GCU NSG 316 EXAM 2 PRACTICE
QUESTIONS (2026/2027) QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. During a respiratory assessment, the nurse notes increased tactile fremitus over the right
lower lobe. Which condition is most consistent with this finding?
A. Pneumothorax
B. Pleural effusion
C. Asthmatic bronchospasm
D. Pneumonia with consolidation
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Tactile fremitus increases with lung consolidation, such as in
pneumonia, because sound travels better through solid or fluid-filled tissue than through
air.
2. When auscultating the heart, the nurse identifies a blowing, swishing sound occurring
during systole at the apex. This is most likely indicative of:
A. Pulmonic regurgitation
,B. Aortic stenosis
C. Tricuspid stenosis
D. Mitral regurgitation
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Mitral regurgitation produces a pansystolic murmur best heard
at the apex that often radiates to the axilla.
3. A patient presents with a ‘stabbing’ chest pain that worsens when taking a deep breath
and is relieved by sitting forward. The nurse suspects:
A. Myocardial infarction
B. Heart failure
C. Angina pectoris
D. Pericarditis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Pericarditis causes sharp, pleuritic pain that is typically relieved
by leaning forward and worsened by inspiration or lying flat.
4. The nurse is performing the Romberg test. The patient is able to stand with feet together
and eyes open but begins to sway significantly and lose balance when eyes are closed. This is
documented as:
A. A negative Romberg sign
, B. A positive Romberg sign
C. Cerebellar ataxia
D. Normal motor function
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: A positive Romberg sign is when a patient can maintain balance
with eyes open but loses it when eyes are closed, suggesting a loss of proprioception or
vestibular function.
5. Which cranial nerve is being tested when the nurse asks the patient to shrug their
shoulders against resistance?
A. Cranial Nerve XI (Spinal Accessory)
B. Cranial Nerve IX (Glossopharyngeal)
C. Cranial Nerve XII (Hypoglossal)
D. Cranial Nerve X (Vagus)
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: CN XI innervates the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid
muscles; shrugging tests the trapezius muscle strength.
6. When assessing a patient for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which finding is considered a
medical priority?
A. Bilateral 1+ pitting edema
QUESTIONS (2026/2027) QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. During a respiratory assessment, the nurse notes increased tactile fremitus over the right
lower lobe. Which condition is most consistent with this finding?
A. Pneumothorax
B. Pleural effusion
C. Asthmatic bronchospasm
D. Pneumonia with consolidation
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Tactile fremitus increases with lung consolidation, such as in
pneumonia, because sound travels better through solid or fluid-filled tissue than through
air.
2. When auscultating the heart, the nurse identifies a blowing, swishing sound occurring
during systole at the apex. This is most likely indicative of:
A. Pulmonic regurgitation
,B. Aortic stenosis
C. Tricuspid stenosis
D. Mitral regurgitation
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Mitral regurgitation produces a pansystolic murmur best heard
at the apex that often radiates to the axilla.
3. A patient presents with a ‘stabbing’ chest pain that worsens when taking a deep breath
and is relieved by sitting forward. The nurse suspects:
A. Myocardial infarction
B. Heart failure
C. Angina pectoris
D. Pericarditis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Pericarditis causes sharp, pleuritic pain that is typically relieved
by leaning forward and worsened by inspiration or lying flat.
4. The nurse is performing the Romberg test. The patient is able to stand with feet together
and eyes open but begins to sway significantly and lose balance when eyes are closed. This is
documented as:
A. A negative Romberg sign
, B. A positive Romberg sign
C. Cerebellar ataxia
D. Normal motor function
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: A positive Romberg sign is when a patient can maintain balance
with eyes open but loses it when eyes are closed, suggesting a loss of proprioception or
vestibular function.
5. Which cranial nerve is being tested when the nurse asks the patient to shrug their
shoulders against resistance?
A. Cranial Nerve XI (Spinal Accessory)
B. Cranial Nerve IX (Glossopharyngeal)
C. Cranial Nerve XII (Hypoglossal)
D. Cranial Nerve X (Vagus)
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: CN XI innervates the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid
muscles; shrugging tests the trapezius muscle strength.
6. When assessing a patient for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which finding is considered a
medical priority?
A. Bilateral 1+ pitting edema
