NUR 634 Midterm Exam Test Bank 2026: 120 Advanced
Health Assessment Practice Questions with Detailed
Rationales | Grand Canyon University Nursing ORIGINAL
PRACTICE
QUESTIONS1
A 62-year-old smoker complains of "coughing up small amounts of blood." You
consider hemoptysis. Which of the following should you also consider in your
differential diagnosis?
A. Intestinal bleeding
B. Hematoma of the nasal septum
C. Epistaxis ✓
D. Bruising of the tongue
Answer: C
Rationale: When a patient reports coughing up blood, it's essential to
differentiate between true hemoptysis (blood from the lower respiratory tract)
and other sources such as epistaxis (nosebleed). Blood from a nosebleed can
drain posteriorly into the throat and be expectorated, mimicking hemoptysis. A
thorough history and examination of the nasal passages can help differentiate the
source
.
Question 2
, During a musculoskeletal examination of the spine, what is the primary action of
the erector spinae muscle group?
A. Extension of the spine ✓
B. Flexion of the spine
C. Rotation of the spine
D. Lateral bending of the spine
Answer: A
Rationale: The erector spinae is a deep intrinsic muscle group of the back that
primarily functions to extend the spine. These muscles run vertically along the
spine and are essential for maintaining upright posture and extending the
vertebral column. Flexion is primarily performed by abdominal muscles, while
rotation and lateral bending involve multiple muscle groups including the obliques
and quadratus lumborum.
Question 3
A patient complaining of hemoptysis may also warrant consideration of which
condition?
A. Upper GI bleed ✓
B. Oral bruising
C. Hematoma of nasal septum
D. Periungual infection
Answer: A
Health Assessment Practice Questions with Detailed
Rationales | Grand Canyon University Nursing ORIGINAL
PRACTICE
QUESTIONS1
A 62-year-old smoker complains of "coughing up small amounts of blood." You
consider hemoptysis. Which of the following should you also consider in your
differential diagnosis?
A. Intestinal bleeding
B. Hematoma of the nasal septum
C. Epistaxis ✓
D. Bruising of the tongue
Answer: C
Rationale: When a patient reports coughing up blood, it's essential to
differentiate between true hemoptysis (blood from the lower respiratory tract)
and other sources such as epistaxis (nosebleed). Blood from a nosebleed can
drain posteriorly into the throat and be expectorated, mimicking hemoptysis. A
thorough history and examination of the nasal passages can help differentiate the
source
.
Question 2
, During a musculoskeletal examination of the spine, what is the primary action of
the erector spinae muscle group?
A. Extension of the spine ✓
B. Flexion of the spine
C. Rotation of the spine
D. Lateral bending of the spine
Answer: A
Rationale: The erector spinae is a deep intrinsic muscle group of the back that
primarily functions to extend the spine. These muscles run vertically along the
spine and are essential for maintaining upright posture and extending the
vertebral column. Flexion is primarily performed by abdominal muscles, while
rotation and lateral bending involve multiple muscle groups including the obliques
and quadratus lumborum.
Question 3
A patient complaining of hemoptysis may also warrant consideration of which
condition?
A. Upper GI bleed ✓
B. Oral bruising
C. Hematoma of nasal septum
D. Periungual infection
Answer: A
