GCU NSG 316 HEALTH ASSESSMENT
FINAL EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. When performing a physical assessment, in which order should the nurse perform the
techniques for the abdominal examination?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
C. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
D. Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: For the abdomen, auscultation is performed second because
percussion and palpation can increase peristalsis, which would yield false-positive bowel
sounds.
2. A nurse is assessing a patient’s pupillary response. When a light is shown into the right eye,
the left pupil also constricts. This is known as:
A. Direct light reflex
,B. Consensual light reflex
C. Accommodation
D. Convergence
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Consensual light reflex is the simultaneous constriction of the
other pupil when one eye is exposed to bright light.
3. During a lung assessment, the nurse hears high-pitched, short, popping sounds during
inspiration that are not cleared by coughing. How should the nurse document this?
A. Coarse crackles
B. Wheezes
C. Rhonchi
D. Fine crackles
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Fine crackles are high-pitched, short, popping sounds heard
during inspiration; coarse crackles are lower-pitched and bubbling.
4. The nurse is testing a patient’s Cranial Nerve II. Which tool should be used for this
assessment?
A. Penlight
B. Snellen chart
, C. Tuning fork
D. Reflex hammer
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Cranial Nerve II is the Optic nerve, which is responsible for
visual acuity, typically tested using a Snellen chart.
5. Which heart sound is heard at the beginning of systole and is caused by the closure of the
AV valves (mitral and tricuspid)?
A. S4
B. S2
C. S3
D. S1
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: S1 (the ‘lub’) occurs with the closure of the AV valves and signals
the beginning of systole.
6. A patient has a capillary refill time of 5 seconds. How should the nurse interpret this
finding?
A. This is a normal finding.
B. This indicates potential peripheral vascular compromise or dehydration.
C. This indicates adequate tissue perfusion.
FINAL EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. When performing a physical assessment, in which order should the nurse perform the
techniques for the abdominal examination?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
C. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
D. Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: For the abdomen, auscultation is performed second because
percussion and palpation can increase peristalsis, which would yield false-positive bowel
sounds.
2. A nurse is assessing a patient’s pupillary response. When a light is shown into the right eye,
the left pupil also constricts. This is known as:
A. Direct light reflex
,B. Consensual light reflex
C. Accommodation
D. Convergence
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Consensual light reflex is the simultaneous constriction of the
other pupil when one eye is exposed to bright light.
3. During a lung assessment, the nurse hears high-pitched, short, popping sounds during
inspiration that are not cleared by coughing. How should the nurse document this?
A. Coarse crackles
B. Wheezes
C. Rhonchi
D. Fine crackles
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Fine crackles are high-pitched, short, popping sounds heard
during inspiration; coarse crackles are lower-pitched and bubbling.
4. The nurse is testing a patient’s Cranial Nerve II. Which tool should be used for this
assessment?
A. Penlight
B. Snellen chart
, C. Tuning fork
D. Reflex hammer
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Cranial Nerve II is the Optic nerve, which is responsible for
visual acuity, typically tested using a Snellen chart.
5. Which heart sound is heard at the beginning of systole and is caused by the closure of the
AV valves (mitral and tricuspid)?
A. S4
B. S2
C. S3
D. S1
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: S1 (the ‘lub’) occurs with the closure of the AV valves and signals
the beginning of systole.
6. A patient has a capillary refill time of 5 seconds. How should the nurse interpret this
finding?
A. This is a normal finding.
B. This indicates potential peripheral vascular compromise or dehydration.
C. This indicates adequate tissue perfusion.
