Quiz Module 8: NUR 2180 Physical Assessment Page 1
NUR 2180 / NUR 2180
Physical Assessment - Quiz Module 8
Rasmussen University | Latest Update 2026/2027 | Questions and Verified Answers | 100% Correct | Grade A
Section 1: Abdominal Assessment (Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation) - Q1-Q15
Q1: A nursing student is preparing to perform an abdominal assessment on a patient admitted with abdominal pain. In
which order should the nurse perform the assessment techniques?
A. A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. B. Auscultation, Inspection, Percussion, Palpation
C. C. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation **[CORRECT]** **[CORRECT]**
D. D. Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct abdominal assessment sequence is inspection, auscultation, percussion, then palpation. Auscultation must be performed before
percussion and palpation because these manipulative techniques can alter the frequency and character of bowel sounds and vascular sounds such as
bruits. This order differs from the typical head-to-toe assessment sequence where palpation often follows percussion, making it a critical Rasmussen
NUR 2180 competency point.
Q2: A nurse is auscultating a patient's abdomen and begins in the right lower quadrant. What is the primary rationale
for starting auscultation in this location?
A. A. The RLQ is the most tender area of the abdomen
B. B. The RLQ contains the ileocecal valve where bowel sounds are normally always present **[CORRECT]**
**[CORRECT]**
C. C. The RLQ is the largest abdominal quadrant
D. D. The RLQ is the standard starting point taught only at Rasmussen University
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Bowel sounds originate from the movement of air and fluid through the intestines. The RLQ is the preferred starting point for auscultation
because it contains the ileocecal valve, the area where bowel sounds are most consistently present. The nurse should then proceed in a clockwise
fashion across all quadrants. This systematic approach ensures a thorough assessment and is a key Rasmussen NUR 2180 Module 8 examination
principle.
Q3: A nurse documents that a patient's bowel sounds are hypoactive. Which finding supports this documentation?
A. A. Bowel sounds occurring more than 30 times per minute
B. B. High-pitched, hyperactive rushing sounds in all quadrants
C. C. Bowel sounds occurring fewer than 5 times per minute **[CORRECT]** **[CORRECT]**
D. D. Absence of bowel sounds after 5 minutes of continuous auscultation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hypoactive bowel sounds are defined as fewer than 5 sounds per minute. Normal bowel sounds occur 5 to 30 times per minute and are
characterized by high-pitched gurgling sounds. Hyperactive bowel sounds exceed 30 per minute and may indicate bowel obstruction or gastroenteritis.
Absent bowel sounds (none heard for 2 minutes) suggest a paralytic ileus or peritonitis, which are more serious findings requiring immediate clinical
attention.
Q4: A nurse is performing abdominal percussion on a patient and notes a dull sound over the right upper quadrant.
Which organ is most likely responsible for this finding?
A. A. Stomach
B. B. Spleen
C. C. Liver **[CORRECT]** **[CORRECT]**
D. D. Transverse colon
Correct Answer: C
Rasmussen University | 2026/2027 | 45 Questions | Verified Answers
, Quiz Module 8: NUR 2180 Physical Assessment Page 2
Rationale: Dullness on percussion indicates a solid organ or fluid-filled structure rather than an air-filled one. The liver is located in the RUQ and
produces a dull percussion note due to its dense tissue composition. The stomach and colon are air-filled structures that produce tympany (a drum-like,
high-pitched sound). The spleen is located in the LUQ and would also produce dullness, but it is not in the RUQ. Understanding which organs produce
dullness versus tympany is fundamental to accurate abdominal assessment in NUR 2180.
Q5: A nurse percusses a patient's abdomen in the midclavicular line and estimates the liver span to be 14 cm. How should
the nurse interpret this finding?
A. A. Normal liver span
B. B. Hepatomegaly (enlarged liver) **[CORRECT]** **[CORRECT]**
C. C. Decreased liver size consistent with cirrhosis
D. D. Liver span cannot be assessed by percussion
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The normal liver span measured by percussion along the midclavicular line is 6 to 12 cm. A span of 14 cm exceeds this range and indicates
hepatomegaly, which may be caused by conditions such as hepatitis, right-sided heart failure, fatty liver disease, or hepatic malignancy. Percussion is
an important technique for estimating organ size, and knowing normal versus abnormal ranges is essential for the Rasmussen NUR 2180 physical
assessment competency examination.
Q6: A nurse is assessing a patient with suspected appendicitis. When the nurse releases pressure on the patient's right
lower quadrant, the patient reports increased sharp pain. What is this finding called?
