NUR 2092 HEALTH ASSESSMENT
COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. When performing a physical assessment, in which order should the nurse perform the
assessment techniques for the abdomen?
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 abdominal assessment, auscultation is performed before
percussion and palpation to avoid altering bowel sounds through physical manipulation.
2. A patient presents with a ‘tearing’ chest pain that radiates to the back. The nurse suspects
an aortic dissection. Which assessment finding would most strongly support this?
A. Elevated troponin levels
B. Presence of a S3 gallop
,C. A significant blood pressure difference between the right and left arms
D. ST-segment elevation on ECG
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A significant difference in blood pressure between arms is a
classic sign of an aortic dissection, as the flap can obstruct blood flow to one of the
subclavian arteries.
3. Which cranial nerve is being tested when the nurse asks the patient to shrug their
shoulders against resistance?
A. Cranial Nerve X (Vagus)
C. Cranial Nerve XII (Hypoglossal)
B. Cranial Nerve XI (Spinal Accessory)
D. Cranial Nerve IX (Glossopharyngeal)
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Cranial Nerve XI (Spinal Accessory) innervates the trapezius and
sternocleidomastoid muscles; shrugging tests its motor function.
4. During a respiratory assessment, the nurse hears low-pitched, snoring sounds that clear
with coughing. How should these be documented?
A. Rhonchi
B. Pleural friction rub
, C. Crackles
D. Wheezes
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Rhonchi are low-pitched, continuous sounds caused by
secretions in the large airways and often clear or change with coughing.
5. A 70-year-old patient reports a sudden onset of ‘curtain dropping’ over their vision in the
left eye. This is most indicative of:
A. Cataracts
B. Glaucoma
C. Retinal detachment
D. Macular degeneration
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A ‘curtain’ or ‘shade’ coming down over the field of vision is a
classic symptom of retinal detachment, which is a medical emergency.
6. What is the primary purpose of using the bell of the stethoscope during a cardiac
assessment?
A. To hear high-pitched sounds like S1 and S2
B. To assess lung sounds in small children
C. To screen for pericardial friction rubs
COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. When performing a physical assessment, in which order should the nurse perform the
assessment techniques for the abdomen?
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 abdominal assessment, auscultation is performed before
percussion and palpation to avoid altering bowel sounds through physical manipulation.
2. A patient presents with a ‘tearing’ chest pain that radiates to the back. The nurse suspects
an aortic dissection. Which assessment finding would most strongly support this?
A. Elevated troponin levels
B. Presence of a S3 gallop
,C. A significant blood pressure difference between the right and left arms
D. ST-segment elevation on ECG
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A significant difference in blood pressure between arms is a
classic sign of an aortic dissection, as the flap can obstruct blood flow to one of the
subclavian arteries.
3. Which cranial nerve is being tested when the nurse asks the patient to shrug their
shoulders against resistance?
A. Cranial Nerve X (Vagus)
C. Cranial Nerve XII (Hypoglossal)
B. Cranial Nerve XI (Spinal Accessory)
D. Cranial Nerve IX (Glossopharyngeal)
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Cranial Nerve XI (Spinal Accessory) innervates the trapezius and
sternocleidomastoid muscles; shrugging tests its motor function.
4. During a respiratory assessment, the nurse hears low-pitched, snoring sounds that clear
with coughing. How should these be documented?
A. Rhonchi
B. Pleural friction rub
, C. Crackles
D. Wheezes
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Rhonchi are low-pitched, continuous sounds caused by
secretions in the large airways and often clear or change with coughing.
5. A 70-year-old patient reports a sudden onset of ‘curtain dropping’ over their vision in the
left eye. This is most indicative of:
A. Cataracts
B. Glaucoma
C. Retinal detachment
D. Macular degeneration
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A ‘curtain’ or ‘shade’ coming down over the field of vision is a
classic symptom of retinal detachment, which is a medical emergency.
6. What is the primary purpose of using the bell of the stethoscope during a cardiac
assessment?
A. To hear high-pitched sounds like S1 and S2
B. To assess lung sounds in small children
C. To screen for pericardial friction rubs
