NSG 3160 HEALTH ASSESSMENT FINAL
EXAM V3 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. During an abdominal assessment, in which order should the nurse perform the physical
examination techniques?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection
C. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
D. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: For the abdomen, auscultation is performed second to prevent
bowel sounds from being altered by percussion and palpation.
2. Which cranial nerve is being assessed when the nurse asks the patient to smile, frown, and
puff out their cheeks?
A. Cranial Nerve V (Trigeminal)
B. Cranial Nerve IX (Glossopharyngeal)
C. Cranial Nerve VII (Facial)
D. Cranial Nerve XII (Hypoglossal)
,Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: CN VII (Facial) controls the muscles of facial expression. CN V is
primarily for facial sensation and mastication.
3. When percussing over healthy lung tissue in an adult, which sound does the nurse expect
to hear?
A. Dullness
B. Resonance
C. Hyperresonance
D. Tympany
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Resonance is the normal percussion sound over healthy, air-
filled lung tissue. Dullness suggests fluid or solid mass.
4. A nurse notes a patient has a ‘barrel chest.’ This finding is most likely associated with
which condition?
A. Pneumothorax
B. Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
C. Pneumonia
D. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Answer: D
, Conceptual Explanation: A barrel chest (increased AP diameter) results from chronic
hyperinflation of the lungs, typically seen in emphysema/COPD.
5. The nurse is grading a patient’s peripheral pulse as ‘2+.’ How is this documented?
A. Normal/Expected
B. Weak, thready
C. Absent
D. Full, bounding
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: On a scale of 0-3+ or 0-4+, a 2+ usually represents a normal,
easily palpable pulse.
6. Which heart sound is often referred to as a ‘ventricular gallop’ and can be a sign of heart
failure in older adults?
A. S3
B. S2
C. S1
D. S4
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: S3 occurs early in diastole and is associated with rapid
ventricular filling, often signifying fluid overload or heart failure.
EXAM V3 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. During an abdominal assessment, in which order should the nurse perform the physical
examination techniques?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection
C. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
D. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: For the abdomen, auscultation is performed second to prevent
bowel sounds from being altered by percussion and palpation.
2. Which cranial nerve is being assessed when the nurse asks the patient to smile, frown, and
puff out their cheeks?
A. Cranial Nerve V (Trigeminal)
B. Cranial Nerve IX (Glossopharyngeal)
C. Cranial Nerve VII (Facial)
D. Cranial Nerve XII (Hypoglossal)
,Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: CN VII (Facial) controls the muscles of facial expression. CN V is
primarily for facial sensation and mastication.
3. When percussing over healthy lung tissue in an adult, which sound does the nurse expect
to hear?
A. Dullness
B. Resonance
C. Hyperresonance
D. Tympany
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Resonance is the normal percussion sound over healthy, air-
filled lung tissue. Dullness suggests fluid or solid mass.
4. A nurse notes a patient has a ‘barrel chest.’ This finding is most likely associated with
which condition?
A. Pneumothorax
B. Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
C. Pneumonia
D. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Answer: D
, Conceptual Explanation: A barrel chest (increased AP diameter) results from chronic
hyperinflation of the lungs, typically seen in emphysema/COPD.
5. The nurse is grading a patient’s peripheral pulse as ‘2+.’ How is this documented?
A. Normal/Expected
B. Weak, thready
C. Absent
D. Full, bounding
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: On a scale of 0-3+ or 0-4+, a 2+ usually represents a normal,
easily palpable pulse.
6. Which heart sound is often referred to as a ‘ventricular gallop’ and can be a sign of heart
failure in older adults?
A. S3
B. S2
C. S1
D. S4
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: S3 occurs early in diastole and is associated with rapid
ventricular filling, often signifying fluid overload or heart failure.
