NU650 | NU650 Health Assessment / Nursing Exam
1 Version 3 | Questions with Correct Answers and
Expert Explanation for Each Question | Regis
1. During a physical examination, the nurse utilizes percussion to assess the patient’s
abdomen. What is the primary purpose of this technique?
A. To assess the texture and moisture of the skin surface.
B. To evaluate the density of underlying structures by producing sounds.
C. To listen for vascular sounds and bruits using the stethoscope.
D. To measure the range of motion of the abdominal muscles.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Percussion involves tapping the body surface with fingers to
elicit sounds that reflect the density of the underlying tissues. For example, a dull
sound indicates a solid organ or fluid, while tympany indicates air-filled structures
like the stomach. This technique is essential for mapping out organ boundaries and
identifying abnormal masses.
2. A patient reports a ‘sharp, stabbing pain’ in the chest. Which type of data is this
considered in the nursing assessment?
A. Subjective data
B. Objective data
,C. Functional data
D. Diagnostic data
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Subjective data consists of information provided by the
patient that cannot be measured directly by the clinician, such as feelings or
perceptions. The patient’s description of pain is a classic example of subjective data
because it relies entirely on the patient’s report. Objective data, by contrast, would
be measurable signs like heart rate or blood pressure.
3. When assessing a patient’s thyroid gland, which of the following is the correct
approach?
A. Auscultate for bruits if the gland is found to be enlarged.
B. Palpate the gland while the patient is lying supine with the head flat.
C. Use deep pressure to identify the posterior border of the thyroid lobes.
D. Instruct the patient to hold their breath during the entire palpation.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: If the thyroid gland is enlarged upon palpation, the nurse
should auscultate for a bruit using the bell of the stethoscope. A bruit is a soft,
blowing, swishing sound that indicates increased blood flow, which may occur in
,hyperthyroidism. Palpation is typically done while the patient swallows to allow the
gland to move under the fingers.
4. The nurse is performing a skin assessment and notes a flat, non-palpable lesion that
is less than 1 cm in diameter. This should be documented as a:
A. Papule
B. Macule
C. Plaque
D. Vesicle
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: A macule is defined as a flat, circumscribed area of skin
discoloration that is less than 1 cm in diameter, such as a freckle. A papule is also
less than 1 cm but is elevated and palpable. Accurate documentation of skin lesions
is vital for tracking changes in dermatological conditions over time.
5. Which component of the SOAP note format includes the patient’s vital signs and
physical examination findings?
A. Objective
B. Subjective
C. Assessment
, D. Plan
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The Objective section of the SOAP note contains measurable,
observable data collected during the physical exam and diagnostic testing. This
includes vital signs, laboratory results, and findings from inspection, palpation,
percussion, and auscultation. It serves as the evidence-based portion of the clinical
record.
6. To assess the cranial nerve III (Oculomotor), the nurse should perform which of the
following tests?
A. The Snellen chart for distance vision.
B. Assessing facial symmetry while the patient smiles.
C. The Weber test for bone conduction.
D. Checking the pupillary light reflex and extraocular movements.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The Oculomotor nerve (CN III) is responsible for pupillary
constriction and most extraocular eye movements. Assessing for PERRLA (Pupils
Equal, Round, Reactive to Light and Accommodation) and the six cardinal positions
of gaze tests this nerve along with CN IV and VI. Dysfunction in CN III can lead to
ptosis or fixed, dilated pupils.
1 Version 3 | Questions with Correct Answers and
Expert Explanation for Each Question | Regis
1. During a physical examination, the nurse utilizes percussion to assess the patient’s
abdomen. What is the primary purpose of this technique?
A. To assess the texture and moisture of the skin surface.
B. To evaluate the density of underlying structures by producing sounds.
C. To listen for vascular sounds and bruits using the stethoscope.
D. To measure the range of motion of the abdominal muscles.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Percussion involves tapping the body surface with fingers to
elicit sounds that reflect the density of the underlying tissues. For example, a dull
sound indicates a solid organ or fluid, while tympany indicates air-filled structures
like the stomach. This technique is essential for mapping out organ boundaries and
identifying abnormal masses.
2. A patient reports a ‘sharp, stabbing pain’ in the chest. Which type of data is this
considered in the nursing assessment?
A. Subjective data
B. Objective data
,C. Functional data
D. Diagnostic data
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Subjective data consists of information provided by the
patient that cannot be measured directly by the clinician, such as feelings or
perceptions. The patient’s description of pain is a classic example of subjective data
because it relies entirely on the patient’s report. Objective data, by contrast, would
be measurable signs like heart rate or blood pressure.
3. When assessing a patient’s thyroid gland, which of the following is the correct
approach?
A. Auscultate for bruits if the gland is found to be enlarged.
B. Palpate the gland while the patient is lying supine with the head flat.
C. Use deep pressure to identify the posterior border of the thyroid lobes.
D. Instruct the patient to hold their breath during the entire palpation.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: If the thyroid gland is enlarged upon palpation, the nurse
should auscultate for a bruit using the bell of the stethoscope. A bruit is a soft,
blowing, swishing sound that indicates increased blood flow, which may occur in
,hyperthyroidism. Palpation is typically done while the patient swallows to allow the
gland to move under the fingers.
4. The nurse is performing a skin assessment and notes a flat, non-palpable lesion that
is less than 1 cm in diameter. This should be documented as a:
A. Papule
B. Macule
C. Plaque
D. Vesicle
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: A macule is defined as a flat, circumscribed area of skin
discoloration that is less than 1 cm in diameter, such as a freckle. A papule is also
less than 1 cm but is elevated and palpable. Accurate documentation of skin lesions
is vital for tracking changes in dermatological conditions over time.
5. Which component of the SOAP note format includes the patient’s vital signs and
physical examination findings?
A. Objective
B. Subjective
C. Assessment
, D. Plan
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The Objective section of the SOAP note contains measurable,
observable data collected during the physical exam and diagnostic testing. This
includes vital signs, laboratory results, and findings from inspection, palpation,
percussion, and auscultation. It serves as the evidence-based portion of the clinical
record.
6. To assess the cranial nerve III (Oculomotor), the nurse should perform which of the
following tests?
A. The Snellen chart for distance vision.
B. Assessing facial symmetry while the patient smiles.
C. The Weber test for bone conduction.
D. Checking the pupillary light reflex and extraocular movements.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The Oculomotor nerve (CN III) is responsible for pupillary
constriction and most extraocular eye movements. Assessing for PERRLA (Pupils
Equal, Round, Reactive to Light and Accommodation) and the six cardinal positions
of gaze tests this nerve along with CN IV and VI. Dysfunction in CN III can lead to
ptosis or fixed, dilated pupils.
