RASMUSSEN UNIVERSITY | NUR 2180 | PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT
NUR 2180
Quiz 3
PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT
80 Exam-Style Questions
Guide with Verified Answers | 100% Correct
80 7 100%
Questions Core Sections Correct
Comprehensive Quiz 3 Coverage
Thorax & Lung Assessment | Breath & Adventitious Sounds
Respiratory Patterns | Cardiovascular Assessment
Peripheral Vascular Assessment | Abnormal Findings
Documentation & Clinical Application
LATEST UPDATE
Current assessment standards | Evidence-based techniques | Clinical reasoning focus
RASMUSSEN UNIVERSITY | REVIEW GUIDE FOR QUIZ 3 PREPARATION
,NUR 2180 Physical Assessment | Quiz 3 | 80 Questions with Verified Answers
Table of Contents
This Quiz 3 review guide contains 80 exam-style questions aligned with NUR 2180 Physical Assessment at Rasmussen
University. Questions are organized across seven core sections covering thoracic and lung assessment, breath sounds,
respiratory patterns, cardiovascular assessment, peripheral vascular assessment, abnormal cardiac and vascular findings,
and documentation and clinical application. Each question includes a verified answer with a detailed rationale applying
physical assessment clinical reasoning, anatomical basis, assessment technique principles, and clinical significance.
Cognitive Level Distribution:
35 percent Recall — normal assessment findings, breath sound locations, heart sound timing, percussion notes, and pulse
grading scales.
45 percent Application — clinical scenarios requiring identification of abnormal findings, differentiation of breath and
heart sounds, and selection of appropriate assessment techniques.
20 percent Analysis — comparison of similar findings (crackles vs. rhonchi, arterial vs. venous insufficiency, S3 vs. S4,
delirium vs. dementia patterns) and integration of multiple assessment findings to determine clinical significance.
Section Map:
# Section Title Coverage Q Range
1 Thorax and Lung Assessment Thoracic Landmarks, Inspection, Palpation, Q1-16
Percussion,
(16 Q)& Auscultation
2 Vesicular, Bronchovesicular, Bronchial, Crackles,
Breath Sounds and Adventitious Sounds Q17-29Wheezes,
(13 Q) Rhonchi, & Pleural Friction Rub
3 Tachypnea, Bradypnea, Cheyne-Stokes, Kussmaul,
Respiratory Patterns and Abnormal Findings Biot's,
Q30-39 (10 Q) & Accessory Muscle Use
4 Cardiovascular Assessment Heart Sounds S1-S4, Murmurs, Precordium,Q40-53
& PMI(14 Q)
5 Peripheral Vascular Assessment Arterial and Venous Pulses, Capillary Refill, Edema,
Q54-66 (13&Q)
PAD vs. PVD
6 JVD, Bruits, Thrills, & Vascular Insufficiency
Cardiac and Vascular Abnormal Findings Q67-74 (8 Q)
7 Normal vs. Abnormal Findings & Assessment
Documentation and Clinical Application Integration
Q75-80 (6 Q)
Total: 80 questions — COMPLETE QUIZ 3 REVIEW, all sections, all core content. Use this guide for systematic NUR
2180 Quiz 3 preparation.
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,NUR 2180 Physical Assessment | Quiz 3 | 80 Questions with Verified Answers
Section 1: Thorax and Lung Assessment Questions Q1-16
1 Thoracic Landmarks, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, & Auscultation
Q1. A nurse is preparing to perform a posterior thoracic assessment. Which anatomical landmark is most appropriate to
use as a reference point for counting ribs and locating underlying lung structures?
A. The sternal angle (angle of Louis)
B. T1 spinous process, also called the vertebra prominens [CORRECT]
C. The xiphoid process
D. The clavicular notch
Correct Answer: B — T1 spinous process, also called the vertebra prominens
Rationale:
T1 spinous process (vertebra prominens) is the most prominent bony protrusion at the base of the neck and serves as the starting
point for counting down the thoracic vertebrae and ribs during posterior thoracic assessment. The sternal angle (angle of Louis)
marks the second rib anteriorly and is used for anterior assessment. The xiphoid process and clavicular notch are not used as
primary rib-counting landmarks.
