1
NURS6512 Advanced Health Assessment
Midterm Exam 2025/2026 – Latest Actual
Exam Questions and Verified Correct
Answers (Graded A+
Question 1
During a comprehensive health history, which of the following is the most appropriate open-
ended question to elicit detailed information about a patient's chief complaint?
A. "Do you have pain?"
B. "Tell me more about your symptoms."
C. "Is the pain severe?"
D. "When did the pain start?"
Correct Answer: B. "Tell me more about your symptoms."
Rationale: Open-ended questions encourage patients to provide detailed narratives, allowing
the advanced practice nurse to gather comprehensive information without leading the patient.
This aligns with evidence-based interviewing techniques in advanced health assessment,
promoting patient-centered care and accurate diagnosis. Closed-ended questions like options A,
C, and D limit responses and are better for clarifying specific details later.
Question 2
In performing a physical examination of the head, which maneuver is used to assess cranial
nerve function for facial symmetry?
A. Weber test
B. Snellen test
C. Observation of facial expressions
D. Romberg test
Correct Answer: C. Observation of facial expressions
Rationale: Observing facial expressions and asking the patient to smile, frown, or raise
eyebrows assesses cranial nerve VII (facial nerve) for symmetry, which is essential in detecting
neurological deficits such as Bell's palsy or stroke. The Weber test evaluates hearing (cranial
nerve VIII), Snellen test visual acuity (cranial nerve II), and Romberg test balance (cerebellar
function). This technique is a standard component of the head and neck exam in advanced health
assessment.
, 2
Question 3
A 45-year-old patient presents with chest pain. Which of the following is the first priority in the
assessment process?
A. Order a chest X-ray
B. Perform a focused physical examination
C. Obtain a detailed health history
D. Administer oxygen
Correct Answer: C. Obtain a detailed health history
Rationale: The health history is the initial step in advanced health assessment to gather
subjective data, including onset, location, duration, characteristics, aggravating/alleviating
factors, radiation, and associated symptoms (OLDCARTS), guiding further diagnostic tests and
interventions. Ordering tests or administering treatments without history risks misdiagnosis,
while a physical exam follows history collection.
Question 4
When assessing the cardiovascular system, which finding is consistent with aortic stenosis?
A. Bounding pulses
B. S3 heart sound
C. Paradoxical splitting of S2
D. Wide pulse pressure
Correct Answer: C. Paradoxical splitting of S2
Rationale: Aortic stenosis causes delayed closure of the aortic valve, leading to paradoxical
splitting of the second heart sound (S2), where splitting narrows or reverses with inspiration.
Bounding pulses and wide pulse pressure are seen in aortic regurgitation, and S3 indicates
ventricular dysfunction. This auscultatory finding is key in advanced cardiac assessment for
valvular disease.
Question 5
In the context of cultural competence in health assessment, which approach best demonstrates
respect for a patient's beliefs?
A. Insisting on standard procedures regardless of cultural background
B. Inquiring about cultural practices that may influence care
C. Avoiding discussion of cultural factors
D. Assuming all patients share the same cultural norms
, 3
Correct Answer: B. Inquiring about cultural practices that may influence care
Rationale: Cultural competence involves actively inquiring about and incorporating patients'
cultural beliefs and practices into the assessment and care plan, promoting trust and adherence.
This aligns with ANA standards for advanced practice nurses. Insisting on procedures or
assuming norms can lead to non-compliance or health disparities.
Question 6
During an abdominal examination, which sequence is recommended for palpation?
A. Deep palpation first, then light palpation
B. Light palpation first, then deep palpation
C. Percussion only
D. Auscultation first, then palpation
Correct Answer: B. Light palpation first, then deep palpation
Rationale: Light palpation assesses surface tenderness and guarding before deep palpation,
which evaluates organs and masses, preventing discomfort or muscle guarding. Auscultation
precedes palpation to avoid altering bowel sounds. This sequence is standard in advanced
abdominal assessment per Bates' Guide to Physical Examination.
Question 7
A patient with shortness of breath exhibits jugular venous distention. What is the most likely
underlying condition?
A. Pneumonia
B. Right heart failure
C. Asthma
D. Hyperthyroidism
Correct Answer: B. Right heart failure
Rationale: Jugular venous distention indicates elevated central venous pressure, commonly
due to right heart failure or fluid overload, where the right ventricle cannot pump effectively.
Pneumonia and asthma cause respiratory symptoms without venous distention, and
hyperthyroidism typically presents with tachycardia. This is a key cardiovascular assessment
finding.
