NUR 2092 HEALTH ASSESSMENT
MIDTERM COMPREHENSIVE EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 100%
VERIFIED BY EXPERTS. 2026/2027
1. During an abdominal assessment, in what order should the nurse perform the physical
examination techniques?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In abdominal assessment, auscultation is performed after
inspection and before percussion or palpation to avoid stimulating bowel sounds that were
not originally present.
2. The nurse is assessing a patient for tactile fremitus. Which technique is most appropriate?
A. Using the fingertips to tap the intercostal spaces
B. Using the ulnar surface of the hands while the patient repeats ‘ninety-nine’
C. Placing the bell of the stethoscope over the bronchovesicular areas
,D. Measuring the distance of thoracic expansion during deep inhalation
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Tactile fremitus is assessed by using the palmar base or ulnar
surface of the hands to feel for vibrations as the patient speaks; the ulnar surface is most
sensitive to vibration.
3. While assessing a patient’s heart sounds, the nurse hears a low-pitched, extra sound in
early diastole at the apex. How should the nurse document this?
A. S4 (Atrial gallop)
B. S3 (Ventricular gallop)
C. Systolic murmur
D. Pericardial friction rub
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: S3 occurs in early diastole during the rapid ventricular filling
phase and is often associated with fluid volume overload or heart failure.
4. A patient presents with a ‘shifting dullness’ during abdominal percussion. What does this
finding indicate?
A. Constipation
B. Splenomegaly
C. Ascites
, D. Hepatomegaly
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Shifting dullness is a sign of ascites (fluid in the peritoneal
cavity); the dullness moves to the dependent side as the patient changes positions.
5. When assessing the Cranial Nerve V (Trigeminal), the nurse should include which of the
following?
A. Checking for facial symmetry when the patient smiles
B. Assessing the strength of the masseter muscle and light touch on the face
C. Testing the gag reflex with a tongue depressor
D. Evaluating the patient’s ability to shrug their shoulders against resistance
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: CN V has both sensory (facial sensation) and motor (muscles of
mastication/masseter) functions.
6. A nurse notes a 6mm deep indentation after applying pressure to a patient’s lower
extremity, which remains for over a minute. This is documented as:
A. 1+ Pitting Edema
B. 2+ Pitting Edema
C. 3+ Pitting Edema
D. 4+ Pitting Edema
MIDTERM COMPREHENSIVE EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 100%
VERIFIED BY EXPERTS. 2026/2027
1. During an abdominal assessment, in what order should the nurse perform the physical
examination techniques?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In abdominal assessment, auscultation is performed after
inspection and before percussion or palpation to avoid stimulating bowel sounds that were
not originally present.
2. The nurse is assessing a patient for tactile fremitus. Which technique is most appropriate?
A. Using the fingertips to tap the intercostal spaces
B. Using the ulnar surface of the hands while the patient repeats ‘ninety-nine’
C. Placing the bell of the stethoscope over the bronchovesicular areas
,D. Measuring the distance of thoracic expansion during deep inhalation
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Tactile fremitus is assessed by using the palmar base or ulnar
surface of the hands to feel for vibrations as the patient speaks; the ulnar surface is most
sensitive to vibration.
3. While assessing a patient’s heart sounds, the nurse hears a low-pitched, extra sound in
early diastole at the apex. How should the nurse document this?
A. S4 (Atrial gallop)
B. S3 (Ventricular gallop)
C. Systolic murmur
D. Pericardial friction rub
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: S3 occurs in early diastole during the rapid ventricular filling
phase and is often associated with fluid volume overload or heart failure.
4. A patient presents with a ‘shifting dullness’ during abdominal percussion. What does this
finding indicate?
A. Constipation
B. Splenomegaly
C. Ascites
, D. Hepatomegaly
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Shifting dullness is a sign of ascites (fluid in the peritoneal
cavity); the dullness moves to the dependent side as the patient changes positions.
5. When assessing the Cranial Nerve V (Trigeminal), the nurse should include which of the
following?
A. Checking for facial symmetry when the patient smiles
B. Assessing the strength of the masseter muscle and light touch on the face
C. Testing the gag reflex with a tongue depressor
D. Evaluating the patient’s ability to shrug their shoulders against resistance
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: CN V has both sensory (facial sensation) and motor (muscles of
mastication/masseter) functions.
6. A nurse notes a 6mm deep indentation after applying pressure to a patient’s lower
extremity, which remains for over a minute. This is documented as:
A. 1+ Pitting Edema
B. 2+ Pitting Edema
C. 3+ Pitting Edema
D. 4+ Pitting Edema
