Health Assessment Examination
Questions And Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2025/2026 Q&A
| Instant Download Pdf
1. Which technique should the nurse use first during a physical assessment?
A. Palpation
B. Percussion
C. Inspection
D. Auscultation
Answer: C. Inspection
Inspection is always performed first to gather visual information before
touching the client.
2. Which assessment finding indicates normal adult vital signs?
A. Respiratory rate 8/min
B. Heart rate 72/min
C. Temperature 35.5°C (95.9°F)
D. Blood pressure 160/100 mmHg
Answer: B. Heart rate 72/min
A normal adult heart rate ranges from 60–100 beats per minute.
3. Which pulse site is best for assessing circulation to the foot?
A. Radial
B. Brachial
C. Dorsalis pedis
D. Carotid
Answer: C. Dorsalis pedis
The dorsalis pedis pulse evaluates peripheral circulation to the lower extremity.
4. Which term describes bluish discoloration of the skin?
,A. Pallor
B. Cyanosis
C. Jaundice
D. Erythema
Answer: B. Cyanosis
Cyanosis indicates decreased oxygenation of the blood.
5. When assessing pupils, the nurse notes PERRLA. What does this indicate?
A. Equal reflexes and light accommodation
B. Pupils equal, round, reactive to light and accommodation
C. Pupils equal and responsive only to light
D. Pupils reactive and dilated
Answer: B. Pupils equal, round, reactive to light and accommodation
PERRLA confirms normal pupillary size, shape, and response.
6. Which position is best for examining the lungs posteriorly?
A. Supine
B. Sitting upright
C. Lithotomy
D. Sims
Answer: B. Sitting upright
The upright position allows full expansion and access to posterior lung fields.
7. Which finding suggests dehydration?
A. Moist mucous membranes
B. Skin turgor returns immediately
C. Dry tongue
D. Edema
Answer: C. Dry tongue
Dry mucous membranes are a common sign of fluid deficit.
8. The nurse uses which instrument to listen to bowel sounds?
, A. Otoscope
B. Stethoscope
C. Sphygmomanometer
D. Reflex hammer
Answer: B. Stethoscope
Auscultation with a stethoscope is used to assess bowel sounds.
9. Which assessment finding is expected in a healthy adult abdomen?
A. Absent bowel sounds
B. Hyperresonance
C. Tympany over most areas
D. Rigid muscles
Answer: C. Tympany over most areas
Air-filled intestines normally produce a tympanic sound.
10. Which lymph nodes are located in the neck?
A. Inguinal
B. Axillary
C. Cervical
D. Popliteal
Answer: C. Cervical
Cervical lymph nodes drain the head and neck region.
11. Which assessment finding suggests anemia?
A. Pink conjunctiva
B. Pale nail beds
C. Warm skin
D. Flushed cheeks
Answer: B. Pale nail beds
Pallor of nail beds and mucous membranes indicates reduced hemoglobin.
12. Which technique assesses vibration through body tissues?
Questions And Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2025/2026 Q&A
| Instant Download Pdf
1. Which technique should the nurse use first during a physical assessment?
A. Palpation
B. Percussion
C. Inspection
D. Auscultation
Answer: C. Inspection
Inspection is always performed first to gather visual information before
touching the client.
2. Which assessment finding indicates normal adult vital signs?
A. Respiratory rate 8/min
B. Heart rate 72/min
C. Temperature 35.5°C (95.9°F)
D. Blood pressure 160/100 mmHg
Answer: B. Heart rate 72/min
A normal adult heart rate ranges from 60–100 beats per minute.
3. Which pulse site is best for assessing circulation to the foot?
A. Radial
B. Brachial
C. Dorsalis pedis
D. Carotid
Answer: C. Dorsalis pedis
The dorsalis pedis pulse evaluates peripheral circulation to the lower extremity.
4. Which term describes bluish discoloration of the skin?
,A. Pallor
B. Cyanosis
C. Jaundice
D. Erythema
Answer: B. Cyanosis
Cyanosis indicates decreased oxygenation of the blood.
5. When assessing pupils, the nurse notes PERRLA. What does this indicate?
A. Equal reflexes and light accommodation
B. Pupils equal, round, reactive to light and accommodation
C. Pupils equal and responsive only to light
D. Pupils reactive and dilated
Answer: B. Pupils equal, round, reactive to light and accommodation
PERRLA confirms normal pupillary size, shape, and response.
6. Which position is best for examining the lungs posteriorly?
A. Supine
B. Sitting upright
C. Lithotomy
D. Sims
Answer: B. Sitting upright
The upright position allows full expansion and access to posterior lung fields.
7. Which finding suggests dehydration?
A. Moist mucous membranes
B. Skin turgor returns immediately
C. Dry tongue
D. Edema
Answer: C. Dry tongue
Dry mucous membranes are a common sign of fluid deficit.
8. The nurse uses which instrument to listen to bowel sounds?
, A. Otoscope
B. Stethoscope
C. Sphygmomanometer
D. Reflex hammer
Answer: B. Stethoscope
Auscultation with a stethoscope is used to assess bowel sounds.
9. Which assessment finding is expected in a healthy adult abdomen?
A. Absent bowel sounds
B. Hyperresonance
C. Tympany over most areas
D. Rigid muscles
Answer: C. Tympany over most areas
Air-filled intestines normally produce a tympanic sound.
10. Which lymph nodes are located in the neck?
A. Inguinal
B. Axillary
C. Cervical
D. Popliteal
Answer: C. Cervical
Cervical lymph nodes drain the head and neck region.
11. Which assessment finding suggests anemia?
A. Pink conjunctiva
B. Pale nail beds
C. Warm skin
D. Flushed cheeks
Answer: B. Pale nail beds
Pallor of nail beds and mucous membranes indicates reduced hemoglobin.
12. Which technique assesses vibration through body tissues?
