NURS 190 PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT
WEEK 6: NEUROLOGICAL AND
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEMS
1. During a neurological assessment, the nurse asks the patient to identify a common object,
such as a key, placed in their hand while their eyes are closed. What is this specific test
measuring?
A. Stereognosis
B. Graphesthesia
C. Two-point discrimination
D. Extinction
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Stereognosis is the ability to recognize objects by feeling their
form, size, and weight while the eyes are closed. Graphesthesia involves identifying
numbers or letters traced on the skin.
2. When assessing the musculoskeletal system, the nurse notes that the patient has a ‘swan-
neck’ deformity. This finding is most characteristically associated with which condition?
A. Osteoarthritis
,B. Gouty arthritis
C. Osteoporosis
D. Rheumatoid arthritis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Swan-neck deformity (hyperextension of the PIP joint and
flexion of the DIP joint) is a classic sign of chronic rheumatoid arthritis due to joint
destruction.
3. The nurse is testing Cranial Nerve V (Trigeminal). Which of the following assessment
techniques is appropriate for the motor component of this nerve?
A. Asking the patient to clench their teeth while palpating the temporal and masseter
muscles
B. Testing the gag reflex with a tongue blade
C. Asking the patient to smile and puff out their cheeks
D. Observing for symmetrical rise of the uvula
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The motor function of CN V is assessed by palpating the muscles
of mastication while the patient clenches their teeth. Smiling involves CN VII.
, 4. A patient exhibits a positive Romberg test. The nurse interprets this finding as indicating a
problem with which of the following?
A. Cerebellar function or proprioception
B. Muscle strength in the lower extremities
C. Occipital lobe integration
D. Basal ganglia motor control
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A positive Romberg test occurs when a patient loses balance
when closing their eyes, suggesting a deficit in proprioception or cerebellar ataxia.
5. While assessing the range of motion of the hip, the nurse asks the patient to move their leg
away from the midline of the body. This movement is called:
A. Adduction
B. Circumduction
C. Abduction
D. Internal rotation
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Abduction is the movement of a limb away from the midline of
the body. Adduction is moving it toward the midline.
WEEK 6: NEUROLOGICAL AND
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEMS
1. During a neurological assessment, the nurse asks the patient to identify a common object,
such as a key, placed in their hand while their eyes are closed. What is this specific test
measuring?
A. Stereognosis
B. Graphesthesia
C. Two-point discrimination
D. Extinction
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Stereognosis is the ability to recognize objects by feeling their
form, size, and weight while the eyes are closed. Graphesthesia involves identifying
numbers or letters traced on the skin.
2. When assessing the musculoskeletal system, the nurse notes that the patient has a ‘swan-
neck’ deformity. This finding is most characteristically associated with which condition?
A. Osteoarthritis
,B. Gouty arthritis
C. Osteoporosis
D. Rheumatoid arthritis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Swan-neck deformity (hyperextension of the PIP joint and
flexion of the DIP joint) is a classic sign of chronic rheumatoid arthritis due to joint
destruction.
3. The nurse is testing Cranial Nerve V (Trigeminal). Which of the following assessment
techniques is appropriate for the motor component of this nerve?
A. Asking the patient to clench their teeth while palpating the temporal and masseter
muscles
B. Testing the gag reflex with a tongue blade
C. Asking the patient to smile and puff out their cheeks
D. Observing for symmetrical rise of the uvula
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The motor function of CN V is assessed by palpating the muscles
of mastication while the patient clenches their teeth. Smiling involves CN VII.
, 4. A patient exhibits a positive Romberg test. The nurse interprets this finding as indicating a
problem with which of the following?
A. Cerebellar function or proprioception
B. Muscle strength in the lower extremities
C. Occipital lobe integration
D. Basal ganglia motor control
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A positive Romberg test occurs when a patient loses balance
when closing their eyes, suggesting a deficit in proprioception or cerebellar ataxia.
5. While assessing the range of motion of the hip, the nurse asks the patient to move their leg
away from the midline of the body. This movement is called:
A. Adduction
B. Circumduction
C. Abduction
D. Internal rotation
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Abduction is the movement of a limb away from the midline of
the body. Adduction is moving it toward the midline.
