2026 UPDATED QUESTIONS DOWNLOAD
NUR 634 Advanced Health Assessment Midterm Master Bank 2025/2026: 400+ Q&A |
Cardiac, Respiratory, Neurological & Abdominal Exam Prep
Master the 2025/2026 NUR 634 Midterm with this ultimate exam bank featuring over 400 high-yield
practice questions and verified rationales. This comprehensive study guide covers advanced diagnostic
reasoning, physical examination techniques across the lifespan, and critical differential diagnoses for
cardiac, respiratory, and neurological systems. Designed specifically for graduate nursing students,
these materials ensure you are fully prepared to excel in your Advanced Health Assessment course
and clinical rotations.
1. A 55-year-old female smoker presents with sharp chest pain. During the interview,
she gestures with a closed fist over her sternum. Which diagnosis is most strongly
suggested by this specific gesture?
A. Bronchitis
B. Costochondritis
C. Pericarditis
D. Angina pectoris
Answer: D
Rationale: The "Levine’s sign"—a clenched fist held over the chest—is a classic clinical sign of
ischemic chest pain, specifically angina pectoris. While not 100% diagnostic, it indicates a
pressure-like discomfort typical of myocardial ischemia.
2. An 84-year-old male presents with a smooth, minimally tender lower abdominal mass
in the midline. Percussion reveals dullness extending 6 cm above the symphysis pubis.
What is the most likely cause?
A. Sigmoid colon mass
B. Abdominal wall tumor
C. Hernia
D. Enlarged bladder
Answer: D
Rationale: Prostatic hypertrophy is common in this age group and frequently causes urinary
obstruction, leading to an enlarged bladder. Midline dullness in the lower abdomen is
characteristic of a distended bladder.
3. During a mental status exam, a patient repeatedly uses the word "largely" in almost
every sentence, even when it does not fit the context. This speech pattern is best
described as:
A. Echolalia
, 2026 UPDATED QUESTIONS DOWNLOAD
B. Clanging
C. Confabulation
D. Perseveration
Answer: D
Rationale: Perseveration is the involuntary repetition of words or ideas. It differs from echolalia
(repeating the examiner) or clanging (rhyming words).
Course Hero
4. A patient complains of numbness in their right hand. Upon examination, you find
decreased sensation specifically in the pulp of the index finger. Which nerve is most
likely affected?
A. Ulnar nerve
B. Median nerve
C. Radial nerve
D. Axillary nerve
Answer: B
Rationale: The median nerve provides sensory innervation to the pulp of the index finger.
Numbness here is a hallmark finding in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, often tested via Tinel's or
Phalen's maneuvers.
Quizlet
5. Which clinical event marks the definitive start of diastole?
A. Closure of the tricuspid valve
B. Opening of the pulmonic valve
C. Closure of the aortic valve
D. Production of the first heart sound (S1)
Answer: C
Rationale: Diastole begins when the semilunar valves (aortic and pulmonic) close, preventing
backflow into the ventricles. This closure produces the S2 heart sound.
Course Hero
6. A patient presents with "pill-rolling" tremors that are most prominent when sitting
still and decrease with voluntary movement. This is a classic early finding for:
A. Multiple Sclerosis
B. Essential Tremor
, 2026 UPDATED QUESTIONS DOWNLOAD
C. Parkinson’s Disease
D. Hyperthyroidism
Answer: C
Rationale: Resting "pill-rolling" tremors are a hallmark sign of Parkinson's disease, typically
occurring when limbs are at rest and improving with activity.
7. A 29-year-old woman describes her back pain as "excruciating." According to a
holistic assessment approach, which is the most appropriate follow-up question?
A. "What does your family think about your pain?"
B. "How does the pain affect your ability to perform daily activities?"
C. "Have you tried taking Tylenol or Ibuprofen?"
D. "Can you rate the pain on a scale of 1 to 10?"
Answer: B
Rationale: A holistic approach focuses on the patient's functional status and the impact of
symptoms on their overall life and well-being.
8. After completing an initial assessment, a nurse records a patient's pulse as 58 beats
per minute. This data is considered:
A. Subjective
B. Objective
C. Introspective
D. Reflective
Answer: B
Rationale: Objective data consists of information observed through the senses during a
physical examination or via clinical measurements like vital signs.
