NURS 190 PA Midterm Exam | Questions and Answers
– spring 2026| 100% Correct – WCU.
INTRODUCTION
This question bank is designed for nursing students preparing for the
NURS 190 PA Midterm Exam and related physical assessment course
exams at universities across the United States. It contains unique, non-
repetitive multiple-choice questions with verified answers and detailed
rationales, covering the full exam blueprint: general assessment and
equipment, HEENT assessment, cardiovascular assessment, respiratory
assessment, gastrointestinal assessment, musculoskeletal and neurologic
assessment, and special populations with documentation.
SECTION 1: GENERAL ASSESSMENT & EQUIPMENT
Question 1
The nurse is performing a comprehensive skin assessment. Which of the
following pieces of equipment is appropriate to use during the skin
assessment?
A) Doppler
B) Wood's lamp
C) Reflex hammer
D) Goniometer
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A Wood's lamp emits ultraviolet light and is used in
dermatology to detect fungal infections, bacterial infections, and
pigmentary changes on the skin. It is not used for vascular, reflex,
or joint assessment.
Question 2
Which of the following is an expected finding in a healthy client on
assessment of Stensen's ducts?
A) Red glow is present
B) Midline and symmetric
C) Saliva is present
D) Redness is present
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Stensen's ducts are the parotid duct openings located
opposite the upper second molar. In a healthy client, saliva is visible
emerging from these ducts. Redness or a red glow would indicate
inflammation.
Question 3
Which of the following signs or symptoms does the nurse recognize in a
client with hypothyroidism? (Select all that apply)
,A) Fatigue
B) Intolerance to cold
C) Increased cardiac output
D) Constipation
Correct Answer: A, B, D
Rationale: Hypothyroidism is characterized by decreased metabolic
rate, causing fatigue, cold intolerance, constipation, weight gain, dry
skin, and bradycardia. Increased cardiac output is associated with
hyperthyroidism.
Question 4
The client has a new diagnosis of right-sided heart failure. The nurse
understands a client with right-sided heart failure may have edema and
jugular vein distension.
A) True
B) False
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Right-sided heart failure leads to systemic venous
congestion, causing peripheral edema, jugular venous distension,
hepatomegaly, and ascites. Left-sided heart failure leads to
pulmonary congestion.
, Question 5
The nurse performs the Romberg test to assess for:
A) Balance
B) Hearing
C) Vision loss
D) Cranial nerve 6 dysfunction
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The Romberg test assesses balance and proprioception.
The client stands with feet together and eyes closed; increased
swaying indicates a positive Romberg sign, suggesting sensory
ataxia.
Question 6
Which of the following techniques will the nurse perform to assess for
signs of breast abnormalities?
A) Inspection, palpation, and auscultation
B) Inspection and palpation
C) Inspection, palpation, and percussion
D) Palpation and auscultation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Breast assessment involves inspection for symmetry,
skin changes, and nipple abnormalities, followed by palpation for
– spring 2026| 100% Correct – WCU.
INTRODUCTION
This question bank is designed for nursing students preparing for the
NURS 190 PA Midterm Exam and related physical assessment course
exams at universities across the United States. It contains unique, non-
repetitive multiple-choice questions with verified answers and detailed
rationales, covering the full exam blueprint: general assessment and
equipment, HEENT assessment, cardiovascular assessment, respiratory
assessment, gastrointestinal assessment, musculoskeletal and neurologic
assessment, and special populations with documentation.
SECTION 1: GENERAL ASSESSMENT & EQUIPMENT
Question 1
The nurse is performing a comprehensive skin assessment. Which of the
following pieces of equipment is appropriate to use during the skin
assessment?
A) Doppler
B) Wood's lamp
C) Reflex hammer
D) Goniometer
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A Wood's lamp emits ultraviolet light and is used in
dermatology to detect fungal infections, bacterial infections, and
pigmentary changes on the skin. It is not used for vascular, reflex,
or joint assessment.
Question 2
Which of the following is an expected finding in a healthy client on
assessment of Stensen's ducts?
A) Red glow is present
B) Midline and symmetric
C) Saliva is present
D) Redness is present
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Stensen's ducts are the parotid duct openings located
opposite the upper second molar. In a healthy client, saliva is visible
emerging from these ducts. Redness or a red glow would indicate
inflammation.
Question 3
Which of the following signs or symptoms does the nurse recognize in a
client with hypothyroidism? (Select all that apply)
,A) Fatigue
B) Intolerance to cold
C) Increased cardiac output
D) Constipation
Correct Answer: A, B, D
Rationale: Hypothyroidism is characterized by decreased metabolic
rate, causing fatigue, cold intolerance, constipation, weight gain, dry
skin, and bradycardia. Increased cardiac output is associated with
hyperthyroidism.
Question 4
The client has a new diagnosis of right-sided heart failure. The nurse
understands a client with right-sided heart failure may have edema and
jugular vein distension.
A) True
B) False
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Right-sided heart failure leads to systemic venous
congestion, causing peripheral edema, jugular venous distension,
hepatomegaly, and ascites. Left-sided heart failure leads to
pulmonary congestion.
, Question 5
The nurse performs the Romberg test to assess for:
A) Balance
B) Hearing
C) Vision loss
D) Cranial nerve 6 dysfunction
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The Romberg test assesses balance and proprioception.
The client stands with feet together and eyes closed; increased
swaying indicates a positive Romberg sign, suggesting sensory
ataxia.
Question 6
Which of the following techniques will the nurse perform to assess for
signs of breast abnormalities?
A) Inspection, palpation, and auscultation
B) Inspection and palpation
C) Inspection, palpation, and percussion
D) Palpation and auscultation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Breast assessment involves inspection for symmetry,
skin changes, and nipple abnormalities, followed by palpation for
