NURS 5220 ADVANCED HEALTH
ASSESSMENT FINAL EXAM PREP
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
WITH EXPLANATIONS JUST RELEASED
1. When assessing a patient with suspected aortic stenosis, where is the murmur typically
best heard and where does it radiate?
A. Second left intercostal space radiating to the left axilla
B. Apex radiating to the left axilla
C. Fourth left intercostal space radiating to the sternum
D. Second right intercostal space radiating to the carotid arteries
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Aortic stenosis is a mid-systolic ejection murmur best heard at
the second right intercostal space (aortic area) and typically radiates to the carotids.
2. A patient presents with a ‘curtain-like’ loss of vision in one eye. This finding is most
characteristic of which condition?
A. Macular degeneration
B. Acute angle-closure glaucoma
C. Retinal detachment
,D. Cataracts
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Retinal detachment often presents as a sudden, painless loss of
vision described as a ‘curtain’ or ‘shade’ being pulled over the eye.
3. During a physical exam, a positive Murphy’s sign is most indicative of which inflammatory
process?
A. Appendicitis
B. Pancreatitis
C. Acute cholecystitis
D. Diverticulitis
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Murphy’s sign is checked by palpating the right upper quadrant
while the patient inhales; sudden cessation of inspiration due to pain is positive for
cholecystitis.
4. Which cranial nerve is primarily responsible for the motor function of the tongue?
A. CN IX (Glossopharyngeal)
B. CN X (Vagus)
C. CN XII (Hypoglossal)
D. CN XI (Spinal Accessory)
, Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) provides motor innervation to
the muscles of the tongue.
5. While performing a respiratory assessment, the nurse practitioner notes increased tactile
fremitus over the right lower lobe. This finding suggests:
A. Pneumothorax
B. Pleural effusion
C. Lobar pneumonia
D. Emphysema
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Tactile fremitus is increased in conditions where lung tissue is
consolidated, such as lobar pneumonia, because sound travels better through solid/liquid
than air.
6. In a geriatric patient, which finding is considered a normal age-related change in the
cardiovascular system?
A. Decreased systolic blood pressure
B. Increased sensitivity to catecholamines
C. Increased stiffness of the large arteries
D. Decreased left ventricular wall thickness
ASSESSMENT FINAL EXAM PREP
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
WITH EXPLANATIONS JUST RELEASED
1. When assessing a patient with suspected aortic stenosis, where is the murmur typically
best heard and where does it radiate?
A. Second left intercostal space radiating to the left axilla
B. Apex radiating to the left axilla
C. Fourth left intercostal space radiating to the sternum
D. Second right intercostal space radiating to the carotid arteries
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Aortic stenosis is a mid-systolic ejection murmur best heard at
the second right intercostal space (aortic area) and typically radiates to the carotids.
2. A patient presents with a ‘curtain-like’ loss of vision in one eye. This finding is most
characteristic of which condition?
A. Macular degeneration
B. Acute angle-closure glaucoma
C. Retinal detachment
,D. Cataracts
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Retinal detachment often presents as a sudden, painless loss of
vision described as a ‘curtain’ or ‘shade’ being pulled over the eye.
3. During a physical exam, a positive Murphy’s sign is most indicative of which inflammatory
process?
A. Appendicitis
B. Pancreatitis
C. Acute cholecystitis
D. Diverticulitis
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Murphy’s sign is checked by palpating the right upper quadrant
while the patient inhales; sudden cessation of inspiration due to pain is positive for
cholecystitis.
4. Which cranial nerve is primarily responsible for the motor function of the tongue?
A. CN IX (Glossopharyngeal)
B. CN X (Vagus)
C. CN XII (Hypoglossal)
D. CN XI (Spinal Accessory)
, Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) provides motor innervation to
the muscles of the tongue.
5. While performing a respiratory assessment, the nurse practitioner notes increased tactile
fremitus over the right lower lobe. This finding suggests:
A. Pneumothorax
B. Pleural effusion
C. Lobar pneumonia
D. Emphysema
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Tactile fremitus is increased in conditions where lung tissue is
consolidated, such as lobar pneumonia, because sound travels better through solid/liquid
than air.
6. In a geriatric patient, which finding is considered a normal age-related change in the
cardiovascular system?
A. Decreased systolic blood pressure
B. Increased sensitivity to catecholamines
C. Increased stiffness of the large arteries
D. Decreased left ventricular wall thickness
