Examination
Test Bank for Bates’ Guide 2 To Physical
Examination and History Taking 14th Edition|
Complete Chapters | 2026/2027 Latest Update
| Complete Chapter Questions & Answers with
Rationales | Verified Questions & Answers |
Graded A+
Following abdominal auscultation of a client who is admitted for signs of splenomegaly, which additional
assessment should the nurse use to verify splenomegaly?
A) Rebound tenderness.
B) Percussion.
C) Deep palpation.
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Examination
D) Inspection. –
Correct Answer :B) Percussion.
When splenomegaly is suspected, percussion of the spleen produces a dull sound and is a safe method of
verifying enlargement.
During a client's routine well-woman physical exam, the nurse examines the breasts. Which assessment
technique should the nurse implement to evaluate for any abnormal lumps?
A) Palpate each breast simultaneously noting any differences.
B) Inspect the areolar area's color, shape, and the nipples for galactorrhea.
C) Check for breast symmetry while the client's hands are above the head.
D) With both arms at client's side, lift one arm and palpate the axilla. –
Correct Answer :D) With both arms at client's side, lift one arm and palpate the axilla.
Lymph nodes or masses should not normally be palpated in the axilla. The best way to assess the axilla is to have
the client relax her arms at her side so that the muscles are relaxed. Typically, breasts are not exactly the same
size or shape, and assessing symmetry will not uncover small lumps.
The nurse is assessing a postmenopausal client who has a BMI of 32. The client has a chest measurement of 42
inches, a waist measurement of 45 inches, and a hip measurement of 50 inches. What important message
should the nurse explain to the client to promote health promotion?
A) "A waist circumference greater than 35 inches in women puts one at higher risk for type 2 diabetes and heart
disease."
B) "Your hip circumference is larger than normal and it puts you at a higher risk of hip disease."
C) "At least your BMI is normal, so you just need to exercise."
D) "You will need to lose weight so you are not at risk for hypertension." –
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Correct Answer :A) "A waist circumference greater than 35 inches in women puts one at higher risk for type 2
diabetes and heart disease."
A waist circumference of equal to or greater than 35 inches in women and equal to or greater than 40 inches in
men increases the risk for type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease in people with
a BMI between 25 and 35.
The nurse performs the Weber and Rinne tests to assess which cranial nerve?
A) VIII.
B) VI.
C) I.
D) V. –
Correct Answer :A) VIII.
The Weber and Rinne tuning fork tests are used to evaluate for hearing loss. These tests are performed to assess
cranial nerve VIII, also known the acoustic or vestibulocochlear nerve.
The nurse is completing a physical exam on an adult client. Which thyroid finding is considered normal?
A) Gland is usually not visible on inspection.
B) Gland is solid bilaterally.
C) Bruits are detected bilaterally.
D) Nodals are palpated. - Correct Answer :A) Gland is usually not visible on inspection.
In a normal healthy adult, thyroid glands are usually not visible on inspection.
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The nurse palpates a weak pedal pulse in the client's right foot. Which assessment findings should the nurse
document that are consistent with diminished peripheral circulation? (Select all that apply.)
A) Diminished hair on legs.
B) Bruising on extremities.
C) Skin cool to touch.
D) Capillary refill less than 3 seconds.
E) Darkened skin on extremities. –
Correct Answer :A and C
Diminished hair on the legs and skin that is cool to touch are expectant signs of decreased arterial blood flow.
How should the nurse assess for lower extremity edema in a client who has been diagnosed with heart failure?
A) Measure bilateral ankle circumference with a non-stretchable tape measure.
B) Press skin over the tibia and report edema according to the grading scale.
C) Ask if the client feels the bilateral edema has changed and to what extent.
D) Inspect the lower extremities together to compare the amount of swelling. - Correct Answer :A) Measure
bilateral ankle circumference with a non-stretchable tape measure.
An accurate assessment of lower extremity edema is required when a client is treated for heart failure.
Measuring ankle circumference is more accurate than other objective measures that can rely on individual
interpretation, such as measuring pitting edema.
The nurse is performing a head-to-toe assessment on a client. The nurse is assessing the client's pupillary light
reflex by first darkening the room and asking the person to gaze into the distance. Then, the nurse advances a
light toward one eye from the client's side. What would the nurse expect to see at this time?
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