NR 509 NURSING HEALTHCARE
WEEK 2 QUESTIONS WITH
ANSWERS ALREADY 2026
When performing a physical assessment, the first technique the nurse will always use
A. Palpation
B. Inspection
C. Percussion
D. Auscultation
Correct Answer: B. Inspection
The nurse is preparing to perform a physical assessment. Which statement is true about the
physical assessment? The inspection phase:
A. Usually yields little information
B. Takes time and reveals a surprising amount of information
C. May be somewhat uncomfortable for the expert practitioner
D. Requires a quick glance at the patient's body systems before proceeding with palpation
Correct Answer: B. Takes time and reveals a surprising amount of information
The nurse is assessing a patient's skin during an office visit. What part of the hand and technique
should be used to best assess the patient's skin temperature?
A. Fingertips; they are more sensitive to small changes in temperature
B. Dorsal surface of the hand; the skin is thinner on this surface than on the palms
C. Ulnar portion of the hand, increased blood supply in this area enhances temperature sensitivity
D. Palmar surface of the hand; this surface is the most sensitive to temperature variations
because of its increased nerve supply in this area.
Correct Answer: B. Dorsal surface of the hand; the skin is thinner on this surface than on the
palms
Which of these techniques uses the sense of touch to assess texture, temperature, moisture, and
swelling when the nurse is assessing a patient?
A. Palpation
B. Inspection
C. Percussion
D. Auscultation Correct
Answer: A. Palpation
The nurse is preparing to assess a patient's abdomen by palpation. How should the nurse
proceed?
A. Palpation of reportedly tender areas are avoided because palpation in these areas may cause
pain
B. Palpating a tender area is quickly performed to avoid any discomfort that the patient may
experience
1
,C. The assessment begins with deep palpation, while encouraging the patient to relax and to take
deep breaths.
D. The assessment begins with light palpation to detect surface characteristics and to accustom
the patient to being touched.
Correct Answer: D. The assessment begins with light palpation to detect surface characteristics
and to accustom the patient to being touched.
The nurse would use bimanual palpation technique in which situation?
A. Palpating the thorax of an infant
B. Palpating the kidneys and the uterus
C. Assessing pulsations and vibrations
D. Assessing the presence of tenderness and pain
Correct Answer: B. palpating the kidneys and the uterus
The nurse is preparing to percuss the abdomen of a patient. The purpose of the percussion is to
assess the ___________ of the underlying tissue.
A. Turgor
B. Texture
C. Density
D. Consistency
Correct Answer: C. Density
The nurse is reviewing percussion techniques with a newly graduated nurse. Which technique, if
used by the new nurse, indicates that more review is needed?
A. Percussing once over each area
B. Quickly lifting be striking finger after each stroke
C. Striking with the fingertip, not the finger pad
D. Using the wrist to make the strikes, not the arm
Correct Answer: A. Percussing once over each area
When percussing over the liver of a patient, the nurse notices a dull sound. The nurse should:
A. Consider this a normal finding
B. Palpate this area for an underlying mass
C. Reposition the hands, and attempt to percuss in this area again
D. Consider this finding abnormal, and refer the patient for additional treatment
Correct Answer: A. Consider this a normal finding
The nurse is unable to identify any changes in sound when percussing over the abdomen of an
obese patient. What should the nurse do next?
A. Ask the patient to take deep breaths to relax the abdominal musculature
B. Consider this finding as normal and proceed with the abdominal assessment
C. Increase the amount of strength used when attempting to percuss over the abdomen
D. Decrease the amount of strength used when attempting to percuss over the abdomen.
Correct Answer: C. Increase the amount of strength used when attempting to percuss over the
abdomen
2
,The nurse hears bilateral loud, long and low tones when percussing over the lungs of a 4 year old
child. The nurse should
A. Palpate over the area for increased pain and tenderness
B. Ask the child to take shallow breaths and percuss over the area again
C. Immediately refer the child because of an increased amount of air in the lungs
D. Consider this finding as normal for a child this age and proceed with the examination
Correct Answer: D. Consider this finding as normal for a child this age and proceed with the
examination
The nurse is assessing the vital signs of a 3-year-old patient who appears to have an irregular
respiratory pattern how should the nurse assess this child respirations?
