NSG 3160 EXAM 3 2026/2027 | HEALTH
ASSESSMENT | 40 VERIFIED Q&A | DETAILED
RATIONALES | NGN-ALIGNED | PASS
GUARANTEED – A+ GRADED
SECTION 1: CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM ASSESSMENT – Questions 1-15
Q1: Murmur Description
What does a murmur sound like?
A. High-pitched, clicking sound
B. Gentle, blowing, swooshing sound
C. Low-pitched, rumbling sound
D. Sharp, barking sound
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A murmur is a gentle, blowing, swooshing sound heard on auscultation. It is caused by
turbulent blood flow across a valve or through a narrowed vessel. Murmurs are best heard with the
bell of the stethoscope, which detects low-pitched sounds .
Q2: S3 Heart Sound
When does the S3 heart sound occur?
A. At the beginning of systole
B. During the rapid filling phase of the ventricles
C. Just before S1
D. During atrial contraction
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: S3 occurs when the ventricles are resistant to filling during the rapid filling phase. It
occurs directly after S2 and is a dull, soft, low-pitched sound described as "distant thunder." It is best
heard in a quiet room, at the apex, with the bell held lightly and the patient in the left lateral
position .
Q3: S4 Heart Sound
When does the S4 heart sound occur?
A. During the rapid filling phase
B. At the end of diastole, at presystole
, 2
C. Directly after S2
D. During ventricular ejection
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: S4 occurs at the end of diastole, at presystole, when the ventricle is resistant to filling.
The atria contract and push blood into a noncompliant ventricle. S4 occurs just before S1 and is a
very soft sound of very low pitch. It is best heard at the apex with the patient in the left lateral
position .
Q4: Hemodynamic Changes with Aging
What hemodynamic changes occur with aging?
A. Decreased systolic blood pressure
B. Increase in systolic BP, increase of supraventricular and ventricular dysrhythmias
C. Decreased cardiac output only
D. No changes occur with aging
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hemodynamic changes with aging include an increase in systolic blood pressure, an
increase in supraventricular and ventricular dysrhythmias, and changes in ECG. The heart size does
not change with age .
Q5: Heart Size with Aging
Does the heart size decrease or increase with age?
A. Decreases
B. Increases
C. Neither—the heart size does not change
D. Varies significantly by gender
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The heart size does not change with aging. While other hemodynamic changes occur, the
actual size of the heart remains stable .
Q6: Apical Impulse in Older Adults
Why might it be difficult to palpate the apical impulse of an older adult?
A. The heart is smaller
B. The chest often increases in anterior-posterior diameter with aging
C. The heart rate is slower
D. The patient is usually supine
Correct Answer: B