NUR2180 Quiz Module 8 - Physical Assessment - Rasmussen University
NUR2180 Quiz Module 8 - Physical Assessment
Rasmussen University | Questions and Verified Answers
Latest Update 2026/2027 | 75 Questions | 100% Correct | Grade A | Rasmussen NUR 2180 Module 8 Blueprint | All
Answers Verified
This quiz assesses mastery of NUR2180 Physical Assessment Module 8 content aligned with Rasmussen University's
2026/2027 nursing curriculum and current physical assessment standards. Coverage includes abdominal assessment (four
quadrants and nine regions, inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation), gastrointestinal system assessment (bowel
sounds, organomegaly, GI abnormalities), renal and urinary system assessment (CVA tenderness, kidney palpation,
bladder assessment), female genitourinary and breast assessment, male genitourinary assessment (including hernia and
prostate), anus/rectum/prostate assessment, and documentation, clinical reasoning, cultural sensitivity, and special
considerations. Each question includes a verified rationale that doubles as study-guide content, addressing common
physical assessment pitfalls such as incorrect abdominal assessment sequence, misinterpreting bowel sounds, improper
palpation technique, and failure to recognize abnormal findings. Cognitive level distribution: approximately 30% recall,
50% application, and 20% analysis. Question style: 70% scenario-based, 30% direct recall of assessment techniques and
findings.
SECTION 1: Abdominal Assessment
Anatomical Landmarks, Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, & Palpation | Questions 1-14 | 14 Questions
This section covers abdominal anatomical landmarks (four quadrants and nine regions), and the four assessment
techniques applied to the abdomen - with particular attention to the correct sequence (I-A-P-P) that differs from other
body systems.
Q1. When performing a complete abdominal assessment on an adult patient, which sequence should the nurse
follow?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation [CORRECT]
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Percussion, Palpation
D. Inspection, Percussion, Palpation, Auscultation
Correct Answer: B — Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
Rationale: For the abdomen, the correct sequence is Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation (I-A-P-P).
This differs from the standard Inspection-Percussion-Palpation-Auscultation sequence used for other body
systems because palpation and percussion can stimulate bowel activity and alter the frequency of bowel sounds
before auscultation. Auscultating before palpating ensures accurate baseline assessment of bowel sounds.
Options A, C, and D all use incorrect orderings that could compromise assessment accuracy.
NUR2180 Module 8 - Verified Answers | 100% Correct | Grade A Page 1
,NUR2180 Quiz Module 8 - Physical Assessment - Rasmussen University
Q2. Which anatomical landmark divides the abdomen into the right upper quadrant (RUQ) and the right
lower quadrant (RLQ)?
A. The xiphoid process
B. The umbilicus
C. A horizontal line drawn through the umbilicus (transumbilical plane) [CORRECT]
D. The midline (linea alba)
Correct Answer: C — A horizontal line drawn through the umbilicus (transumbilical plane)
Rationale: The four abdominal quadrants are formed by a vertical line (the linea alba / midline) and a horizontal
line drawn through the umbilicus (the transumbilical plane). Option C is correct. The xiphoid process (Option A)
is the superior boundary of the abdomen. The umbilicus alone (Option B) is the landmark through which the
horizontal line passes. The midline (Option D) separates right from left, not upper from lower. Accurate quadrant
identification is essential for locating organs and documenting findings.
Q3. A nurse is inspecting a patient's abdomen and notes that it is flat with the umbilicus inverted and midline.
How should the nurse document this finding?
A. Convex with inverted umbilicus
B. Flat, umbilicus inverted and midline [CORRECT]
C. Scaphoid with midline umbilicus
D. Protuberant with inverted umbilicus
Correct Answer: B — Flat, umbilicus inverted and midline
Rationale: A flat abdomen with an inverted, midline umbilicus is a normal adult finding. Option B is the correct
documentation. 'Convex' (Option A) is not a standard contour descriptor; 'scaphoid' (Option C) describes a
concave abdomen seen in cachexia or malnutrition. 'Protuberant' (Option D) describes a bulging abdomen as
seen in obesity, ascites, or obstruction. The umbilicus should be inverted and midline; an everted umbilicus
suggests increased intra-abdominal pressure (e.g., ascites, hernia).