A. Respiration should be counted for one full minute, noticing the rate and rhythm
B. Child pulse and respiration should be simultaneously checked for 30 seconds
C. Child's respirations should be checked for a minimum of 5 minutes to identify any variations
in his or her respiratory pattern
D. Patient's respirations should be counted for 15 seconds and then multiplied by 4 to obtain the
number of respirations per minute
Correct Answer: A. Respiration should be counted for one full minute, noticing the rate and
rhythm
A patient's blood pressure is 118/82 mmHg. He asks the nurse what do the numbers mean? The
nurse's best reply is:
A. The numbers are within the normal range and are nothing to worry about
B. The bottom number is the diastolic pressure and reflects the stroke volume of the heart
C. The top number is the systolic blood pressure and reflects the pressure of the blood against the
arteries when the heart contracts
D. The concept of blood pressure is difficult to understand the primary thing to be concerned
about is the top number, or the systolic blood pressure
Correct Answer: C. The top number is the systolic blood pressure and reflects the pressure of
the blood against the arteries when the heart contracts
While measuring a patient's blood pressure, the nurse recalls that certain factors, such as _____,
help determine blood pressure.
A. Pulse rate
B. Pulse pressure
C. Vascular output
D. Peripheral vascular resistance
Correct Answer: D. Peripheral vascular resistance
A nurse is helping at a health fair at a local mall. when taking blood pressures on a variety of
people, the nurse keeps in mind that:
A. After menopause, blood pressure readings in women are usually lower than those taken in
men
B. The blood pressure of a black adult is usually higher than that of a white adult of the same age
C. Blood pressure measurements in people who are overweight should be the same as those of
people who are at a normal weight
3
, D. A teenager's blood pressure reading will be lower than that of an adult
Correct Answer: B. The blood pressure of a black adult is usually higher than that of a white
adult of the same age
The nurse notices a colleague is preparing to check the blood pressure of a patient who is obese
by using a standard sized blood pressure cuff. The nurse should expect the reading to:
A. Yield have a falsely low blood pressure
B. Yield a falsely high blood pressure
C. Be the same, regardless of cuff size
D. Vary as a result of the technique of the person performing the assessment
Correct Answer: B. Yield a falsely high blood pressure
A student is late for his appointment and has rushed across campus to the health clinic. the nurse
should:
A. Allow 5 minutes for him to relax and rest before checking his vital signs
B. check the blood pressure in both arms comma expecting a difference in the readings because
of his recent exercise
C. Immediately monitor his vital signs on his arrival at the clinic and then 5 minutes later
recording any differences
D. check his blood pressure in the supine position which will provide a more accurate reading
and will allow him to relax at the same time
Correct Answer: A. Allow 5 minutes for him to relax and rest before checking his vital signs
The nurse will perform a palpated pressure before auscultating blood pressure. The reason for
this is to:
A. More clearly hear the Korotkoff sounds
B. Detect the presence of an auscultatory gap
C. Avoid missing a falsely elevated blood pressure
D. More readily identify phase IV of the Korotkoff sounds
Correct Answer: B. Detect the presence of an auscultatory gap
A patient has suddenly developed shortness of breath and appears to be insignificant respiratory
distress. After calling the position and placing the patient on oxygen, which of these actions is
the best for the nurse to take went further assisting this patient?
A. Count the patient's respirations
B. Bilaterally percuss the thorax, noting any differences in percussion tones
C. Call for a chest x-ray study and wait for the results before beginning an assessment
D. Inspect the thorax for any new masses and bleeding associated with respirations
Correct Answer: B. Bilaterally percuss the thorax, noting any differences in percussion tones
The nurse is teaching a class on basic assessment skills. Which of these statements is true
regarding the stethoscope and its use?