9. A patient tells the nurse they are "feeling hot" and "nauseated." This data is classified
as:
A. Objective
B. Diagnostic
C. Subjective
D. Introspective
Answer: C
Rationale: Subjective data is information provided by the patient that cannot be measured
directly by the clinician (e.g., feelings, perceptions, or pain levels).
10. When documenting a SOAP note, which category would "Patient denies chest pain,
palpitations, or orthopnea" belong to?
A. Objective
B. Review of Systems (ROS)
C. Assessment
D. Plan
Answer: B
, 2026 UPDATED QUESTIONS DOWNLOAD
Rationale: Review of Systems (ROS) documents the patient's presence or absence of
symptoms across body systems, which is subjective information.
11. A daycare worker presents with jaundice but denies IV drug use or recent travel.
What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Hepatitis A
B. Hepatitis B
C. Hepatitis C
D. Hepatitis D
Answer: A
Rationale: Hepatitis A is frequently transmitted via the fecal-oral route, making daycare
workers at high risk due to contact with diapers/feces.
12. A young man presents with a pruritic rash over his knees and elbows with silvery
scales and "pitted" nails. This is consistent with:
A. Eczema
B. Pityriasis rosea
C. Psoriasis
D. Tinea infection
Answer: C
Rationale: Silver-scaled plaques on extensor surfaces (knees/elbows) and nail pitting are
classic signs of plaque psoriasis.
13. A patient with SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) presents with a raised, dark red
rash on her legs that does not blanch. What does this likely represent?
A. Allergic reaction
B. Palpable purpura (Vasculitis)
C. Chemical exposure
D. Normal lupus progression
Answer: B
Rationale: Palpable purpura is often associated with vasculitis, an inflammatory condition of
the blood vessels frequently seen in patients with systemic rheumatic diseases like SLE.
14. A patient complains of elbow pain. It hurts when she dorsiflexes her hand against
resistance while her palm is facing the floor. What is the diagnosis?
A. Medial epicondylitis
B. Lateral epicondylitis
C. Olecranon bursitis
D. Radial nerve entrapment
Answer: B
Rationale: Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) causes pain with wrist extension/dorsiflexion
against resistance when the forearm is pronated (palms down).
NUR 634 Advanced Health Assessment Midterm Master Bank 2025/2026: 400+ Q&A |
Cardiac, Respiratory, Neurological & Abdominal Exam Prep
Master the 2025/2026 NUR 634 Midterm with this ultimate exam bank featuring over 400 high-yield
practice questions and verified rationales. This comprehensive study guide covers advanced diagnostic
reasoning, physical examination techniques across the lifespan, and critical differential diagnoses for
cardiac, respiratory, and neurological systems. Designed specifically for graduate nursing students,
these materials ensure you are fully prepared to excel in your Advanced Health Assessment course
and clinical rotations.
1. A 55-year-old female smoker presents with sharp chest pain. During the interview,
she gestures with a closed fist over her sternum. Which diagnosis is most strongly
suggested by this specific gesture?
A. Bronchitis
B. Costochondritis
C. Pericarditis
D. Angina pectoris
Answer: D
Rationale: The "Levine’s sign"—a clenched fist held over the chest—is a classic clinical sign of
ischemic chest pain, specifically angina pectoris. While not 100% diagnostic, it indicates a
pressure-like discomfort typical of myocardial ischemia.
2. An 84-year-old male presents with a smooth, minimally tender lower abdominal mass
in the midline. Percussion reveals dullness extending 6 cm above the symphysis pubis.
What is the most likely cause?
A. Sigmoid colon mass
B. Abdominal wall tumor
C. Hernia
D. Enlarged bladder
Answer: D
Rationale: Prostatic hypertrophy is common in this age group and frequently causes urinary
obstruction, leading to an enlarged bladder. Midline dullness in the lower abdomen is
characteristic of a distended bladder.
3. During a mental status exam, a patient repeatedly uses the word "largely" in almost
every sentence, even when it does not fit the context. This speech pattern is best
described as:
A. Echolalia
, 2026 UPDATED QUESTIONS DOWNLOAD
B. Clanging
C. Confabulation
D. Perseveration
Answer: D
Rationale: Perseveration is the involuntary repetition of words or ideas. It differs from echolalia
(repeating the examiner) or clanging (rhyming words).