Q4. When auscultating bowel sounds, the nurse should place the diaphragm of the stethoscope lightly on the
abdomen in which location FIRST?
A. Right lower quadrant (RLQ) near the ileocecal valve [CORRECT]
B. Left upper quadrant (LUQ) near the stomach
C. Right upper quadrant (RUQ) near the liver
D. Left lower quadrant (LLQ) near the sigmoid colon
Correct Answer: A — Right lower quadrant (RLQ) near the ileocecal valve
Rationale: Bowel sounds should be auscultated starting in the RLQ near the ileocecal valve, where bowel
sounds are normally most active, then moving clockwise through the other quadrants. Option A is correct.
Starting in the RLQ allows the nurse to establish a baseline of normal activity before assessing the other
quadrants. Options B, C, and D represent other quadrants where sounds may be less frequent. Auscultating for a
full 5 minutes of silence in any quadrant is required before documenting absent bowel sounds.
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,NUR2180 Quiz Module 8 - Physical Assessment - Rasmussen University
Q5. The nurse auscultates the abdomen and hears bowel sounds occurring approximately every 5-10 seconds
in all four quadrants. How should this finding be documented?
A. Hypoactive bowel sounds
B. Hyperactive bowel sounds
C. Normoactive bowel sounds (normal) [CORRECT]
D. Absent bowel sounds
Correct Answer: C — Normoactive bowel sounds (normal)
Rationale: Normal bowel sounds occur at a rate of 5-30 per minute (or every 2-10 seconds) and sound like
high-pitched gurgles or clicks. Option C is correct. Hypoactive bowel sounds (Option A) are fewer than 5 per
minute and occur with ileus or postoperative states. Hyperactive (Option B) are loud, frequent, and rushing -
associated with diarrhea, early obstruction, or gastroenteritis. Absent bowel sounds (Option D) require 5 minutes
of complete silence in all quadrants and suggest ileus or peritonitis. Documentation should specify frequency and
quality.
Q6. While auscultating the abdominal aorta, the nurse hears a swooshing sound synchronized with the
patient's heartbeat. What is this finding, and what is its clinical significance?
A. Bruit - suggests turbulent blood flow, possibly from an aortic aneurysm or arterial stenosis [CORRECT]
B. Friction rub - suggests splenic infarction
C. Borborygmus - normal bowel sound
D. Venous hum - normal pediatric finding
Correct Answer: A — Bruit - suggests turbulent blood flow, possibly from an aortic aneurysm or arterial
stenosis
Rationale: A bruit is a turbulent, swishing sound heard over an artery, suggesting partial obstruction or abnormal
blood flow, such as an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) or renal artery stenosis. Option A is correct. A friction
rub (Option B) is a grating sound heard with respiration over the liver or spleen, suggesting hepatic or splenic
infarction or tumor. Borborygmus (Option C) is a loud, prolonged gurgling bowel sound. A venous hum (Option
D) is a continuous hum heard in the epigastric region of children and may be normal or pathologic in adults (e.g.,
portal hypertension). A bruit warrants provider notification.
Q7. When percussing the abdomen of a healthy adult, the nurse expects to hear primarily which type of
percussion note?
A. Resonance
B. Tympany [CORRECT]
C. Dullness
D. Hyperresonance
Correct Answer: B — Tympany
Rationale: Tympany is the predominant percussion note over the normal abdomen because of air in the stomach
and intestines. Option B is correct. Resonance (Option A) is heard over normal lung tissue. Dullness (Option C)
is heard over dense organs such as the liver and spleen, or over a distended bladder or mass. Hyperresonance
(Option D) suggests excessive air, as in bowel obstruction or emphysema. The distribution of tympany and
dullness helps identify organ location and detect masses or fluid.
NUR2180 Module 8 - Verified Answers | 100% Correct | Grade A Page 3
, NUR2180 Quiz Module 8 - Physical Assessment - Rasmussen University
Q8. A patient presents with a protuberant abdomen. Percussion reveals dullness in the flanks when supine
that shifts to the dependent side when the patient rolls onto one side. What does this finding indicate?
