NR 302 Health Assessment I Exam 2 Study Guide 2026 |Chamberlain
College
1. What is the correct order for performing an abdominal assessment?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D. Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation
Answer: B
Rationale: For the abdomen, auscultation is performed before percussion and palpation to
avoid altering bowel sounds.
2. When auscultating the lungs, what is the best technique to ensure
comparison between sides?
A. Listen to the entire left lung, then the entire right lung
B. Listen to the top of the lungs and then the bottom
C. Side-to-side comparison in a ‘Z’ or ladder pattern
D. Auscultate only the posterior fields first
Answer: C
Rationale: A side-to-side (ladder) comparison is essential to identify bilateral symmetry or
localized abnormalities.
,3. Which heart sound is caused by the closure of the AV valves (Mitral and
Tricuspid)?
A. S3
B. S2
C. S1
D. S4
Answer: C
Rationale: S1 marks the beginning of systole and is caused by the closure of the
atrioventricular valves.
4. A patient presents with a ‘barrel chest.’ This is typically associated with which
condition?
A. Pneumonia
B. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
C. Congestive Heart Failure
D. Pneumothorax
Answer: B
Rationale: A barrel chest (increased AP diameter) results from chronic hyperinflation of
the lungs, common in COPD.
5. Where is the best location to auscultate the Mitral valve?
A. Fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line
B. Second intercostal space, left sternal border
C. Fourth intercostal space, left sternal border
D. Second intercostal space, right sternal border
Answer: A
Rationale: The Mitral area (apex) is located at the 5th ICS at the left midclavicular line.
, 6. What does a ‘2+’ grade for a peripheral pulse indicate?
A. Normal
B. Weak or thready
C. Absent
D. Bounding
Answer: A
Rationale: Pulse volume is graded as 0 (absent), 1+ (weak), 2+ (normal), and 3+
(bounding).
7. Which assessment finding is consistent with venous insufficiency in the lower
extremities?
A. Pitting edema and brownish discoloration
B. Weak or absent pulses
C. Cool, pale skin
D. Pain that increases with elevation
Answer: A
Rationale: Venous insufficiency typically presents with edema and hemosiderin staining
(brownish color); arterial insufficiency causes coolness and pallor.
8. To assess for a possible bruit in the carotid artery, which part of the
stethoscope should the nurse use?
A. The diaphragm
B. The bell
C. The earpieces alone
D. The pressure-sensitive side only
Answer: B
Rationale: The bell is used to detect low-pitched sounds, such as vascular bruits.
College
1. What is the correct order for performing an abdominal assessment?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D. Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation
Answer: B
Rationale: For the abdomen, auscultation is performed before percussion and palpation to
avoid altering bowel sounds.
2. When auscultating the lungs, what is the best technique to ensure
comparison between sides?
A. Listen to the entire left lung, then the entire right lung
B. Listen to the top of the lungs and then the bottom
C. Side-to-side comparison in a ‘Z’ or ladder pattern
D. Auscultate only the posterior fields first
Answer: C
Rationale: A side-to-side (ladder) comparison is essential to identify bilateral symmetry or
localized abnormalities.
,3. Which heart sound is caused by the closure of the AV valves (Mitral and
Tricuspid)?
A. S3
B. S2
C. S1
D. S4
Answer: C
Rationale: S1 marks the beginning of systole and is caused by the closure of the
atrioventricular valves.
4. A patient presents with a ‘barrel chest.’ This is typically associated with which
condition?
A. Pneumonia
B. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
C. Congestive Heart Failure
D. Pneumothorax
Answer: B
Rationale: A barrel chest (increased AP diameter) results from chronic hyperinflation of
the lungs, common in COPD.
5. Where is the best location to auscultate the Mitral valve?
A. Fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line
B. Second intercostal space, left sternal border
C. Fourth intercostal space, left sternal border
D. Second intercostal space, right sternal border
Answer: A
Rationale: The Mitral area (apex) is located at the 5th ICS at the left midclavicular line.
, 6. What does a ‘2+’ grade for a peripheral pulse indicate?
A. Normal
B. Weak or thready
C. Absent
D. Bounding
Answer: A
Rationale: Pulse volume is graded as 0 (absent), 1+ (weak), 2+ (normal), and 3+
(bounding).
7. Which assessment finding is consistent with venous insufficiency in the lower
extremities?
A. Pitting edema and brownish discoloration
B. Weak or absent pulses
C. Cool, pale skin
D. Pain that increases with elevation
Answer: A
Rationale: Venous insufficiency typically presents with edema and hemosiderin staining
(brownish color); arterial insufficiency causes coolness and pallor.
8. To assess for a possible bruit in the carotid artery, which part of the
stethoscope should the nurse use?
A. The diaphragm
B. The bell
C. The earpieces alone
D. The pressure-sensitive side only
Answer: B
Rationale: The bell is used to detect low-pitched sounds, such as vascular bruits.
