Galen College of Nursing | NSG 3160 Health Assessment
Galen NSG 3160 Health Assessment Examination 2 -
2026/2027 | Verified Questions
Galen College of Nursing | Health Assessment | Professional Nursing Candidates
250 Verified Questions | 6 Core Domains | Academic Year 2026/2027
Prepared by
Galen College of Nursing | NSG 3160 Health Assessment
Examination 2 Actual Exam | Academic Year 2026/2027
Galen NSG 3160 Health Assessment Examination 2 - 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
,INTRODUCTION
This document contains 250 original verified questions that comprehensively cover the full NSG 3160 Examination 2. The
content is organized across six core domains: Health Assessment Fundamentals & Data Collection; Mental Status Assessment;
HEENT, Skin, Hair & Nails Assessment; Respiratory & Cardiovascular Assessment; Abdominal & Neurological Assessment;
and Clinical Judgment, Prioritization & Documentation. Each domain contains questions designed to reinforce the official
Galen College of Nursing NSG 3160 Health Assessment course objectives for actual exam readiness and health assessment
proficiency, aligned to the 2026/2027 academic year. Questions emphasize assessment techniques, normal versus abnormal
findings, clinical judgment, and documentation standards consistent with foundational health assessment methodology and
the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model.
ACTUAL QUESTIONS
Domain 1: Health Assessment Fundamentals & Data Collection
Question 1. Which type of data is obtained when a client reports a headache?
A. Pale skin observed by the nurse
B. Client statement of headache intensity
C. Blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg
D. Heart rate of 88 beats/min
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Client-reported symptoms are subjective data; observations and measurements by the nurse are objective.
Question 2. The correct sequence for physical examination of most body systems is:
A. Palpation, inspection, auscultation, percussion
B. Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation
C. Auscultation, palpation, inspection, percussion
D. Percussion, auscultation, inspection, palpation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Standard sequence is inspection, palpation, percussion, then auscultation, except for the abdomen.
Question 3. For abdominal assessment the correct sequence is:
A. Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation
B. Inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation
C. Palpation first to locate organs
D. Auscultation only
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Auscultation precedes palpation and percussion so that bowel sounds are not altered by manipulation.
Question 4. Which component is part of the general survey?
A. Detailed cranial nerve testing
B. Overall appearance, behavior, posture, and mobility
C. Complete blood count results
D. Family pedigree chart only
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The general survey includes appearance, behavior, body structure, mobility, and overall condition.
Question 5. An ectomorphic body habitus is characterized by:
A. Stocky, rounded build
B. Slender, linear build with relatively long limbs
C. Excessive adipose tissue concentrated centrally
D. Short limbs and broad trunk
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Ectomorphic habitus describes a slender, linear physique with long limbs relative to trunk.
Question 6. Which finding during the general survey requires priority follow-up?
A. Client smiling and making eye contact
B. Facial drooping noted on one side of the face
C. Client sitting upright comfortably
D. Symmetric facial features
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Acute facial drooping suggests possible neurologic deficit and requires prompt further assessment.
Galen NSG 3160 Health Assessment Examination 2 - 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
,Question 7. Before measuring blood pressure the nurse should:
A. Have the client walk briskly for 5 minutes
B. Allow the client to rest quietly for several minutes
C. Apply the cuff over clothing
D. Inflate the cuff to 300 mm Hg routinely
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Resting for several minutes before measurement improves accuracy by reducing activity-related elevation.
Question 8. A blood pressure cuff that is too small will produce a reading that is:
A. Falsely low
B. Falsely high
C. Always accurate
D. Unobtainable
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: An undersized cuff requires higher pressure to occlude the artery, yielding a falsely high reading.
Question 9. Which statement correctly distinguishes subjective from objective data?
A. Objective data are what the client says; subjective data are what the nurse observes
B. Subjective data are client-reported; objective data are nurse-observed or measured
C. Both are identical
D. Subjective data require laboratory confirmation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Subjective data come from the client; objective data are obtained through observation, palpation, percussion, or
auscultation.
Question 10. Poor skin turgor and dry mucous membranes are most consistent with:
A. Fluid volume excess
B. Dehydration / fluid volume deficit
C. Hypernatremia only
D. Normal hydration in older adults
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Tenting and dry membranes indicate reduced interstitial and mucosal fluid, consistent with dehydration.
Question 11. Which action is part of the inspection phase of assessment?
A. Feeling for organ borders
B. Observing skin color, symmetry, and contour
C. Tapping to elicit sounds
D. Listening with a stethoscope
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Inspection is visual examination of appearance, color, symmetry, and contour.
Question 12. When preparing the environment for a physical examination the nurse should:
A. Keep the room cold to increase alertness
B. Ensure adequate lighting, privacy, and a quiet setting
C. Leave the door open for easy access
D. Perform the examination in a busy hallway
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Privacy, lighting, and quiet support accurate assessment and client comfort.
Question 13. Which instrument is used to examine the internal eye structures?