Q2. When assessing the anterior thorax, the nurse uses the sternal angle (angle of Louis) as a landmark. The sternal angle
marks the location of which rib anteriorly?
A. First rib
B. Second rib [CORRECT]
C. Third rib
D. Fourth rib
Correct Answer: B — Second rib
Rationale:
The sternal angle (angle of Louis) is the palpable transverse ridge on the sternum where the manubrium meets the sternal body,
and it articulates with the second rib. Counting ribs anteriorly begins at this landmark. The first rib lies beneath the clavicle and is
not palpable. Knowing the second rib allows the nurse to count down to the second intercostal space (ICS) for auscultating the
aortic and pulmonic valve areas.
Q3. A nurse is documenting a lung assessment finding at the right midaxillary line at the level of the sixth intercostal
space. Which anatomical reference line is being used?
A. Midsternal line
B. Midclavicular line
C. Midaxillary line [CORRECT]
D. Scapular line
Correct Answer: C — Midaxillary line
Rationale:
The midaxillary line is a vertical reference line drawn midway between the anterior and posterior axillary folds, extending down
from the apex of the axilla. It is one of several imaginary vertical reference lines used to document thoracic findings. The
midclavicular line passes through the midpoint of the clavicle, the scapular line passes through the inferior angle of the scapula,
and the midsternal line passes through the center of the sternum.
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, NUR 2180 Physical Assessment | Quiz 3 | 80 Questions with Verified Answers
Q4. When assessing the posterior thorax, the nurse asks the client to cross their arms in front of their chest. What is the
primary purpose of this positioning?
A. To facilitate auscultation of the anterior chest
B. To pull the scapulae laterally, exposing more lung tissue for assessment [CORRECT]
C. To promote relaxation of the intercostal muscles
D. To prevent the client from moving during the assessment
Correct Answer: B — To pull the scapulae laterally, exposing more lung tissue for assessment
Rationale:
Crossing the arms in front of the chest pulls the scapulae laterally, exposing more lung tissue posteriorly for assessment. Without
this repositioning, the scapulae cover a significant portion of the posterior thorax and limit the area available for percussion and
auscultation. The client should also sit upright with the head slightly flexed forward to maximize access to the posterior chest.
Q5. Which sequence of assessment techniques is most appropriate for a comprehensive thoracic and lung assessment?
A. Auscultation, percussion, palpation, inspection
B. Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation [CORRECT]
C. Percussion, auscultation, inspection, palpation
D. Palpation, inspection, auscultation, percussion
Correct Answer: B — Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation
Rationale:
The correct sequence for thoracic and lung assessment is inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation, except for the
abdomen where auscultation precedes percussion and palpation to avoid altering bowel sounds. This sequence allows the nurse to
gather baseline data visually before physically manipulating the chest, which can alter breath sounds. Each technique is
performed comparing right and left sides systematically.
Q6. During inspection of the thorax, the nurse notes that the anteroposterior (AP) diameter is approximately equal to the
transverse diameter. This finding is most consistent with which condition?
A. Normal adult thorax configuration
B. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema [CORRECT]
C. Pectus excavatum
D. Scoliosis
Correct Answer: B — Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema
Rationale:
A barrel chest, where the AP diameter equals or exceeds the transverse diameter (ratio 1:1 or greater), is characteristic of COPD
and emphysema due to air trapping and hyperinflation. The normal adult AP-to-transverse ratio is 1:2. Pectus excavatum is a
depressed sternum, and scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine. Infants naturally have a 1:1 ratio that changes with age.
