,UTA NURS 3320 Exam 3 | Holistic Health Assessment
(2026) Q&A
1. Which structure is assessed by palpating the temporal artery?
A) The pulse of the head
B) The facial lymph nodes
C) The thyroid gland
D) The parotid gland
Correct Answer: The pulse of the head
Rationale: The temporal artery is palpated anterior to the ear, over the temporal
bone, to assess the pulse of the head. It is commonly assessed in older adults for
temporal arteritis. Facial lymph nodes, the thyroid, and the parotid gland are separate
structures.
2. What is the primary function of the thyroid gland?
A) To regulate metabolism, growth, and development through thyroid hormones
B) To regulate calcium balance through parathyroid hormone
C) To regulate blood pressure through aldosterone
D) To regulate blood glucose through insulin
Correct Answer: To regulate metabolism, growth, and development through thyroid
hormones
Rationale: The thyroid gland produces thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3),
which regulate metabolism, growth, and development. The parathyroid glands
,regulate calcium, the adrenal cortex produces aldosterone, and the pancreas
produces insulin.
3. Which lymph nodes are located in the anterior cervical chain?
A) Nodes along the sternocleidomastoid muscle
B) Nodes in the tonsillar area
C) Nodes in the submental area
D) Nodes in the supraclavicular area
Correct Answer: Nodes along the sternocleidomastoid muscle
Rationale: The anterior cervical lymph nodes are located along the anterior border
of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The tonsillar nodes are located near the angle of
the jaw, the submental nodes are under the chin, and the supraclavicular nodes are
above the clavicle.
4. Which finding on palpation of the thyroid gland is most concerning?
A) A soft, symmetric gland
B) A single, hard, fixed nodule
C) Mild tenderness on palpation
D) A visible goiter
Correct Answer: A single, hard, fixed nodule
Rationale: A single, hard, fixed nodule in the thyroid gland is concerning for
malignancy and requires further evaluation. A soft, symmetric gland is normal. Mild
tenderness may suggest thyroiditis. Goiter may be benign or indicate thyroid
dysfunction.
, 5. What is the primary purpose of the Snellen chart?
A) To assess color vision
B) To measure visual acuity
C) To evaluate peripheral vision
D) To detect cataracts
Correct Answer: To measure visual acuity
Rationale: The Snellen chart is used to measure central visual acuity at a
standardized distance. It assesses the patient's ability to read letters of decreasing
size. Color vision is tested with Ishihara plates, and peripheral vision with
confrontation testing.
6. Which cranial nerve is responsible for controlling extraocular movements
downward and inward?
A) Cranial nerve III (oculomotor)
B) Cranial nerve IV (trochlear)
C) Cranial nerve VI (abducens)
D) Cranial nerve II (optic)
Correct Answer: Cranial nerve IV (trochlear)
Rationale: The trochlear nerve (CN IV) innervates the superior oblique muscle, which
depresses and intorts the eye, moving it downward and inward. CN III controls most
other extraocular muscles, and CN VI controls lateral rectus movement.
(2026) Q&A
1. Which structure is assessed by palpating the temporal artery?
A) The pulse of the head
B) The facial lymph nodes
C) The thyroid gland
D) The parotid gland
Correct Answer: The pulse of the head
Rationale: The temporal artery is palpated anterior to the ear, over the temporal
bone, to assess the pulse of the head. It is commonly assessed in older adults for
temporal arteritis. Facial lymph nodes, the thyroid, and the parotid gland are separate
structures.
2. What is the primary function of the thyroid gland?
A) To regulate metabolism, growth, and development through thyroid hormones
B) To regulate calcium balance through parathyroid hormone
C) To regulate blood pressure through aldosterone
D) To regulate blood glucose through insulin
Correct Answer: To regulate metabolism, growth, and development through thyroid
hormones
Rationale: The thyroid gland produces thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3),
which regulate metabolism, growth, and development. The parathyroid glands
,regulate calcium, the adrenal cortex produces aldosterone, and the pancreas
produces insulin.
3. Which lymph nodes are located in the anterior cervical chain?
A) Nodes along the sternocleidomastoid muscle
B) Nodes in the tonsillar area
C) Nodes in the submental area
D) Nodes in the supraclavicular area
Correct Answer: Nodes along the sternocleidomastoid muscle
Rationale: The anterior cervical lymph nodes are located along the anterior border
of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The tonsillar nodes are located near the angle of
the jaw, the submental nodes are under the chin, and the supraclavicular nodes are
above the clavicle.
4. Which finding on palpation of the thyroid gland is most concerning?
A) A soft, symmetric gland
B) A single, hard, fixed nodule
C) Mild tenderness on palpation
D) A visible goiter
Correct Answer: A single, hard, fixed nodule
Rationale: A single, hard, fixed nodule in the thyroid gland is concerning for
malignancy and requires further evaluation. A soft, symmetric gland is normal. Mild
tenderness may suggest thyroiditis. Goiter may be benign or indicate thyroid
dysfunction.
, 5. What is the primary purpose of the Snellen chart?
A) To assess color vision
B) To measure visual acuity
C) To evaluate peripheral vision
D) To detect cataracts
Correct Answer: To measure visual acuity
Rationale: The Snellen chart is used to measure central visual acuity at a
standardized distance. It assesses the patient's ability to read letters of decreasing
size. Color vision is tested with Ishihara plates, and peripheral vision with
confrontation testing.
6. Which cranial nerve is responsible for controlling extraocular movements
downward and inward?
A) Cranial nerve III (oculomotor)
B) Cranial nerve IV (trochlear)
C) Cranial nerve VI (abducens)
D) Cranial nerve II (optic)
Correct Answer: Cranial nerve IV (trochlear)
Rationale: The trochlear nerve (CN IV) innervates the superior oblique muscle, which
depresses and intorts the eye, moving it downward and inward. CN III controls most
other extraocular muscles, and CN VI controls lateral rectus movement.
