NU 650 ADVANCED HEALTH
ASSESSMENT MIDTERM EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. During a comprehensive physical examination, which technique is most appropriate for
assessing the density of underlying tissues in the lungs?
A. Percussion
B. Auscultation
C. Inspection
D. Palpation
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Percussion involves tapping the body surface to produce
vibrations and sound waves, which help determine the density (air, fluid, or solid) of the
underlying tissue.
2. A 45-year-old patient presents with a suspicious skin lesion. Which characteristic is most
indicative of malignant melanoma according to the ABCDE criteria?
A. Evolution or change in size, shape, or color
B. Uniformity in color throughout the lesion
,C. Symmetrical borders
D. Diameter less than 6 mm
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The ‘E’ in ABCDE stands for Evolution, representing any change
in a mole’s size, shape, symptoms, or color, which is a significant warning sign for
melanoma.
3. When assessing Cranial Nerve III (Oculomotor), which finding would indicate a potential
deficit?
A. Loss of smell
B. Ptosis of the eyelid
C. Inability to clench teeth
D. Lateral deviation of the eye at rest
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The Oculomotor nerve (CN III) is responsible for elevating the
eyelid; ptosis (drooping) indicates dysfunction.
4. Which heart sound is considered a pathological finding in an adult over the age of 40 and
often indicates heart failure?
A. S3
B. S2
, C. S1
D. Split S2 during inspiration
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: While normal in children and athletes, an S3 gallop in older
adults often signifies decreased ventricular compliance or fluid overload, as seen in heart
failure.
5. During an abdominal assessment, a positive Murphy’s sign is highly suggestive of which
condition?
A. Acute Appendicitis
B. Splenomegaly
C. Acute Cholecystitis
D. Nephrolithiasis
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Murphy’s sign is elicited by palpating the gallbladder area while
the patient inhales; a sharp halt in inspiration due to pain is indicative of cholecystitis.
6. A patient complains of a ‘tearing’ pain in the chest that radiates to the back. Which life-
threatening condition should the provider prioritize?
A. Aortic Dissection
B. Pulmonary Embolism
ASSESSMENT MIDTERM EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. During a comprehensive physical examination, which technique is most appropriate for
assessing the density of underlying tissues in the lungs?
A. Percussion
B. Auscultation
C. Inspection
D. Palpation
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Percussion involves tapping the body surface to produce
vibrations and sound waves, which help determine the density (air, fluid, or solid) of the
underlying tissue.
2. A 45-year-old patient presents with a suspicious skin lesion. Which characteristic is most
indicative of malignant melanoma according to the ABCDE criteria?
A. Evolution or change in size, shape, or color
B. Uniformity in color throughout the lesion
,C. Symmetrical borders
D. Diameter less than 6 mm
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The ‘E’ in ABCDE stands for Evolution, representing any change
in a mole’s size, shape, symptoms, or color, which is a significant warning sign for
melanoma.
3. When assessing Cranial Nerve III (Oculomotor), which finding would indicate a potential
deficit?
A. Loss of smell
B. Ptosis of the eyelid
C. Inability to clench teeth
D. Lateral deviation of the eye at rest
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The Oculomotor nerve (CN III) is responsible for elevating the
eyelid; ptosis (drooping) indicates dysfunction.
4. Which heart sound is considered a pathological finding in an adult over the age of 40 and
often indicates heart failure?
A. S3
B. S2
, C. S1
D. Split S2 during inspiration
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: While normal in children and athletes, an S3 gallop in older
adults often signifies decreased ventricular compliance or fluid overload, as seen in heart
failure.
5. During an abdominal assessment, a positive Murphy’s sign is highly suggestive of which
condition?
A. Acute Appendicitis
B. Splenomegaly
C. Acute Cholecystitis
D. Nephrolithiasis
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Murphy’s sign is elicited by palpating the gallbladder area while
the patient inhales; a sharp halt in inspiration due to pain is indicative of cholecystitis.
6. A patient complains of a ‘tearing’ pain in the chest that radiates to the back. Which life-
threatening condition should the provider prioritize?
A. Aortic Dissection
B. Pulmonary Embolism