A. Slope of the earpieces should point posteriorly (toward to occiput)
B. Although the stethoscope does not magnify sound, it does block out extraneous room noise
C. Fit and quality of the stethoscope are not as important as its ability to magnify sound
D. Ideal tubing length should be 22 inches to dampen the distortion of sound
4
WEEK 2 QUESTIONS WITH
ANSWERS ALREADY 2026
When performing a physical assessment, the first technique the nurse will always use
A. Palpation
B. Inspection
C. Percussion
D. Auscultation
Correct Answer: B. Inspection
The nurse is preparing to perform a physical assessment. Which statement is true about the
physical assessment? The inspection phase:
A. Usually yields little information
B. Takes time and reveals a surprising amount of information
C. May be somewhat uncomfortable for the expert practitioner
D. Requires a quick glance at the patient's body systems before proceeding with palpation
Correct Answer: B. Takes time and reveals a surprising amount of information
The nurse is assessing a patient's skin during an office visit. What part of the hand and technique
should be used to best assess the patient's skin temperature?
A. Fingertips; they are more sensitive to small changes in temperature
B. Dorsal surface of the hand; the skin is thinner on this surface than on the palms
C. Ulnar portion of the hand, increased blood supply in this area enhances temperature sensitivity
D. Palmar surface of the hand; this surface is the most sensitive to temperature variations
because of its increased nerve supply in this area.
Correct Answer: B. Dorsal surface of the hand; the skin is thinner on this surface than on the
palms
Which of these techniques uses the sense of touch to assess texture, temperature, moisture, and
swelling when the nurse is assessing a patient?
A. Palpation
B. Inspection
C. Percussion
D. Auscultation Correct
Answer: A. Palpation
The nurse is preparing to assess a patient's abdomen by palpation. How should the nurse
proceed?
A. Palpation of reportedly tender areas are avoided because palpation in these areas may cause
pain
B. Palpating a tender area is quickly performed to avoid any discomfort that the patient may
experience
1
,C. The assessment begins with deep palpation, while encouraging the patient to relax and to take
deep breaths.
D. The assessment begins with light palpation to detect surface characteristics and to accustom
the patient to being touched.
Correct Answer: D. The assessment begins with light palpation to detect surface characteristics
and to accustom the patient to being touched.
The nurse would use bimanual palpation technique in which situation?
A. Palpating the thorax of an infant
B. Palpating the kidneys and the uterus
C. Assessing pulsations and vibrations
D. Assessing the presence of tenderness and pain
Correct Answer: B. palpating the kidneys and the uterus
The nurse is preparing to percuss the abdomen of a patient. The purpose of the percussion is to
assess the ___________ of the underlying tissue.
A. Turgor
B. Texture
C. Density
D. Consistency
Correct Answer: C. Density
The nurse is reviewing percussion techniques with a newly graduated nurse. Which technique, if
used by the new nurse, indicates that more review is needed?
A. Percussing once over each area
B. Quickly lifting be striking finger after each stroke
C. Striking with the fingertip, not the finger pad
D. Using the wrist to make the strikes, not the arm
Correct Answer: A. Percussing once over each area
When percussing over the liver of a patient, the nurse notices a dull sound. The nurse should:
A. Consider this a normal finding
B. Palpate this area for an underlying mass
C. Reposition the hands, and attempt to percuss in this area again
D. Consider this finding abnormal, and refer the patient for additional treatment
Correct Answer: A. Consider this a normal finding
The nurse is unable to identify any changes in sound when percussing over the abdomen of an
obese patient. What should the nurse do next?
A. Ask the patient to take deep breaths to relax the abdominal musculature
B. Consider this finding as normal and proceed with the abdominal assessment
C. Increase the amount of strength used when attempting to percuss over the abdomen
D. Decrease the amount of strength used when attempting to percuss over the abdomen.
Correct Answer: C. Increase the amount of strength used when attempting to percuss over the
abdomen
2
,The nurse hears bilateral loud, long and low tones when percussing over the lungs of a 4 year old
child. The nurse should
A. Palpate over the area for increased pain and tenderness
B. Ask the child to take shallow breaths and percuss over the area again
C. Immediately refer the child because of an increased amount of air in the lungs
D. Consider this finding as normal for a child this age and proceed with the examination
Correct Answer: D. Consider this finding as normal for a child this age and proceed with the
examination
The nurse is assessing the vital signs of a 3-year-old patient who appears to have an irregular
respiratory pattern how should the nurse assess this child respirations?
