CHAMBERLAIN COLLEGE OF NURSING
Final Exam: NR 509/ NR509 (New 2026/2027 Update) Advanced
Physical Assessment
Review| Questions & Answers| Grade A| 100% Correct (Verified
Solutions)- Chamberlain
2026/2027 Edition · Official Exam 2026/2027
75 80% N/A
QUESTIONS PASSING SCORE RECERTIFICATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1 Health History and Interviewing Q1-Q13
Section 2 General Survey and Vital Signs Q14-Q26
Section 3 Head, Neck, and Neurologic Assessment Q27-Q39
Section 4 Cardiovascular and Respiratory Assessment Q40-Q52
Section 5 Abdominal and Musculoskeletal Assessment Q53-Q64
Section 6 Integumentary and Genitourinary Assessment Q65-Q75
Instructions: Select the single best answer for each question. This exam is designed for NR509 Advanced Physical
Assessment certification preparation. Passing score: 80% (60 questions correct).
NR509 Advanced Physical Assessment -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 1 of 39
, SECTION 1 | Health History and Interviewing | Q1-Q13 | NR509 Advanced Physical Assessment 2026/2027
Q1 Question 1 of 75
A 52-year-old woman presents to the clinic for the first time and appears anxious during the intake
interview. The nurse practitioner notices the patient avoids eye contact and gives brief responses.
Which approach is most effective to facilitate a thorough health history?
B. Begin with open-ended questions and allow silences to encourage elaboration
A. Use a structured questionnaire and read each question aloud to the patient
C. Switch to closed-ended questions to reduce the patient's anxiety
D. Defer the history and focus on the physical examination first
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Open-ended questions and therapeutic silence encourage patients to share information at their own pace, which is
especially important for anxious patients. Closed-ended questions limit disclosure and structured questionnaires can feel
impersonal, reducing rapport and the depth of information gathered.
Q2 Question 2 of 75
A 68-year-old man with limited English proficiency arrives at the emergency department with abdominal
pain. The healthcare provider needs to obtain a comprehensive health history. What is the most
appropriate strategy?
B. Use a certified medical interpreter and speak directly to the patient
A. Ask a bilingual family member to interpret the health history
C. Rely on gestures and physical demonstration to communicate
D. Defer the history until the patient's primary care provider is available
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
A certified medical interpreter ensures accurate, unbiased communication and maintains patient confidentiality, which is
required by federal law for patients with limited English proficiency. Family members may omit, alter, or add information,
and gestures are insufficient for complex medical histories.
NR509 Advanced Physical Assessment -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 2 of 39
,Q3 Question 3 of 75
A 45-year-old woman is being interviewed about her alcohol use. She initially reports drinking two
glasses of wine per week but later mentions weekend binges. The nurse practitioner wants to screen
for alcohol use disorder. Which validated tool is most appropriate?
B. CAGE questionnaire adapted for alcohol use screening
A. PHQ-9 depression screening questionnaire
C. Mini-Mental State Examination for cognitive assessment
D. Glasgow Coma Scale for level of consciousness
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
The CAGE questionnaire is a validated, rapid screening tool specifically designed for alcohol use disorder, consisting of
four questions about cutting down, annoyance, guilt, and eye-openers. The PHQ-9 screens for depression, the MMSE
assesses cognition, and the GCS measures consciousness, none of which are relevant to alcohol screening.
Q4 Question 4 of 75
A 35-year-old man presents with chronic lower back pain and requests opioid refills. When reviewing
his medical records, the nurse practitioner finds multiple prescriptions from different providers. Which
documentation approach best captures this finding?
B. Note the discrepancy in the chart and use the PDMP to verify prescription history before
prescribing
A. Document the patient's request and prescribe a limited opioid supply
C. Refuse all pain medication and refer the patient to a pain specialist
D. Document only the current visit findings and ignore prior prescriptions
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
The Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) is the gold standard for verifying controlled substance histories across
providers and pharmacies. Noting the discrepancy and checking the PDMP allows the provider to make an informed
prescribing decision while maintaining patient safety and accurate documentation.
NR509 Advanced Physical Assessment -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 3 of 39
, Q5 Question 5 of 75
A 72-year-old woman with mild cognitive impairment is accompanied by her daughter, who insists on
answering all questions. The patient is capable of providing some information herself. What is the best
approach to obtaining the health history?
B. Direct questions to the patient first and ask the daughter to supplement as needed
A. Allow the daughter to answer all questions since she knows the patient well
C. Interview the daughter separately and skip interviewing the patient
D. Reschedule the appointment when the patient can come alone
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Patients with mild cognitive impairment should be allowed to speak for themselves first, as this preserves autonomy and
often yields accurate information about current symptoms. The caregiver can then fill gaps, which provides a more
complete history without undermining the patient's dignity.
Q6 Question 6 of 75
A 28-year-old woman presents for a wellness visit and becomes tearful when asked about her home
life. She mentions her partner frequently criticizes her and controls her finances. Which response by the
nurse practitioner is most appropriate?
B. Acknowledge her feelings, screen for intimate partner violence, and provide safety resources
A. Reassure the patient that relationship conflicts are normal and common
C. Immediately contact law enforcement on the patient's behalf
D. Advise the patient to leave the relationship and seek counseling
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Acknowledging the patient's feelings and screening for intimate partner violence using validated tools is the standard of
care, followed by offering safety resources and creating a safety plan. Directing the patient to leave or contacting law
enforcement without consent can escalate danger and violate autonomy.
NR509 Advanced Physical Assessment -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 4 of 39