NR 509 – Advanced Physical Assessment
(Chamberlain University, 2025/2026) –
Final Exam with Verified Questions &
Answers (Grade A)
GENERAL ASSESSMENT & TECHNIQUES (1–15)
1. Inspection is the first step in physical exam because:It provides 80–90% of diagnostic
clues
Rationale: Observe symmetry, color, movement before touching.
2. The correct order of abdominal assessment:Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion,
Palpation
Rationale: Auscultate before palpation/percussion to avoid altering bowel sounds.
3. Normal respiratory rate in adults:12–20 breaths/min
Rationale: Tachypnea >24, bradypnea <10.
4. Pulse pressure =Systolic – Diastolic
Rationale: Widened (>60) in aortic regurgitation; narrowed (<25) in shock.
5. Korotkoff phase I is:First tapping sound (systolic)
Rationale: Phase V = diastolic in adults.
, 6. BMI categories (WHO):18.5–24.9 normal; 25–29.9 overweight; ≥30 obese
Rationale: Kenya: use waist circumference for central obesity.
7. Pain assessment uses:PQRST (Provocation, Quality, Region, Severity, Timing)
Rationale: OLDCARTS for comprehensive HPI.
8. Weber test lateralizes to affected ear in:Conductive hearing loss
Rationale: Sensorineural → lateralizes to good ear (Rinne: AC > BC normal).
9. Visual acuity screening uses:Snellen chart at 6 meters (20 feet)
Rationale: 6/6 (20/20) normal; refer if <6/12.
10. The 6 cardinal positions of gaze test:Extraocular muscles (CN III, IV, VI)
Rationale: Nystagmus, diplopia → neuro referral.
11. Normal pupillary light reflex:Direct and consensual constriction
Rationale: Absent = CN II/III lesion.
12. Tuning fork frequency for hearing:512 Hz
Rationale: 256 Hz for vibration sense.
13. Dullness on lung percussion indicates:Consolidation (pneumonia) or fluid (pleural
effusion)
Rationale: Hyperresonance = pneumothorax.
(Chamberlain University, 2025/2026) –
Final Exam with Verified Questions &
Answers (Grade A)
GENERAL ASSESSMENT & TECHNIQUES (1–15)
1. Inspection is the first step in physical exam because:It provides 80–90% of diagnostic
clues
Rationale: Observe symmetry, color, movement before touching.
2. The correct order of abdominal assessment:Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion,
Palpation
Rationale: Auscultate before palpation/percussion to avoid altering bowel sounds.
3. Normal respiratory rate in adults:12–20 breaths/min
Rationale: Tachypnea >24, bradypnea <10.
4. Pulse pressure =Systolic – Diastolic
Rationale: Widened (>60) in aortic regurgitation; narrowed (<25) in shock.
5. Korotkoff phase I is:First tapping sound (systolic)
Rationale: Phase V = diastolic in adults.
, 6. BMI categories (WHO):18.5–24.9 normal; 25–29.9 overweight; ≥30 obese
Rationale: Kenya: use waist circumference for central obesity.
7. Pain assessment uses:PQRST (Provocation, Quality, Region, Severity, Timing)
Rationale: OLDCARTS for comprehensive HPI.
8. Weber test lateralizes to affected ear in:Conductive hearing loss
Rationale: Sensorineural → lateralizes to good ear (Rinne: AC > BC normal).
9. Visual acuity screening uses:Snellen chart at 6 meters (20 feet)
Rationale: 6/6 (20/20) normal; refer if <6/12.
10. The 6 cardinal positions of gaze test:Extraocular muscles (CN III, IV, VI)
Rationale: Nystagmus, diplopia → neuro referral.
11. Normal pupillary light reflex:Direct and consensual constriction
Rationale: Absent = CN II/III lesion.
12. Tuning fork frequency for hearing:512 Hz
Rationale: 256 Hz for vibration sense.
13. Dullness on lung percussion indicates:Consolidation (pneumonia) or fluid (pleural
effusion)
Rationale: Hyperresonance = pneumothorax.
