NUR-2180 | Module Quiz 7 Practice Page 1
, NUR-2180 MODULE QUIZ 7
Physical Assessment
Rasmussen College / Rasmussen University
100-Question Original Practice Examination 2026/2027 Edition
1. An adult reports chest pressure with diaphoresis and nausea that began 20 minutes ago. What is the priority assessment
action?
A) Offer reassurance without checking vital signs
B) Complete a routine family history first
C) Schedule a wellness visit next month
D) Initiate urgent evaluation of possible acute coronary syndrome
Correct Answer: Initiate urgent evaluation of possible acute coronary syndrome
Rationale: New chest pressure with autonomic symptoms is potentially life-threatening and requires prompt evaluation.
2. A patient becomes abruptly short of breath after surgery and has pleuritic chest pain. Which condition is especially
concerning?
A) Stable osteoarthritis
B) Simple constipation
C) Pulmonary embolism
D) Seasonal allergic rhinitis
Correct Answer: Pulmonary embolism
Rationale: Postoperative immobilization and acute pleuritic dyspnea can indicate pulmonary embolism.
3. During a cardiovascular assessment, a new irregular pulse is detected. What should the nurse do next?
A) Perform deep abdominal palpation
B) Assess apical rhythm and associated symptoms and report findings
C) Document regular rhythm
D) Ignore the finding if no pain
Correct Answer: Assess apical rhythm and associated symptoms and report findings Rationale: An irregular
peripheral pulse warrants further rhythm assessment.
4. A patient reports sudden unilateral leg swelling and calf discomfort. Which nursing action is appropriate?
A) Massage the calf vigorously
B) Assess promptly for possible venous thrombosis and avoid massaging the limb
C) Encourage strenuous running immediately
D) Assume normal muscle soreness
Correct Answer: Assess promptly for possible venous thrombosis and avoid massaging the limb Rationale: Unilateral swelling
following risk exposure may indicate DVT.
5. A patient has jugular venous distention, lower extremity edema, and recent weight gain. Which process may explain the
findings?
A) Severe dehydration only
NUR-2180 | Module Quiz 7 Practice Page 2
, B) Normal skeletal growth
C) Systemic venous congestion
D) Isolated nasal inflammation
Correct Answer: Systemic venous congestion
Rationale: Elevated venous pressure may produce JVD and dependent edema.
6. Which finding is most suggestive of left-sided heart failure?
A) Painless scalp lesion
B) Localized ear itching
C) Orthopnea with bibasilar crackles
D) Isolated finger joint pain
Correct Answer: Orthopnea with bibasilar crackles
Rationale: Pulmonary venous congestion can cause orthopnea and crackles.
7. A patient reports exertional calf pain relieved by rest. Which problem should be considered?
A) Acute appendicitis
B) Otitis externa
C) Migraine aura
D) Peripheral arterial disease
Correct Answer: Peripheral arterial disease
Rationale: Intermittent claudication reflects exertional muscle ischemia.
8. A patient has cool pale feet and weak pedal pulses. What should the nurse prioritize?
A) Assume healthy circulation
B) Document and escalate evidence of impaired arterial perfusion
C) Ignore sensory changes
D) Apply tight compression without assessment
Correct Answer: Document and escalate evidence of impaired arterial perfusion
Rationale: Coolness and diminished pulses can indicate compromised limb perfusion.
9. An adult develops sudden severe tearing chest pain radiating to the back. Which interpretation is safest?
A) A benign skin condition
B) Expected muscular soreness in everyone
C) Routine anxiety without assessment
D) Possible acute aortic pathology requiring emergency evaluation
Correct Answer: Possible acute aortic pathology requiring emergency evaluation Rationale: Abrupt severe chest
and back pain may represent aortic dissection.
