Ans to Pass the Exam Advanced
Health Assessment - Wilkes
1. What is the normal ratio of respiratory rate (RR) to heart rate
(HR)?
A. 1:2
B. 1:4
C. 1:6
D. 1:8
Correct Answer: B. 1:4
Rationale: The normal ratio of respiratory rate (RR) to heart rate (HR)
is approximately 1:4. This means that for every one breath taken, the
heart beats about four times.
2. By how much should the lower border of the liver drop with deep
inspiration during percussion?
,A. 0.5 to 1 cm
B. 1 to 2 cm
C. 2 to 3 cm
D. 4 to 5 cm
Correct Answer: C. 2 to 3 cm
Rationale: With a deep breath, the diaphragm pushes the liver
downward, and its lower border should descend approximately 2 to 3
cm. This movement is essential for assessing diaphragmatic excursion.
3. In the context of the Snellen eye chart, the visual acuity of 20/20
means: The distance a person is from the chart is what a normal
person can see at 20 feet.
A. The patient can read at 20 feet what a person with normal vision can
read at 40 feet.
B. The patient can read at 20 feet what a person with normal vision
can read at 20 feet.
C. The patient's left eye is better than their right eye.
,D. The patient has a refractive error of 20 diopters.
Correct Answer: B. The patient can read at 20 feet what a person
with normal vision can read at 20 feet.
Rationale: A visual acuity of 20/20 is considered normal and means that
the patient can read a line of letters at a distance of 20 feet that a person
with normal vision is expected to read at 20 feet.
4. Which of the following is a classification of an abnormal breath
sound?
A. Vesicular
B. Bronchial
C. Bronchovesicular
D. Crackles
Correct Answer: D. Crackles
Rationale: Abnormal (adventitious) breath sounds include Crackles
(Rales), Rhonchi, Wheezes, Friction Rub, and Mediastinal crunch
, (Hamman's sign). Vesicular, bronchial, and bronchovesicular are normal
breath sounds.
5. What is an expected finding when percussing the diaphragm in a
patient with COPD/Emphysema or restrictive lung disease?
A. Increased diaphragmatic excursion
B. Excursion is only present on the left side
C. Decreased diaphragmatic excursion
D. Shifting diaphragmatic dullness
Correct Answer: C. Decreased diaphragmatic excursion
Rationale: Conditions like COPD/Emphysema cause hyperinflation of
the lungs, flattening the diaphragm. This results in decreased
diaphragmatic excursion (the distance the diaphragm moves between
inspiration and expiration).
6. Which of the following is an abnormal finding associated with
aging in the ears, nose, and throat (ENT) system?