,NURS 190 midterm exam Physical Assessment Questions And
Answers 2026/2027 West Coast University
Q1. Which sequence should the nurse generally use when
performing a physical assessment?
A. Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation
B. Palpation, inspection, percussion, auscultation
C. Auscultation, palpation, inspection, percussion
D. Percussion, auscultation, palpation, inspection
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The usual sequence is inspection, palpation, percussion, and
auscultation. The abdomen is the major exception because auscultation is
performed before palpation and percussion.
Q2. Which assessment technique involves visually observing the
patient?
A. Palpation
B. Inspection
C. Percussion
D. Auscultation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Inspection uses vision to assess appearance, color, movement,
symmetry, and other observable characteristics.
Q3. Which technique uses the hands to assess temperature, texture,
tenderness, and masses?
A. Inspection
B. Percussion
C. Palpation
D. Auscultation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Palpation involves using touch to assess physical characteristics
such as temperature, texture, tenderness, consistency, and masses.
Q4. Which technique uses tapping to assess the density of
underlying structures?
, A. Auscultation
B. Inspection
C. Palpation
D. Percussion
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Percussion produces sounds and vibrations that help the nurse
estimate the density and location of underlying structures.
Q5. Which technique involves listening to sounds produced by the
body?
A. Palpation
B. Auscultation
C. Inspection
D. Percussion
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Auscultation involves listening to internal body sounds, usually
with a stethoscope.
Q6. Which assessment technique should be performed first for most
body systems?
A. Inspection
B. Auscultation
C. Palpation
D. Percussion
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Inspection should generally occur first because palpation or
percussion can alter findings that may otherwise be observed.
Q7. Which finding is subjective data?
A. Pulse 84 beats/min
B. Blood pressure 126/78 mm Hg
C. Patient states, "I feel dizzy."
D. Temperature 37.0°C
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Subjective data are symptoms or experiences reported by the
patient. Vital signs are objective findings.
Answers 2026/2027 West Coast University
Q1. Which sequence should the nurse generally use when
performing a physical assessment?
A. Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation
B. Palpation, inspection, percussion, auscultation
C. Auscultation, palpation, inspection, percussion
D. Percussion, auscultation, palpation, inspection
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The usual sequence is inspection, palpation, percussion, and
auscultation. The abdomen is the major exception because auscultation is
performed before palpation and percussion.
Q2. Which assessment technique involves visually observing the
patient?
A. Palpation
B. Inspection
C. Percussion
D. Auscultation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Inspection uses vision to assess appearance, color, movement,
symmetry, and other observable characteristics.
Q3. Which technique uses the hands to assess temperature, texture,
tenderness, and masses?
A. Inspection
B. Percussion
C. Palpation
D. Auscultation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Palpation involves using touch to assess physical characteristics
such as temperature, texture, tenderness, consistency, and masses.
Q4. Which technique uses tapping to assess the density of
underlying structures?
, A. Auscultation
B. Inspection
C. Palpation
D. Percussion
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Percussion produces sounds and vibrations that help the nurse
estimate the density and location of underlying structures.
Q5. Which technique involves listening to sounds produced by the
body?
A. Palpation
B. Auscultation
C. Inspection
D. Percussion
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Auscultation involves listening to internal body sounds, usually
with a stethoscope.
Q6. Which assessment technique should be performed first for most
body systems?
A. Inspection
B. Auscultation
C. Palpation
D. Percussion
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Inspection should generally occur first because palpation or
percussion can alter findings that may otherwise be observed.
Q7. Which finding is subjective data?
A. Pulse 84 beats/min
B. Blood pressure 126/78 mm Hg
C. Patient states, "I feel dizzy."
D. Temperature 37.0°C
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Subjective data are symptoms or experiences reported by the
patient. Vital signs are objective findings.
