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NSG 3160 / NSG3160 Exam 4 Galen
2026/2027 | Health Assessment|
Questions & Answers with
Rationales | Grade A
Exam Structure:
Subject: Nursing / Health Assessment, NSG 3160 Exam 4 Review
Source: NSG 3160 Exam 4
Format: Comprehensive Question and Answer Review with Rationales
Musculoskeletal Assessment Tests
1. Phalen test and Tinel sign test are used to determine:
Answer: Carpal tunnel syndrome.
Rationale:
1. Both tests assess for median nerve compression at the wrist.
2. Positive findings indicate carpal tunnel syndrome.
3. These tests are specific for this condition.
4. Used in conjunction with history and physical exam.
2. What is the Phalen test?
Answer: Patient holds both hands back to back while flexing wrists at 90
degrees. Normal = acute flexion for 60 seconds produces no symptoms.
Abnormal = numbness and burning, indicate carpal tunnel syndrome.
Rationale:
1. Flexion increases pressure on median nerve.
2. Reproduction of symptoms indicates nerve compression.
3. Perform for up to 60 seconds.
4. Positive test supports diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.
3. What is the Tinel sign?
Answer: Tap median nerve at wrist. Positive finding: tingling sensation
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down nerve; indicates carpal tunnel syndrome. No sensation is normal.
Rationale:
1. Percussion over median nerve causes tingling if nerve is compressed.
2. Indicates nerve irritation or regeneration.
3. Used in diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.
4. Can also be used for other peripheral nerves.
4. The bulge sign is a test for:
Answer: Low amount of fluid in knee. Stroke median aspect of knee 2 or 3
times to displace fluid. Normal patient = no fluid.
Rationale:
1. Detects small effusions.
2. Fluid is displaced from medial side.
3. A bulge appears on medial aspect if fluid present.
4. Different from ballottement for large effusions.
5. What is ballottement?
Answer: Large amount of fluid in knee. Patient supine. Stroke upward on
patellar pouch. No fluid is normal.
Rationale:
1. Detects large knee effusions.
2. Patellar tap or ballotable patella indicates fluid.
3. Fluid pushes patella away from femur.
4. Confirm with other tests.
6. What is the straight leg raising or Lasègue test?
Answer: Patient supine. Straight leg raising while keeping knee extended
then dorsiflex the foot. Positive if it worsens sciatic pain.
Rationale:
1. Stretches sciatic nerve and nerve roots.
2. Positive test reproduces radicular pain.
3. Indicates herniated disc or nerve root irritation.
4. Perform gently to avoid injury.
Aging and the Musculoskeletal System
7. What are aging adult signs with the musculoskeletal system?
Answer: Osteoporosis, shortening of vertebral column due to loss of water,
thinning of intervertebral discs, higher risk of bony prominences, decreased
physical activity.
Rationale:
NSG 3160 / NSG3160 Exam 4 Galen
2026/2027 | Health Assessment|
Questions & Answers with
Rationales | Grade A
Exam Structure:
Subject: Nursing / Health Assessment, NSG 3160 Exam 4 Review
Source: NSG 3160 Exam 4
Format: Comprehensive Question and Answer Review with Rationales
Musculoskeletal Assessment Tests
1. Phalen test and Tinel sign test are used to determine:
Answer: Carpal tunnel syndrome.
Rationale:
1. Both tests assess for median nerve compression at the wrist.
2. Positive findings indicate carpal tunnel syndrome.
3. These tests are specific for this condition.
4. Used in conjunction with history and physical exam.
2. What is the Phalen test?
Answer: Patient holds both hands back to back while flexing wrists at 90
degrees. Normal = acute flexion for 60 seconds produces no symptoms.
Abnormal = numbness and burning, indicate carpal tunnel syndrome.
Rationale:
1. Flexion increases pressure on median nerve.
2. Reproduction of symptoms indicates nerve compression.
3. Perform for up to 60 seconds.
4. Positive test supports diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.
3. What is the Tinel sign?
Answer: Tap median nerve at wrist. Positive finding: tingling sensation
, 2|Page
down nerve; indicates carpal tunnel syndrome. No sensation is normal.
Rationale:
1. Percussion over median nerve causes tingling if nerve is compressed.
2. Indicates nerve irritation or regeneration.
3. Used in diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.
4. Can also be used for other peripheral nerves.
4. The bulge sign is a test for:
Answer: Low amount of fluid in knee. Stroke median aspect of knee 2 or 3
times to displace fluid. Normal patient = no fluid.
Rationale:
1. Detects small effusions.
2. Fluid is displaced from medial side.
3. A bulge appears on medial aspect if fluid present.
4. Different from ballottement for large effusions.
5. What is ballottement?
Answer: Large amount of fluid in knee. Patient supine. Stroke upward on
patellar pouch. No fluid is normal.
Rationale:
1. Detects large knee effusions.
2. Patellar tap or ballotable patella indicates fluid.
3. Fluid pushes patella away from femur.
4. Confirm with other tests.
6. What is the straight leg raising or Lasègue test?
Answer: Patient supine. Straight leg raising while keeping knee extended
then dorsiflex the foot. Positive if it worsens sciatic pain.
Rationale:
1. Stretches sciatic nerve and nerve roots.
2. Positive test reproduces radicular pain.
3. Indicates herniated disc or nerve root irritation.
4. Perform gently to avoid injury.
Aging and the Musculoskeletal System
7. What are aging adult signs with the musculoskeletal system?
Answer: Osteoporosis, shortening of vertebral column due to loss of water,
thinning of intervertebral discs, higher risk of bony prominences, decreased
physical activity.
Rationale:
