NUR 2180 | Module Quiz 5 | Original Practice Page 1
, NUR 2180 MODULE QUIZ 5
Physical Assessment
Rasmussen College
100-Question Original Practice Examination 2026/2027
Edition
1. An adult reports right upper quadrant pain after eating a fatty meal. Which focused assessmentfinding most
supports gallbladder inflammation?
A) An absent patellar reflex
B) Reduced pupillary response to light
C) Pain reproduced by left ankle flexion
D) Inspiratory arrest with palpation beneath the right costal margin
Correct Answer: Inspiratory arrest with palpation beneath the right costal margin
Rationale: A positive Murphy sign occurs when inspiration stops because palpation over the gallbladder produces pain.
It supports, but does not establish, acute cholecystitis. Fever, prolonged pain, jaundice, and systemic instability warrant
timely evaluation and often ultrasound.
2. A nurse is preparing to examine a stable patient's abdomen. Which sequence is usuallyrecommended?
A) Palpation, auscultation, inspection, then percussion
B) Inspection, auscultation, percussion, then palpation
C) Auscultation, deep palpation, percussion, then inspection
D) Percussion, deep palpation, inspection, then auscultation
Correct Answer: Inspection, auscultation, percussion, then palpation
Rationale: The abdominal examination usually places auscultation before percussion and palpation because
manipulation may alter bowel sounds or produce guarding. This differs from many other body systems. The sequence
can be modified for acute distress, but gentle, systematic assessment is essential.
3. A patient has focal abdominal tenderness. How should palpation begin?
A) Perform deep palpation before explaining the procedure
B) Press repeatedly until guarding disappears
C) Use light palpation away from the most painful area
D) Begin with firm pressure at maximal tenderness
Correct Answer: Use light palpation away from the most painful area
Rationale: Starting in a nonpainful region improves tolerance and provides a baseline for comparison. Light palpation
can identify superficial tenderness or guarding; deeper techniques may be inappropriate when severe pain or
suspected peritonitis is present. The nurse should respect the patient's response.
4. While inspecting the abdomen, the nurse observes prominent pulsation in the midline of an oldersmoker with
new pain. What is the safest action?
A) Repeatedly compress the pulsation to estimate size
NUR 2180 | Module Quiz 5 | Original Practice Page 2
, B) Begin routine abdominal massage
C) Avoid deep palpation and urgently escalate possible aortic pathology
D) Assume the finding is always normal
Correct Answer: Avoid deep palpation and urgently escalate possible aortic pathology
Rationale: A prominent pulsatile mass with new abdominal or back pain raises concern for aortic aneurysm. Deep
palpation could be unsafe. Rapid clinical escalation and appropriate imaging are more important than completing a
standard palpation sequence in a potentially unstable patient.
5. An adult develops a rigid abdomen, severe pain, and rebound tenderness. What does this clustersuggest?
A) A normal result after eating
B) Isolated muscle fatigue
C) Uncomplicated constipation by definition
D) Possible peritoneal irritation requiring urgent evaluation
Correct Answer: Possible peritoneal irritation requiring urgent evaluation
Rationale: Rigidity and peritoneal signs can accompany serious intra-abdominal inflammation or perforation. Repeated
provocative testing may worsen pain and is unnecessary after concern is identified. The nurse should assess vital
signs, avoid delay, and arrange urgent medical evaluation.
6. A patient says the pain began near the umbilicus and now localizes to the right lower quadrant.
Whichcondition deserves urgent consideration?
A) Simple reflux alone
B) Chronic rhinitis
C) Uncomplicated cystitis as certain
D) Acute appendicitis
Correct Answer: Acute appendicitis
Rationale: Pain migration toward the right lower quadrant is a classic appendicitis pattern, though presentations vary.
Focused assessment includes fever, anorexia, guarding, pregnancy possibility, and hemodynamics. The nurse must
not treat one symptom pattern as proof without appropriate workup.
7. A patient is asked to indicate the epigastric region. Where should the nurse direct attention?
A) Upper central abdomen just below the sternum
B) Midline over the bladder
C) Left flank at the posterior rib angle
D) Lower right pelvis
Correct Answer: Upper central abdomen just below the sternum
Rationale: The epigastric region occupies the upper middle abdomen and includes structures such as stomach,
pancreas, and portions of liver. Precise location helps narrow assessment, though visceral pain may refer elsewhere.
The nurse should record the patient's description rather than infer etiology from location alone.
8. The nurse hears a vascular bruit over the abdomen. How should the finding be interpreted?
A) It definitively proves bowel obstruction
NUR 2180 | Module Quiz 5 | Original Practice Page 3
, NUR 2180 MODULE QUIZ 5
Physical Assessment
Rasmussen College
100-Question Original Practice Examination 2026/2027
Edition
1. An adult reports right upper quadrant pain after eating a fatty meal. Which focused assessmentfinding most
supports gallbladder inflammation?
A) An absent patellar reflex
B) Reduced pupillary response to light
C) Pain reproduced by left ankle flexion
D) Inspiratory arrest with palpation beneath the right costal margin
Correct Answer: Inspiratory arrest with palpation beneath the right costal margin
Rationale: A positive Murphy sign occurs when inspiration stops because palpation over the gallbladder produces pain.
It supports, but does not establish, acute cholecystitis. Fever, prolonged pain, jaundice, and systemic instability warrant
timely evaluation and often ultrasound.
2. A nurse is preparing to examine a stable patient's abdomen. Which sequence is usuallyrecommended?
A) Palpation, auscultation, inspection, then percussion
B) Inspection, auscultation, percussion, then palpation
C) Auscultation, deep palpation, percussion, then inspection
D) Percussion, deep palpation, inspection, then auscultation
Correct Answer: Inspection, auscultation, percussion, then palpation
Rationale: The abdominal examination usually places auscultation before percussion and palpation because
manipulation may alter bowel sounds or produce guarding. This differs from many other body systems. The sequence
can be modified for acute distress, but gentle, systematic assessment is essential.
3. A patient has focal abdominal tenderness. How should palpation begin?
A) Perform deep palpation before explaining the procedure
B) Press repeatedly until guarding disappears
C) Use light palpation away from the most painful area
D) Begin with firm pressure at maximal tenderness
Correct Answer: Use light palpation away from the most painful area
Rationale: Starting in a nonpainful region improves tolerance and provides a baseline for comparison. Light palpation
can identify superficial tenderness or guarding; deeper techniques may be inappropriate when severe pain or
suspected peritonitis is present. The nurse should respect the patient's response.
4. While inspecting the abdomen, the nurse observes prominent pulsation in the midline of an oldersmoker with
new pain. What is the safest action?
A) Repeatedly compress the pulsation to estimate size
NUR 2180 | Module Quiz 5 | Original Practice Page 2
, B) Begin routine abdominal massage
C) Avoid deep palpation and urgently escalate possible aortic pathology
D) Assume the finding is always normal
Correct Answer: Avoid deep palpation and urgently escalate possible aortic pathology
Rationale: A prominent pulsatile mass with new abdominal or back pain raises concern for aortic aneurysm. Deep
palpation could be unsafe. Rapid clinical escalation and appropriate imaging are more important than completing a
standard palpation sequence in a potentially unstable patient.
5. An adult develops a rigid abdomen, severe pain, and rebound tenderness. What does this clustersuggest?
A) A normal result after eating
B) Isolated muscle fatigue
C) Uncomplicated constipation by definition
D) Possible peritoneal irritation requiring urgent evaluation
Correct Answer: Possible peritoneal irritation requiring urgent evaluation
Rationale: Rigidity and peritoneal signs can accompany serious intra-abdominal inflammation or perforation. Repeated
provocative testing may worsen pain and is unnecessary after concern is identified. The nurse should assess vital
signs, avoid delay, and arrange urgent medical evaluation.
6. A patient says the pain began near the umbilicus and now localizes to the right lower quadrant.
Whichcondition deserves urgent consideration?
A) Simple reflux alone
B) Chronic rhinitis
C) Uncomplicated cystitis as certain
D) Acute appendicitis
Correct Answer: Acute appendicitis
Rationale: Pain migration toward the right lower quadrant is a classic appendicitis pattern, though presentations vary.
Focused assessment includes fever, anorexia, guarding, pregnancy possibility, and hemodynamics. The nurse must
not treat one symptom pattern as proof without appropriate workup.
7. A patient is asked to indicate the epigastric region. Where should the nurse direct attention?
A) Upper central abdomen just below the sternum
B) Midline over the bladder
C) Left flank at the posterior rib angle
D) Lower right pelvis
Correct Answer: Upper central abdomen just below the sternum
Rationale: The epigastric region occupies the upper middle abdomen and includes structures such as stomach,
pancreas, and portions of liver. Precise location helps narrow assessment, though visceral pain may refer elsewhere.
The nurse should record the patient's description rather than infer etiology from location alone.
8. The nurse hears a vascular bruit over the abdomen. How should the finding be interpreted?
A) It definitively proves bowel obstruction
NUR 2180 | Module Quiz 5 | Original Practice Page 3
