Chamberlain University
2 MAXE 403 RN
★ ★
College of Nursing & Public Health
C
C A R E • CO M P E T E N C E • CO N F I D E N C E
EST. 1889
NR 304 — Health Assessment II
E X A M 2 : M U S CU LO S K E L E TA L , N E U R O LO G I C , C R A N I A L N E R V E S & R E F L E X E S
INSTITUTION Chamberlain University — COURSE NR 304 – Health Assessment II
College of Nursing & Public
Health
EXAM VERSION Latest Update TOTAL QUESTIONS 69 Q&A with Clinical Rationale
FORMAT Multiple Choice – Select the GRADE A – 100% Correct Verified
Single Best Answer Answers
EXAM 2 STUDY GUIDE
▸ This document contains verified Q&A for NR 304 Health Assessment II Exam 2 (2026/2027 Update).
▸ Covers musculoskeletal assessment (ROM types, ataxia, crepitus, flaccid, movement terms (flexion, extension,
abduction, adduction, supination, pronation, rotation, retraction, protraction, inversion, eversion, dorsiflexion,
plantar flexion), exam elements, muscle strength grading (2+ to 5+), cervical spine ROM assessment, rotator cuff
tear findings, straight leg raise test, fibromyalgia, Tinel's sign, hallux valgus, osteoarthritis vs rheumatoid arthritis,
gout, reflex arc, stereognosis, graphesthesia, Glasgow Coma Scale, cranial nerves I-XII (functions and testing),
Phalen's test, Tinel's sign, Ballottement test, Bulge sign, McMurray's test, Lasègue test, Boutonniere and swan
neck deformities, ulnar deviation, reflex grading, hyperreflexia, and decorticate/decerbrate posturing.
▸ Each answer includes clinical rationale based on evidence-based practice and Chamberlain University nursing
curriculum standards.
▸ Use this guide to prepare for Exam 2 and for clinical application in health assessment practice.
SECTION I — MUSCULOSKELETAL TERMINOLOGY & ASSESSMENT Q1–Q36
1. Active Range of Motion (ROM)
CORRECT ANSWER: Full muscular range of motion with gravity, against resistance (patient moves the joint
actively).
RATIONALE: Assesses muscle strength and willingness to move. Performed by patient independently.
2. Passive Range of Motion (ROM)
CORRECT ANSWER: Full muscular range of motion without gravity (examiner moves the joint while patient
relaxes).
RATIONALE: Assesses joint integrity and flexibility. Used when patient cannot move independently.
, 3. What is ataxia?
CORRECT ANSWER: Loss of full control of body movements; uncoordinated gait.
RATIONALE: Cerebellar dysfunction causes ataxia. Also seen in stroke, MS, or alcohol intoxication.
4. What is crepitus?
CORRECT ANSWER: Grating sound/sensation produced by friction between bone and cartilage or fractured
bone ends rubbing together.
RATIONALE: Common in osteoarthritis. Also describes air bubbles under skin (subcutaneous emphysema).
5. What does flaccid mean?
CORRECT ANSWER: Part of body hanging limply; decreased muscle tone (hypotonia).
RATIONALE: Seen in lower motor neuron lesions. Also after stroke (flaccid phase).
6. Flexion
CORRECT ANSWER: Bending of joint (elbow, knee, neck) - decreases angle between bones.
RATIONALE: Example: chin to chest is neck flexion. Opposite of extension.
7. Extension
CORRECT ANSWER: Extending of joint (neck, elbow, knee) - straightening, increases angle.
RATIONALE: Hyperextension = beyond normal range. Example: looking up is neck extension.
8. Abduction
CORRECT ANSWER: Movement of limb away from midline (lateral).
RATIONALE: Abduct = away from body. Example: raising arm to side.
9. Adduction
CORRECT ANSWER: Movement of limb toward midline.
RATIONALE: Adduct = toward body. Example: lowering arm to side.
10. Supination
CORRECT ANSWER: Facing upwards (palms up or face up in lying position).
RATIONALE: Holding soup = supination. Radioulnar joint action.
