Assessment and Nursing Practice: Comprehensive
Evaluation of Adult Health, Maternal-Fetal Care,
Neurocognitive Function, Cardiopulmonary and
Peripheral Vascular Systems, Musculoskeletal
Integrity, Vital Signs, Pain Assessment, Diagnostic
Reasoning, and Evidence-Based Interventions
Exam Questions Verified and Provided with
Complete A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated
2026
0.5-1 inch
light palpation
bell
low pitch noises
diaphragm
high pitch sounds
pupils equal, round, reactive to light and accommodation
PERRLA
dilated pupils
compressed cranial nerve III
Bilateral dilated, fixed pupils
omnious sign
(close to death or brain dead)
pinpoint pupils
pons damage or drugs
head injury
brain bleed
, --act fast (pressing on cranial nerve III) --both will dilate
increasing ICP
only one dilated pupil may indicate
lower tones
front of patient
when speaking to an elderly patient with a hearing deficit
midline
assess neck and make sure trachea is:
pneumothorax
tumors
lung removed
hemothorax (blood builds up in lung)
enlarged thyroid (goiter)
** fluid can build up in lung and push over causing deviation
things that cause deviated trachea
pass out
messing with blood flow to brain
do not palpate both carotid arteries at same time
causes:
bruit
auscultate carotid arteries
swishing sound
blood flow through narrow spot
(have them hold their breath and listen)
HOB 30-45
Do not want to see jugular vein once upright
check for JVD
pain
5th vital sign
too big? low
too small? high