NUR 2092 HEALTH ASSESSMENT
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM
1. Which of the following techniques is the correct sequence for performing a physical
assessment of the abdomen?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D. Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: For the abdomen, auscultation is performed before percussion
and palpation to prevent the stimulation of bowel sounds, which could lead to an
inaccurate assessment.
2. A nurse is assessing a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which
finding is most indicative of long-standing hypoxemia?
A. Pitting edema in the lower extremities
B. Resonant percussion notes over the lung fields
,C. Anteroposterior chest diameter less than transverse diameter
D. Clubbing of the fingernails
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Clubbing of the nails (an angle greater than 180 degrees) is a
classic sign of chronic hypoxia associated with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases.
3. During a neurological exam, the nurse asks the patient to puff out their cheeks and smile.
Which cranial nerve is being evaluated?
A. Cranial Nerve VII (Facial)
B. Cranial Nerve V (Trigeminal)
C. Cranial Nerve IX (Glossopharyngeal)
D. Cranial Nerve XII (Hypoglossal)
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Cranial Nerve VII, the facial nerve, controls facial expressions
including smiling, frowning, and puffing out cheeks.
4. Which heart sound is considered a normal finding in children and young adults but may
signify heart failure in an older adult?
A. S1
B. S2
C. S3
, D. S4
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The S3 gallop is often normal in young people but in older adults
usually indicates decreased ventricular compliance or fluid overload (heart failure).
5. A nurse notes a ‘swishing’ sound when auscultating over the carotid artery. How should
this be documented?
A. Murmur
B. Thrill
C. Crepitus
D. Bruit
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A bruit is a vascular sound resembling a heart murmur,
suggesting arterial narrowing or turbulence.
6. When assessing the liver, which percussion note does the nurse expect to hear?
A. Resonance
B. Tympany
C. Hyperresonance
D. Dullness
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM
1. Which of the following techniques is the correct sequence for performing a physical
assessment of the abdomen?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D. Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: For the abdomen, auscultation is performed before percussion
and palpation to prevent the stimulation of bowel sounds, which could lead to an
inaccurate assessment.
2. A nurse is assessing a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which
finding is most indicative of long-standing hypoxemia?
A. Pitting edema in the lower extremities
B. Resonant percussion notes over the lung fields
,C. Anteroposterior chest diameter less than transverse diameter
D. Clubbing of the fingernails
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Clubbing of the nails (an angle greater than 180 degrees) is a
classic sign of chronic hypoxia associated with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases.
3. During a neurological exam, the nurse asks the patient to puff out their cheeks and smile.
Which cranial nerve is being evaluated?
A. Cranial Nerve VII (Facial)
B. Cranial Nerve V (Trigeminal)
C. Cranial Nerve IX (Glossopharyngeal)
D. Cranial Nerve XII (Hypoglossal)
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Cranial Nerve VII, the facial nerve, controls facial expressions
including smiling, frowning, and puffing out cheeks.
4. Which heart sound is considered a normal finding in children and young adults but may
signify heart failure in an older adult?
A. S1
B. S2
C. S3
, D. S4
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The S3 gallop is often normal in young people but in older adults
usually indicates decreased ventricular compliance or fluid overload (heart failure).
5. A nurse notes a ‘swishing’ sound when auscultating over the carotid artery. How should
this be documented?
A. Murmur
B. Thrill
C. Crepitus
D. Bruit
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A bruit is a vascular sound resembling a heart murmur,
suggesting arterial narrowing or turbulence.
6. When assessing the liver, which percussion note does the nurse expect to hear?
A. Resonance
B. Tympany
C. Hyperresonance
D. Dullness
