NSG 6020 ADVANCED HEALTH
ASSESSMENT MIDTERM PRACTICE
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026
1. When performing a physical examination, which technique should the nurse practitioner
use first for every body system except the abdomen?
A. Palpation
B. Percussion
C. Auscultation
D. Inspection
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Inspection is always the first step in the physical examination
sequence for all systems except the abdomen, where auscultation follows inspection to
avoid altering bowel sounds.
2. Which of the following is considered subjective data?
A. Blood pressure reading of 140/90
B. Patient’s report of a ‘throbbing’ headache
C. Presence of a 2cm lesion on the arm
,D. Oxygen saturation of 95%
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Subjective data (symptoms) are what the patient tells the
provider, such as feelings or perceptions. Objective data (signs) are observable and
measurable.
3. When assessing the abdomen, what is the correct sequence of examination?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D. Percussion, Palpation, Inspection, Auscultation
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: For the abdominal exam, auscultation is performed before
percussion and palpation because the latter two can increase peristalsis and alter bowel
sounds.
4. A patient presents with a ‘stiff neck’ and a high fever. Which physical exam maneuver
would test for meningeal irritation?
A. Phalen’s sign
B. McBurney’s sign
C. Murphy’s sign
, D. Brudzinski’s sign
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Brudzinski’s sign (involuntary hip/knee flexion when the neck is
flexed) and Kernig’s sign are tests for meningeal irritation.
5. Which cranial nerve is responsible for the movement of the tongue?
A. CN IX (Glossopharyngeal)
B. CN X (Vagus)
C. CN XII (Hypoglossal)
D. CN XI (Accessory)
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Cranial Nerve XII (Hypoglossal) is the motor nerve that controls
the movement of the tongue.
6. In the ‘ABCDE’ assessment of skin lesions, what does the ‘E’ stand for?
A. Erythema
B. Elevation
C. Exudate
D. Evolving
Answer: D
ASSESSMENT MIDTERM PRACTICE
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026
1. When performing a physical examination, which technique should the nurse practitioner
use first for every body system except the abdomen?
A. Palpation
B. Percussion
C. Auscultation
D. Inspection
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Inspection is always the first step in the physical examination
sequence for all systems except the abdomen, where auscultation follows inspection to
avoid altering bowel sounds.
2. Which of the following is considered subjective data?
A. Blood pressure reading of 140/90
B. Patient’s report of a ‘throbbing’ headache
C. Presence of a 2cm lesion on the arm
,D. Oxygen saturation of 95%
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Subjective data (symptoms) are what the patient tells the
provider, such as feelings or perceptions. Objective data (signs) are observable and
measurable.
3. When assessing the abdomen, what is the correct sequence of examination?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D. Percussion, Palpation, Inspection, Auscultation
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: For the abdominal exam, auscultation is performed before
percussion and palpation because the latter two can increase peristalsis and alter bowel
sounds.
4. A patient presents with a ‘stiff neck’ and a high fever. Which physical exam maneuver
would test for meningeal irritation?
A. Phalen’s sign
B. McBurney’s sign
C. Murphy’s sign
, D. Brudzinski’s sign
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Brudzinski’s sign (involuntary hip/knee flexion when the neck is
flexed) and Kernig’s sign are tests for meningeal irritation.
5. Which cranial nerve is responsible for the movement of the tongue?
A. CN IX (Glossopharyngeal)
B. CN X (Vagus)
C. CN XII (Hypoglossal)
D. CN XI (Accessory)
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Cranial Nerve XII (Hypoglossal) is the motor nerve that controls
the movement of the tongue.
6. In the ‘ABCDE’ assessment of skin lesions, what does the ‘E’ stand for?
A. Erythema
B. Elevation
C. Exudate
D. Evolving
Answer: D
