NSU Health Assessment Exam 2 Ques ons and answers
| Updated | New 2026
What is a bruit?
so , whoosing, pulsa le sound
This is formed by the union of the costal margins at the xyphoid process and usually measures
90 degrees or less.
costal angle
Where can a HCP palpate the 12th rib?
between the spine and the pa ents side, palpate for the free p
List the reference lines located anteriorly, posteriorly and laterally.
anterior: midsternal, midclavicular, anterior axillary
posterior: vertebral, scapular
lateral: anterior axillary, midaxillary, posterior axillary
T or F: The le lung has an upper, middle and lower lobe.
False, upper and lower only. The right lung has upper, middle and lower.
T or F: The anterior chest contains mostly upper and middle lobes.
True
T or F: The posterior chest contains mostly lower lobes.
True
Discuss the 4 major func ons of the respiratory system.
oxygen supply, CO2 removal, acid base balance, heat exchange
Involuntary control of respira ons is mediated by the pons and medulla via what form of
regula on?
humoral (change in O2 + CO2 blood levels)
The normal s mulus to breathe is...
hypercapnia
, T or F: Anteroposterior diameter increases with expira on.
False, decreases with expira on and increases with inspira on
Discuss some developmental changes which should be considered when assessing the
respiratory capacity of an aging adult.
- car lage calcifica on = decreased thorax mobility
- respiratory muscle weakening
- decreased lung elas city
- histologic changes (alveolar destruc on) = decreased surface area for gas exchange
Name two respiratory condi ons which can be influenced by culture and gene cs.
tuberculosis and asthma
Discuss the me lengths for an acute versus a chronic cough.
acute: 2-3 weeks
chronic: > 2 months
What is hemoptysis?
coughing up blood
What is orthopnea?
difficulty breathing when supine
What is paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND)?
awakened from sleep with SOB. Usually have to stand/sit up to achieve comfort
Which pa ents o en experience PND?
heavy smokers, CHF
Hypoxia is signaled by which color change?
cyanosis
Why should recent travel and area of residence be collected when interviewing a pa ent with
respiratory complaints?
environmental exposure
Discuss the prepara on and tools required for an assessment of the thorax.
| Updated | New 2026
What is a bruit?
so , whoosing, pulsa le sound
This is formed by the union of the costal margins at the xyphoid process and usually measures
90 degrees or less.
costal angle
Where can a HCP palpate the 12th rib?
between the spine and the pa ents side, palpate for the free p
List the reference lines located anteriorly, posteriorly and laterally.
anterior: midsternal, midclavicular, anterior axillary
posterior: vertebral, scapular
lateral: anterior axillary, midaxillary, posterior axillary
T or F: The le lung has an upper, middle and lower lobe.
False, upper and lower only. The right lung has upper, middle and lower.
T or F: The anterior chest contains mostly upper and middle lobes.
True
T or F: The posterior chest contains mostly lower lobes.
True
Discuss the 4 major func ons of the respiratory system.
oxygen supply, CO2 removal, acid base balance, heat exchange
Involuntary control of respira ons is mediated by the pons and medulla via what form of
regula on?
humoral (change in O2 + CO2 blood levels)
The normal s mulus to breathe is...
hypercapnia
, T or F: Anteroposterior diameter increases with expira on.
False, decreases with expira on and increases with inspira on
Discuss some developmental changes which should be considered when assessing the
respiratory capacity of an aging adult.
- car lage calcifica on = decreased thorax mobility
- respiratory muscle weakening
- decreased lung elas city
- histologic changes (alveolar destruc on) = decreased surface area for gas exchange
Name two respiratory condi ons which can be influenced by culture and gene cs.
tuberculosis and asthma
Discuss the me lengths for an acute versus a chronic cough.
acute: 2-3 weeks
chronic: > 2 months
What is hemoptysis?
coughing up blood
What is orthopnea?
difficulty breathing when supine
What is paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND)?
awakened from sleep with SOB. Usually have to stand/sit up to achieve comfort
Which pa ents o en experience PND?
heavy smokers, CHF
Hypoxia is signaled by which color change?
cyanosis
Why should recent travel and area of residence be collected when interviewing a pa ent with
respiratory complaints?
environmental exposure
Discuss the prepara on and tools required for an assessment of the thorax.