10. A new systolic murmur is heard. How should it be documented?
A) Label it benign without assessment
B) Omit because blood pressure is normal
C) Write abnormal heart only
D) Record timing, location, intensity, radiation, and associated findings
NUR-2180 | Module Quiz 7 Practice Page 3
, NUR-2180 MODULE QUIZ 7
Physical Assessment
Rasmussen College / Rasmussen University
100-Question Original Practice Examination 2026/2027 Edition
1. An adult reports chest pressure with diaphoresis and nausea that began 20 minutes ago. What is the priority assessment
action?
A) Offer reassurance without checking vital signs
B) Complete a routine family history first
C) Schedule a wellness visit next month
D) Initiate urgent evaluation of possible acute coronary syndrome
Correct Answer: Initiate urgent evaluation of possible acute coronary syndrome
Rationale: New chest pressure with autonomic symptoms is potentially life-threatening and requires prompt evaluation.
2. A patient becomes abruptly short of breath after surgery and has pleuritic chest pain. Which condition is especially
concerning?
A) Stable osteoarthritis
B) Simple constipation
C) Pulmonary embolism
D) Seasonal allergic rhinitis
Correct Answer: Pulmonary embolism
Rationale: Postoperative immobilization and acute pleuritic dyspnea can indicate pulmonary embolism.
3. During a cardiovascular assessment, a new irregular pulse is detected. What should the nurse do next?
A) Perform deep abdominal palpation
B) Assess apical rhythm and associated symptoms and report findings
C) Document regular rhythm
D) Ignore the finding if no pain
Correct Answer: Assess apical rhythm and associated symptoms and report findings Rationale: An irregular
peripheral pulse warrants further rhythm assessment.
4. A patient reports sudden unilateral leg swelling and calf discomfort. Which nursing action is appropriate?
A) Massage the calf vigorously
B) Assess promptly for possible venous thrombosis and avoid massaging the limb
C) Encourage strenuous running immediately
D) Assume normal muscle soreness
Correct Answer: Assess promptly for possible venous thrombosis and avoid massaging the limb Rationale: Unilateral swelling
following risk exposure may indicate DVT.
5. A patient has jugular venous distention, lower extremity edema, and recent weight gain. Which process may explain the
findings?
A) Severe dehydration only
NUR-2180 | Module Quiz 7 Practice Page 2
, B) Normal skeletal growth
C) Systemic venous congestion
D) Isolated nasal inflammation
Correct Answer: Systemic venous congestion
Rationale: Elevated venous pressure may produce JVD and dependent edema.
6. Which finding is most suggestive of left-sided heart failure?
A) Painless scalp lesion
B) Localized ear itching
C) Orthopnea with bibasilar crackles
D) Isolated finger joint pain
Correct Answer: Orthopnea with bibasilar crackles
Rationale: Pulmonary venous congestion can cause orthopnea and crackles.
7. A patient reports exertional calf pain relieved by rest. Which problem should be considered?
A) Acute appendicitis
B) Otitis externa
C) Migraine aura
D) Peripheral arterial disease
Correct Answer: Peripheral arterial disease
Rationale: Intermittent claudication reflects exertional muscle ischemia.
8. A patient has cool pale feet and weak pedal pulses. What should the nurse prioritize?
A) Assume healthy circulation
B) Document and escalate evidence of impaired arterial perfusion
C) Ignore sensory changes
D) Apply tight compression without assessment
Correct Answer: Document and escalate evidence of impaired arterial perfusion
Rationale: Coolness and diminished pulses can indicate compromised limb perfusion.
9. An adult develops sudden severe tearing chest pain radiating to the back. Which interpretation is safest?
A) A benign skin condition
B) Expected muscular soreness in everyone
C) Routine anxiety without assessment
D) Possible acute aortic pathology requiring emergency evaluation
Correct Answer: Possible acute aortic pathology requiring emergency evaluation Rationale: Abrupt severe chest
and back pain may represent aortic dissection.
10. A new systolic murmur is heard. How should it be documented?
A) Label it benign without assessment
B) Omit because blood pressure is normal
C) Write abnormal heart only
D) Record timing, location, intensity, radiation, and associated findings
NUR-2180 | Module Quiz 7 Practice Page 3
