|Chamberlain College
1. When performing a physical assessment, in which order should the nurse
typically perform the assessment techniques for the abdomen?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
C. Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection
D. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
Answer: D
Rationale: For the abdominal assessment, the nurse should auscultate before palpation or
percussion to avoid altering bowel sounds.
2. Which part of the hand is most sensitive to vibration during palpation?
A. Fingertips
B. Dorsal surface
C. Ulnar surface and base of fingers
D. Palmar surface
Answer: C
Rationale: The ulnar surface and base of the fingers (metacarpophalangeal joints) are best
for detecting vibration.
,3. The nurse is assessing a patient with a BMI of 17.5. How should this be
classified?
A. Obese
B. Normal weight
C. Overweight
D. Underweight
Answer: D
Rationale: A BMI less than 18.5 is classified as underweight.
4. A patient on a clear liquid diet may consume which of the following?
A. Vanilla pudding
B. Orange juice with pulp
C. Cream of mushroom soup
D. Apple juice
Answer: D
Rationale: Clear liquid diets consist of liquids that are transparent and liquid at room
temperature, such as apple juice, broth, and gelatin.
5. Which cranial nerve is responsible for the ‘shrug’ of the shoulders against
resistance?
A. CN VII (Facial)
B. CN XI (Spinal Accessory)
C. CN X (Vagus)
D. CN XII (Hypoglossal)
Answer: B
Rationale: The spinal accessory nerve (CN XI) innervates the trapezius muscle, allowing
the patient to shrug their shoulders.
, 6. What is the most reliable indicator of a patient’s pain level?
A. Vital sign changes
B. The nurse’s professional judgment
C. The patient’s self-report
D. Non-verbal behaviors like grimacing
Answer: C
Rationale: Pain is subjective; therefore, the patient’s self-report is the gold standard for
assessment.
7. Which of the following is a symptom of orthostatic hypotension?
A. Increased energy
B. High blood pressure when lying down
C. Bradycardia
D. Dizziness when standing up
Answer: D
Rationale: Orthostatic hypotension involves a drop in blood pressure and feeling dizzy or
lightheaded upon moving from a supine to a standing position.
8. Which nutrient is the primary source of fuel for the brain and skeletal
muscles?
A. Proteins
B. Carbohydrates
C. Fats
D. Vitamins
Answer: B
Rationale: Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for the body, especially for brain
function and muscle activity during exercise.