NSG 3160 Health Assessment Exam 3 2026 UPDATE |Galen Co… 2026 Update • Verified Answers
✓ VERIFIED • 2026 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NSG 3160 Health Assessment Exam 3 2026 UPDATE
|Galen College
Actual Exam Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Rationales
Document Type: Exam (Elaborations)
Academic Year:
Total Questions: 50 Multiple Choice
Includes: Correct Answers + Full Rationales
Status: Verified & Updated for 2026
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 1
,NSG 3160 Health Assessment Exam 3 2026 UPDATE |Galen Co… 2026 Update • Verified Answers
Questions & Verified Answers
1. What is the correct order for performing an abdominal assessment?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
C. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
D. Percussion, Palpation, Inspection, Auscultation
Answer: C
Rationale: In abdominal assessment, auscultation is performed before percussion and palpation to prevent the
stimulation of bowel sounds, which could lead to inaccurate findings. This is an important clinical concept
because selecting the correct answer (C) requires understanding both the pathophysiology and the practical
nursing implications.
2. Which heart sound is caused by the closure of the semilunar valves?
A. S1
B. S3
C. S4
D. S2
Answer: D
Rationale: The second heart sound (S2) is produced by the closure of the aortic and pulmonic semilunar
valves at the beginning of diastole. This is an important clinical concept because selecting the correct answer
(D) requires understanding both the pathophysiology and the practical nursing implications. Recognizing this
principle allows the nurse to prioritize care, anticipate complications, and provide accurate patient education.
3. What does a bruit heard during auscultation of the carotid artery usually indicate?
A. Properly functioning valves
B. Normal blood flow
C. Increased venous pressure
D. Turbulent blood flow through a narrowed vessel
Answer: D
Rationale: A bruit is a blowing or swishing sound indicating turbulent blood flow, often due to narrowing
(stenosis) of the artery. Exam questions often test the ability to distinguish this concept from closely related
distractors, making a clear rationale essential for mastery. Applying this knowledge in clinical settings supports
safe, evidence-based practice and improves patient outcomes.
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 2
, NSG 3160 Health Assessment Exam 3 2026 UPDATE |Galen Co… 2026 Update • Verified Answers
4. How is 2+ pitting edema characterized?
A. Moderate pitting, 4mm indentation that subsides rapidly
B. Mild pitting, 2mm indentation with no perceptible swelling
C. Deep pitting, 6mm indentation that remains for a short time
D. Very deep pitting, 8mm indentation that lasts a long time
Answer: A
Rationale: A 2+ pitting edema is moderate, with a 4mm indentation that disappears within 10 to 15 seconds.
Recognizing this principle allows the nurse to prioritize care, anticipate complications, and provide accurate
patient education. Exam questions often test the ability to distinguish this concept from closely related
distractors, making a clear rationale essential for mastery.
5. Where is the Tail of Spence located in the breast?
A. Lower inner quadrant
B. Upper inner quadrant
C. Lower outer quadrant
D. Upper outer quadrant, extending into the axilla
Answer: D
Rationale: The Tail of Spence is the superior lateral corner of breast tissue that extends into the axilla; it is a
common site for breast tumors. Exam questions often test the ability to distinguish this concept from closely
related distractors, making a clear rationale essential for mastery. Applying this knowledge in clinical settings
supports safe, evidence-based practice and improves patient outcomes.
6. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) measures which three categories?
A. Eye opening, Motor response, Verbal response
B. Pupillary response, Motor response, Verbal response
C. Heart rate, Respiratory rate, Blood pressure
D. Reflexes, Strength, Balance
Answer: A
Rationale: The GCS assesses neurological function based on eye-opening response, motor response, and
verbal response. Exam questions often test the ability to distinguish this concept from closely related
distractors, making a clear rationale essential for mastery. Applying this knowledge in clinical settings supports
safe, evidence-based practice and improves patient outcomes.
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 3
✓ VERIFIED • 2026 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NSG 3160 Health Assessment Exam 3 2026 UPDATE
|Galen College
Actual Exam Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Rationales
Document Type: Exam (Elaborations)
Academic Year:
Total Questions: 50 Multiple Choice
Includes: Correct Answers + Full Rationales
Status: Verified & Updated for 2026
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 1
,NSG 3160 Health Assessment Exam 3 2026 UPDATE |Galen Co… 2026 Update • Verified Answers
Questions & Verified Answers
1. What is the correct order for performing an abdominal assessment?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
C. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
D. Percussion, Palpation, Inspection, Auscultation
Answer: C
Rationale: In abdominal assessment, auscultation is performed before percussion and palpation to prevent the
stimulation of bowel sounds, which could lead to inaccurate findings. This is an important clinical concept
because selecting the correct answer (C) requires understanding both the pathophysiology and the practical
nursing implications.
2. Which heart sound is caused by the closure of the semilunar valves?
A. S1
B. S3
C. S4
D. S2
Answer: D
Rationale: The second heart sound (S2) is produced by the closure of the aortic and pulmonic semilunar
valves at the beginning of diastole. This is an important clinical concept because selecting the correct answer
(D) requires understanding both the pathophysiology and the practical nursing implications. Recognizing this
principle allows the nurse to prioritize care, anticipate complications, and provide accurate patient education.
3. What does a bruit heard during auscultation of the carotid artery usually indicate?
A. Properly functioning valves
B. Normal blood flow
C. Increased venous pressure
D. Turbulent blood flow through a narrowed vessel
Answer: D
Rationale: A bruit is a blowing or swishing sound indicating turbulent blood flow, often due to narrowing
(stenosis) of the artery. Exam questions often test the ability to distinguish this concept from closely related
distractors, making a clear rationale essential for mastery. Applying this knowledge in clinical settings supports
safe, evidence-based practice and improves patient outcomes.
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 2
, NSG 3160 Health Assessment Exam 3 2026 UPDATE |Galen Co… 2026 Update • Verified Answers
4. How is 2+ pitting edema characterized?
A. Moderate pitting, 4mm indentation that subsides rapidly
B. Mild pitting, 2mm indentation with no perceptible swelling
C. Deep pitting, 6mm indentation that remains for a short time
D. Very deep pitting, 8mm indentation that lasts a long time
Answer: A
Rationale: A 2+ pitting edema is moderate, with a 4mm indentation that disappears within 10 to 15 seconds.
Recognizing this principle allows the nurse to prioritize care, anticipate complications, and provide accurate
patient education. Exam questions often test the ability to distinguish this concept from closely related
distractors, making a clear rationale essential for mastery.
5. Where is the Tail of Spence located in the breast?
A. Lower inner quadrant
B. Upper inner quadrant
C. Lower outer quadrant
D. Upper outer quadrant, extending into the axilla
Answer: D
Rationale: The Tail of Spence is the superior lateral corner of breast tissue that extends into the axilla; it is a
common site for breast tumors. Exam questions often test the ability to distinguish this concept from closely
related distractors, making a clear rationale essential for mastery. Applying this knowledge in clinical settings
supports safe, evidence-based practice and improves patient outcomes.
6. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) measures which three categories?
A. Eye opening, Motor response, Verbal response
B. Pupillary response, Motor response, Verbal response
C. Heart rate, Respiratory rate, Blood pressure
D. Reflexes, Strength, Balance
Answer: A
Rationale: The GCS assesses neurological function based on eye-opening response, motor response, and
verbal response. Exam questions often test the ability to distinguish this concept from closely related
distractors, making a clear rationale essential for mastery. Applying this knowledge in clinical settings supports
safe, evidence-based practice and improves patient outcomes.
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 3
