the lower leg while extending the knee.
4. While assessing the abdomen, the nurse performs the Murphy sign. A positive result is
indicative of which condition?
A. Acute cholecystitis
B. Appendicitis
C. Splenomegaly
D. Ascites
, Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Murphy sign is performed by palpating the right upper
quadrant; inspiratory arrest due to pain indicates gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis).
5. The nurse asks the patient to identify a common object, such as a key, placed in their hand
while their eyes are closed. This tests:
A. Graphesthesia
B. Proprioception
C. Stereognosis
D. Two-point discrimination
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Stereognosis is the ability to recognize objects by feeling their
form, size, and weight with eyes closed.
6. When percussing the lungs of a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD), the nurse expects to hear:
A. Dullness
B. Resonance
C. Tympany
D. Hyperresonance
Answer: D
WEEK 12 ADVANCED QUIZ 2026
1. When assessing a patient’s neurological status, the nurse notes a positive Babinski sign.
Which finding describes this accurately in an adult?
A. Plantar flexion of all toes
B. Dorsiflexion of the big toe with fanning of other toes
C. Flexion of the hip and knee in response to neck flexion
D. Rapid rhythmic contractions of the calf muscle
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In adults, a positive Babinski sign is abnormal and indicates
upper motor neuron disease; it consists of dorsiflexion of the great toe and fanning of the
other toes.
2. During a cardiac assessment, the nurse auscultates a low-pitched extra heart sound at the
apex during early diastole. This sound is most likely:
A. S4 (Atrial gallop)
B. S3 (Ventricular gallop)
C. Pericardial friction rub
,D. Systolic click
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: S3 occurs in early diastole during the rapid ventricular filling
phase and is often associated with heart failure or fluid overload in adults.
3. Which assessment technique is most appropriate to evaluate for a meniscus tear in the
knee?
A. Bulge sign
B. Lachman test
C. McMurray test
D. Ballottement
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The McMurray test is specifically used to evaluate for meniscus
tears by rotating the lower leg while extending the knee.
4. While assessing the abdomen, the nurse performs the Murphy sign. A positive result is
indicative of which condition?
A. Acute cholecystitis
B. Appendicitis
C. Splenomegaly
D. Ascites
, Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Murphy sign is performed by palpating the right upper
quadrant; inspiratory arrest due to pain indicates gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis).
5. The nurse asks the patient to identify a common object, such as a key, placed in their hand
while their eyes are closed. This tests:
A. Graphesthesia
B. Proprioception
C. Stereognosis
D. Two-point discrimination
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Stereognosis is the ability to recognize objects by feeling their
form, size, and weight with eyes closed.
6. When percussing the lungs of a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD), the nurse expects to hear:
A. Dullness
B. Resonance
C. Tympany
D. Hyperresonance
Answer: D
