WILKES UNIVERSITY
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
NSG 500 — Advanced Health Assessment
Academic Year: 2026/2027
Exam 3 — Comprehensive Question Bank
W I L K E S U N I V E R S I T Y — E X C E L L E N C E I N N U R S I N G E D U C AT I O N
Question 1
What is the best way to assess for joint symmetry?
A. Inspection by comparing joints from one side to the other
B. Palpation of both joints simultaneously
C. Range of motion testing of each joint
D. Strength testing of each joint
CORRECT ANSWER A. Inspection by comparing joints from one side to the other
RATIONALE
The best way to assess joint symmetry is through inspection by comparing the same
joint on the opposite side of the body. This allows the examiner to identify asymmetry
in size, shape, or contour that may indicate pathology.
, Question 2
What is the correct position when performing a rectal/prostate exam?
A. Side-lying position
B. Supine position
C. Prone position
D. Standing position
CORRECT ANSWER A. Side-lying position
RATIONALE
The side-lying position (Sims position) with knees flexed provides optimal access to the
prostate during a digital rectal exam. This position relaxes the anal sphincter and allows
for better palpation.
Question 3
When performing a prostate exam, what area are you palpating?
A. Posterior aspect
B. Anterior aspect
C. Lateral aspects
D. Superior aspect
CORRECT ANSWER A. Posterior aspect
RATIONALE
During a digital rectal exam, the posterior aspect of the prostate is palpated. This is
where most prostate cancers originate, making palpation of the posterior surface
essential for early detection.
, Question 4
What should a normal prostate feel like?
A. Rubbery and smooth
B. Hard and nodular
C. Soft and boggy
D. Firm and fixed
CORRECT ANSWER A. Rubbery and smooth
RATIONALE
A normal prostate feels rubbery, smooth, and round. Changes in consistency, such as
hardness, nodularity, or irregularity, may indicate pathology such as prostate cancer or
benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Question 5
How do you know that someone has rectal prolapse?
A. When the patient is experiencing sliding of the rectum that occurs during
straining
B. When there is bleeding during bowel movements
C. When there is pain during defecation
D. When there is a sensation of incomplete evacuation
CORRECT ANSWER
A. When the patient is experiencing sliding of the rectum that occurs during
straining
RATIONALE
Rectal prolapse is characterized by a sliding sensation of the rectum during straining,
with a visible red, donut-shaped protrusion of rectal tissue. This occurs when the rectum
protrudes through the anus.
, Question 6
What do external hemorrhoids look like?
A. Small masses that are pink/red and beefy; if purple/dark in color, concerning for
a thrombus hemorrhoid
B. Small masses that are always purple in color
C. Small masses that are white and pale
D. Small masses that are yellow and greasy
CORRECT ANSWER
A. Small masses that are pink/red and beefy; if purple/dark in color, concerning
for a thrombus hemorrhoid
RATIONALE
External hemorrhoids typically appear as small, pink/red, beefy masses. If they appear
purple or very dark in color, this indicates a thrombosed hemorrhoid, which is a
concerning finding that requires further evaluation.
Question 7
What do internal hemorrhoids feel like?
A. Soft masses; hard is a concern and a bad finding
B. Hard, nodular masses
C. Fixed, immobile masses
D. Tender, pulsating masses
CORRECT ANSWER A. Soft masses; hard is a concern and a bad finding
RATIONALE
Internal hemorrhoids typically feel like soft masses on palpation. A hard, fixed mass is
concerning and may indicate a malignant process or thrombosed hemorrhoid requiring
further investigation.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
NSG 500 — Advanced Health Assessment
Academic Year: 2026/2027
Exam 3 — Comprehensive Question Bank
W I L K E S U N I V E R S I T Y — E X C E L L E N C E I N N U R S I N G E D U C AT I O N
Question 1
What is the best way to assess for joint symmetry?
A. Inspection by comparing joints from one side to the other
B. Palpation of both joints simultaneously
C. Range of motion testing of each joint
D. Strength testing of each joint
CORRECT ANSWER A. Inspection by comparing joints from one side to the other
RATIONALE
The best way to assess joint symmetry is through inspection by comparing the same
joint on the opposite side of the body. This allows the examiner to identify asymmetry
in size, shape, or contour that may indicate pathology.
, Question 2
What is the correct position when performing a rectal/prostate exam?
A. Side-lying position
B. Supine position
C. Prone position
D. Standing position
CORRECT ANSWER A. Side-lying position
RATIONALE
The side-lying position (Sims position) with knees flexed provides optimal access to the
prostate during a digital rectal exam. This position relaxes the anal sphincter and allows
for better palpation.
Question 3
When performing a prostate exam, what area are you palpating?
A. Posterior aspect
B. Anterior aspect
C. Lateral aspects
D. Superior aspect
CORRECT ANSWER A. Posterior aspect
RATIONALE
During a digital rectal exam, the posterior aspect of the prostate is palpated. This is
where most prostate cancers originate, making palpation of the posterior surface
essential for early detection.
, Question 4
What should a normal prostate feel like?
A. Rubbery and smooth
B. Hard and nodular
C. Soft and boggy
D. Firm and fixed
CORRECT ANSWER A. Rubbery and smooth
RATIONALE
A normal prostate feels rubbery, smooth, and round. Changes in consistency, such as
hardness, nodularity, or irregularity, may indicate pathology such as prostate cancer or
benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Question 5
How do you know that someone has rectal prolapse?
A. When the patient is experiencing sliding of the rectum that occurs during
straining
B. When there is bleeding during bowel movements
C. When there is pain during defecation
D. When there is a sensation of incomplete evacuation
CORRECT ANSWER
A. When the patient is experiencing sliding of the rectum that occurs during
straining
RATIONALE
Rectal prolapse is characterized by a sliding sensation of the rectum during straining,
with a visible red, donut-shaped protrusion of rectal tissue. This occurs when the rectum
protrudes through the anus.
, Question 6
What do external hemorrhoids look like?
A. Small masses that are pink/red and beefy; if purple/dark in color, concerning for
a thrombus hemorrhoid
B. Small masses that are always purple in color
C. Small masses that are white and pale
D. Small masses that are yellow and greasy
CORRECT ANSWER
A. Small masses that are pink/red and beefy; if purple/dark in color, concerning
for a thrombus hemorrhoid
RATIONALE
External hemorrhoids typically appear as small, pink/red, beefy masses. If they appear
purple or very dark in color, this indicates a thrombosed hemorrhoid, which is a
concerning finding that requires further evaluation.
Question 7
What do internal hemorrhoids feel like?
A. Soft masses; hard is a concern and a bad finding
B. Hard, nodular masses
C. Fixed, immobile masses
D. Tender, pulsating masses
CORRECT ANSWER A. Soft masses; hard is a concern and a bad finding
RATIONALE
Internal hemorrhoids typically feel like soft masses on palpation. A hard, fixed mass is
concerning and may indicate a malignant process or thrombosed hemorrhoid requiring
further investigation.
