NSG 3160 HEALTH ASSESSMENT FINAL
EXAM V2 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. During a physical examination, which technique should the nurse use first when assessing
the abdomen?
A. Palpation
B. Percussion
C. Auscultation
D. Inspection
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: For the abdominal exam, the sequence is Inspection,
Auscultation, Percussion, and Palpation to avoid altering bowel sounds.
2. A nurse notes a dull percussion note over the left lower lung lobe. What does this finding
most likely indicate?
A. Normal lung tissue
B. A large pneumothorax
C. Air trapping, such as emphysema
D. Increased density, such as pneumonia or pleural effusion
,Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Dullness replaces resonance when fluid or solid tissue replaces
air-containing lung or occupies the pleural space.
3. When assessing the carotid arteries, which action is most appropriate to prevent syncope?
A. Palpating both arteries simultaneously
B. Palpating the arteries one at a time
C. Palpating the carotid sinus directly
D. Using the bell of the stethoscope first
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Simultaneous palpation can compromise arterial blood flow to
the brain, potentially causing syncope or bradycardia.
4. A patient presents with a ‘stabbing’ chest pain that worsens with deep inspiration and
coughing. Which condition does the nurse suspect?
A. Myocardial Infarction
B. Pleurisy
C. Gastroesophageal Reflux
D. Angina Pectoris
Answer: B
, Conceptual Explanation: Pleuritic pain is typically sharp, stabbing, and exacerbated by
respiratory movements, unlike the pressure-like pain of MI.
5. The nurse is testing Cranial Nerve V (Trigeminal). Which assessment technique is correct?
A. Asking the patient to smile and puff out cheeks
B. Palpating the masseter muscles while the patient clenches teeth
C. Checking the gag reflex with a tongue blade
D. Testing visual acuity with a Snellen chart
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: CN V has motor functions involving the muscles of mastication
(masseter and temporal) and sensory functions for the face.
6. Which heart sound is heard at the beginning of systole and is caused by the closure of the
AV valves?
A. S4
B. S2
C. S3
D. S1
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: S1 (the ‘lub’) occurs with the closure of the mitral and tricuspid
valves at the start of ventricular contraction.
EXAM V2 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. During a physical examination, which technique should the nurse use first when assessing
the abdomen?
A. Palpation
B. Percussion
C. Auscultation
D. Inspection
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: For the abdominal exam, the sequence is Inspection,
Auscultation, Percussion, and Palpation to avoid altering bowel sounds.
2. A nurse notes a dull percussion note over the left lower lung lobe. What does this finding
most likely indicate?
A. Normal lung tissue
B. A large pneumothorax
C. Air trapping, such as emphysema
D. Increased density, such as pneumonia or pleural effusion
,Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Dullness replaces resonance when fluid or solid tissue replaces
air-containing lung or occupies the pleural space.
3. When assessing the carotid arteries, which action is most appropriate to prevent syncope?
A. Palpating both arteries simultaneously
B. Palpating the arteries one at a time
C. Palpating the carotid sinus directly
D. Using the bell of the stethoscope first
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Simultaneous palpation can compromise arterial blood flow to
the brain, potentially causing syncope or bradycardia.
4. A patient presents with a ‘stabbing’ chest pain that worsens with deep inspiration and
coughing. Which condition does the nurse suspect?
A. Myocardial Infarction
B. Pleurisy
C. Gastroesophageal Reflux
D. Angina Pectoris
Answer: B
, Conceptual Explanation: Pleuritic pain is typically sharp, stabbing, and exacerbated by
respiratory movements, unlike the pressure-like pain of MI.
5. The nurse is testing Cranial Nerve V (Trigeminal). Which assessment technique is correct?
A. Asking the patient to smile and puff out cheeks
B. Palpating the masseter muscles while the patient clenches teeth
C. Checking the gag reflex with a tongue blade
D. Testing visual acuity with a Snellen chart
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: CN V has motor functions involving the muscles of mastication
(masseter and temporal) and sensory functions for the face.
6. Which heart sound is heard at the beginning of systole and is caused by the closure of the
AV valves?
A. S4
B. S2
C. S3
D. S1
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: S1 (the ‘lub’) occurs with the closure of the mitral and tricuspid
valves at the start of ventricular contraction.
