NSG 3160 Health Assessment Exam
Questions With Solutions - Galen
College of Nursing
Question 1
When performing a comprehensive abdominal assessment, which sequence
should the nurse use to avoid altering bowel sounds?
A. Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation
B. Inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation
C. Auscultation, inspection, percussion, palpation
D. Percussion, inspection, auscultation, palpation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct sequence is Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation.
Auscultation must follow inspection because percussion and palpation can
stimulate bowel activity and alter sounds, leading to false findings .
Question 2
,During an abdominal inspection, the nurse observes visible wavelike movements
across the client's abdomen. This finding most likely indicates:
A. Normal peristalsis
B. Intestinal obstruction
C. Ascites
D. Organomegaly
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Visible peristaltic waves suggest increased peristalsis attempting to
overcome a blockage, often seen in intestinal obstruction. These waves are not a
normal finding in adults .
Question 3
The nurse is preparing to auscultate bowel sounds. Where should the stethoscope
be placed first?
A. Left lower quadrant
B. Right upper quadrant
C. Right lower quadrant
D. Left upper quadrant
Correct Answer: C
, Rationale: Bowel sounds are normally most active in the right lower quadrant
near the ileocecal valve. The nurse should begin there and proceed to all four
quadrants .
Question 4
To confirm absent bowel sounds, how long should the nurse listen in each
quadrant before documenting the finding?
A. 1 minute
B. 2 minutes
C. 3 minutes
D. 5 minutes
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Absent bowel sounds are confirmed only after listening for a full 5
minutes per quadrant. Briefer listening may miss intermittent sounds .
Question 5
A client reports tenderness in the right upper quadrant. Which structures should
the nurse consider as the source?
Questions With Solutions - Galen
College of Nursing
Question 1
When performing a comprehensive abdominal assessment, which sequence
should the nurse use to avoid altering bowel sounds?
A. Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation
B. Inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation
C. Auscultation, inspection, percussion, palpation
D. Percussion, inspection, auscultation, palpation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct sequence is Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation.
Auscultation must follow inspection because percussion and palpation can
stimulate bowel activity and alter sounds, leading to false findings .
Question 2
,During an abdominal inspection, the nurse observes visible wavelike movements
across the client's abdomen. This finding most likely indicates:
A. Normal peristalsis
B. Intestinal obstruction
C. Ascites
D. Organomegaly
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Visible peristaltic waves suggest increased peristalsis attempting to
overcome a blockage, often seen in intestinal obstruction. These waves are not a
normal finding in adults .
Question 3
The nurse is preparing to auscultate bowel sounds. Where should the stethoscope
be placed first?
A. Left lower quadrant
B. Right upper quadrant
C. Right lower quadrant
D. Left upper quadrant
Correct Answer: C
, Rationale: Bowel sounds are normally most active in the right lower quadrant
near the ileocecal valve. The nurse should begin there and proceed to all four
quadrants .
Question 4
To confirm absent bowel sounds, how long should the nurse listen in each
quadrant before documenting the finding?
A. 1 minute
B. 2 minutes
C. 3 minutes
D. 5 minutes
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Absent bowel sounds are confirmed only after listening for a full 5
minutes per quadrant. Briefer listening may miss intermittent sounds .
Question 5
A client reports tenderness in the right upper quadrant. Which structures should
the nurse consider as the source?
