Test Bank Bates'Nursing Guide
to Physical Examination and
History Taking (3rd Ed) By
Hogan-Quigley Palm| ALL
1. Which of the following is the most important initial step in a physical
examination?
A. Inspection of the skin
B. Obtaining a complete health history
C. Palpation of the abdomen
D. Percussion of the lungs
Answer: B
Explanation: A complete health history provides essential context for the physical examination
and guides further assessment.
2. When preparing a patient for a physical exam, which action promotes
comfort and privacy?
A. Asking them to change into a gown only if necessary
B. Performing the exam in a shared room
C. Exposing all body parts at once
D. Avoiding explanation of the procedure
Answer: A
Explanation: Patient comfort and privacy are critical; only necessary areas should be exposed,
and explanations should be provided.
3. Which vital sign is most sensitive to acute pain or stress?
A. Temperature
B. Pulse
,C. Respiratory rate
D. Blood pressure
Answer: B
Explanation: Pulse increases rapidly with pain, anxiety, or stress, making it a sensitive
indicator.
4. During inspection, which finding is considered abnormal?
A. Symmetry of body parts
B. Skin pallor
C. Normal range of motion
D. Even respirations
Answer: B
Explanation: Pallor may indicate anemia, hypoxia, or shock and requires further evaluation.
5. What is the primary purpose of percussion in physical examination?
A. To determine texture of underlying tissue
B. To assess pain
C. To estimate organ size and density
D. To measure joint mobility
Answer: C
Explanation: Percussion helps estimate organ size, density, and detect fluid or air in tissues.
6. Which of the following is a correct technique for auscultation?
A. Using the diaphragm for high-pitched sounds
B. Using the bell for lung sounds
C. Listening through clothing
D. Applying minimal pressure with the stethoscope
Answer: A
Explanation: The diaphragm is best for high-pitched sounds like breath, bowel, and normal
heart sounds.
, 7. Which assessment technique is most appropriate for detecting lymph
node enlargement?
A. Inspection only
B. Light and deep palpation
C. Percussion
D. Auscultation
Answer: B
Explanation: Palpation allows detection of size, consistency, mobility, and tenderness of lymph
nodes.
8. Which of the following is considered a normal finding in adult skin
assessment?
A. Moist, intact skin with uniform color
B. Jaundice in sclera
C. Petechiae on trunk
D. Cyanosis of fingertips
Answer: A
Explanation: Normal skin should be intact, moist, and have uniform color; other findings
indicate pathology.
9. When assessing the patient’s general appearance, which observation is
most concerning?
A. Well-nourished and alert
B. Fatigued, pale, and diaphoretic
C. Calm and cooperative
D. Clean and appropriately dressed
Answer: B
Explanation: Fatigue, pallor, and diaphoresis may indicate underlying disease and require
further evaluation.
10. During abdominal assessment, which sequence is recommended for a
standard physical exam?
to Physical Examination and
History Taking (3rd Ed) By
Hogan-Quigley Palm| ALL
1. Which of the following is the most important initial step in a physical
examination?
A. Inspection of the skin
B. Obtaining a complete health history
C. Palpation of the abdomen
D. Percussion of the lungs
Answer: B
Explanation: A complete health history provides essential context for the physical examination
and guides further assessment.
2. When preparing a patient for a physical exam, which action promotes
comfort and privacy?
A. Asking them to change into a gown only if necessary
B. Performing the exam in a shared room
C. Exposing all body parts at once
D. Avoiding explanation of the procedure
Answer: A
Explanation: Patient comfort and privacy are critical; only necessary areas should be exposed,
and explanations should be provided.
3. Which vital sign is most sensitive to acute pain or stress?
A. Temperature
B. Pulse
,C. Respiratory rate
D. Blood pressure
Answer: B
Explanation: Pulse increases rapidly with pain, anxiety, or stress, making it a sensitive
indicator.
4. During inspection, which finding is considered abnormal?
A. Symmetry of body parts
B. Skin pallor
C. Normal range of motion
D. Even respirations
Answer: B
Explanation: Pallor may indicate anemia, hypoxia, or shock and requires further evaluation.
5. What is the primary purpose of percussion in physical examination?
A. To determine texture of underlying tissue
B. To assess pain
C. To estimate organ size and density
D. To measure joint mobility
Answer: C
Explanation: Percussion helps estimate organ size, density, and detect fluid or air in tissues.
6. Which of the following is a correct technique for auscultation?
A. Using the diaphragm for high-pitched sounds
B. Using the bell for lung sounds
C. Listening through clothing
D. Applying minimal pressure with the stethoscope
Answer: A
Explanation: The diaphragm is best for high-pitched sounds like breath, bowel, and normal
heart sounds.
, 7. Which assessment technique is most appropriate for detecting lymph
node enlargement?
A. Inspection only
B. Light and deep palpation
C. Percussion
D. Auscultation
Answer: B
Explanation: Palpation allows detection of size, consistency, mobility, and tenderness of lymph
nodes.
8. Which of the following is considered a normal finding in adult skin
assessment?
A. Moist, intact skin with uniform color
B. Jaundice in sclera
C. Petechiae on trunk
D. Cyanosis of fingertips
Answer: A
Explanation: Normal skin should be intact, moist, and have uniform color; other findings
indicate pathology.
9. When assessing the patient’s general appearance, which observation is
most concerning?
A. Well-nourished and alert
B. Fatigued, pale, and diaphoretic
C. Calm and cooperative
D. Clean and appropriately dressed
Answer: B
Explanation: Fatigue, pallor, and diaphoresis may indicate underlying disease and require
further evaluation.
10. During abdominal assessment, which sequence is recommended for a
standard physical exam?
