NU650 | NU650 Health Assessment / Nursing Exam
3 Version 2 | Questions with Correct Answers and
Expert Explanation for Each Question | Regis
1. When assessing the cranial nerves, the nurse asks the patient to smile, frown, and
puff out their cheeks. Which cranial nerve is being evaluated?
A. CN V (Trigeminal)
B. CN IX (Glossopharyngeal)
C. CN VII (Facial)
D. CN XII (Hypoglossal)
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The facial nerve (CN VII) is responsible for motor movements
of the face including smiling, frowning, and puffing cheeks. Assessment of this nerve
involves observing for symmetry and strength during these movements. If
asymmetry is noted, it may indicate a cranial nerve palsy or central nervous system
lesion.
2. A patient exhibits a ‘positive Romberg’ test. What does this finding primarily
indicate?
A. Loss of deep tendon reflexes
B. Weakness in the lower extremities
,C. Cerebellar ataxia or vestibular dysfunction
D. Impaired mental status
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The Romberg test assesses balance by having the patient
stand with eyes closed and feet together. A positive test occurs when the patient
loses balance, suggesting a deficit in proprioception or vestibular function. This test
is a critical component of a comprehensive neurological examination.
3. Which of the following techniques is the correct order for an abdominal physical
assessment?
A. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
B. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D. Percussion, Palpation, Auscultation, Inspection
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: For the abdominal exam, auscultation must follow inspection
to ensure that bowel sounds are not artificially altered by percussion or palpation.
Palpation is performed last because it can cause the most discomfort and stimulate
, bowel activity. Following this specific sequence ensures the most accurate clinical
findings.
4. While testing deep tendon reflexes, the nurse notes the patellar reflex is very brisk
with a few beats of clonus. How should this be graded?
A. 1+
B. 2+
C. 3+
D. 4+
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: A grade of 4+ for deep tendon reflexes indicates a very brisk
response that is hyperactive and often associated with clonus. Normal reflexes are
typically graded as 2+, while 1+ is diminished and 3+ is brisker than average but not
necessarily pathological. This finding warrants further investigation into potential
upper motor neuron lesions.
5. The nurse is assessing a patient’s muscle strength and notes that the patient can
move their arm against gravity but not against resistance. What grade should be
assigned?
A. Grade 1
3 Version 2 | Questions with Correct Answers and
Expert Explanation for Each Question | Regis
1. When assessing the cranial nerves, the nurse asks the patient to smile, frown, and
puff out their cheeks. Which cranial nerve is being evaluated?
A. CN V (Trigeminal)
B. CN IX (Glossopharyngeal)
C. CN VII (Facial)
D. CN XII (Hypoglossal)
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The facial nerve (CN VII) is responsible for motor movements
of the face including smiling, frowning, and puffing cheeks. Assessment of this nerve
involves observing for symmetry and strength during these movements. If
asymmetry is noted, it may indicate a cranial nerve palsy or central nervous system
lesion.
2. A patient exhibits a ‘positive Romberg’ test. What does this finding primarily
indicate?
A. Loss of deep tendon reflexes
B. Weakness in the lower extremities
,C. Cerebellar ataxia or vestibular dysfunction
D. Impaired mental status
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The Romberg test assesses balance by having the patient
stand with eyes closed and feet together. A positive test occurs when the patient
loses balance, suggesting a deficit in proprioception or vestibular function. This test
is a critical component of a comprehensive neurological examination.
3. Which of the following techniques is the correct order for an abdominal physical
assessment?
A. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
B. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D. Percussion, Palpation, Auscultation, Inspection
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: For the abdominal exam, auscultation must follow inspection
to ensure that bowel sounds are not artificially altered by percussion or palpation.
Palpation is performed last because it can cause the most discomfort and stimulate
, bowel activity. Following this specific sequence ensures the most accurate clinical
findings.
4. While testing deep tendon reflexes, the nurse notes the patellar reflex is very brisk
with a few beats of clonus. How should this be graded?
A. 1+
B. 2+
C. 3+
D. 4+
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: A grade of 4+ for deep tendon reflexes indicates a very brisk
response that is hyperactive and often associated with clonus. Normal reflexes are
typically graded as 2+, while 1+ is diminished and 3+ is brisker than average but not
necessarily pathological. This finding warrants further investigation into potential
upper motor neuron lesions.
5. The nurse is assessing a patient’s muscle strength and notes that the patient can
move their arm against gravity but not against resistance. What grade should be
assigned?
A. Grade 1
