NURS 5220 ADVANCED HEALTH
ASSESSMENT AND
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY EXAM REVIEW
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT VERIFIED
ANSWERS | GURANTEED A+
1. A 65-year-old patient presents with new-onset exertional dyspnea and a third heart sound
(S3). What is the most likely underlying pathophysiological mechanism?
A. Reduced compliance of the left ventricle during atrial contraction
B. Turbulent blood flow across a stenotic aortic valve
C. Delayed closure of the pulmonic valve
D. Increased ventricular filling pressure and volume overload
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: An S3 heart sound, or ventricular gallop, is often a sign of fluid
overload or heart failure, occurring during the rapid filling phase of diastole due to
increased ventricular filling pressure.
2. During a musculoskeletal exam, a patient shows a positive Lachman test. Which structure
is most likely injured?
A. Medial collateral ligament (MCL)
,B. Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)
C. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
D. Medial meniscus
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The Lachman test is the most sensitive clinical test for detecting
an ACL tear, indicated by increased anterior translation of the tibia compared to the femur.
3. A patient exhibits a positive Murphy’s sign. Which condition is most likely?
A. Acute appendicitis
B. Acute cholecystitis
C. Acute pyelonephritis
D. Acute pancreatitis
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Murphy’s sign is performed by palpating the right upper
quadrant while the patient inhales; a positive result is a sudden halt in inspiration due to
pain, suggesting gallbladder inflammation.
4. Which cranial nerve is primarily responsible for the motor component of the corneal
reflex?
A. Cranial Nerve III (Oculomotor)
B. Cranial Nerve V (Trigeminal)
, C. Cranial Nerve VII (Facial)
D. Cranial Nerve VI (Abducens)
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: While CN V (Trigeminal) provides the sensory limb of the
corneal reflex, CN VII (Facial) provides the motor limb responsible for closing the eyelid.
5. An elderly patient presents with a ‘stiff-legged’ gait and hyperreflexia. This most likely
indicates a lesion in which location?
A. Lower motor neuron
B. Basal ganglia
C. Cerebellum
D. Upper motor neuron
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Upper motor neuron lesions are characterized by spasticity (stiff
gait), hyperreflexia, and positive Babinski signs, unlike lower motor neuron lesions which
cause flaccidity and hyporeflexia.
6. When percussing the lungs of a patient with a large pleural effusion, what sound is
expected?
A. Resonance
B. Dullness to flatness
ASSESSMENT AND
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY EXAM REVIEW
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT VERIFIED
ANSWERS | GURANTEED A+
1. A 65-year-old patient presents with new-onset exertional dyspnea and a third heart sound
(S3). What is the most likely underlying pathophysiological mechanism?
A. Reduced compliance of the left ventricle during atrial contraction
B. Turbulent blood flow across a stenotic aortic valve
C. Delayed closure of the pulmonic valve
D. Increased ventricular filling pressure and volume overload
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: An S3 heart sound, or ventricular gallop, is often a sign of fluid
overload or heart failure, occurring during the rapid filling phase of diastole due to
increased ventricular filling pressure.
2. During a musculoskeletal exam, a patient shows a positive Lachman test. Which structure
is most likely injured?
A. Medial collateral ligament (MCL)
,B. Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)
C. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
D. Medial meniscus
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The Lachman test is the most sensitive clinical test for detecting
an ACL tear, indicated by increased anterior translation of the tibia compared to the femur.
3. A patient exhibits a positive Murphy’s sign. Which condition is most likely?
A. Acute appendicitis
B. Acute cholecystitis
C. Acute pyelonephritis
D. Acute pancreatitis
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Murphy’s sign is performed by palpating the right upper
quadrant while the patient inhales; a positive result is a sudden halt in inspiration due to
pain, suggesting gallbladder inflammation.
4. Which cranial nerve is primarily responsible for the motor component of the corneal
reflex?
A. Cranial Nerve III (Oculomotor)
B. Cranial Nerve V (Trigeminal)
, C. Cranial Nerve VII (Facial)
D. Cranial Nerve VI (Abducens)
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: While CN V (Trigeminal) provides the sensory limb of the
corneal reflex, CN VII (Facial) provides the motor limb responsible for closing the eyelid.
5. An elderly patient presents with a ‘stiff-legged’ gait and hyperreflexia. This most likely
indicates a lesion in which location?
A. Lower motor neuron
B. Basal ganglia
C. Cerebellum
D. Upper motor neuron
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Upper motor neuron lesions are characterized by spasticity (stiff
gait), hyperreflexia, and positive Babinski signs, unlike lower motor neuron lesions which
cause flaccidity and hyporeflexia.
6. When percussing the lungs of a patient with a large pleural effusion, what sound is
expected?
A. Resonance
B. Dullness to flatness