Course Hero
4. A patient complains of numbness in their right hand. Upon examination, you find
decreased sensation specifically in the pulp of the index finger. Which nerve is most
likely affected?
A. Ulnar nerve
B. Median nerve
C. Radial nerve
D. Axillary nerve
Answer: B
Rationale: The median nerve provides sensory innervation to the pulp of the index finger.
Numbness here is a hallmark finding in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, often tested via Tinel's or
Phalen's maneuvers.
Quizlet
5. Which clinical event marks the definitive start of diastole?
A. Closure of the tricuspid valve
B. Opening of the pulmonic valve
C. Closure of the aortic valve
D. Production of the first heart sound (S1)
Answer: C
Rationale: Diastole begins when the semilunar valves (aortic and pulmonic) close, preventing
backflow into the ventricles. This closure produces the S2 heart sound.
Course Hero
6. A patient presents with "pill-rolling" tremors that are most prominent when sitting
still and decrease with voluntary movement. This is a classic early finding for:
A. Multiple Sclerosis
B. Essential Tremor
, 2026 UPDATED QUESTIONS DOWNLOAD
C. Parkinson’s Disease
D. Hyperthyroidism
Answer: C
Rationale: Resting "pill-rolling" tremors are a hallmark sign of Parkinson's disease, typically
occurring when limbs are at rest and improving with activity.
7. A 29-year-old woman describes her back pain as "excruciating." According to a
holistic assessment approach, which is the most appropriate follow-up question?
A. "What does your family think about your pain?"
B. "How does the pain affect your ability to perform daily activities?"
C. "Have you tried taking Tylenol or Ibuprofen?"
D. "Can you rate the pain on a scale of 1 to 10?"
Answer: B
Rationale: A holistic approach focuses on the patient's functional status and the impact of
symptoms on their overall life and well-being.
8. After completing an initial assessment, a nurse records a patient's pulse as 58 beats
per minute. This data is considered:
A. Subjective
B. Objective
C. Introspective
D. Reflective
Answer: B
Rationale: Objective data consists of information observed through the senses during a
physical examination or via clinical measurements like vital signs.
9. A patient tells the nurse they are "feeling hot" and "nauseated." This data is classified
as:
A. Objective
B. Diagnostic
C. Subjective
D. Introspective
Answer: C
Rationale: Subjective data is information provided by the patient that cannot be measured
directly by the clinician (e.g., feelings, perceptions, or pain levels).
10. When documenting a SOAP note, which category would "Patient denies chest pain,
palpitations, or orthopnea" belong to?
A. Objective
B. Review of Systems (ROS)
C. Assessment
D. Plan
Answer: B
, 2026 UPDATED QUESTIONS DOWNLOAD
Rationale: Review of Systems (ROS) documents the patient's presence or absence of
symptoms across body systems, which is subjective information.
11. A daycare worker presents with jaundice but denies IV drug use or recent travel.
What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Hepatitis A
B. Hepatitis B
C. Hepatitis C
D. Hepatitis D
Answer: A
Rationale: Hepatitis A is frequently transmitted via the fecal-oral route, making daycare
workers at high risk due to contact with diapers/feces.
12. A young man presents with a pruritic rash over his knees and elbows with silvery
scales and "pitted" nails. This is consistent with:
A. Eczema
B. Pityriasis rosea
C. Psoriasis
D. Tinea infection
Answer: C
Rationale: Silver-scaled plaques on extensor surfaces (knees/elbows) and nail pitting are
classic signs of plaque psoriasis.
13. A patient with SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) presents with a raised, dark red
rash on her legs that does not blanch. What does this likely represent?
A. Allergic reaction
B. Palpable purpura (Vasculitis)
C. Chemical exposure
D. Normal lupus progression
Answer: B
Rationale: Palpable purpura is often associated with vasculitis, an inflammatory condition of
the blood vessels frequently seen in patients with systemic rheumatic diseases like SLE.
14. A patient complains of elbow pain. It hurts when she dorsiflexes her hand against
resistance while her palm is facing the floor. What is the diagnosis?
A. Medial epicondylitis
B. Lateral epicondylitis
C. Olecranon bursitis
D. Radial nerve entrapment
Answer: B
Rationale: Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) causes pain with wrist extension/dorsiflexion
against resistance when the forearm is pronated (palms down).
