NURS 190 PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT
WEEK 2 COMPREHENSIVE QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. During a physical assessment, the nurse notices a flat, non-palpable change in skin color
that is 1.5 cm in diameter. Which term should the nurse use to document this finding?
A. Patch
B. Macule
C. Papule
D. Plaque
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A patch is a flat, non-palpable change in skin color larger than 1
cm. A macule is less than 1 cm.
2. When measuring blood pressure, the nurse identifies the point where the sounds
disappear completely. This corresponds to which Korotkoff phase?
A. Phase III
B. Phase IV
C. Phase V
,D. Phase II
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Phase V is the point of silence and represents the adult diastolic
pressure.
3. Which assessment technique is most appropriate for evaluating the temperature of a
patient’s skin?
A. Using the finger pads of the dominant hand
B. Using the dorsal surface of the hand
C. Using the ulnar surface of the hand
D. Using the palmar surface of the hand
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The dorsal surface (back) of the hand is best for sensing
temperature because the skin is thinner there.
4. A nurse is assessing a patient for orthostatic hypotension. Which finding would confirm this
condition?
A. A drop in systolic blood pressure of 10 mmHg when standing
B. An increase in heart rate of 5 beats per minute upon sitting
C. A decrease in diastolic pressure of 5 mmHg upon standing
D. A decrease in systolic pressure of 20 mmHg within 3 minutes of standing
, Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Orthostatic hypotension is defined as a drop in systolic BP of at
least 20 mmHg or diastolic BP of at least 10 mmHg within 3 minutes of standing.
5. While assessing a dark-skinned patient for inflammation, which area should the nurse
prioritize for inspection?
A. The nail beds
B. The dorsal surface of the feet
C. The palms of the hands
D. The oral mucosa and conjunctiva
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In dark-skinned patients, inflammation and cyanosis are best
detected in areas of least pigmentation, such as the oral mucosa and conjunctiva.
6. A patient has a heart rate of 52 beats per minute. How should the nurse document this
finding?
A. Tachycardia
B. Normocardia
C. Bradycardia
D. Pulse deficit
Answer: C
WEEK 2 COMPREHENSIVE QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. During a physical assessment, the nurse notices a flat, non-palpable change in skin color
that is 1.5 cm in diameter. Which term should the nurse use to document this finding?
A. Patch
B. Macule
C. Papule
D. Plaque
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A patch is a flat, non-palpable change in skin color larger than 1
cm. A macule is less than 1 cm.
2. When measuring blood pressure, the nurse identifies the point where the sounds
disappear completely. This corresponds to which Korotkoff phase?
A. Phase III
B. Phase IV
C. Phase V
,D. Phase II
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Phase V is the point of silence and represents the adult diastolic
pressure.
3. Which assessment technique is most appropriate for evaluating the temperature of a
patient’s skin?
A. Using the finger pads of the dominant hand
B. Using the dorsal surface of the hand
C. Using the ulnar surface of the hand
D. Using the palmar surface of the hand
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The dorsal surface (back) of the hand is best for sensing
temperature because the skin is thinner there.
4. A nurse is assessing a patient for orthostatic hypotension. Which finding would confirm this
condition?
A. A drop in systolic blood pressure of 10 mmHg when standing
B. An increase in heart rate of 5 beats per minute upon sitting
C. A decrease in diastolic pressure of 5 mmHg upon standing
D. A decrease in systolic pressure of 20 mmHg within 3 minutes of standing
, Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Orthostatic hypotension is defined as a drop in systolic BP of at
least 20 mmHg or diastolic BP of at least 10 mmHg within 3 minutes of standing.
5. While assessing a dark-skinned patient for inflammation, which area should the nurse
prioritize for inspection?
A. The nail beds
B. The dorsal surface of the feet
C. The palms of the hands
D. The oral mucosa and conjunctiva
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In dark-skinned patients, inflammation and cyanosis are best
detected in areas of least pigmentation, such as the oral mucosa and conjunctiva.
6. A patient has a heart rate of 52 beats per minute. How should the nurse document this
finding?
A. Tachycardia
B. Normocardia
C. Bradycardia
D. Pulse deficit
Answer: C