A. Hepatomegaly
B. Shifting dullness, indicating ascites (free fluid in the peritoneal cavity) [CORRECT]
C. Splenomegaly
D. Bowel obstruction
Correct Answer: B — Shifting dullness, indicating ascites (free fluid in the peritoneal cavity)
Rationale: Shifting dullness is a classic sign of ascites - free fluid in the peritoneal cavity that redistributes with
position changes. Option B is correct. When the patient is supine, fluid settles in the dependent flanks (producing
dullness), while air-filled bowel floats to the top (producing tympany). When the patient rolls to one side, the
fluid shifts, and the dullness moves to the dependent side. Hepatomegaly (Option A) and splenomegaly (Option
C) produce fixed dullness over the specific organ. Bowel obstruction (Option D) produces diffuse tympany or
hyperresonance, not shifting dullness.
Q9. When performing light palpation of the abdomen, the nurse should depress the abdomen approximately
how deep, and what is the primary purpose?
A. 1-2 cm deep; to identify organomegaly and masses
B. 1-2 cm deep; to identify areas of tenderness, muscle guarding, and superficial masses [CORRECT]
C. 4-5 cm deep; to identify rebound tenderness
D. 5-7 cm deep; to palpate the liver edge
Correct Answer: B — 1-2 cm deep; to identify areas of tenderness, muscle guarding, and superficial
masses
Rationale: Light palpation is performed by depressing the abdomen 1-2 cm with the fingertips, using a gentle
circular motion. Its primary purposes are to identify areas of tenderness, muscle guarding, and superficial
masses. Option B is correct. Deep palpation (4-5 cm or more) is used to identify organomegaly and deeper
masses (Option A). Rebound tenderness (Option C) is assessed by pressing deeply and quickly releasing, but this
should be done LAST and only when indicated, as it is uncomfortable. Liver edge palpation (Option D) requires
specific deep palpation techniques. Always palpate tender areas last.
NUR2180 Module 8 - Verified Answers | 100% Correct | Grade A Page 4
NUR2180 Quiz Module 8 - Physical Assessment
Rasmussen University | Questions and Verified Answers
Latest Update 2026/2027 | 75 Questions | 100% Correct | Grade A | Rasmussen NUR 2180 Module 8 Blueprint | All
Answers Verified
This quiz assesses mastery of NUR2180 Physical Assessment Module 8 content aligned with Rasmussen University's
2026/2027 nursing curriculum and current physical assessment standards. Coverage includes abdominal assessment (four
quadrants and nine regions, inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation), gastrointestinal system assessment (bowel
sounds, organomegaly, GI abnormalities), renal and urinary system assessment (CVA tenderness, kidney palpation,
bladder assessment), female genitourinary and breast assessment, male genitourinary assessment (including hernia and
prostate), anus/rectum/prostate assessment, and documentation, clinical reasoning, cultural sensitivity, and special
considerations. Each question includes a verified rationale that doubles as study-guide content, addressing common
physical assessment pitfalls such as incorrect abdominal assessment sequence, misinterpreting bowel sounds, improper
palpation technique, and failure to recognize abnormal findings. Cognitive level distribution: approximately 30% recall,
50% application, and 20% analysis. Question style: 70% scenario-based, 30% direct recall of assessment techniques and
findings.
SECTION 1: Abdominal Assessment
Anatomical Landmarks, Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, & Palpation | Questions 1-14 | 14 Questions
This section covers abdominal anatomical landmarks (four quadrants and nine regions), and the four assessment
techniques applied to the abdomen - with particular attention to the correct sequence (I-A-P-P) that differs from other
body systems.
Q1. When performing a complete abdominal assessment on an adult patient, which sequence should the nurse
follow?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation [CORRECT]
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Percussion, Palpation
D. Inspection, Percussion, Palpation, Auscultation
Correct Answer: B — Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
Rationale: For the abdomen, the correct sequence is Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation (I-A-P-P).
This differs from the standard Inspection-Percussion-Palpation-Auscultation sequence used for other body
systems because palpation and percussion can stimulate bowel activity and alter the frequency of bowel sounds
before auscultation. Auscultating before palpating ensures accurate baseline assessment of bowel sounds.
