NR 509 Advanced Physical
Assessment Final Exam 2026/2027
– Questions and Answers | 100%
Verified | Detailed Rationales – Pass
Guaranteed – Already Graded A+
(Instant Download pdf)
1. Inspection is the first step in the physical exam because:
Answer: It provides 80–90% of diagnostic clues.
Rationale: Observation of symmetry, color, and movement before
touching the patient yields the majority of diagnostic information.
2. The correct order of abdominal assessment is:
Answer: Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation.
Rationale: Auscultation is performed before percussion and
palpation to avoid altering bowel sounds.
3. Normal respiratory rate in adults is:
,Answer: 12–20 breaths/min.
Rationale: Tachypnea is defined as >24 breaths/min; bradypnea
is <10 breaths/min.
4. Pulse pressure is calculated as:
Answer: Systolic minus Diastolic.
Rationale: A widened pulse pressure (>60) is seen in aortic
regurgitation; a narrowed pulse pressure (<25) is seen in shock.
5. Korotkoff phase I represents:
Answer: The first tapping sound (systolic pressure).
Rationale: Phase V (disappearance of sound) represents diastolic
pressure in adults.
6. BMI categories (WHO) are defined as:
Answer: 18.5–24.9 normal; 25–29.9 overweight; ≥30 obese.
Rationale: These are the standard WHO classifications for body
mass index.
,7. Pain assessment using the PQRST mnemonic evaluates:
Answer: Provocation, Quality, Region, Severity, Timing.
Rationale: OLDCARTS is used for a comprehensive History of
Present Illness.
8. The Weber test lateralizes to the affected ear in:
Answer: Conductive hearing loss.
Rationale: In sensorineural hearing loss, the Weber test lateralizes
to the better-hearing ear (Rinne: AC > BC is normal).
9. Visual acuity screening uses:
Answer: Snellen chart at 6 meters (20 feet).
Rationale: Normal is 6/6 (20/20); referral is indicated if <6/12.
10. The 6 cardinal positions of gaze test which cranial nerves?
Answer: CN III, IV, and VI.
Rationale: These positions assess extraocular muscle function;
nystagmus or diplopia warrants neuro referral.
, 11. Normal pupillary light reflex involves:
Answer: Direct and consensual constriction.
Rationale: Absence indicates a CN II or CN III lesion.
12. The tuning fork frequency for hearing assessment is:
Answer: 512 Hz.
Rationale: A 256 Hz tuning fork is used for vibration sense
testing.
13. Dullness on lung percussion indicates:
Answer: Consolidation (pneumonia) or fluid (pleural effusion).
Rationale: Hyperresonance would be expected with
pneumothorax or emphysema.
14. The point of maximal impulse (PMI) is normally palpated at:
Answer: The 5th intercostal space, midclavicular line.
Assessment Final Exam 2026/2027
– Questions and Answers | 100%
Verified | Detailed Rationales – Pass
Guaranteed – Already Graded A+
(Instant Download pdf)
1. Inspection is the first step in the physical exam because:
Answer: It provides 80–90% of diagnostic clues.
Rationale: Observation of symmetry, color, and movement before
touching the patient yields the majority of diagnostic information.
2. The correct order of abdominal assessment is:
Answer: Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation.
Rationale: Auscultation is performed before percussion and
palpation to avoid altering bowel sounds.
3. Normal respiratory rate in adults is:
,Answer: 12–20 breaths/min.
Rationale: Tachypnea is defined as >24 breaths/min; bradypnea
is <10 breaths/min.
4. Pulse pressure is calculated as:
Answer: Systolic minus Diastolic.
Rationale: A widened pulse pressure (>60) is seen in aortic
regurgitation; a narrowed pulse pressure (<25) is seen in shock.
5. Korotkoff phase I represents:
Answer: The first tapping sound (systolic pressure).
Rationale: Phase V (disappearance of sound) represents diastolic
pressure in adults.
6. BMI categories (WHO) are defined as:
Answer: 18.5–24.9 normal; 25–29.9 overweight; ≥30 obese.
Rationale: These are the standard WHO classifications for body
mass index.
,7. Pain assessment using the PQRST mnemonic evaluates:
Answer: Provocation, Quality, Region, Severity, Timing.
Rationale: OLDCARTS is used for a comprehensive History of
Present Illness.
8. The Weber test lateralizes to the affected ear in:
Answer: Conductive hearing loss.
Rationale: In sensorineural hearing loss, the Weber test lateralizes
to the better-hearing ear (Rinne: AC > BC is normal).
9. Visual acuity screening uses:
Answer: Snellen chart at 6 meters (20 feet).
Rationale: Normal is 6/6 (20/20); referral is indicated if <6/12.
10. The 6 cardinal positions of gaze test which cranial nerves?
Answer: CN III, IV, and VI.
Rationale: These positions assess extraocular muscle function;
nystagmus or diplopia warrants neuro referral.
, 11. Normal pupillary light reflex involves:
Answer: Direct and consensual constriction.
Rationale: Absence indicates a CN II or CN III lesion.
12. The tuning fork frequency for hearing assessment is:
Answer: 512 Hz.
Rationale: A 256 Hz tuning fork is used for vibration sense
testing.
13. Dullness on lung percussion indicates:
Answer: Consolidation (pneumonia) or fluid (pleural effusion).
Rationale: Hyperresonance would be expected with
pneumothorax or emphysema.
14. The point of maximal impulse (PMI) is normally palpated at:
Answer: The 5th intercostal space, midclavicular line.
