NURS 612 Advanced Health Assessment - Week 10: Neurological and
Musculoskeletal Focus 2026 |Maryville
1. When assessing a patient for a suspected meniscus tear, which orthopedic
maneuver involves internal and external rotation of the knee while applying
valgus and varus stress in a flexed position?
A. Lachman Test
B. McMurray Test
C. Drawer Test
D. Bulge Sign
Answer: B
Rationale: The McMurray test is specifically designed to identify meniscal tears by rotating
the lower leg and extending the knee to elicit a click or pain.
,2. An adult patient presents with an upward extension of the big toe and
fanning of the other toes upon stimulation of the plantar surface of the foot.
How should the clinician document this?
A. Normal plantar reflex
B. Positive Babinski sign
C. Negative Babinski sign
D. Normal Achilles reflex
Answer: B
Rationale: In adults, the Babinski sign (dorsiflexion of the big toe) is an abnormal finding
indicating upper motor neuron disease; in infants under 2 years, it is normal.
3. To evaluate the function of Cranial Nerve XI (Spinal Accessory), the clinician
should ask the patient to:
A. Shrug the shoulders against resistance
B. Protrude the tongue and move it side to side
C. Identify common scents with eyes closed
D. Follow a ‘H’ pattern with their eyes
Answer: A
, Rationale: Cranial Nerve XI controls the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles,
assessed by shoulder shrugging and head turning against resistance.
4. Which assessment technique is used to evaluate for the presence of carpal
tunnel syndrome by having the patient hold their wrists in acute flexion for 60
seconds?
A. Tinel’s sign
B. Phalen’s test
C. Allen’s test
D. Finkelstein’s test
Answer: B
Rationale: Phalen’s test involves forced flexion of the wrists; numbness or tingling in the
distribution of the median nerve suggests carpal tunnel syndrome.
Musculoskeletal Focus 2026 |Maryville
1. When assessing a patient for a suspected meniscus tear, which orthopedic
maneuver involves internal and external rotation of the knee while applying
valgus and varus stress in a flexed position?
A. Lachman Test
B. McMurray Test
C. Drawer Test
D. Bulge Sign
Answer: B
Rationale: The McMurray test is specifically designed to identify meniscal tears by rotating
the lower leg and extending the knee to elicit a click or pain.
,2. An adult patient presents with an upward extension of the big toe and
fanning of the other toes upon stimulation of the plantar surface of the foot.
How should the clinician document this?
A. Normal plantar reflex
B. Positive Babinski sign
C. Negative Babinski sign
D. Normal Achilles reflex
Answer: B
Rationale: In adults, the Babinski sign (dorsiflexion of the big toe) is an abnormal finding
indicating upper motor neuron disease; in infants under 2 years, it is normal.
3. To evaluate the function of Cranial Nerve XI (Spinal Accessory), the clinician
should ask the patient to:
A. Shrug the shoulders against resistance
B. Protrude the tongue and move it side to side
C. Identify common scents with eyes closed
D. Follow a ‘H’ pattern with their eyes
Answer: A
, Rationale: Cranial Nerve XI controls the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles,
assessed by shoulder shrugging and head turning against resistance.
4. Which assessment technique is used to evaluate for the presence of carpal
tunnel syndrome by having the patient hold their wrists in acute flexion for 60
seconds?
A. Tinel’s sign
B. Phalen’s test
C. Allen’s test
D. Finkelstein’s test
Answer: B
Rationale: Phalen’s test involves forced flexion of the wrists; numbness or tingling in the
distribution of the median nerve suggests carpal tunnel syndrome.
