,NSG 316 Exam 3 Health Assessment Questions And Answers
2026/2027 Grand
canyon university
Q1. Which position is generally appropriate when assessing the
jugular venous pulse?
A. Supine with the head completely flat
B. Head of bed elevated approximately 30° to 45°
C. Prone with the head turned
D. Standing with the arms elevated
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed to approximately 30° to 45° helps
the nurse visualize jugular venous pulsations and assess venous pressure.
Q2. Which side of the neck is generally preferred when assessing
jugular venous pressure?
A. Right side
B. Left side
C. Either side is always identical
D. Posterior neck
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The right internal jugular vein provides a relatively direct
pathway to the right atrium and is commonly used for assessment of jugular
venous pressure.
Q3. Which finding suggests jugular venous distention?
A. Visible venous pulsation above the expected level when the client is
appropriately positioned
B. A normal carotid pulse
C. A barely visible radial pulse
D. Bilateral ankle pulses of 2+
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Elevated jugular venous pressure can produce distention of the
jugular veins and may indicate increased right-sided cardiac pressure.
**Q4. Which assessment technique should be used for the carotid artery?
, A. Inspect and palpate one side at a time
B. Palpate both carotid arteries simultaneously
C. Use deep abdominal palpation
D. Auscultate only without palpation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Both carotid arteries should not be palpated simultaneously
because doing so can reduce cerebral blood flow.
**Q5. Where should the nurse auscultate for a carotid bruit?
A. Over the carotid artery
B. Over the radial artery
C. Over the femoral vein
D. Over the apex of the heart
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A bruit is an abnormal vascular sound caused by turbulent blood
flow and can be detected by auscultating over the carotid artery.
**Q6. What should the nurse do before palpating a client's carotid artery
when a bruit is suspected?
A. Auscultate for a bruit first
B. Compress the artery firmly
C. Palpate both sides simultaneously
D. Have the client exercise
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A bruit should be assessed before vigorous palpation because
pressure over a diseased carotid artery could potentially dislodge plaque or
alter cerebral blood flow.
**Q7. Which finding is considered a normal carotid pulse?
A. Bilaterally equal, smooth pulsations
B. Absent pulsation
C. Severe unilateral delay
D. Bounding pulsations with a bruit in every client
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Carotid pulses should generally be palpable bilaterally and
relatively equal in amplitude.
2026/2027 Grand
canyon university
Q1. Which position is generally appropriate when assessing the
jugular venous pulse?
A. Supine with the head completely flat
B. Head of bed elevated approximately 30° to 45°
C. Prone with the head turned
D. Standing with the arms elevated
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed to approximately 30° to 45° helps
the nurse visualize jugular venous pulsations and assess venous pressure.
Q2. Which side of the neck is generally preferred when assessing
jugular venous pressure?
A. Right side
B. Left side
C. Either side is always identical
D. Posterior neck
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The right internal jugular vein provides a relatively direct
pathway to the right atrium and is commonly used for assessment of jugular
venous pressure.
Q3. Which finding suggests jugular venous distention?
A. Visible venous pulsation above the expected level when the client is
appropriately positioned
B. A normal carotid pulse
C. A barely visible radial pulse
D. Bilateral ankle pulses of 2+
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Elevated jugular venous pressure can produce distention of the
jugular veins and may indicate increased right-sided cardiac pressure.
**Q4. Which assessment technique should be used for the carotid artery?
, A. Inspect and palpate one side at a time
B. Palpate both carotid arteries simultaneously
C. Use deep abdominal palpation
D. Auscultate only without palpation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Both carotid arteries should not be palpated simultaneously
because doing so can reduce cerebral blood flow.
**Q5. Where should the nurse auscultate for a carotid bruit?
A. Over the carotid artery
B. Over the radial artery
C. Over the femoral vein
D. Over the apex of the heart
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A bruit is an abnormal vascular sound caused by turbulent blood
flow and can be detected by auscultating over the carotid artery.
**Q6. What should the nurse do before palpating a client's carotid artery
when a bruit is suspected?
A. Auscultate for a bruit first
B. Compress the artery firmly
C. Palpate both sides simultaneously
D. Have the client exercise
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A bruit should be assessed before vigorous palpation because
pressure over a diseased carotid artery could potentially dislodge plaque or
alter cerebral blood flow.
**Q7. Which finding is considered a normal carotid pulse?
A. Bilaterally equal, smooth pulsations
B. Absent pulsation
C. Severe unilateral delay
D. Bounding pulsations with a bruit in every client
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Carotid pulses should generally be palpable bilaterally and
relatively equal in amplitude.
