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 307 Exam 2 Questions
& Answers 2026/2027
Detailed Nursing
Assessment Edition
(Rationales)
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales 60 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document provides 60 detailed nursing assessment questions, each with its correct
answer and comprehensive rationales. It covers key aspects of comprehensive physical
examination and clinical reasoning. This resource is suitable for in-depth study,
comprehensive review, and preparation for nursing certification exams.
TOPICS
Integumentary Assessment Q1–Q7
Neurological Assessment Q8–Q40
Nutritional Assessment Q41–Q50
Respiratory & Cardiac Assessment Q51–Q60
Page 1
, E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 60
ABCDE's of skin lesions
ANSWER
A—asymmetry
B—border
C—color
D—diameter
E—elevation and enlargement
RATIONALE
The ABCDE mnemonic is a standard assessment tool for evaluating suspicious skin lesions,
particularly melanoma. Each letter represents a critical characteristic: asymmetry, irregular borders,
varied color, a diameter greater than 6 mm, and evolution (elevation and enlargement) over time.
These features help differentiate benign nevi from potentially malignant growths.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 60
To asses for early jaundice, you will asses:
ANSWER
D. All visible skin surfaces
RATIONALE
Jaundice, indicated by elevated bilirubin levels, first becomes clinically apparent in areas of high
collagen content. Therefore, assessing all visible skin surfaces allows for the earliest detection of
this yellowish discoloration, as it will manifest diffusely before becoming pronounced in specific
areas.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 60
Checking for skin temperature is best accomplished by using:
Page 2
, ANSWER
D. The dorsal surface of the hands
RATIONALE
The dorsal surface of the hands is more sensitive to temperature variations than the palmar surface
due to a higher concentration of thermoreceptors and thinner skin. This increased sensitivity
allows for a more accurate assessment of subtle differences in skin temperature, which is crucial in
nursing assessments for detecting inflammation or circulatory changes.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 60
Assessing a patient's skin turgor is done to assess which clinical finding?
ANSWER
A. edema
RATIONALE
Skin turgor reflects the elasticity of the skin, which is directly influenced by hydration status.
Decreased skin turgor, where the skin remains elevated after being pinched, indicates reduced
interstitial fluid volume, a key sign of dehydration and a precursor to generalized edema. This
assessment helps identify fluid volume deficits.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 60
You examine the nail beds of a patient. Which finding indicates a normal angle?
ANSWER
C. 160 degrees
RATIONALE
The angle between the nail plate and the skin at the proximal nail fold, known as the nail angle or
Schamroth's sign, is normally around 160 degrees. An obtuse angle greater than 180 degrees can
suggest conditions like clubbing. This assessment is part of a comprehensive integumentary
system examination.
Page 3
NURS 307 Exam 2 Questions
& Answers 2026/2027
Detailed Nursing
Assessment Edition
(Rationales)
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales 60 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document provides 60 detailed nursing assessment questions, each with its correct
answer and comprehensive rationales. It covers key aspects of comprehensive physical
examination and clinical reasoning. This resource is suitable for in-depth study,
comprehensive review, and preparation for nursing certification exams.
TOPICS
Integumentary Assessment Q1–Q7
Neurological Assessment Q8–Q40
Nutritional Assessment Q41–Q50
Respiratory & Cardiac Assessment Q51–Q60
Page 1
, E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 60
ABCDE's of skin lesions
ANSWER
A—asymmetry
B—border
C—color
D—diameter
E—elevation and enlargement
RATIONALE
The ABCDE mnemonic is a standard assessment tool for evaluating suspicious skin lesions,
particularly melanoma. Each letter represents a critical characteristic: asymmetry, irregular borders,
varied color, a diameter greater than 6 mm, and evolution (elevation and enlargement) over time.
These features help differentiate benign nevi from potentially malignant growths.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 60
To asses for early jaundice, you will asses:
ANSWER
D. All visible skin surfaces
RATIONALE
Jaundice, indicated by elevated bilirubin levels, first becomes clinically apparent in areas of high
collagen content. Therefore, assessing all visible skin surfaces allows for the earliest detection of
this yellowish discoloration, as it will manifest diffusely before becoming pronounced in specific
areas.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 60
Checking for skin temperature is best accomplished by using:
Page 2
, ANSWER
D. The dorsal surface of the hands
RATIONALE
The dorsal surface of the hands is more sensitive to temperature variations than the palmar surface
due to a higher concentration of thermoreceptors and thinner skin. This increased sensitivity
allows for a more accurate assessment of subtle differences in skin temperature, which is crucial in
nursing assessments for detecting inflammation or circulatory changes.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 60
Assessing a patient's skin turgor is done to assess which clinical finding?
ANSWER
A. edema
RATIONALE
Skin turgor reflects the elasticity of the skin, which is directly influenced by hydration status.
Decreased skin turgor, where the skin remains elevated after being pinched, indicates reduced
interstitial fluid volume, a key sign of dehydration and a precursor to generalized edema. This
assessment helps identify fluid volume deficits.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 60
You examine the nail beds of a patient. Which finding indicates a normal angle?
ANSWER
C. 160 degrees
RATIONALE
The angle between the nail plate and the skin at the proximal nail fold, known as the nail angle or
Schamroth's sign, is normally around 160 degrees. An obtuse angle greater than 180 degrees can
suggest conditions like clubbing. This assessment is part of a comprehensive integumentary
system examination.
Page 3
