WGU PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT PRACTICE
SCRIPT UPDATED 2026 TESTED SOLUTIONS
⫸ Objective data Answer: Observed by the nurse (O)
⫸ Order for assessment (not abdominal) Answer: Inspect, Palpation,
Percussion, Auscultation
⫸ Inspection Answer: Critical observation and ALWAYS first in
assessment and uses all senses.
⫸ Part of the hand to assess skin temperature Answer: back of the hand
(dorsal aspect)
⫸ Deep Palpation
Light Palpation Answer: Deep: 5-8cm (2-3'')
Light: 1 cm
⫸ Percussion is performed in the Answer: wrist
⫸ Bell of the stethoscope picks up Answer: Low pitched sounds such as
heart murmurs.
,⫸ Diaphragm of stethoscope picks up Answer: High-pitched respiratory
sounds
⫸ General Survey Answer: An overall review or first impression a
nurse has of a person's well being
-Appearance
-Body structure/mobility
-Behavior
⫸ Comprehensive history Answer: Includes: chief complaint, complete
review of systems, social history and complete family past medical
history
⫸ Family health history includes Answer: three generations looking for
specific patterns in genetic issues
⫸ Comprehensive physical exam includes Answer: Body areas: head,
neck, chest abdomen, genitalia, groin, buttocks, back and extremities.
Organ systems: constitutional (vital signs, general appearance) eyes,
ears, nose, throat, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, genitourinary,
musculoskeletal, dermatological, neurological, psychiatric,
hematological/lymphatic/immunological.
⫸ BMI Answer: measure that can determine if a person is at risk for
weight-related illness.
, ⫸ Head circumference measurement:
Birth-36 mo. Answer: extending a non-stretchable measuring tape
around the broadest part of the child's head.
Accuracy: tape is placed 3 times: right, left side, and at the mid-forehead
Measure the infant's head circumference at birth and at each well-child
visit up to age 2 years and then yearly up to 6 years
⫸ Measuring head circumference of newborn Answer: 2 cm larger than
chest circumference.
As child ages, chest circumference becomes larger than head
circumference.
⫸ Chest Measurement Answer: Measured at the nipple line.
⫸ Fontanels in a newborn - toddler Answer: Posterior fontanel - triangle
shaped; closes 1-2 mo.
Anterior fontanel - diamond shaped; closes at 9 mo.-2 yrs
⫸ Vitals signs are the measurements of Answer: Temperature, pulse,
respiration and blood pressure. Give an immediate picture of person's
current state of health and well being.
SCRIPT UPDATED 2026 TESTED SOLUTIONS
⫸ Objective data Answer: Observed by the nurse (O)
⫸ Order for assessment (not abdominal) Answer: Inspect, Palpation,
Percussion, Auscultation
⫸ Inspection Answer: Critical observation and ALWAYS first in
assessment and uses all senses.
⫸ Part of the hand to assess skin temperature Answer: back of the hand
(dorsal aspect)
⫸ Deep Palpation
Light Palpation Answer: Deep: 5-8cm (2-3'')
Light: 1 cm
⫸ Percussion is performed in the Answer: wrist
⫸ Bell of the stethoscope picks up Answer: Low pitched sounds such as
heart murmurs.
,⫸ Diaphragm of stethoscope picks up Answer: High-pitched respiratory
sounds
⫸ General Survey Answer: An overall review or first impression a
nurse has of a person's well being
-Appearance
-Body structure/mobility
-Behavior
⫸ Comprehensive history Answer: Includes: chief complaint, complete
review of systems, social history and complete family past medical
history
⫸ Family health history includes Answer: three generations looking for
specific patterns in genetic issues
⫸ Comprehensive physical exam includes Answer: Body areas: head,
neck, chest abdomen, genitalia, groin, buttocks, back and extremities.
Organ systems: constitutional (vital signs, general appearance) eyes,
ears, nose, throat, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, genitourinary,
musculoskeletal, dermatological, neurological, psychiatric,
hematological/lymphatic/immunological.
⫸ BMI Answer: measure that can determine if a person is at risk for
weight-related illness.
, ⫸ Head circumference measurement:
Birth-36 mo. Answer: extending a non-stretchable measuring tape
around the broadest part of the child's head.
Accuracy: tape is placed 3 times: right, left side, and at the mid-forehead
Measure the infant's head circumference at birth and at each well-child
visit up to age 2 years and then yearly up to 6 years
⫸ Measuring head circumference of newborn Answer: 2 cm larger than
chest circumference.
As child ages, chest circumference becomes larger than head
circumference.
⫸ Chest Measurement Answer: Measured at the nipple line.
⫸ Fontanels in a newborn - toddler Answer: Posterior fontanel - triangle
shaped; closes 1-2 mo.
Anterior fontanel - diamond shaped; closes at 9 mo.-2 yrs
⫸ Vitals signs are the measurements of Answer: Temperature, pulse,
respiration and blood pressure. Give an immediate picture of person's
current state of health and well being.