Options A, C, and D all use incorrect orderings that could compromise assessment accuracy.
NUR2180 Module 8 - Verified Answers | 100% Correct | Grade A Page 1
,NUR2180 Quiz Module 8 - Physical Assessment - Rasmussen University
Q2. Which anatomical landmark divides the abdomen into the right upper quadrant (RUQ) and the right
lower quadrant (RLQ)?
A. The xiphoid process
B. The umbilicus
C. A horizontal line drawn through the umbilicus (transumbilical plane) [CORRECT]
D. The midline (linea alba)
Correct Answer: C — A horizontal line drawn through the umbilicus (transumbilical plane)
Rationale: The four abdominal quadrants are formed by a vertical line (the linea alba / midline) and a horizontal
line drawn through the umbilicus (the transumbilical plane). Option C is correct. The xiphoid process (Option A)
is the superior boundary of the abdomen. The umbilicus alone (Option B) is the landmark through which the
horizontal line passes. The midline (Option D) separates right from left, not upper from lower. Accurate quadrant
identification is essential for locating organs and documenting findings.
Q3. A nurse is inspecting a patient's abdomen and notes that it is flat with the umbilicus inverted and midline.
How should the nurse document this finding?
A. Convex with inverted umbilicus
B. Flat, umbilicus inverted and midline [CORRECT]
C. Scaphoid with midline umbilicus
D. Protuberant with inverted umbilicus
Correct Answer: B — Flat, umbilicus inverted and midline
Rationale: A flat abdomen with an inverted, midline umbilicus is a normal adult finding. Option B is the correct
documentation. 'Convex' (Option A) is not a standard contour descriptor; 'scaphoid' (Option C) describes a
concave abdomen seen in cachexia or malnutrition. 'Protuberant' (Option D) describes a bulging abdomen as
seen in obesity, ascites, or obstruction. The umbilicus should be inverted and midline; an everted umbilicus
suggests increased intra-abdominal pressure (e.g., ascites, hernia).
Q4. When auscultating bowel sounds, the nurse should place the diaphragm of the stethoscope lightly on the
abdomen in which location FIRST?
A. Right lower quadrant (RLQ) near the ileocecal valve [CORRECT]
B. Left upper quadrant (LUQ) near the stomach
C. Right upper quadrant (RUQ) near the liver
D. Left lower quadrant (LLQ) near the sigmoid colon
Correct Answer: A — Right lower quadrant (RLQ) near the ileocecal valve
Rationale: Bowel sounds should be auscultated starting in the RLQ near the ileocecal valve, where bowel
sounds are normally most active, then moving clockwise through the other quadrants. Option A is correct.
Starting in the RLQ allows the nurse to establish a baseline of normal activity before assessing the other
quadrants. Options B, C, and D represent other quadrants where sounds may be less frequent. Auscultating for a
full 5 minutes of silence in any quadrant is required before documenting absent bowel sounds.
NUR2180 Module 8 - Verified Answers | 100% Correct | Grade A Page 2
,NUR2180 Quiz Module 8 - Physical Assessment - Rasmussen University
Q5. The nurse auscultates the abdomen and hears bowel sounds occurring approximately every 5-10 seconds
in all four quadrants. How should this finding be documented?
A. Hypoactive bowel sounds
B. Hyperactive bowel sounds
C. Normoactive bowel sounds (normal) [CORRECT]
D. Absent bowel sounds
Correct Answer: C — Normoactive bowel sounds (normal)
Rationale: Normal bowel sounds occur at a rate of 5-30 per minute (or every 2-10 seconds) and sound like
high-pitched gurgles or clicks. Option C is correct. Hypoactive bowel sounds (Option A) are fewer than 5 per
minute and occur with ileus or postoperative states. Hyperactive (Option B) are loud, frequent, and rushing -
associated with diarrhea, early obstruction, or gastroenteritis. Absent bowel sounds (Option D) require 5 minutes
of complete silence in all quadrants and suggest ileus or peritonitis. Documentation should specify frequency and
quality.
