NSG 3160 HEALTH ASSESSMENT FINAL
EXAM V2 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. When assessing a patient’s abdomen, which sequence should the nurse follow to avoid
altering bowel sounds?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
C. Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection
D. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Auscultation is performed immediately after inspection because
percussion and palpation can increase bowel motility and false bowel sounds.
2. Which heart sound is caused by the closure of the atrioventricular (mitral and tricuspid)
valves?
A. S3
B. S2
C. S1
D. S4
,Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The first heart sound (S1) occurs with the closure of the AV
valves and signals the beginning of systole.
3. The nurse notes a patient’s vision is recorded as 20/40. What does this indicate?
A. The patient can read at 40 feet what a normal person reads at 20 feet.
B. The patient can read at 20 feet what a normal person reads at 40 feet.
C. The patient has twice the normal visual acuity.
D. The patient can see clearly at 20 inches.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In the Snellen chart, the top number is the distance from the
chart, and the bottom number is the distance at which a normal eye could read that line.
4. A nurse is assessing a patient for tactile fremitus. Which condition would cause a decrease
in fremitus?
A. Pneumonia
B. Lung consolidation
C. Pulmonary edema
D. Pneumothorax
Answer: D
, Conceptual Explanation: Fremitus is decreased when anything obstructs the transmission
of vibrations, such as air (pneumothorax), fluid (pleural effusion), or an obstructed
bronchus.
5. Which cranial nerve is being tested when the nurse asks the patient to shrug their
shoulders against resistance?
A. CN IX (Glossopharyngeal)
B. CN X (Vagus)
C. CN XI (Spinal Accessory)
D. CN XII (Hypoglossal)
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Cranial Nerve XI innervates the trapezius and sternomastoid
muscles; shoulder shrugging tests its motor function.
6. While palpating the liver, the nurse feels a firm, smooth edge 1 cm below the right costal
margin. This is considered:
A. Hepatomegaly
B. A sign of cholecystitis
C. Ascites
D. A normal finding
Answer: D
EXAM V2 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. When assessing a patient’s abdomen, which sequence should the nurse follow to avoid
altering bowel sounds?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
C. Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection
D. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Auscultation is performed immediately after inspection because
percussion and palpation can increase bowel motility and false bowel sounds.
2. Which heart sound is caused by the closure of the atrioventricular (mitral and tricuspid)
valves?
A. S3
B. S2
C. S1
D. S4
,Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The first heart sound (S1) occurs with the closure of the AV
valves and signals the beginning of systole.
3. The nurse notes a patient’s vision is recorded as 20/40. What does this indicate?
A. The patient can read at 40 feet what a normal person reads at 20 feet.
B. The patient can read at 20 feet what a normal person reads at 40 feet.
C. The patient has twice the normal visual acuity.
D. The patient can see clearly at 20 inches.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In the Snellen chart, the top number is the distance from the
chart, and the bottom number is the distance at which a normal eye could read that line.
4. A nurse is assessing a patient for tactile fremitus. Which condition would cause a decrease
in fremitus?
A. Pneumonia
B. Lung consolidation
C. Pulmonary edema
D. Pneumothorax
Answer: D
, Conceptual Explanation: Fremitus is decreased when anything obstructs the transmission
of vibrations, such as air (pneumothorax), fluid (pleural effusion), or an obstructed
bronchus.
5. Which cranial nerve is being tested when the nurse asks the patient to shrug their
shoulders against resistance?
A. CN IX (Glossopharyngeal)
B. CN X (Vagus)
C. CN XI (Spinal Accessory)
D. CN XII (Hypoglossal)
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Cranial Nerve XI innervates the trapezius and sternomastoid
muscles; shoulder shrugging tests its motor function.
6. While palpating the liver, the nurse feels a firm, smooth edge 1 cm below the right costal
margin. This is considered:
A. Hepatomegaly
B. A sign of cholecystitis
C. Ascites
D. A normal finding
Answer: D
