NURS 190 PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT
WEEK 13 COMPREHENSIVE FINAL
REVIEW
1. When assessing deep tendon reflexes, a nurse observes a hyperactive response with
clonus. How should this be documented?
A. 1+
B. 2+
C. 3+
D. 4+
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A score of 4+ indicates a very brisk, hyperactive reflex with
clonus, which is often indicative of upper motor neuron disease.
2. Which clinical finding is most characteristic of ‘peau d’orange’ during a breast
examination?
A. A small, mobile, firm lump
B. Edematous skin with exaggerated hair follicles
C. Nipple discharge that is clear
,D. Redness and warmth over the entire breast
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Peau d’orange (orange-peel skin) results from lymphatic
obstruction and suggests inflammatory breast cancer; the skin looks thick and edematous
with prominent follicles.
3. During a musculoskeletal assessment, the nurse performs the Phalen test. A positive result
is indicative of which condition?
A. De Quervain tenosynovitis
B. Rheumatoid Arthritis
C. Lateral Epicondylitis
D. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The Phalen test involves holding the wrists in acute flexion for
60 seconds. Numbness and burning indicate carpal tunnel syndrome.
4. A patient is unable to differentiate between a key and a coin placed in their hand with their
eyes closed. This deficit is known as:
A. Astereognosis
B. Agraphia
C. Ataxia
, D. Anosmia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Stereognosis is the ability to recognize objects by feel.
Astereognosis is the inability to do so, often indicating a sensory cortex lesion.
5. Which cranial nerve is being assessed when the nurse asks the patient to shrug their
shoulders against resistance?
A. CN IX
B. CN XI
C. CN X
D. CN XII
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Cranial Nerve XI (Spinal Accessory) innervates the trapezius and
sternomastoid muscles; shoulder shrugging tests its motor function.
6. When assessing the male genitalia, a ‘bag of worms’ sensation felt upon palpation of the
scrotum typically indicates:
A. Hydrocele
B. Varicocele
C. Spermatocele
D. Orchitis
WEEK 13 COMPREHENSIVE FINAL
REVIEW
1. When assessing deep tendon reflexes, a nurse observes a hyperactive response with
clonus. How should this be documented?
A. 1+
B. 2+
C. 3+
D. 4+
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A score of 4+ indicates a very brisk, hyperactive reflex with
clonus, which is often indicative of upper motor neuron disease.
2. Which clinical finding is most characteristic of ‘peau d’orange’ during a breast
examination?
A. A small, mobile, firm lump
B. Edematous skin with exaggerated hair follicles
C. Nipple discharge that is clear
,D. Redness and warmth over the entire breast
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Peau d’orange (orange-peel skin) results from lymphatic
obstruction and suggests inflammatory breast cancer; the skin looks thick and edematous
with prominent follicles.
3. During a musculoskeletal assessment, the nurse performs the Phalen test. A positive result
is indicative of which condition?
A. De Quervain tenosynovitis
B. Rheumatoid Arthritis
C. Lateral Epicondylitis
D. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The Phalen test involves holding the wrists in acute flexion for
60 seconds. Numbness and burning indicate carpal tunnel syndrome.
4. A patient is unable to differentiate between a key and a coin placed in their hand with their
eyes closed. This deficit is known as:
A. Astereognosis
B. Agraphia
C. Ataxia
, D. Anosmia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Stereognosis is the ability to recognize objects by feel.
Astereognosis is the inability to do so, often indicating a sensory cortex lesion.
5. Which cranial nerve is being assessed when the nurse asks the patient to shrug their
shoulders against resistance?
A. CN IX
B. CN XI
C. CN X
D. CN XII
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Cranial Nerve XI (Spinal Accessory) innervates the trapezius and
sternomastoid muscles; shoulder shrugging tests its motor function.
6. When assessing the male genitalia, a ‘bag of worms’ sensation felt upon palpation of the
scrotum typically indicates:
A. Hydrocele
B. Varicocele
C. Spermatocele
D. Orchitis