A. Otoscope
B. Ophthalmoscope
C. Tuning fork
D. Reflex hammer
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The ophthalmoscope illuminates and magnifies the retina, optic disc, and vessels.
Question 14. A client suddenly becomes confused and has difficulty speaking. The priority action is to:
A. Continue the routine assessment without change
B. Assess airway, breathing, circulation, and neurologic status immediately
C. Document the finding at the end of the shift
Galen NSG 3160 Health Assessment Examination 2 - 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
, D. Ask the client to wait until the examination is finished
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Sudden confusion and speech difficulty may indicate a cerebrovascular event; ABC and neurologic assessment
are urgent.
Question 15. Which technique is used to assess skin temperature?
A. Inspection only
B. Dorsal surface of the hand
C. Fingertips only
D. Percussion
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The dorsal hand is more sensitive to temperature differences than the palmar surface.
Question 16. Light palpation is used to assess:
A. Deep organ borders
B. Surface characteristics such as texture, temperature, and tenderness
C. Bone density
D. Internal masses only
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Light palpation (about 1 cm) evaluates surface features; deep palpation assesses deeper structures.
Question 17. Which finding is documented as objective data?
A. Client states, "I feel dizzy."
B. Nurse observes pale, cool skin
C. Client reports pain of 6/10
D. Client describes nausea
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pale, cool skin is an observation made by the nurse and is therefore objective.
Question 18. The purpose of percussion is to:
A. Listen to heart sounds
B. Elicit sounds that reflect the density of underlying tissue
C. Measure blood pressure
D. Assess pupil reaction
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Percussion produces sounds (resonant, dull, tympanic, flat) that indicate the density of structures beneath.
Question 19. Which statement about the stethoscope is correct?
A. The diaphragm is best for low-pitched sounds
B. The bell is best for low-pitched sounds such as heart murmurs; the diaphragm for high-pitched sounds
C. Either side may be used interchangeably for all sounds
D. The bell is never used on adults
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Bell transmits low-frequency sounds; diaphragm transmits high-frequency sounds.
Question 20. A complete health history includes which element?
A. Only current vital signs
B. Biographic data, chief concern, history of present illness, past history, family history, review of systems, and functional
assessment
C. Laboratory results exclusively
D. Provider orders only
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A comprehensive history covers biographic data through functional and social assessment.
Question 21. Which question is most appropriate to open a health history interview?
A. Why are you here today?
B. What brings you in today? or Tell me about your concern.
C. You don't look well; what's wrong?
D. Is this an emergency?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Open-ended invitations encourage the client to describe the chief concern in their own words.
Galen NSG 3160 Health Assessment Examination 2 - 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
Galen NSG 3160 Health Assessment Examination 2 -
2026/2027 | Verified Questions
Galen College of Nursing | Health Assessment | Professional Nursing Candidates
250 Verified Questions | 6 Core Domains | Academic Year 2026/2027
Prepared by
Galen College of Nursing | NSG 3160 Health Assessment
Examination 2 Actual Exam | Academic Year 2026/2027
Galen NSG 3160 Health Assessment Examination 2 - 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
,INTRODUCTION
This document contains 250 original verified questions that comprehensively cover the full NSG 3160 Examination 2. The
content is organized across six core domains: Health Assessment Fundamentals & Data Collection; Mental Status Assessment;
HEENT, Skin, Hair & Nails Assessment; Respiratory & Cardiovascular Assessment; Abdominal & Neurological Assessment;
and Clinical Judgment, Prioritization & Documentation. Each domain contains questions designed to reinforce the official
Galen College of Nursing NSG 3160 Health Assessment course objectives for actual exam readiness and health assessment
proficiency, aligned to the 2026/2027 academic year. Questions emphasize assessment techniques, normal versus abnormal
findings, clinical judgment, and documentation standards consistent with foundational health assessment methodology and
the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model.
ACTUAL QUESTIONS
Domain 1: Health Assessment Fundamentals & Data Collection
Question 1. Which type of data is obtained when a client reports a headache?
A. Pale skin observed by the nurse
B. Client statement of headache intensity
C. Blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg
D. Heart rate of 88 beats/min
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Client-reported symptoms are subjective data; observations and measurements by the nurse are objective.
Question 2. The correct sequence for physical examination of most body systems is:
A. Palpation, inspection, auscultation, percussion
B. Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation
C. Auscultation, palpation, inspection, percussion
D. Percussion, auscultation, inspection, palpation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Standard sequence is inspection, palpation, percussion, then auscultation, except for the abdomen.
Question 3. For abdominal assessment the correct sequence is:
A. Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation
B. Inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation
C. Palpation first to locate organs
D. Auscultation only
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Auscultation precedes palpation and percussion so that bowel sounds are not altered by manipulation.
Question 4. Which component is part of the general survey?
A. Detailed cranial nerve testing
B. Overall appearance, behavior, posture, and mobility
C. Complete blood count results
D. Family pedigree chart only
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The general survey includes appearance, behavior, body structure, mobility, and overall condition.
