NSG 316 Final Exam Health
Assessment Nursing Grand
Canyon University (GCU)
2026/2027 Update – Questions
and Verified Rationales Test
Bank Guaranteed Pass
(GRADED A+)
Question 1
When obtaining a health history, which component is typically
documented first?
A. Review of systems
B. Family history
C. Chief complaint
D. Past medical history
Answer: C. Chief complaint
Rationale: The chief complaint is the primary reason the patient
is seeking care and is generally documented first in the health
history.
,Question 2
Which assessment technique should the nurse perform first
during a physical examination?
A. Palpation
B. Percussion
C. Auscultation
D. Inspection
Answer: D. Inspection
Rationale: Inspection is performed first because it provides
initial information without altering assessment findings.
Question 3
A pulse deficit is determined by comparing which two pulse
rates?
A. Apical and radial
B. Femoral and radial
C. Carotid and apical
D. Brachial and femoral
Answer: A. Apical and radial
Rationale: A pulse deficit occurs when the apical pulse exceeds
the radial pulse, indicating ineffective cardiac contractions.
Question 4
,Which finding is considered a normal adult respiratory rate?
A. 8–10 breaths/minute
B. 12–20 breaths/minute
C. 22–28 breaths/minute
D. 30–36 breaths/minute
Answer: B. 12–20 breaths/minute
Rationale: The normal respiratory rate for healthy adults ranges
from 12 to 20 breaths per minute.
Question 5
The nurse notes a bluish discoloration of the lips and nail beds.
This finding is known as:
A. Pallor
B. Jaundice
C. Cyanosis
D. Erythema
Answer: C. Cyanosis
Rationale: Cyanosis indicates inadequate oxygenation resulting
in a bluish appearance of the skin and mucous membranes.
Question 6
Which structure is responsible for hearing and balance?
, A. Cochlea and vestibular apparatus
B. Tympanic membrane only
C. External auditory canal
D. Eustachian tube
Answer: A. Cochlea and vestibular apparatus
Rationale: The cochlea functions in hearing, while the
vestibular apparatus is responsible for balance.
Question 7
A normal finding during inspection of the tympanic membrane
is:
A. Bulging membrane
B. Perforation
C. Pearly gray appearance
D. Bright red coloration
Answer: C. Pearly gray appearance
Rationale: A healthy tympanic membrane appears shiny,
translucent, and pearly gray.
Question 8
Which cranial nerve is primarily assessed by testing visual
acuity?
Assessment Nursing Grand
Canyon University (GCU)
2026/2027 Update – Questions
and Verified Rationales Test
Bank Guaranteed Pass
(GRADED A+)
Question 1
When obtaining a health history, which component is typically
documented first?
A. Review of systems
B. Family history
C. Chief complaint
D. Past medical history
Answer: C. Chief complaint
Rationale: The chief complaint is the primary reason the patient
is seeking care and is generally documented first in the health
history.
,Question 2
Which assessment technique should the nurse perform first
during a physical examination?
A. Palpation
B. Percussion
C. Auscultation
D. Inspection
Answer: D. Inspection
Rationale: Inspection is performed first because it provides
initial information without altering assessment findings.
Question 3
A pulse deficit is determined by comparing which two pulse
rates?
A. Apical and radial
B. Femoral and radial
C. Carotid and apical
D. Brachial and femoral
Answer: A. Apical and radial
Rationale: A pulse deficit occurs when the apical pulse exceeds
the radial pulse, indicating ineffective cardiac contractions.
Question 4
,Which finding is considered a normal adult respiratory rate?
A. 8–10 breaths/minute
B. 12–20 breaths/minute
C. 22–28 breaths/minute
D. 30–36 breaths/minute
Answer: B. 12–20 breaths/minute
Rationale: The normal respiratory rate for healthy adults ranges
from 12 to 20 breaths per minute.
Question 5
The nurse notes a bluish discoloration of the lips and nail beds.
This finding is known as:
A. Pallor
B. Jaundice
C. Cyanosis
D. Erythema
Answer: C. Cyanosis
Rationale: Cyanosis indicates inadequate oxygenation resulting
in a bluish appearance of the skin and mucous membranes.
Question 6
Which structure is responsible for hearing and balance?
, A. Cochlea and vestibular apparatus
B. Tympanic membrane only
C. External auditory canal
D. Eustachian tube
Answer: A. Cochlea and vestibular apparatus
Rationale: The cochlea functions in hearing, while the
vestibular apparatus is responsible for balance.
Question 7
A normal finding during inspection of the tympanic membrane
is:
A. Bulging membrane
B. Perforation
C. Pearly gray appearance
D. Bright red coloration
Answer: C. Pearly gray appearance
Rationale: A healthy tympanic membrane appears shiny,
translucent, and pearly gray.
Question 8
Which cranial nerve is primarily assessed by testing visual
acuity?
