NUR2058 Exam 2 Study Guide 2025/2026 –
Dimensions of Nursing Practice – Rasmussen
University | 50+ Verified Questions with
Correct Answers & Rationales | A+ Graded
Section: Health Assessment
Question 1
When performing a physical assessment, what is the first technique the nurse should use?
A: Palpation
B: Inspection
C: Percussion
D: Auscultation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Inspection is the first technique, using visual observation to assess the patient
systematically. A, C, and D follow inspection.
Question 2
Which part of the hand is best for assessing a patient’s skin temperature?
A: Fingertips
B: Dorsal surface of the hand
C: Palmar surface of the hand
D: Ulnar portion of the hand
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The dorsal surface is thinner and more sensitive to temperature changes. A, C, and D
are less accurate.
Question 3
What is a normal finding when assessing a patient’s respiratory system?
A: Costal angle of 120 degrees
B: Costal angle of approximately 90 degrees
C: Asymmetrical chest expansion
D: Barrel chest
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A 90-degree costal angle is normal in healthy adults. A, C, and D indicate
abnormalities.
Question 4
When assessing a patient’s lungs, the nurse recalls that the left lung:
, A: Consists of two lobes
B: Is divided by the horizontal fissure
C: Is larger than the right lung
D: Has three lobes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The left lung has two lobes due to the heart’s position. B, C, and D describe the right
lung or are incorrect.
Question 5
What is the primary purpose of the ciliated mucous membrane in the nose?
A: Warm the inhaled air
B: Filter out dust and bacteria
C: Facilitate air movement
D: Increase surface area
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The ciliated mucous membrane filters dust and bacteria to protect the respiratory
tract. A, C, and D are secondary functions.
Question 6
When palpating the abdomen, which technique should the nurse use?
A: Use deep palpation first
B: Start with light palpation to detect surface characteristics
C: Palpate tender areas first
D: Use cold hands to enhance sensation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Light palpation detects surface characteristics and prevents discomfort. A, C, and D
are incorrect techniques.
Question 7
What is a normal finding when assessing voice sounds during a respiratory assessment?
A: Clear “ninety-nine” heard when patient says it
B: Faint, muffled voice sounds when whispering
C: Clear words heard in a normal voice
D: “Ee” sound heard as “aa”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Faint, muffled voice sounds during whispering indicate normal lung assessment. A,
C, and D suggest abnormalities.
Question 8
What is the vertebra prominens?
A: The spinous process of C7
B: Nonpalpable in most individuals
C: Located next to the sternum
D: Opposite the scapula’s inferior border
Correct Answer: A
Dimensions of Nursing Practice – Rasmussen
University | 50+ Verified Questions with
Correct Answers & Rationales | A+ Graded
Section: Health Assessment
Question 1
When performing a physical assessment, what is the first technique the nurse should use?
A: Palpation
B: Inspection
C: Percussion
D: Auscultation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Inspection is the first technique, using visual observation to assess the patient
systematically. A, C, and D follow inspection.
Question 2
Which part of the hand is best for assessing a patient’s skin temperature?
A: Fingertips
B: Dorsal surface of the hand
C: Palmar surface of the hand
D: Ulnar portion of the hand
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The dorsal surface is thinner and more sensitive to temperature changes. A, C, and D
are less accurate.
Question 3
What is a normal finding when assessing a patient’s respiratory system?
A: Costal angle of 120 degrees
B: Costal angle of approximately 90 degrees
C: Asymmetrical chest expansion
D: Barrel chest
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A 90-degree costal angle is normal in healthy adults. A, C, and D indicate
abnormalities.
Question 4
When assessing a patient’s lungs, the nurse recalls that the left lung:
, A: Consists of two lobes
B: Is divided by the horizontal fissure
C: Is larger than the right lung
D: Has three lobes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The left lung has two lobes due to the heart’s position. B, C, and D describe the right
lung or are incorrect.
Question 5
What is the primary purpose of the ciliated mucous membrane in the nose?
A: Warm the inhaled air
B: Filter out dust and bacteria
C: Facilitate air movement
D: Increase surface area
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The ciliated mucous membrane filters dust and bacteria to protect the respiratory
tract. A, C, and D are secondary functions.
Question 6
When palpating the abdomen, which technique should the nurse use?
A: Use deep palpation first
B: Start with light palpation to detect surface characteristics
C: Palpate tender areas first
D: Use cold hands to enhance sensation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Light palpation detects surface characteristics and prevents discomfort. A, C, and D
are incorrect techniques.
Question 7
What is a normal finding when assessing voice sounds during a respiratory assessment?
A: Clear “ninety-nine” heard when patient says it
B: Faint, muffled voice sounds when whispering
C: Clear words heard in a normal voice
D: “Ee” sound heard as “aa”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Faint, muffled voice sounds during whispering indicate normal lung assessment. A,
C, and D suggest abnormalities.
Question 8
What is the vertebra prominens?
A: The spinous process of C7
B: Nonpalpable in most individuals
C: Located next to the sternum
D: Opposite the scapula’s inferior border
Correct Answer: A