Question 8
NURS6512 Advanced Health Assessment
Midterm Exam 2025/2026 – Latest Actual
Exam Questions and Verified Correct
Answers (Graded A+
Question 1
During a comprehensive health history, which of the following is the most appropriate open-
ended question to elicit detailed information about a patient's chief complaint?
A. "Do you have pain?"
B. "Tell me more about your symptoms."
C. "Is the pain severe?"
D. "When did the pain start?"
Correct Answer: B. "Tell me more about your symptoms."
Rationale: Open-ended questions encourage patients to provide detailed narratives, allowing
the advanced practice nurse to gather comprehensive information without leading the patient.
This aligns with evidence-based interviewing techniques in advanced health assessment,
promoting patient-centered care and accurate diagnosis. Closed-ended questions like options A,
C, and D limit responses and are better for clarifying specific details later.
Question 2
In performing a physical examination of the head, which maneuver is used to assess cranial
nerve function for facial symmetry?
A. Weber test
B. Snellen test
C. Observation of facial expressions
D. Romberg test
Correct Answer: C. Observation of facial expressions
Rationale: Observing facial expressions and asking the patient to smile, frown, or raise
eyebrows assesses cranial nerve VII (facial nerve) for symmetry, which is essential in detecting
neurological deficits such as Bell's palsy or stroke. The Weber test evaluates hearing (cranial
nerve VIII), Snellen test visual acuity (cranial nerve II), and Romberg test balance (cerebellar
function). This technique is a standard component of the head and neck exam in advanced health
assessment.
, 2
Question 3
A 45-year-old patient presents with chest pain. Which of the following is the first priority in the
assessment process?
A. Order a chest X-ray
B. Perform a focused physical examination
C. Obtain a detailed health history
D. Administer oxygen
Correct Answer: C. Obtain a detailed health history
Rationale: The health history is the initial step in advanced health assessment to gather
subjective data, including onset, location, duration, characteristics, aggravating/alleviating
factors, radiation, and associated symptoms (OLDCARTS), guiding further diagnostic tests and
interventions. Ordering tests or administering treatments without history risks misdiagnosis,
while a physical exam follows history collection.
Question 4
When assessing the cardiovascular system, which finding is consistent with aortic stenosis?
A. Bounding pulses
B. S3 heart sound
C. Paradoxical splitting of S2
D. Wide pulse pressure
Correct Answer: C. Paradoxical splitting of S2
Rationale: Aortic stenosis causes delayed closure of the aortic valve, leading to paradoxical
splitting of the second heart sound (S2), where splitting narrows or reverses with inspiration.
Bounding pulses and wide pulse pressure are seen in aortic regurgitation, and S3 indicates
ventricular dysfunction. This auscultatory finding is key in advanced cardiac assessment for
valvular disease.
Question 5
In the context of cultural competence in health assessment, which approach best demonstrates
respect for a patient's beliefs?
A. Insisting on standard procedures regardless of cultural background
B. Inquiring about cultural practices that may influence care
C. Avoiding discussion of cultural factors
D. Assuming all patients share the same cultural norms
, 3
Correct Answer: B. Inquiring about cultural practices that may influence care
Rationale: Cultural competence involves actively inquiring about and incorporating patients'
cultural beliefs and practices into the assessment and care plan, promoting trust and adherence.
This aligns with ANA standards for advanced practice nurses. Insisting on procedures or
assuming norms can lead to non-compliance or health disparities.
Question 6
During an abdominal examination, which sequence is recommended for palpation?
A. Deep palpation first, then light palpation
B. Light palpation first, then deep palpation
C. Percussion only
D. Auscultation first, then palpation
Correct Answer: B. Light palpation first, then deep palpation
Rationale: Light palpation assesses surface tenderness and guarding before deep palpation,
which evaluates organs and masses, preventing discomfort or muscle guarding. Auscultation
precedes palpation to avoid altering bowel sounds. This sequence is standard in advanced
abdominal assessment per Bates' Guide to Physical Examination.
Question 7
A patient with shortness of breath exhibits jugular venous distention. What is the most likely
underlying condition?
A. Pneumonia
B. Right heart failure
C. Asthma
D. Hyperthyroidism
Correct Answer: B. Right heart failure
Rationale: Jugular venous distention indicates elevated central venous pressure, commonly
due to right heart failure or fluid overload, where the right ventricle cannot pump effectively.
Pneumonia and asthma cause respiratory symptoms without venous distention, and
hyperthyroidism typically presents with tachycardia. This is a key cardiovascular assessment
finding.
Question 8
