NU650 | NU650 Health Assessment / Nursing Exam
4 Version 1 | Questions with Correct Answers and
Expert Explanation for Each Question | Regis
1. During a neurological exam, the nurse asks the patient to identify a common object,
such as a key, placed in their hand while their eyes are closed. What is this test called?
A. Stereognosis
B. Graphesthesia
C. Two-point discrimination
D. Point localization
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Stereognosis is the ability to recognize an object through
touch without visual input. This test assesses the sensory cortex and the posterior
column of the spinal cord. If a patient is unable to identify the object, it may indicate
a lesion in the sensory cortex or a neurological deficit.
2. A patient presents with ‘peau d’orange’ appearance on the skin of the right breast.
What does the nurse suspect this finding indicates?
A. Simple breast cyst
B. Benign fibroadenoma
C. Normal aging process
,D. Inflammatory breast cancer
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The term ‘peau d’orange’ refers to skin that appears thickened
and pitted like an orange peel. This occurs when edema from lymphatic obstruction
infiltrates the breast tissue. It is a classic clinical sign often associated with
inflammatory breast cancer and requires immediate diagnostic follow-up.
3. When assessing the cranial nerves, the nurse asks the patient to shrug their
shoulders against resistance. Which nerve is being evaluated?
A. CN IX (Glossopharyngeal)
B. CN XI (Spinal Accessory)
C. CN X (Vagus)
D. CN XII (Hypoglossal)
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The Spinal Accessory nerve (CN XI) innervates the trapezius
and sternocleidomastoid muscles. To test its function, the nurse evaluates the
patient’s ability to shrug their shoulders and turn their head against resistance.
Weakness or asymmetry during this test suggests a lesion or damage to this specific
cranial nerve.
,4. Which of the following maneuvers is most appropriate for assessing a suspected
torn meniscus in the knee?
A. Lachman test
B. Anterior drawer test
C. Bulge sign
D. McMurray test
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The McMurray test is specifically designed to detect tears in
the meniscus of the knee joint. It involves rotating the lower leg while extending the
knee to see if a click or pain is elicited. Positive results usually indicate a medial or
lateral meniscus injury requiring further imaging like an MRI.
5. A nurse observes a patient’s gait and notes that the patient’s feet are wide apart
and the stride is unsteady and staggering. How should the nurse document this gait?
A. Spastic gait
B. Steppage gait
C. Ataxic gait
D. Scissors gait
Correct Answer: C
, Expert Explanation: An ataxic gait is characterized by a wide-based, uncoordinated
walk that often looks like the person is intoxicated. This pattern is typically
associated with cerebellar disorders or sensory loss in the lower extremities.
Accurate documentation is vital for determining the underlying cause of balance and
coordination issues.
6. During a breast examination, in which quadrant are most breast tumors found?
A. Upper Inner Quadrant
B. Lower Inner Quadrant
C. Lower Outer Quadrant
D. Upper Outer Quadrant
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The Upper Outer Quadrant (UOQ) of the breast, which
includes the Tail of Spence, is the most common site for breast cancer. Statistics
show that roughly 50% of breast malignancies occur in this specific region.
Thorough palpation of this area and the axilla is a critical component of every
clinical breast exam.
7. While assessing a patient for carpal tunnel syndrome, the nurse asks the patient to
hold both wrists in a fully flexed position for 60 seconds. What is this test called?
A. Phalen’s test
4 Version 1 | Questions with Correct Answers and
Expert Explanation for Each Question | Regis
1. During a neurological exam, the nurse asks the patient to identify a common object,
such as a key, placed in their hand while their eyes are closed. What is this test called?
A. Stereognosis
B. Graphesthesia
C. Two-point discrimination
D. Point localization
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Stereognosis is the ability to recognize an object through
touch without visual input. This test assesses the sensory cortex and the posterior
column of the spinal cord. If a patient is unable to identify the object, it may indicate
a lesion in the sensory cortex or a neurological deficit.
2. A patient presents with ‘peau d’orange’ appearance on the skin of the right breast.
What does the nurse suspect this finding indicates?
A. Simple breast cyst
B. Benign fibroadenoma
C. Normal aging process
,D. Inflammatory breast cancer
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The term ‘peau d’orange’ refers to skin that appears thickened
and pitted like an orange peel. This occurs when edema from lymphatic obstruction
infiltrates the breast tissue. It is a classic clinical sign often associated with
inflammatory breast cancer and requires immediate diagnostic follow-up.
3. When assessing the cranial nerves, the nurse asks the patient to shrug their
shoulders against resistance. Which nerve is being evaluated?
A. CN IX (Glossopharyngeal)
B. CN XI (Spinal Accessory)
C. CN X (Vagus)
D. CN XII (Hypoglossal)
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The Spinal Accessory nerve (CN XI) innervates the trapezius
and sternocleidomastoid muscles. To test its function, the nurse evaluates the
patient’s ability to shrug their shoulders and turn their head against resistance.
Weakness or asymmetry during this test suggests a lesion or damage to this specific
cranial nerve.
,4. Which of the following maneuvers is most appropriate for assessing a suspected
torn meniscus in the knee?
A. Lachman test
B. Anterior drawer test
C. Bulge sign
D. McMurray test
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The McMurray test is specifically designed to detect tears in
the meniscus of the knee joint. It involves rotating the lower leg while extending the
knee to see if a click or pain is elicited. Positive results usually indicate a medial or
lateral meniscus injury requiring further imaging like an MRI.
5. A nurse observes a patient’s gait and notes that the patient’s feet are wide apart
and the stride is unsteady and staggering. How should the nurse document this gait?
A. Spastic gait
B. Steppage gait
C. Ataxic gait
D. Scissors gait
Correct Answer: C
, Expert Explanation: An ataxic gait is characterized by a wide-based, uncoordinated
walk that often looks like the person is intoxicated. This pattern is typically
associated with cerebellar disorders or sensory loss in the lower extremities.
Accurate documentation is vital for determining the underlying cause of balance and
coordination issues.
6. During a breast examination, in which quadrant are most breast tumors found?
A. Upper Inner Quadrant
B. Lower Inner Quadrant
C. Lower Outer Quadrant
D. Upper Outer Quadrant
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The Upper Outer Quadrant (UOQ) of the breast, which
includes the Tail of Spence, is the most common site for breast cancer. Statistics
show that roughly 50% of breast malignancies occur in this specific region.
Thorough palpation of this area and the axilla is a critical component of every
clinical breast exam.
7. While assessing a patient for carpal tunnel syndrome, the nurse asks the patient to
hold both wrists in a fully flexed position for 60 seconds. What is this test called?
A. Phalen’s test