Q6. While auscultating the abdominal aorta, the nurse hears a swooshing sound synchronized with the
patient's heartbeat. What is this finding, and what is its clinical significance?
A. Bruit - suggests turbulent blood flow, possibly from an aortic aneurysm or arterial stenosis [CORRECT]
B. Friction rub - suggests splenic infarction
C. Borborygmus - normal bowel sound
D. Venous hum - normal pediatric finding
Correct Answer: A — Bruit - suggests turbulent blood flow, possibly from an aortic aneurysm or arterial
stenosis
Rationale: A bruit is a turbulent, swishing sound heard over an artery, suggesting partial obstruction or abnormal
blood flow, such as an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) or renal artery stenosis. Option A is correct. A friction
rub (Option B) is a grating sound heard with respiration over the liver or spleen, suggesting hepatic or splenic
infarction or tumor. Borborygmus (Option C) is a loud, prolonged gurgling bowel sound. A venous hum (Option
D) is a continuous hum heard in the epigastric region of children and may be normal or pathologic in adults (e.g.,
portal hypertension). A bruit warrants provider notification.
Q7. When percussing the abdomen of a healthy adult, the nurse expects to hear primarily which type of
percussion note?
A. Resonance
B. Tympany [CORRECT]
C. Dullness
D. Hyperresonance
Correct Answer: B — Tympany
Rationale: Tympany is the predominant percussion note over the normal abdomen because of air in the stomach
and intestines. Option B is correct. Resonance (Option A) is heard over normal lung tissue. Dullness (Option C)
is heard over dense organs such as the liver and spleen, or over a distended bladder or mass. Hyperresonance
(Option D) suggests excessive air, as in bowel obstruction or emphysema. The distribution of tympany and
dullness helps identify organ location and detect masses or fluid.
NUR2180 Module 8 - Verified Answers | 100% Correct | Grade A Page 3
, NUR2180 Quiz Module 8 - Physical Assessment - Rasmussen University
Q8. A patient presents with a protuberant abdomen. Percussion reveals dullness in the flanks when supine
that shifts to the dependent side when the patient rolls onto one side. What does this finding indicate?
A. Hepatomegaly
B. Shifting dullness, indicating ascites (free fluid in the peritoneal cavity) [CORRECT]
C. Splenomegaly
D. Bowel obstruction
Correct Answer: B — Shifting dullness, indicating ascites (free fluid in the peritoneal cavity)
Rationale: Shifting dullness is a classic sign of ascites - free fluid in the peritoneal cavity that redistributes with
position changes. Option B is correct. When the patient is supine, fluid settles in the dependent flanks (producing
dullness), while air-filled bowel floats to the top (producing tympany). When the patient rolls to one side, the
fluid shifts, and the dullness moves to the dependent side. Hepatomegaly (Option A) and splenomegaly (Option
C) produce fixed dullness over the specific organ. Bowel obstruction (Option D) produces diffuse tympany or
hyperresonance, not shifting dullness.
Q9. When performing light palpation of the abdomen, the nurse should depress the abdomen approximately
how deep, and what is the primary purpose?
A. 1-2 cm deep; to identify organomegaly and masses
B. 1-2 cm deep; to identify areas of tenderness, muscle guarding, and superficial masses [CORRECT]
C. 4-5 cm deep; to identify rebound tenderness
D. 5-7 cm deep; to palpate the liver edge
Correct Answer: B — 1-2 cm deep; to identify areas of tenderness, muscle guarding, and superficial
masses
Rationale: Light palpation is performed by depressing the abdomen 1-2 cm with the fingertips, using a gentle
circular motion. Its primary purposes are to identify areas of tenderness, muscle guarding, and superficial
masses. Option B is correct. Deep palpation (4-5 cm or more) is used to identify organomegaly and deeper
masses (Option A). Rebound tenderness (Option C) is assessed by pressing deeply and quickly releasing, but this
should be done LAST and only when indicated, as it is uncomfortable. Liver edge palpation (Option D) requires
specific deep palpation techniques. Always palpate tender areas last.
NUR2180 Module 8 - Verified Answers | 100% Correct | Grade A Page 4
