,NUS 212 Exam 2 Health Assessment Questions And Answers
2026/2027 Jersey College
Q1. Which thoracic landmark is useful for locating the level of
approximately the seventh rib on the posterior chest?
A) Jugular notch
B) Inferior angle of the scapula
C) Xiphoid process
D) Clavicle
Correct Answer: B) Inferior angle of the scapula
Rationale: The inferior tip of the scapula is commonly used as a posterior
thoracic landmark and lies near the level of the seventh rib when the arms
are relaxed.
Q2. Where are the lung apices located in relation to the clavicles?
A) Slightly above the clavicles
B) At the level of the xiphoid process
C) Below the sixth rib
D) Directly behind the diaphragm
Correct Answer: A) Slightly above the clavicles
Rationale: The apices of the lungs extend into the base of the neck slightly
above the clavicles.
Q3. Which assessment finding indicates increased work of
breathing?
A) Symmetric chest expansion
B) Respiratory rate of 16/min without distress
C) Retraction of intercostal spaces during inspiration
D) Quiet effortless breathing
Correct Answer: C) Retraction of intercostal spaces during inspiration
Rationale: Retractions occur when increased negative intrathoracic
pressure pulls soft tissues inward and indicate increased respiratory effort.
Q4. A patient leans forward with the arms braced on the knees while
breathing. How should this position be interpreted?
A) Normal resting posture
B) Evidence of abdominal discomfort only
, C) Expected posture during sleep
D) A position that may help a patient with respiratory distress recruit
accessory muscles
Correct Answer: D) A position that may help a patient with respiratory
distress recruit accessory muscles
Rationale: The tripod position may improve mechanical advantage for
accessory respiratory muscles in patients experiencing significant breathing
difficulty.
Q5. Which chest configuration is characterized by an increased
anteroposterior diameter?
A) Funnel chest
B) Barrel chest
C) Pigeon chest
D) Scoliosis
Correct Answer: B) Barrel chest
Rationale: Barrel chest involves an increased anteroposterior thoracic
diameter and can occur with chronic lung hyperinflation.
Q6. Which history finding creates the greatest long-term risk for
chronic respiratory disease?
A) Drinking one glass of water before bed
B) Walking daily
C) Smoking one pack of cigarettes per day for many years
D) Sleeping eight hours nightly
Correct Answer: C) Smoking one pack of cigarettes per day for many years
Rationale: Long-term tobacco exposure substantially increases risk for
chronic obstructive lung disease, malignancy, cardiovascular disease, and
other respiratory problems.
Q7. Which approach is appropriate when assessing smoking
behavior and readiness to quit?
A) Ask about tobacco use without judgment and assess readiness for
cessation support
B) Lecture the patient before obtaining a smoking history
C) Avoid discussing smoking unless severe disease is present
D) Assume smokers are unwilling to quit
2026/2027 Jersey College
Q1. Which thoracic landmark is useful for locating the level of
approximately the seventh rib on the posterior chest?
A) Jugular notch
B) Inferior angle of the scapula
C) Xiphoid process
D) Clavicle
Correct Answer: B) Inferior angle of the scapula
Rationale: The inferior tip of the scapula is commonly used as a posterior
thoracic landmark and lies near the level of the seventh rib when the arms
are relaxed.
Q2. Where are the lung apices located in relation to the clavicles?
A) Slightly above the clavicles
B) At the level of the xiphoid process
C) Below the sixth rib
D) Directly behind the diaphragm
Correct Answer: A) Slightly above the clavicles
Rationale: The apices of the lungs extend into the base of the neck slightly
above the clavicles.
Q3. Which assessment finding indicates increased work of
breathing?
A) Symmetric chest expansion
B) Respiratory rate of 16/min without distress
C) Retraction of intercostal spaces during inspiration
D) Quiet effortless breathing
Correct Answer: C) Retraction of intercostal spaces during inspiration
Rationale: Retractions occur when increased negative intrathoracic
pressure pulls soft tissues inward and indicate increased respiratory effort.
Q4. A patient leans forward with the arms braced on the knees while
breathing. How should this position be interpreted?
A) Normal resting posture
B) Evidence of abdominal discomfort only
, C) Expected posture during sleep
D) A position that may help a patient with respiratory distress recruit
accessory muscles
Correct Answer: D) A position that may help a patient with respiratory
distress recruit accessory muscles
Rationale: The tripod position may improve mechanical advantage for
accessory respiratory muscles in patients experiencing significant breathing
difficulty.
Q5. Which chest configuration is characterized by an increased
anteroposterior diameter?
A) Funnel chest
B) Barrel chest
C) Pigeon chest
D) Scoliosis
Correct Answer: B) Barrel chest
Rationale: Barrel chest involves an increased anteroposterior thoracic
diameter and can occur with chronic lung hyperinflation.
Q6. Which history finding creates the greatest long-term risk for
chronic respiratory disease?
A) Drinking one glass of water before bed
B) Walking daily
C) Smoking one pack of cigarettes per day for many years
D) Sleeping eight hours nightly
Correct Answer: C) Smoking one pack of cigarettes per day for many years
Rationale: Long-term tobacco exposure substantially increases risk for
chronic obstructive lung disease, malignancy, cardiovascular disease, and
other respiratory problems.
Q7. Which approach is appropriate when assessing smoking
behavior and readiness to quit?
A) Ask about tobacco use without judgment and assess readiness for
cessation support
B) Lecture the patient before obtaining a smoking history
C) Avoid discussing smoking unless severe disease is present
D) Assume smokers are unwilling to quit
