NU 650 MIDTERM EXAM: ADVANCED
HEALTH ASSESSMENT (2026 UPDATE)
1. When performing a physical assessment, which technique should typically be performed
last in an abdominal examination?
A. Palpation
B. Auscultation
C. Percussion
D. Inspection
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: In abdominal assessment, the sequence is inspection,
auscultation, percussion, and palpation. Palpation is performed last because it can alter
bowel sounds and cause discomfort that might interfere with percussion.
2. During a musculoskeletal exam, you note a grating sound and sensation produced by
friction between bone and cartilage. This is documented as:
A. Crepitus
B. Subluxation
,C. Ankylosis
D. Contracture
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Crepitus is the audible or palpable crunching or grating sound
produced by the movement of fractured bone ends or arthritic joints.
3. Which cranial nerve is being tested when the clinician asks the patient to shrug their
shoulders against resistance?
A. CN XI (Spinal Accessory)
B. CN X (Vagus)
C. CN IX (Glossopharyngeal)
D. CN XII (Hypoglossal)
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: CN XI innervates the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid
muscles; testing shoulder shrug and neck rotation against resistance evaluates its function.
4. A patient presents with a ‘strawberry tongue.’ This clinical finding is most characteristic of
which condition?
A. Scarlet Fever
B. Oral Candidiasis
C. Leukoplakia
, D. Vitamin B12 deficiency
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A bright red, bumpy ‘strawberry tongue’ is a classic sign of
Scarlet Fever or Kawasaki disease.
5. When assessing for orthostatic hypotension, which drop in systolic blood pressure within 3
minutes of standing is considered diagnostic?
A. At least 20 mmHg
B. At least 10 mmHg
C. At least 5 mmHg
D. At least 30 mmHg
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Orthostatic hypotension is defined as a drop in systolic BP of at
least 20 mmHg or a drop in diastolic BP of at least 10 mmHg within 3 minutes of standing.
6. A positive Murphy’s sign is highly suggestive of which condition?
A. Acute Cholecystitis
B. Acute Appendicitis
C. Acute Pancreatitis
D. Nephrolithiasis
HEALTH ASSESSMENT (2026 UPDATE)
1. When performing a physical assessment, which technique should typically be performed
last in an abdominal examination?
A. Palpation
B. Auscultation
C. Percussion
D. Inspection
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: In abdominal assessment, the sequence is inspection,
auscultation, percussion, and palpation. Palpation is performed last because it can alter
bowel sounds and cause discomfort that might interfere with percussion.
2. During a musculoskeletal exam, you note a grating sound and sensation produced by
friction between bone and cartilage. This is documented as:
A. Crepitus
B. Subluxation
,C. Ankylosis
D. Contracture
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Crepitus is the audible or palpable crunching or grating sound
produced by the movement of fractured bone ends or arthritic joints.
3. Which cranial nerve is being tested when the clinician asks the patient to shrug their
shoulders against resistance?
A. CN XI (Spinal Accessory)
B. CN X (Vagus)
C. CN IX (Glossopharyngeal)
D. CN XII (Hypoglossal)
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: CN XI innervates the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid
muscles; testing shoulder shrug and neck rotation against resistance evaluates its function.
4. A patient presents with a ‘strawberry tongue.’ This clinical finding is most characteristic of
which condition?
A. Scarlet Fever
B. Oral Candidiasis
C. Leukoplakia
, D. Vitamin B12 deficiency
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A bright red, bumpy ‘strawberry tongue’ is a classic sign of
Scarlet Fever or Kawasaki disease.
5. When assessing for orthostatic hypotension, which drop in systolic blood pressure within 3
minutes of standing is considered diagnostic?
A. At least 20 mmHg
B. At least 10 mmHg
C. At least 5 mmHg
D. At least 30 mmHg
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Orthostatic hypotension is defined as a drop in systolic BP of at
least 20 mmHg or a drop in diastolic BP of at least 10 mmHg within 3 minutes of standing.
6. A positive Murphy’s sign is highly suggestive of which condition?
A. Acute Cholecystitis
B. Acute Appendicitis
C. Acute Pancreatitis
D. Nephrolithiasis
