NSG 3160 HEALTH ASSESSMENT FINAL
EXAM V3 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. When performing a physical assessment on a patient, which sequence of techniques should
the nurse generally follow for most body systems?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The standard sequence for physical assessment is inspection,
palpation, percussion, and auscultation, except for the abdomen where auscultation follows
inspection to avoid altering bowel sounds.
2. A patient presents with a suspected melanoma. Which ‘ABCDE’ assessment finding is most
suggestive of malignancy?
A. Symmetry of the lesion shape
B. A border that is regular and well-defined
C. A diameter greater than 6 millimeters
,D. A uniform light brown color throughout
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: In the ABCDE mnemonic, ‘D’ stands for diameter. A diameter
greater than 6 mm (the size of a pencil eraser) is a warning sign for melanoma.
3. During an eye examination, the nurse uses the Snellen chart to test visual acuity. The
patient’s vision is recorded as 20/40. How should the nurse interpret this result?
A. The patient can see at 40 feet what a person with normal vision sees at 20 feet.
B. The patient has 40% of normal vision in both eyes.
C. The patient’s near vision is twice as good as their distance vision.
D. The patient can see at 20 feet what a person with normal vision sees at 40 feet.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The numerator (20) represents the distance the patient is from
the chart, and the denominator (40) represents the distance at which a normal eye could
read that line.
4. Which assessment finding is considered a normal age-related change in the skin of an older
adult?
A. Increased subcutaneous fat deposits
B. Increased oil production resulting in acne
C. Decreased skin elasticity and thinning of the dermis
, D. Enhanced inflammatory response to injury
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Aging leads to a loss of elastin, collagen, and subcutaneous fat,
resulting in decreased elasticity (turgor) and thinner, more fragile skin.
5. While assessing a patient’s lungs, the nurse hears high-pitched, musical sounds primarily
during expiration. How should the nurse document this finding?
A. Wheezes
B. Pleural friction rub
C. Crackles
D. Stridor
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Wheezes are high-pitched, musical whistling sounds caused by
air passing through narrowed bronchioles, common in asthma or COPD.
6. Where is the best anatomical location to auscultate the mitral valve?
A. Second intercostal space, right sternal border
B. Second intercostal space, left sternal border
C. Fourth intercostal space, left sternal border
D. Fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line
EXAM V3 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. When performing a physical assessment on a patient, which sequence of techniques should
the nurse generally follow for most body systems?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The standard sequence for physical assessment is inspection,
palpation, percussion, and auscultation, except for the abdomen where auscultation follows
inspection to avoid altering bowel sounds.
2. A patient presents with a suspected melanoma. Which ‘ABCDE’ assessment finding is most
suggestive of malignancy?
A. Symmetry of the lesion shape
B. A border that is regular and well-defined
C. A diameter greater than 6 millimeters
,D. A uniform light brown color throughout
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: In the ABCDE mnemonic, ‘D’ stands for diameter. A diameter
greater than 6 mm (the size of a pencil eraser) is a warning sign for melanoma.
3. During an eye examination, the nurse uses the Snellen chart to test visual acuity. The
patient’s vision is recorded as 20/40. How should the nurse interpret this result?
A. The patient can see at 40 feet what a person with normal vision sees at 20 feet.
B. The patient has 40% of normal vision in both eyes.
C. The patient’s near vision is twice as good as their distance vision.
D. The patient can see at 20 feet what a person with normal vision sees at 40 feet.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The numerator (20) represents the distance the patient is from
the chart, and the denominator (40) represents the distance at which a normal eye could
read that line.
4. Which assessment finding is considered a normal age-related change in the skin of an older
adult?
A. Increased subcutaneous fat deposits
B. Increased oil production resulting in acne
C. Decreased skin elasticity and thinning of the dermis
, D. Enhanced inflammatory response to injury
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Aging leads to a loss of elastin, collagen, and subcutaneous fat,
resulting in decreased elasticity (turgor) and thinner, more fragile skin.
5. While assessing a patient’s lungs, the nurse hears high-pitched, musical sounds primarily
during expiration. How should the nurse document this finding?
A. Wheezes
B. Pleural friction rub
C. Crackles
D. Stridor
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Wheezes are high-pitched, musical whistling sounds caused by
air passing through narrowed bronchioles, common in asthma or COPD.
6. Where is the best anatomical location to auscultate the mitral valve?
A. Second intercostal space, right sternal border
B. Second intercostal space, left sternal border
C. Fourth intercostal space, left sternal border
D. Fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line