Rasmussen University | Latest 2026/2027 Update Page 4 100% Correct | Cardio & Respiratory Focus
NUR 2180
Quiz 3
PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT
80 Exam-Style Questions
Guide with Verified Answers | 100% Correct
80 7 100%
Questions Core Sections Correct
Comprehensive Quiz 3 Coverage
Thorax & Lung Assessment | Breath & Adventitious Sounds
Respiratory Patterns | Cardiovascular Assessment
Peripheral Vascular Assessment | Abnormal Findings
Documentation & Clinical Application
LATEST UPDATE
Current assessment standards | Evidence-based techniques | Clinical reasoning focus
RASMUSSEN UNIVERSITY | REVIEW GUIDE FOR QUIZ 3 PREPARATION
,NUR 2180 Physical Assessment | Quiz 3 | 80 Questions with Verified Answers
Table of Contents
This Quiz 3 review guide contains 80 exam-style questions aligned with NUR 2180 Physical Assessment at Rasmussen
University. Questions are organized across seven core sections covering thoracic and lung assessment, breath sounds,
respiratory patterns, cardiovascular assessment, peripheral vascular assessment, abnormal cardiac and vascular findings,
and documentation and clinical application. Each question includes a verified answer with a detailed rationale applying
physical assessment clinical reasoning, anatomical basis, assessment technique principles, and clinical significance.
Cognitive Level Distribution:
35 percent Recall — normal assessment findings, breath sound locations, heart sound timing, percussion notes, and pulse
grading scales.
45 percent Application — clinical scenarios requiring identification of abnormal findings, differentiation of breath and
heart sounds, and selection of appropriate assessment techniques.
20 percent Analysis — comparison of similar findings (crackles vs. rhonchi, arterial vs. venous insufficiency, S3 vs. S4,
delirium vs. dementia patterns) and integration of multiple assessment findings to determine clinical significance.
Section Map:
# Section Title Coverage Q Range
1 Thorax and Lung Assessment Thoracic Landmarks, Inspection, Palpation, Q1-16
Percussion,
(16 Q)& Auscultation
2 Vesicular, Bronchovesicular, Bronchial, Crackles,
Breath Sounds and Adventitious Sounds Q17-29Wheezes,
(13 Q) Rhonchi, & Pleural Friction Rub
3 Tachypnea, Bradypnea, Cheyne-Stokes, Kussmaul,
Respiratory Patterns and Abnormal Findings Biot's,
Q30-39 (10 Q) & Accessory Muscle Use
4 Cardiovascular Assessment Heart Sounds S1-S4, Murmurs, Precordium,Q40-53
& PMI(14 Q)
5 Peripheral Vascular Assessment Arterial and Venous Pulses, Capillary Refill, Edema,
Q54-66 (13&Q)
PAD vs. PVD
6 JVD, Bruits, Thrills, & Vascular Insufficiency
Cardiac and Vascular Abnormal Findings Q67-74 (8 Q)
7 Normal vs. Abnormal Findings & Assessment
Documentation and Clinical Application Integration
Q75-80 (6 Q)
Total: 80 questions — COMPLETE QUIZ 3 REVIEW, all sections, all core content. Use this guide for systematic NUR
2180 Quiz 3 preparation.
Rasmussen University | Latest 2026/2027 Update Page 2 100% Correct | Cardio & Respiratory Focus
,NUR 2180 Physical Assessment | Quiz 3 | 80 Questions with Verified Answers
Section 1: Thorax and Lung Assessment Questions Q1-16
1 Thoracic Landmarks, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, & Auscultation
Q1. A nurse is preparing to perform a posterior thoracic assessment. Which anatomical landmark is most appropriate to
use as a reference point for counting ribs and locating underlying lung structures?
A. The sternal angle (angle of Louis)
B. T1 spinous process, also called the vertebra prominens [CORRECT]
C. The xiphoid process
D. The clavicular notch
Correct Answer: B — T1 spinous process, also called the vertebra prominens
Rationale:
T1 spinous process (vertebra prominens) is the most prominent bony protrusion at the base of the neck and serves as the starting
point for counting down the thoracic vertebrae and ribs during posterior thoracic assessment. The sternal angle (angle of Louis)
marks the second rib anteriorly and is used for anterior assessment. The xiphoid process and clavicular notch are not used as
primary rib-counting landmarks.
