,Arkansas State NURS 6023 Exam 3 | Adv Assessment
& Diagnostic Eval (2026) Q&A
1. Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of the straight leg raise
test?
A) To assess for meniscal tears in the knee
B) To evaluate for nerve root irritation from a herniated disc
C) To detect ligamentous instability in the ankle
D) To assess for carpal tunnel syndrome
Correct Answer: To evaluate for nerve root irritation from a herniated disc
Rationale: The straight leg raise test is performed by passively raising the patient's
extended leg while they are supine. Pain radiating down the posterior leg (sciatica)
suggests nerve root compression, commonly from a herniated disc at L4-L5 or L5-S1.
McMurray tests for meniscal tears, and Lachman tests for ACL integrity.
2. What is the primary function of the erector spinae muscle group during a
musculoskeletal examination?
A) To flex the spine forward
B) To extend and laterally bend the spine
C) To rotate the head and neck
D) To stabilize the pelvis during ambulation
Correct Answer: To extend and laterally bend the spine
,Rationale: The erector spinae group runs vertically along the spine and functions
primarily to extend the vertebral column and assist with lateral bending. It also
provides postural support. Spinal flexion is primarily performed by the abdominal
muscles, and head rotation is controlled by cervical muscles.
3. Which term refers to the ability to identify an object by touch and manipulation
without visual input?
A) Graphesthesia
B) Stereognosis
C) Two-point discrimination
D) Proprioception
Correct Answer: Stereognosis
Rationale: Stereognosis is the cortical sensory function that allows a person to
recognize the shape, size, and texture of an object by feel alone. It is tested by
placing a familiar object (e.g., a key) in the patient's hand with their eyes closed.
Graphesthesia is the ability to identify numbers traced on the skin.
4. A patient reports the onset of back pain immediately after lifting a heavy box.
Which physical examination maneuver is most appropriate to assess for a herniated
disc?
A) McMurray test
B) Straight leg raise test
C) Lachman test
D) Phalen test
Correct Answer: Straight leg raise test
, Rationale: The straight leg raise test is the most appropriate maneuver when a
herniated disc is suspected after a lifting injury. Pain radiating down the leg below
the knee when the leg is raised between 30 and 70 degrees indicates nerve root
irritation. McMurray assesses the meniscus, Lachman assesses the ACL, and Phalen
assesses carpal tunnel syndrome.
5. In the context of a neurologic examination, what does the term "graphesthesia"
refer to?
A) The ability to recognize objects by touch
B) The ability to identify numbers or letters traced on the skin
C) The ability to detect vibration with a tuning fork
D) The ability to discriminate two simultaneous points of touch
Correct Answer: The ability to identify numbers or letters traced on the skin
Rationale: Graphesthesia is a cortical sensory function tested by tracing a number
or letter on the patient's palm with a dull object while their eyes are closed. The
patient must identify the character. It assesses the integrity of the sensory cortex.
Stereognosis is object recognition by feel.
6. A 52-year-old female presents with an acute, rapidly progressive headache
described as "the worst headache of my life." What condition must be ruled out first?
A) Migraine with aura
B) Cluster headache
C) Subarachnoid hemorrhage
D) Tension headache
Correct Answer: Subarachnoid hemorrhage
& Diagnostic Eval (2026) Q&A
1. Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of the straight leg raise
test?
A) To assess for meniscal tears in the knee
B) To evaluate for nerve root irritation from a herniated disc
C) To detect ligamentous instability in the ankle
D) To assess for carpal tunnel syndrome
Correct Answer: To evaluate for nerve root irritation from a herniated disc
Rationale: The straight leg raise test is performed by passively raising the patient's
extended leg while they are supine. Pain radiating down the posterior leg (sciatica)
suggests nerve root compression, commonly from a herniated disc at L4-L5 or L5-S1.
McMurray tests for meniscal tears, and Lachman tests for ACL integrity.
2. What is the primary function of the erector spinae muscle group during a
musculoskeletal examination?
A) To flex the spine forward
B) To extend and laterally bend the spine
C) To rotate the head and neck
D) To stabilize the pelvis during ambulation
Correct Answer: To extend and laterally bend the spine
,Rationale: The erector spinae group runs vertically along the spine and functions
primarily to extend the vertebral column and assist with lateral bending. It also
provides postural support. Spinal flexion is primarily performed by the abdominal
muscles, and head rotation is controlled by cervical muscles.
3. Which term refers to the ability to identify an object by touch and manipulation
without visual input?
A) Graphesthesia
B) Stereognosis
C) Two-point discrimination
D) Proprioception
Correct Answer: Stereognosis
Rationale: Stereognosis is the cortical sensory function that allows a person to
recognize the shape, size, and texture of an object by feel alone. It is tested by
placing a familiar object (e.g., a key) in the patient's hand with their eyes closed.
Graphesthesia is the ability to identify numbers traced on the skin.
4. A patient reports the onset of back pain immediately after lifting a heavy box.
Which physical examination maneuver is most appropriate to assess for a herniated
disc?
A) McMurray test
B) Straight leg raise test
C) Lachman test
D) Phalen test
Correct Answer: Straight leg raise test
, Rationale: The straight leg raise test is the most appropriate maneuver when a
herniated disc is suspected after a lifting injury. Pain radiating down the leg below
the knee when the leg is raised between 30 and 70 degrees indicates nerve root
irritation. McMurray assesses the meniscus, Lachman assesses the ACL, and Phalen
assesses carpal tunnel syndrome.
5. In the context of a neurologic examination, what does the term "graphesthesia"
refer to?
A) The ability to recognize objects by touch
B) The ability to identify numbers or letters traced on the skin
C) The ability to detect vibration with a tuning fork
D) The ability to discriminate two simultaneous points of touch
Correct Answer: The ability to identify numbers or letters traced on the skin
Rationale: Graphesthesia is a cortical sensory function tested by tracing a number
or letter on the patient's palm with a dull object while their eyes are closed. The
patient must identify the character. It assesses the integrity of the sensory cortex.
Stereognosis is object recognition by feel.
6. A 52-year-old female presents with an acute, rapidly progressive headache
described as "the worst headache of my life." What condition must be ruled out first?
A) Migraine with aura
B) Cluster headache
C) Subarachnoid hemorrhage
D) Tension headache
Correct Answer: Subarachnoid hemorrhage
