SOUTH UNIVERSITY 350 MULTIPLE-CHOICE
PRACTICE QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS AND
RATIONALES
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Section 1: Advanced Health Assessment & Physical Examination (Questions 1-
80)
1. When performing a visual acuity test, the nurse practitioner notes 20/30 in
the left eye and 20/40 in the right eye using the Snellen eye chart. This means:
A) Have the patient return in two weeks for a follow-up vision screen
B) Dilate the eye and retest
C) Refer the patient to an ophthalmologist
D) Document this as a normal finding
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: 20/20 is normal vision; 20/30 and 20/40 indicate mild visual
impairment but are not emergent. Documentation as a normal finding is
appropriate if this is the patient's baseline, though further evaluation may be
warranted if this is a change.
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2. The brain and spinal cord are included in which of the following?
,A) Peripheral nervous system
B) Central nervous system
C) Autonomic nervous system
D) Somatic nervous system
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord.
The peripheral nervous system includes the cranial nerves, spinal nerves, and
their branches.
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3. The cranial nerves, 31 pairs of spinal nerves, and branches make up which
of the following?
A) Central nervous system
B) Peripheral nervous system
C) Autonomic nervous system
D) Enteric nervous system
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The peripheral nervous system includes all neural tissue outside
the CNS, including cranial nerves, spinal nerves, and their branches.
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4. A rotational sensation of spinning is considered to be which of the
following?
,A) Dizziness
B) Vertigo
C) Syncope
D) Lightheadedness
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Vertigo is specifically defined as a rotational sensation of spinning,
often associated with inner ear or vestibular system disorders.
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5. A sensation of numbness and/or tingling of the extremities is referred to as
which of the following?
A) Paresthesia
B) Anesthesia
C) Dysesthesia
D) Hyperesthesia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Paresthesia is the medical term for abnormal sensations such as
numbness, tingling, or "pins and needles" in the extremities.
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6. Lightly touching the cornea with a cotton ball would be examining which
type of reflex?
, A) Deep tendon reflex
B) Superficial reflex
C) Pathologic reflex
D) Visceral reflex
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The corneal reflex is a superficial reflex that tests the sensory
function of cranial nerve V (trigeminal) and the motor function of cranial
nerve VII (facial).
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7. Which of the following is Cranial Nerve XI?
A) Vagus
B) Hypoglossal
C) Spinal accessory
D) Glossopharyngeal
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cranial Nerve XI is the spinal accessory nerve, which innervates the
sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles.
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8. Which of the following is NOT considered a primary headache?
A) Tension headache