Q2. When assessing the anterior thorax, the nurse uses the sternal angle (angle of Louis) as a landmark. The sternal angle
marks the location of which rib anteriorly?
A. First rib
B. Second rib [CORRECT]
C. Third rib
D. Fourth rib
Correct Answer: B — Second rib
Rationale:
The sternal angle (angle of Louis) is the palpable transverse ridge on the sternum where the manubrium meets the sternal body,
and it articulates with the second rib. Counting ribs anteriorly begins at this landmark. The first rib lies beneath the clavicle and is
not palpable. Knowing the second rib allows the nurse to count down to the second intercostal space (ICS) for auscultating the
aortic and pulmonic valve areas.
Q3. A nurse is documenting a lung assessment finding at the right midaxillary line at the level of the sixth intercostal
space. Which anatomical reference line is being used?
A. Midsternal line
B. Midclavicular line
C. Midaxillary line [CORRECT]
D. Scapular line
Correct Answer: C — Midaxillary line
Rationale:
The midaxillary line is a vertical reference line drawn midway between the anterior and posterior axillary folds, extending down
from the apex of the axilla. It is one of several imaginary vertical reference lines used to document thoracic findings. The
midclavicular line passes through the midpoint of the clavicle, the scapular line passes through the inferior angle of the scapula,
and the midsternal line passes through the center of the sternum.
Rasmussen University | Latest 2026/2027 Update Page 3 100% Correct | Cardio & Respiratory Focus
, NUR 2180 Physical Assessment | Quiz 3 | 80 Questions with Verified Answers
Q4. When assessing the posterior thorax, the nurse asks the client to cross their arms in front of their chest. What is the
primary purpose of this positioning?
A. To facilitate auscultation of the anterior chest
B. To pull the scapulae laterally, exposing more lung tissue for assessment [CORRECT]
C. To promote relaxation of the intercostal muscles
D. To prevent the client from moving during the assessment
Correct Answer: B — To pull the scapulae laterally, exposing more lung tissue for assessment
Rationale:
Crossing the arms in front of the chest pulls the scapulae laterally, exposing more lung tissue posteriorly for assessment. Without
this repositioning, the scapulae cover a significant portion of the posterior thorax and limit the area available for percussion and
auscultation. The client should also sit upright with the head slightly flexed forward to maximize access to the posterior chest.
Q5. Which sequence of assessment techniques is most appropriate for a comprehensive thoracic and lung assessment?
A. Auscultation, percussion, palpation, inspection
B. Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation [CORRECT]
C. Percussion, auscultation, inspection, palpation
D. Palpation, inspection, auscultation, percussion
Correct Answer: B — Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation
Rationale:
The correct sequence for thoracic and lung assessment is inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation, except for the
abdomen where auscultation precedes percussion and palpation to avoid altering bowel sounds. This sequence allows the nurse to
gather baseline data visually before physically manipulating the chest, which can alter breath sounds. Each technique is
performed comparing right and left sides systematically.
Q6. During inspection of the thorax, the nurse notes that the anteroposterior (AP) diameter is approximately equal to the
transverse diameter. This finding is most consistent with which condition?
A. Normal adult thorax configuration
B. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema [CORRECT]
C. Pectus excavatum
D. Scoliosis
Correct Answer: B — Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema
Rationale:
A barrel chest, where the AP diameter equals or exceeds the transverse diameter (ratio 1:1 or greater), is characteristic of COPD
and emphysema due to air trapping and hyperinflation. The normal adult AP-to-transverse ratio is 1:2. Pectus excavatum is a
depressed sternum, and scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine. Infants naturally have a 1:1 ratio that changes with age.
Rasmussen University | Latest 2026/2027 Update Page 4 100% Correct | Cardio & Respiratory Focus