A. A. Rebound tenderness **[CORRECT]** **[CORRECT]**
B. B. Voluntary guarding
C. C. Murphy sign
D. D. CVA tenderness
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rebound tenderness is a sign of peritoneal irritation characterized by pain that occurs upon sudden release of pressure from the abdominal
wall rather than during the application of pressure. It suggests inflammation of the parietal peritoneum, which is commonly seen in appendicitis and
peritonitis. Murphy sign is specific to cholecystitis (pain on inspiration during palpation of the RUQ), while CVA tenderness is assessed over the
costovertebral angle and indicates kidney inflammation. Voluntary guarding is a conscious muscle contraction to avoid pain, whereas rebound
tenderness is involuntary.
Q7: A nurse assesses a patient's abdomen and notes a tympanic sound on percussion over most of the abdominal area.
Which structure best explains this expected finding?
A. A. Liver parenchyma
B. B. Spleen
C. C. Stomach and intestines **[CORRECT]** **[CORRECT]**
D. D. Enlarged kidneys
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Tympany is a high-pitched, drum-like sound produced by percussing over air-filled structures. In the normal abdomen, the stomach and
intestines contain air that produces tympanic notes across most quadrants. Solid organs such as the liver and spleen produce dullness, and areas of
fluid accumulation (ascites) produce dullness as well. Recognizing the difference between tympany (air) and dullness (solid or fluid) is a core NUR
2180 physical assessment skill.
Q8: A nurse is reviewing the abdominal quadrants and their associated organs. Which organs are located in the right
upper quadrant (RUQ)?
A. A. Stomach, spleen, left kidney, body of pancreas
B. B. Cecum, appendix, right ovary and tube, right ureter
C. C. Liver, gallbladder, duodenum, head of pancreas, right kidney and adrenal, hepatic flexure **[CORRECT]**
**[CORRECT]**
D. D. Sigmoid colon, left ovary and tube, left ureter
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The RUQ contains the liver, gallbladder, duodenum, head of the pancreas, right kidney and adrenal gland, and the hepatic flexure of the
colon. The LUQ contains the stomach, spleen, left lobe of the liver, body of the pancreas, left kidney and adrenal, and splenic flexure. The RLQ
contains the cecum, appendix, right ovary and tube, and right ureter. The LLQ contains the sigmoid colon, left ovary and tube, and left ureter.
Memorizing quadrant anatomy is a fundamental Rasmussen NUR 2180 Module 8 competency.
Rasmussen University | 2026/2027 | 45 Questions | Verified Answers
NUR 2180 / NUR 2180
Physical Assessment - Quiz Module 8
Rasmussen University | Latest Update 2026/2027 | Questions and Verified Answers | 100% Correct | Grade A
Section 1: Abdominal Assessment (Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation) - Q1-Q15
Q1: A nursing student is preparing to perform an abdominal assessment on a patient admitted with abdominal pain. In
which order should the nurse perform the assessment techniques?
A. A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. B. Auscultation, Inspection, Percussion, Palpation
C. C. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation **[CORRECT]** **[CORRECT]**
D. D. Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct abdominal assessment sequence is inspection, auscultation, percussion, then palpation. Auscultation must be performed before
percussion and palpation because these manipulative techniques can alter the frequency and character of bowel sounds and vascular sounds such as
bruits. This order differs from the typical head-to-toe assessment sequence where palpation often follows percussion, making it a critical Rasmussen
NUR 2180 competency point.
Q2: A nurse is auscultating a patient's abdomen and begins in the right lower quadrant. What is the primary rationale
for starting auscultation in this location?
A. A. The RLQ is the most tender area of the abdomen
B. B. The RLQ contains the ileocecal valve where bowel sounds are normally always present **[CORRECT]**
**[CORRECT]**
C. C. The RLQ is the largest abdominal quadrant
D. D. The RLQ is the standard starting point taught only at Rasmussen University
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Bowel sounds originate from the movement of air and fluid through the intestines. The RLQ is the preferred starting point for auscultation
because it contains the ileocecal valve, the area where bowel sounds are most consistently present. The nurse should then proceed in a clockwise
fashion across all quadrants. This systematic approach ensures a thorough assessment and is a key Rasmussen NUR 2180 Module 8 examination
principle.
Q3: A nurse documents that a patient's bowel sounds are hypoactive. Which finding supports this documentation?
A. A. Bowel sounds occurring more than 30 times per minute
B. B. High-pitched, hyperactive rushing sounds in all quadrants
C. C. Bowel sounds occurring fewer than 5 times per minute **[CORRECT]** **[CORRECT]**
D. D. Absence of bowel sounds after 5 minutes of continuous auscultation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hypoactive bowel sounds are defined as fewer than 5 sounds per minute. Normal bowel sounds occur 5 to 30 times per minute and are
characterized by high-pitched gurgling sounds. Hyperactive bowel sounds exceed 30 per minute and may indicate bowel obstruction or gastroenteritis.