Question 5. An ectomorphic body habitus is characterized by:
A. Stocky, rounded build
B. Slender, linear build with relatively long limbs
C. Excessive adipose tissue concentrated centrally
D. Short limbs and broad trunk
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Ectomorphic habitus describes a slender, linear physique with long limbs relative to trunk.
Question 6. Which finding during the general survey requires priority follow-up?
A. Client smiling and making eye contact
B. Facial drooping noted on one side of the face
C. Client sitting upright comfortably
D. Symmetric facial features
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Acute facial drooping suggests possible neurologic deficit and requires prompt further assessment.
Galen NSG 3160 Health Assessment Examination 2 - 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
,Question 7. Before measuring blood pressure the nurse should:
A. Have the client walk briskly for 5 minutes
B. Allow the client to rest quietly for several minutes
C. Apply the cuff over clothing
D. Inflate the cuff to 300 mm Hg routinely
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Resting for several minutes before measurement improves accuracy by reducing activity-related elevation.
Question 8. A blood pressure cuff that is too small will produce a reading that is:
A. Falsely low
B. Falsely high
C. Always accurate
D. Unobtainable
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: An undersized cuff requires higher pressure to occlude the artery, yielding a falsely high reading.
Question 9. Which statement correctly distinguishes subjective from objective data?
A. Objective data are what the client says; subjective data are what the nurse observes
B. Subjective data are client-reported; objective data are nurse-observed or measured
C. Both are identical
D. Subjective data require laboratory confirmation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Subjective data come from the client; objective data are obtained through observation, palpation, percussion, or
auscultation.
Question 10. Poor skin turgor and dry mucous membranes are most consistent with:
A. Fluid volume excess
B. Dehydration / fluid volume deficit
C. Hypernatremia only
D. Normal hydration in older adults
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Tenting and dry membranes indicate reduced interstitial and mucosal fluid, consistent with dehydration.
Question 11. Which action is part of the inspection phase of assessment?
A. Feeling for organ borders
B. Observing skin color, symmetry, and contour
C. Tapping to elicit sounds
D. Listening with a stethoscope
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Inspection is visual examination of appearance, color, symmetry, and contour.
Question 12. When preparing the environment for a physical examination the nurse should:
A. Keep the room cold to increase alertness
B. Ensure adequate lighting, privacy, and a quiet setting
C. Leave the door open for easy access
D. Perform the examination in a busy hallway
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Privacy, lighting, and quiet support accurate assessment and client comfort.
Question 13. Which instrument is used to examine the internal eye structures?
A. Otoscope
B. Ophthalmoscope
C. Tuning fork
D. Reflex hammer
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The ophthalmoscope illuminates and magnifies the retina, optic disc, and vessels.
Question 14. A client suddenly becomes confused and has difficulty speaking. The priority action is to:
A. Continue the routine assessment without change
B. Assess airway, breathing, circulation, and neurologic status immediately
C. Document the finding at the end of the shift
Galen NSG 3160 Health Assessment Examination 2 - 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
, D. Ask the client to wait until the examination is finished
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Sudden confusion and speech difficulty may indicate a cerebrovascular event; ABC and neurologic assessment
are urgent.
Question 15. Which technique is used to assess skin temperature?
A. Inspection only
B. Dorsal surface of the hand
C. Fingertips only
D. Percussion
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The dorsal hand is more sensitive to temperature differences than the palmar surface.
Question 16. Light palpation is used to assess:
A. Deep organ borders
B. Surface characteristics such as texture, temperature, and tenderness
C. Bone density
D. Internal masses only
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Light palpation (about 1 cm) evaluates surface features; deep palpation assesses deeper structures.
Question 17. Which finding is documented as objective data?
A. Client states, "I feel dizzy."
B. Nurse observes pale, cool skin
C. Client reports pain of 6/10
D. Client describes nausea
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pale, cool skin is an observation made by the nurse and is therefore objective.
Question 18. The purpose of percussion is to:
A. Listen to heart sounds
B. Elicit sounds that reflect the density of underlying tissue
C. Measure blood pressure
D. Assess pupil reaction
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Percussion produces sounds (resonant, dull, tympanic, flat) that indicate the density of structures beneath.
Question 19. Which statement about the stethoscope is correct?
A. The diaphragm is best for low-pitched sounds
B. The bell is best for low-pitched sounds such as heart murmurs; the diaphragm for high-pitched sounds
C. Either side may be used interchangeably for all sounds
D. The bell is never used on adults
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Bell transmits low-frequency sounds; diaphragm transmits high-frequency sounds.
Question 20. A complete health history includes which element?
A. Only current vital signs
B. Biographic data, chief concern, history of present illness, past history, family history, review of systems, and functional
assessment
C. Laboratory results exclusively
D. Provider orders only
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A comprehensive history covers biographic data through functional and social assessment.
Question 21. Which question is most appropriate to open a health history interview?
A. Why are you here today?
B. What brings you in today? or Tell me about your concern.
C. You don't look well; what's wrong?
D. Is this an emergency?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Open-ended invitations encourage the client to describe the chief concern in their own words.
Galen NSG 3160 Health Assessment Examination 2 - 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
