NSG 500 ADVANCED HEALTH
ASSESSMENT COMPREHENSIVE EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. When performing a physical assessment, which of the following is considered ‘subjective’
data?
A. A blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg
B. The patient’s report of a ‘throbbing’ headache
C. Presence of a Grade II systolic murmur
D. Pitting edema noted in the lower extremities
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Subjective data, or symptoms, are what the patient reports, such
as pain or feelings. Objective data are observable and measurable findings by the clinician.
2. While assessing the eyes, the clinician uses the Hirschberg test to evaluate for:
A. Visual acuity
B. Peripheral vision
C. Intraocular pressure
D. Corneal light reflex and ocular alignment
,Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The Hirschberg test, or corneal light reflex test, checks for
strabismus by ensuring the light reflects symmetrically in both pupils.
3. During a respiratory exam, the patient says ‘ee’ while the clinician auscultates. If it sounds
like ‘ay’, this is known as:
A. Bronchophony
B. Tactile fremitus
C. Whispered pectoriloquy
D. Egophony
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Egophony is a physical exam finding where the spoken ‘ee’
sounds like ‘ay’ over areas of lung consolidation.
4. A 55-year-old male presents with right upper quadrant pain. Deep palpation under the
right costal margin causes the patient to suddenly stop inspiration due to pain. This is:
A. Rovsing’s sign
B. McBurney’s sign
C. Murphy’s sign
D. Psoas sign
Answer: C
, Conceptual Explanation: Murphy’s sign is indicative of acute cholecystitis when
inspiration is halted due to pain as the gallbladder touches the clinician’s hand.
5. Which heart sound is frequently associated with heart failure or fluid volume overload in
older adults?
A. S3
B. S2
C. S1
D. S4
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The S3 gallop is often a sign of ventricular filling into a dilated,
non-compliant chamber, common in congestive heart failure.
6. To differentiate between a tension headache and a migraine, the clinician knows that
migraines are typically:
A. Unilateral and pulsating
B. Bilateral and steady
C. Relieved by physical activity
D. Associated with band-like pressure
Answer: A
ASSESSMENT COMPREHENSIVE EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. When performing a physical assessment, which of the following is considered ‘subjective’
data?
A. A blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg
B. The patient’s report of a ‘throbbing’ headache
C. Presence of a Grade II systolic murmur
D. Pitting edema noted in the lower extremities
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Subjective data, or symptoms, are what the patient reports, such
as pain or feelings. Objective data are observable and measurable findings by the clinician.
2. While assessing the eyes, the clinician uses the Hirschberg test to evaluate for:
A. Visual acuity
B. Peripheral vision
C. Intraocular pressure
D. Corneal light reflex and ocular alignment
,Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The Hirschberg test, or corneal light reflex test, checks for
strabismus by ensuring the light reflects symmetrically in both pupils.
3. During a respiratory exam, the patient says ‘ee’ while the clinician auscultates. If it sounds
like ‘ay’, this is known as:
A. Bronchophony
B. Tactile fremitus
C. Whispered pectoriloquy
D. Egophony
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Egophony is a physical exam finding where the spoken ‘ee’
sounds like ‘ay’ over areas of lung consolidation.
4. A 55-year-old male presents with right upper quadrant pain. Deep palpation under the
right costal margin causes the patient to suddenly stop inspiration due to pain. This is:
A. Rovsing’s sign
B. McBurney’s sign
C. Murphy’s sign
D. Psoas sign
Answer: C
, Conceptual Explanation: Murphy’s sign is indicative of acute cholecystitis when
inspiration is halted due to pain as the gallbladder touches the clinician’s hand.
5. Which heart sound is frequently associated with heart failure or fluid volume overload in
older adults?
A. S3
B. S2
C. S1
D. S4
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The S3 gallop is often a sign of ventricular filling into a dilated,
non-compliant chamber, common in congestive heart failure.
6. To differentiate between a tension headache and a migraine, the clinician knows that
migraines are typically:
A. Unilateral and pulsating
B. Bilateral and steady
C. Relieved by physical activity
D. Associated with band-like pressure
Answer: A