Absent bowel sounds (none heard for 2 minutes) suggest a paralytic ileus or peritonitis, which are more serious findings requiring immediate clinical
attention.
Q4: A nurse is performing abdominal percussion on a patient and notes a dull sound over the right upper quadrant.
Which organ is most likely responsible for this finding?
A. A. Stomach
B. B. Spleen
C. C. Liver **[CORRECT]** **[CORRECT]**
D. D. Transverse colon
Correct Answer: C
Rasmussen University | 2026/2027 | 45 Questions | Verified Answers
, Quiz Module 8: NUR 2180 Physical Assessment Page 2
Rationale: Dullness on percussion indicates a solid organ or fluid-filled structure rather than an air-filled one. The liver is located in the RUQ and
produces a dull percussion note due to its dense tissue composition. The stomach and colon are air-filled structures that produce tympany (a drum-like,
high-pitched sound). The spleen is located in the LUQ and would also produce dullness, but it is not in the RUQ. Understanding which organs produce
dullness versus tympany is fundamental to accurate abdominal assessment in NUR 2180.
Q5: A nurse percusses a patient's abdomen in the midclavicular line and estimates the liver span to be 14 cm. How should
the nurse interpret this finding?
A. A. Normal liver span
B. B. Hepatomegaly (enlarged liver) **[CORRECT]** **[CORRECT]**
C. C. Decreased liver size consistent with cirrhosis
D. D. Liver span cannot be assessed by percussion
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The normal liver span measured by percussion along the midclavicular line is 6 to 12 cm. A span of 14 cm exceeds this range and indicates
hepatomegaly, which may be caused by conditions such as hepatitis, right-sided heart failure, fatty liver disease, or hepatic malignancy. Percussion is
an important technique for estimating organ size, and knowing normal versus abnormal ranges is essential for the Rasmussen NUR 2180 physical
assessment competency examination.
Q6: A nurse is assessing a patient with suspected appendicitis. When the nurse releases pressure on the patient's right
lower quadrant, the patient reports increased sharp pain. What is this finding called?
A. A. Rebound tenderness **[CORRECT]** **[CORRECT]**
B. B. Voluntary guarding
C. C. Murphy sign
D. D. CVA tenderness
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rebound tenderness is a sign of peritoneal irritation characterized by pain that occurs upon sudden release of pressure from the abdominal
wall rather than during the application of pressure. It suggests inflammation of the parietal peritoneum, which is commonly seen in appendicitis and
peritonitis. Murphy sign is specific to cholecystitis (pain on inspiration during palpation of the RUQ), while CVA tenderness is assessed over the
costovertebral angle and indicates kidney inflammation. Voluntary guarding is a conscious muscle contraction to avoid pain, whereas rebound
tenderness is involuntary.
Q7: A nurse assesses a patient's abdomen and notes a tympanic sound on percussion over most of the abdominal area.
Which structure best explains this expected finding?
A. A. Liver parenchyma
B. B. Spleen
C. C. Stomach and intestines **[CORRECT]** **[CORRECT]**
D. D. Enlarged kidneys
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Tympany is a high-pitched, drum-like sound produced by percussing over air-filled structures. In the normal abdomen, the stomach and
intestines contain air that produces tympanic notes across most quadrants. Solid organs such as the liver and spleen produce dullness, and areas of
fluid accumulation (ascites) produce dullness as well. Recognizing the difference between tympany (air) and dullness (solid or fluid) is a core NUR
2180 physical assessment skill.
Q8: A nurse is reviewing the abdominal quadrants and their associated organs. Which organs are located in the right
upper quadrant (RUQ)?
A. A. Stomach, spleen, left kidney, body of pancreas
B. B. Cecum, appendix, right ovary and tube, right ureter
C. C. Liver, gallbladder, duodenum, head of pancreas, right kidney and adrenal, hepatic flexure **[CORRECT]**
**[CORRECT]**
D. D. Sigmoid colon, left ovary and tube, left ureter
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The RUQ contains the liver, gallbladder, duodenum, head of the pancreas, right kidney and adrenal gland, and the hepatic flexure of the
colon. The LUQ contains the stomach, spleen, left lobe of the liver, body of the pancreas, left kidney and adrenal, and splenic flexure. The RLQ
contains the cecum, appendix, right ovary and tube, and right ureter. The LLQ contains the sigmoid colon, left ovary and tube, and left ureter.
Memorizing quadrant anatomy is a fundamental Rasmussen NUR 2180 Module 8 competency.
Rasmussen University | 2026/2027 | 45 Questions | Verified Answers
