COMPREHENSIVE NURSING HEALTH
ASSESSMENT (NURS 307 EXAM 1)
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS |
100% CORRECT | GRADE A+
1. While performing a physical examination, the nurse uses the diaphragm of the stethoscope
to listen for which type of sounds?
A. Low-pitched sounds such as heart murmurs
B. Low-frequency extra heart sounds (S3 and S4)
C. Bruits over the carotid arteries
D. High-pitched sounds such as breath and normal heart sounds
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The diaphragm is best for high-pitched sounds like breath,
bowel, and normal heart sounds. The bell is used for soft, low-pitched sounds like murmurs
or bruits.
2. A nurse is conducting a health history on a patient. Which of the following is considered
‘subjective’ data?
A. Blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg
B. Patient reporting a ‘throbbing’ headache
,C. Pitting edema in the lower extremities
D. Presence of a maculopapular rash on the chest
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Subjective data is what the patient says or feels (symptoms),
while objective data is what the nurse observes, measures, or detects during physical exam
(signs).
3. When assessing the carotid arteries, which action by the nurse is the most appropriate to
ensure patient safety?
A. Palpate both carotid arteries simultaneously to compare pulse strength
B. Auscultate with the diaphragm while the patient takes deep breaths
C. Massage the carotid sinus to check for reflex response
D. Palpate one carotid artery at a time to avoid vagal stimulation
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Simultaneous palpation can compromise cerebral blood flow or
trigger a vagal response, leading to bradycardia or syncope.
4. During a skin assessment, the nurse notices a mole that is asymmetrical, has irregular
borders, and has changed color. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Basal cell carcinoma
B. Actinic keratosis
, C. Squamous cell carcinoma
D. Malignant melanoma
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The ABCDE rule for melanoma includes Asymmetry, Border
irregularity, Color variation, Diameter >6mm, and Evolving/Elevation.
5. A nurse is percussing the chest of a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD). What percussion note is most likely to be heard?
A. Resonance
B. Hyperresonance
C. Tympany
D. Dullness
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperresonance is a lower-pitched, booming sound found when
too much air is present, such as in emphysema or COPD.
6. Which cranial nerve is being tested when the nurse asks the patient to shrug their
shoulders against resistance?
A. Cranial Nerve X (Vagus)
B. Cranial Nerve XI (Spinal Accessory)
C. Cranial Nerve XII (Hypoglossal)
ASSESSMENT (NURS 307 EXAM 1)
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS |
100% CORRECT | GRADE A+
1. While performing a physical examination, the nurse uses the diaphragm of the stethoscope
to listen for which type of sounds?
A. Low-pitched sounds such as heart murmurs
B. Low-frequency extra heart sounds (S3 and S4)
C. Bruits over the carotid arteries
D. High-pitched sounds such as breath and normal heart sounds
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The diaphragm is best for high-pitched sounds like breath,
bowel, and normal heart sounds. The bell is used for soft, low-pitched sounds like murmurs
or bruits.
2. A nurse is conducting a health history on a patient. Which of the following is considered
‘subjective’ data?
A. Blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg
B. Patient reporting a ‘throbbing’ headache
,C. Pitting edema in the lower extremities
D. Presence of a maculopapular rash on the chest
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Subjective data is what the patient says or feels (symptoms),
while objective data is what the nurse observes, measures, or detects during physical exam
(signs).
3. When assessing the carotid arteries, which action by the nurse is the most appropriate to
ensure patient safety?
A. Palpate both carotid arteries simultaneously to compare pulse strength
B. Auscultate with the diaphragm while the patient takes deep breaths
C. Massage the carotid sinus to check for reflex response
D. Palpate one carotid artery at a time to avoid vagal stimulation
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Simultaneous palpation can compromise cerebral blood flow or
trigger a vagal response, leading to bradycardia or syncope.
4. During a skin assessment, the nurse notices a mole that is asymmetrical, has irregular
borders, and has changed color. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Basal cell carcinoma
B. Actinic keratosis
, C. Squamous cell carcinoma
D. Malignant melanoma
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The ABCDE rule for melanoma includes Asymmetry, Border
irregularity, Color variation, Diameter >6mm, and Evolving/Elevation.
5. A nurse is percussing the chest of a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD). What percussion note is most likely to be heard?
A. Resonance
B. Hyperresonance
C. Tympany
D. Dullness
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperresonance is a lower-pitched, booming sound found when
too much air is present, such as in emphysema or COPD.
6. Which cranial nerve is being tested when the nurse asks the patient to shrug their
shoulders against resistance?
A. Cranial Nerve X (Vagus)
B. Cranial Nerve XI (Spinal Accessory)
C. Cranial Nerve XII (Hypoglossal)