2 MAXE 403 RN
★ ★
College of Nursing & Public Health
C
C A R E • CO M P E T E N C E • CO N F I D E N C E
EST. 1889
NR 304 — Health Assessment II
E X A M 2 : M U S CU LO S K E L E TA L , N E U R O LO G I C , C R A N I A L N E R V E S & R E F L E X E S
INSTITUTION Chamberlain University — COURSE NR 304 – Health Assessment II
College of Nursing & Public
Health
EXAM VERSION Latest Update TOTAL QUESTIONS 69 Q&A with Clinical Rationale
FORMAT Multiple Choice – Select the GRADE A – 100% Correct Verified
Single Best Answer Answers
EXAM 2 STUDY GUIDE
▸ This document contains verified Q&A for NR 304 Health Assessment II Exam 2 (2026/2027 Update).
▸ Covers musculoskeletal assessment (ROM types, ataxia, crepitus, flaccid, movement terms (flexion, extension,
abduction, adduction, supination, pronation, rotation, retraction, protraction, inversion, eversion, dorsiflexion,
plantar flexion), exam elements, muscle strength grading (2+ to 5+), cervical spine ROM assessment, rotator cuff
tear findings, straight leg raise test, fibromyalgia, Tinel's sign, hallux valgus, osteoarthritis vs rheumatoid arthritis,
gout, reflex arc, stereognosis, graphesthesia, Glasgow Coma Scale, cranial nerves I-XII (functions and testing),
Phalen's test, Tinel's sign, Ballottement test, Bulge sign, McMurray's test, Lasègue test, Boutonniere and swan
neck deformities, ulnar deviation, reflex grading, hyperreflexia, and decorticate/decerbrate posturing.
▸ Each answer includes clinical rationale based on evidence-based practice and Chamberlain University nursing
curriculum standards.
▸ Use this guide to prepare for Exam 2 and for clinical application in health assessment practice.
SECTION I — MUSCULOSKELETAL TERMINOLOGY & ASSESSMENT Q1–Q36
1. Active Range of Motion (ROM)
CORRECT ANSWER: Full muscular range of motion with gravity, against resistance (patient moves the joint
actively).
RATIONALE: Assesses muscle strength and willingness to move. Performed by patient independently.
2. Passive Range of Motion (ROM)
CORRECT ANSWER: Full muscular range of motion without gravity (examiner moves the joint while patient
relaxes).
RATIONALE: Assesses joint integrity and flexibility. Used when patient cannot move independently.
, 3. What is ataxia?
CORRECT ANSWER: Loss of full control of body movements; uncoordinated gait.
RATIONALE: Cerebellar dysfunction causes ataxia. Also seen in stroke, MS, or alcohol intoxication.
4. What is crepitus?
CORRECT ANSWER: Grating sound/sensation produced by friction between bone and cartilage or fractured
bone ends rubbing together.
RATIONALE: Common in osteoarthritis. Also describes air bubbles under skin (subcutaneous emphysema).
5. What does flaccid mean?
CORRECT ANSWER: Part of body hanging limply; decreased muscle tone (hypotonia).
RATIONALE: Seen in lower motor neuron lesions. Also after stroke (flaccid phase).
6. Flexion
CORRECT ANSWER: Bending of joint (elbow, knee, neck) - decreases angle between bones.
RATIONALE: Example: chin to chest is neck flexion. Opposite of extension.
7. Extension
CORRECT ANSWER: Extending of joint (neck, elbow, knee) - straightening, increases angle.
RATIONALE: Hyperextension = beyond normal range. Example: looking up is neck extension.
8. Abduction
CORRECT ANSWER: Movement of limb away from midline (lateral).
RATIONALE: Abduct = away from body. Example: raising arm to side.
9. Adduction
CORRECT ANSWER: Movement of limb toward midline.
RATIONALE: Adduct = toward body. Example: lowering arm to side.
10. Supination
CORRECT ANSWER: Facing upwards (palms up or face up in lying position).
RATIONALE: Holding soup = supination. Radioulnar joint action.
