Nursing 120 Exam 4 (health assessment).Final Test Paper
2026\2027.
What is the normal anterior/posterior to lateral ratio of the
chest?
1:2
Define hypoxia.
Inadequate cellular oxygenation.
What is nail clubbing a clinical sign of?
Chronic hypoxia / respiratory distress.
Define hypoventilation.
Shallow breathing with an abnormally low rate.
Define hyperventilation.
Rapid and deep breathing.
Define orthopnea.
Shortness of breath when lying flat, relieved by sitting upright
or using multiple pillows.
What is Kussmaul's respiration?
Extreme rate and depth of breathing.
What is crepitus during chest wall palpation?
A crackling sensation under the skin created by trapped air.
What is tactile fremitus?
Vibrations created by vocal cords transmitted through the
lungs to the chest wall.
Where is tactile fremitus normally expected to be diminished?
,Nursing 120 Exam 4 (health assessment).Final Test Paper
2026\2027.
At mid-thorax, or if the chest wall is thick / voice is soft.
How far does the chest expand during normal deep
inspiration excursion?
Up to 3 inches symmetrically.
What is the expected sound when percussing over normal
lung tissue?
Resonance (hollow, loud, low-pitched, long duration).
Which part of the stethoscope is used to auscultate lung
sounds?
The diaphragm.
What causes crackles (rales)?
Air bubbling through moisture or fluid in the alveoli.
When during the respiratory cycle are crackles primarily
heard?
During inspiration.
What causes rhonchi (gurgles)?
Secretions in the large airways.
What characteristic distinguishes rhonchi from other
adventitious sounds?
Coarse, snoring, low-pitched sounds that often clear with a
cough.
What causes wheezes?
, Nursing 120 Exam 4 (health assessment).Final Test Paper
2026\2027.
Airway narrowing from spasm, mucus inflammation, or tumor.
What causes stridor?
Partial upper airway obstruction or tracheal/laryngeal spasm.
What causes a pleural friction rub?
Rubbing together of inflamed pleural layers.
Where is a pleural friction rub loudest?
Over the lower lateral and anterior chest surface.
Name two respiratory changes commonly seen in older
adults.
Decreased diaphragmatic excursion and diminished cough
reflex.
What pneumococcal vaccines are recommended for adults
over 65 or immunocompromised?
PCV 13 followed by PCV 23.
What three key details must be documented for adventitious
lung sounds?
Location, sound type, and timing in respiratory cycle
(inspiration/expiration).
What is the acronym used for assessing chest pain?
OPQRST (Onset, Provoke/Palliative, Quality, Radiation,
Severity/Symptoms, Timing).
Which cardiovascular risk factors cannot be changed?
2026\2027.
What is the normal anterior/posterior to lateral ratio of the
chest?
1:2
Define hypoxia.
Inadequate cellular oxygenation.
What is nail clubbing a clinical sign of?
Chronic hypoxia / respiratory distress.
Define hypoventilation.
Shallow breathing with an abnormally low rate.
Define hyperventilation.
Rapid and deep breathing.
Define orthopnea.
Shortness of breath when lying flat, relieved by sitting upright
or using multiple pillows.
What is Kussmaul's respiration?
Extreme rate and depth of breathing.
What is crepitus during chest wall palpation?
A crackling sensation under the skin created by trapped air.
What is tactile fremitus?
Vibrations created by vocal cords transmitted through the
lungs to the chest wall.
Where is tactile fremitus normally expected to be diminished?
,Nursing 120 Exam 4 (health assessment).Final Test Paper
2026\2027.
At mid-thorax, or if the chest wall is thick / voice is soft.
How far does the chest expand during normal deep
inspiration excursion?
Up to 3 inches symmetrically.
What is the expected sound when percussing over normal
lung tissue?
Resonance (hollow, loud, low-pitched, long duration).
Which part of the stethoscope is used to auscultate lung
sounds?
The diaphragm.
What causes crackles (rales)?
Air bubbling through moisture or fluid in the alveoli.
When during the respiratory cycle are crackles primarily
heard?
During inspiration.
What causes rhonchi (gurgles)?
Secretions in the large airways.
What characteristic distinguishes rhonchi from other
adventitious sounds?
Coarse, snoring, low-pitched sounds that often clear with a
cough.
What causes wheezes?
, Nursing 120 Exam 4 (health assessment).Final Test Paper
2026\2027.
Airway narrowing from spasm, mucus inflammation, or tumor.
What causes stridor?
Partial upper airway obstruction or tracheal/laryngeal spasm.
What causes a pleural friction rub?
Rubbing together of inflamed pleural layers.
Where is a pleural friction rub loudest?
Over the lower lateral and anterior chest surface.
Name two respiratory changes commonly seen in older
adults.
Decreased diaphragmatic excursion and diminished cough
reflex.
What pneumococcal vaccines are recommended for adults
over 65 or immunocompromised?
PCV 13 followed by PCV 23.
What three key details must be documented for adventitious
lung sounds?
Location, sound type, and timing in respiratory cycle
(inspiration/expiration).
What is the acronym used for assessing chest pain?
OPQRST (Onset, Provoke/Palliative, Quality, Radiation,
Severity/Symptoms, Timing).
Which cardiovascular risk factors cannot be changed?
