P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
NURS 190 Quiz 1 Exam
Questions & Answers
2026/2027 Updated Edition
(Rationales)
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales 101 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This updated document provides 101 questions with pre-filled correct answers and detailed
rationales, including diagrams. It covers essential nursing physical assessment techniques
and clinical conditions. This resource is ideal for comprehensive study, in-depth review, and
certification exam preparation.
TOPICS
• Physical Assessment Techniques • Percussion Sounds & Assessment
• Assessment Tools & Equipment • Integumentary System Anatomy &
Physiology
• Skin Conditions & Lesions • Thyroid & Systemic Conditions
• Neurological & Musculoskeletal
Assessment
E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 101
4 basic physical assessment techniques
Page 1
, ANSWER
inspection
palpation
percussion
auscultation
RATIONALE
These four techniques form the foundation of a systematic physical examination. Inspection
involves visual observation, palpation uses touch to assess texture and tenderness, percussion
evaluates underlying structures by sound, and auscultation listens to internal body sounds. This
sequence allows for comprehensive assessment of body systems.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 101
How to do a physical assessment on the abdomen? And why?
ANSWER
inspection
auscultation
percussion
palpation
- so that we DO NOT allow for hyperactive bowel sounds before auscultating
RATIONALE
The abdominal physical assessment follows a specific sequence: inspection, auscultation,
percussion, and palpation. This order is critical to avoid altering bowel motility and sounds through
manipulation, ensuring accurate assessment of bowel activity before disturbing it. Performing
palpation or percussion first could stimulate bowel sounds, leading to inaccurate findings.
Page 2
, Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 101
What are the sensitive areas of the hand?
ANSWER
• The finger pads are used for discrimination of underlying structures and functions such as
pulses, superficial lymph nodes, or crepitus.
• Vibrations (vibrations) are best perceived by the examiner when using the base of the fingers
(metacarpophalangeal joints).
• The ulnar surface of the hand, including the finger, is most sensitive to vibrations such as
fremitus.
• The palmar aspect of the fingers is used to determine position, consistency, texture, size of
structures, pain, and tenderness.
• The dorsal surface of the fingers is most sensitive to temperature.
• The dominant hand is always more sensitive than the non-dominant hand.
Page 3
, Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 101
What is light palpation used for?
ANSWER
Light palpation is used with the pads of the fingers to help assess the skin surface, pulses,
textures, tenderness (1cm)
RATIONALE
Light palpation employs the fingertips to gently explore superficial structures. This technique is
ideal for evaluating skin surface characteristics, palpable pulses, and superficial tenderness without
causing significant discomfort or pressing too deeply. It allows for the assessment of texture and
discrete areas of pain within approximately 1 cm depth.
Page 4
NURS 190 Quiz 1 Exam
Questions & Answers
2026/2027 Updated Edition
(Rationales)
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales 101 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This updated document provides 101 questions with pre-filled correct answers and detailed
rationales, including diagrams. It covers essential nursing physical assessment techniques
and clinical conditions. This resource is ideal for comprehensive study, in-depth review, and
certification exam preparation.
TOPICS
• Physical Assessment Techniques • Percussion Sounds & Assessment
• Assessment Tools & Equipment • Integumentary System Anatomy &
Physiology
• Skin Conditions & Lesions • Thyroid & Systemic Conditions
• Neurological & Musculoskeletal
Assessment
E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 101
4 basic physical assessment techniques
Page 1
, ANSWER
inspection
palpation
percussion
auscultation
RATIONALE
These four techniques form the foundation of a systematic physical examination. Inspection
involves visual observation, palpation uses touch to assess texture and tenderness, percussion
evaluates underlying structures by sound, and auscultation listens to internal body sounds. This
sequence allows for comprehensive assessment of body systems.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 101
How to do a physical assessment on the abdomen? And why?
ANSWER
inspection
auscultation
percussion
palpation
- so that we DO NOT allow for hyperactive bowel sounds before auscultating
RATIONALE
The abdominal physical assessment follows a specific sequence: inspection, auscultation,
percussion, and palpation. This order is critical to avoid altering bowel motility and sounds through
manipulation, ensuring accurate assessment of bowel activity before disturbing it. Performing
palpation or percussion first could stimulate bowel sounds, leading to inaccurate findings.
Page 2
, Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 101
What are the sensitive areas of the hand?
ANSWER
• The finger pads are used for discrimination of underlying structures and functions such as
pulses, superficial lymph nodes, or crepitus.
• Vibrations (vibrations) are best perceived by the examiner when using the base of the fingers
(metacarpophalangeal joints).
• The ulnar surface of the hand, including the finger, is most sensitive to vibrations such as
fremitus.
• The palmar aspect of the fingers is used to determine position, consistency, texture, size of
structures, pain, and tenderness.
• The dorsal surface of the fingers is most sensitive to temperature.
• The dominant hand is always more sensitive than the non-dominant hand.
Page 3
, Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 101
What is light palpation used for?
ANSWER
Light palpation is used with the pads of the fingers to help assess the skin surface, pulses,
textures, tenderness (1cm)
RATIONALE
Light palpation employs the fingertips to gently explore superficial structures. This technique is
ideal for evaluating skin surface characteristics, palpable pulses, and superficial tenderness without
causing significant discomfort or pressing too deeply. It allows for the assessment of texture and
discrete areas of pain within approximately 1 cm depth.
Page 4