A. Respiration should be counted for one full minute, noticing the rate and rhythm
B. Child pulse and respiration should be simultaneously checked for 30 seconds
C. Child's respirations should be checked for a minimum of 5 minutes to identify any variations
in his or her respiratory pattern
D. Patient's respirations should be counted for 15 seconds and then multiplied by 4 to obtain the
number of respirations per minute
Correct Answer: A. Respiration should be counted for one full minute, noticing the rate and
rhythm
A patient's blood pressure is 118/82 mmHg. He asks the nurse what do the numbers mean? The
nurse's best reply is:
A. The numbers are within the normal range and are nothing to worry about
B. The bottom number is the diastolic pressure and reflects the stroke volume of the heart
C. The top number is the systolic blood pressure and reflects the pressure of the blood against the
arteries when the heart contracts
D. The concept of blood pressure is difficult to understand the primary thing to be concerned
about is the top number, or the systolic blood pressure
Correct Answer: C. The top number is the systolic blood pressure and reflects the pressure of
the blood against the arteries when the heart contracts
While measuring a patient's blood pressure, the nurse recalls that certain factors, such as _____,
help determine blood pressure.
A. Pulse rate
B. Pulse pressure
C. Vascular output
D. Peripheral vascular resistance
Correct Answer: D. Peripheral vascular resistance
A nurse is helping at a health fair at a local mall. when taking blood pressures on a variety of
people, the nurse keeps in mind that:
A. After menopause, blood pressure readings in women are usually lower than those taken in
men
B. The blood pressure of a black adult is usually higher than that of a white adult of the same age
C. Blood pressure measurements in people who are overweight should be the same as those of
people who are at a normal weight
3
, D. A teenager's blood pressure reading will be lower than that of an adult
Correct Answer: B. The blood pressure of a black adult is usually higher than that of a white
adult of the same age
The nurse notices a colleague is preparing to check the blood pressure of a patient who is obese
by using a standard sized blood pressure cuff. The nurse should expect the reading to:
A. Yield have a falsely low blood pressure
B. Yield a falsely high blood pressure
C. Be the same, regardless of cuff size
D. Vary as a result of the technique of the person performing the assessment
Correct Answer: B. Yield a falsely high blood pressure
A student is late for his appointment and has rushed across campus to the health clinic. the nurse
should:
A. Allow 5 minutes for him to relax and rest before checking his vital signs
B. check the blood pressure in both arms comma expecting a difference in the readings because
of his recent exercise
C. Immediately monitor his vital signs on his arrival at the clinic and then 5 minutes later
recording any differences
D. check his blood pressure in the supine position which will provide a more accurate reading
and will allow him to relax at the same time
Correct Answer: A. Allow 5 minutes for him to relax and rest before checking his vital signs
The nurse will perform a palpated pressure before auscultating blood pressure. The reason for
this is to:
A. More clearly hear the Korotkoff sounds
B. Detect the presence of an auscultatory gap
C. Avoid missing a falsely elevated blood pressure
D. More readily identify phase IV of the Korotkoff sounds
Correct Answer: B. Detect the presence of an auscultatory gap
A patient has suddenly developed shortness of breath and appears to be insignificant respiratory
distress. After calling the position and placing the patient on oxygen, which of these actions is
the best for the nurse to take went further assisting this patient?
A. Count the patient's respirations
B. Bilaterally percuss the thorax, noting any differences in percussion tones
C. Call for a chest x-ray study and wait for the results before beginning an assessment
D. Inspect the thorax for any new masses and bleeding associated with respirations
Correct Answer: B. Bilaterally percuss the thorax, noting any differences in percussion tones
The nurse is teaching a class on basic assessment skills. Which of these statements is true
regarding the stethoscope and its use?
A. Slope of the earpieces should point posteriorly (toward to occiput)
B. Although the stethoscope does not magnify sound, it does block out extraneous room noise
C. Fit and quality of the stethoscope are not as important as its ability to magnify sound
D. Ideal tubing length should be 22 inches to dampen the distortion of sound
4
