NSG 6020 HEALTH ASSESSMENT FINAL
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026
1. During a funduscopic examination, which of the following findings would be considered a
normal physiological variant of the optic disc?
A. Optic disc pallor
B. Papilledema
C. Physiological cupping
D. Arteriovenous (AV) nicking
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Physiological cupping is a normal variation where the central
cup is less than half the diameter of the optic disc. Pallor suggests atrophy, papilledema
suggests increased intracranial pressure, and AV nicking is a sign of hypertension.
2. When performing a respiratory assessment on a patient with suspected lobar pneumonia,
which physical finding is most likely?
A. Hyperresonance on percussion
B. Increased tactile fremitus over the affected area
,C. Decreased whispered pectoriloquy
D. Vesicular breath sounds in the periphery
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In pneumonia, the lung tissue becomes consolidated with
fluid/debris, which conducts sound vibrations better than air-filled lungs, leading to
increased tactile fremitus. Hyperresonance is found in pneumothorax or COPD; whispered
pectoriloquy increases in consolidation.
3. A 65-year-old male presents with intermittent claudication. Which assessment finding
would most strongly support a diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease (PAD)?
A. Bilateral varicose veins
B. Pitting edema of the lower extremities
C. Hyperpigmentation around the medial malleolus
D. Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) of 0.65
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: An ABI of less than 0.90 is indicative of PAD; 0.65 represents
moderate disease. Edema and hyperpigmentation are typically associated with chronic
venous insufficiency, not arterial disease.
, 4. Which heart sound is specifically associated with decreased ventricular compliance and is
heard late in diastole, just before S1?
A. S3 gallop
B. S4 gallop
C. Opening snap
D. Systolic click
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: S4 (atrial gallop) occurs at the end of diastole when the atria
contract into a non-compliant or stiff ventricle (e.g., in LVH or CAD). S3 occurs early in
diastole during rapid ventricular filling.
5. To evaluate a patient for a suspected meniscus tear, the nurse practitioner should perform
which of the following maneuvers?
A. Lachman test
B. Phalen’s maneuver
C. Valgus stress test
D. McMurray test
Answer: D
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026
1. During a funduscopic examination, which of the following findings would be considered a
normal physiological variant of the optic disc?
A. Optic disc pallor
B. Papilledema
C. Physiological cupping
D. Arteriovenous (AV) nicking
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Physiological cupping is a normal variation where the central
cup is less than half the diameter of the optic disc. Pallor suggests atrophy, papilledema
suggests increased intracranial pressure, and AV nicking is a sign of hypertension.
2. When performing a respiratory assessment on a patient with suspected lobar pneumonia,
which physical finding is most likely?
A. Hyperresonance on percussion
B. Increased tactile fremitus over the affected area
,C. Decreased whispered pectoriloquy
D. Vesicular breath sounds in the periphery
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In pneumonia, the lung tissue becomes consolidated with
fluid/debris, which conducts sound vibrations better than air-filled lungs, leading to
increased tactile fremitus. Hyperresonance is found in pneumothorax or COPD; whispered
pectoriloquy increases in consolidation.
3. A 65-year-old male presents with intermittent claudication. Which assessment finding
would most strongly support a diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease (PAD)?
A. Bilateral varicose veins
B. Pitting edema of the lower extremities
C. Hyperpigmentation around the medial malleolus
D. Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) of 0.65
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: An ABI of less than 0.90 is indicative of PAD; 0.65 represents
moderate disease. Edema and hyperpigmentation are typically associated with chronic
venous insufficiency, not arterial disease.
, 4. Which heart sound is specifically associated with decreased ventricular compliance and is
heard late in diastole, just before S1?
A. S3 gallop
B. S4 gallop
C. Opening snap
D. Systolic click
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: S4 (atrial gallop) occurs at the end of diastole when the atria
contract into a non-compliant or stiff ventricle (e.g., in LVH or CAD). S3 occurs early in
diastole during rapid ventricular filling.
5. To evaluate a patient for a suspected meniscus tear, the nurse practitioner should perform
which of the following maneuvers?
A. Lachman test
B. Phalen’s maneuver
C. Valgus stress test
D. McMurray test
Answer: D
