Chamberlain University
1 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
E X A M 1 : P E R I P H E R A L VA S CU L A R , A B D O M I N A L & N E U R O LO G I C A SS E SS M E N T
INSTITUTION Chamberlain University — COURSE NR 304 – Health Assessment
College of Nursing & Public
Health
EXAM VERSION Latest Update TOTAL QUESTIONS 45 Q&A with Clinical Rationale
FORMAT Multiple Choice – Select the GRADE A – 100% Correct Verified
Single Best Answer Answers
EXAM 1 STUDY GUIDE
▸ This document contains verified Q&A for NR 304 Health Assessment Exam 1 (2026/2027 Update).
▸ Covers peripheral vascular disease (PAD risk factors, acute arterial ischemia, Buerger's disease, Raynaud's, aortic
aneurysms, chronic venous insufficiency, arterial vs venous disease comparisons - skin, pain, ulcers), DVT
(Virchow's triad, clinical manifestations, complications), abdominal anatomy (quadrants and organs), abdominal
assessment sequence and positioning, bowel sounds, Bristol Stool Chart, low residual diet, cranial nerves I-XII
(functions and assessment techniques), GCS, MMSE, Mini-Cog, MoCA, BE FAST stroke recognition, stroke types and
imaging, and gait abnormalities (spastic hemiparesis, steppage gait).
▸ Each answer includes clinical rationale based on evidence-based practice and Chamberlain University nursing
curriculum standards.
▸ Use this guide to prepare for Exam 1 and for clinical application in health assessment practice.
SECTION I — PERIPHERAL VASCULAR DISEASE Q1–Q15
1. What are the risk factors for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?
CORRECT ANSWER: Atherosclerosis, Hypertension, Obesity, Diabetes, Smoking, Being male, Sedentary
lifestyle.
RATIONALE: Smoking and diabetes are the strongest risk factors for PAD. PAD is a marker for systemic
atherosclerosis.
2. What health history questions should be asked for cardiovascular assessment?
CORRECT ANSWER: Current/history of heart disease, shortness of breath with exertion, waking at night SOB
(paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea), number of pillows used, chest/arm/leg discomfort, swollen glands, cardiac
medications, recent tests (cholesterol, ECG, BP), lifestyle (diet, exercise, smoking, stress).
RATIONALE: Orthopnea (number of pillows) indicates heart failure. PND is a classic sign of left ventricular failure.
, 3. What is acute arterial ischemia and what causes it?
CORRECT ANSWER: Sudden interruption of blood flow in an artery. Usually caused by embolization of a
thrombus from the heart. Can also occur with aneurysms, plaque dislodgement, endovascular procedures,
venous thrombi, or hypovolemia/hyperviscosity/hypercoagulability.
RATIONALE: Emboli most commonly originate from the heart (AFib, mural thrombus). Acute limb ischemia is a
medical emergency.
4. What are the two arterial ischemic diseases?
CORRECT ANSWER: Buerger's disease (thromboangiitis obliterans) and Raynaud's phenomenon (syndrome).
RATIONALE: Buerger's disease is strongly associated with smoking. Raynaud's causes vasospasm of digital arteries
in response to cold/stress.
5. Where do aortic aneurysms occur and what are risk factors?
CORRECT ANSWER: Thoracic cavity (TAA) or abdominal cavity (AAA). Risk factors: increased age, male
gender, HTN, CAD, tobacco use, PAD, and family history.
RATIONALE: AAAs are often asymptomatic and found incidentally. Bruit slightly left of midline in periumbilical area
suggests AAA.
6. How is an aortic aneurysm diagnosed and treated?
CORRECT ANSWER: Diagnosis by ruling out MI, CT scan or MRI. Ultrasound for monitoring. Surgery is the
most common treatment.
RATIONALE: Screening ultrasound for AAA recommended for men 65-75 with smoking history. Repair when size >5.5
cm or rapid growth.
7. What is chronic venous insufficiency?
CORRECT ANSWER: Caused by incompetent valves that allow backward blood flow, causing tissue damage
and bulging veins.
RATIONALE: Venous stasis leads to hemosiderin deposition (brown discoloration). Elevation of legs improves
symptoms (unlike arterial disease).
8. What are clinical manifestations of peripheral venous disease (PVD)?
CORRECT ANSWER: Legs feeling achy or heavy, burning and throbbing and itchy, muscle cramps, edema,
pain worse if position is not frequently changed.
RATIONALE: Symptoms worsen with prolonged standing or sitting. Elevation relieves symptoms (unlike arterial
disease).
1 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
E X A M 1 : P E R I P H E R A L VA S CU L A R , A B D O M I N A L & N E U R O LO G I C A SS E SS M E N T
INSTITUTION Chamberlain University — COURSE NR 304 – Health Assessment
College of Nursing & Public
Health
EXAM VERSION Latest Update TOTAL QUESTIONS 45 Q&A with Clinical Rationale
FORMAT Multiple Choice – Select the GRADE A – 100% Correct Verified
Single Best Answer Answers
EXAM 1 STUDY GUIDE
▸ This document contains verified Q&A for NR 304 Health Assessment Exam 1 (2026/2027 Update).
▸ Covers peripheral vascular disease (PAD risk factors, acute arterial ischemia, Buerger's disease, Raynaud's, aortic
aneurysms, chronic venous insufficiency, arterial vs venous disease comparisons - skin, pain, ulcers), DVT
(Virchow's triad, clinical manifestations, complications), abdominal anatomy (quadrants and organs), abdominal
assessment sequence and positioning, bowel sounds, Bristol Stool Chart, low residual diet, cranial nerves I-XII
(functions and assessment techniques), GCS, MMSE, Mini-Cog, MoCA, BE FAST stroke recognition, stroke types and
imaging, and gait abnormalities (spastic hemiparesis, steppage gait).
▸ Each answer includes clinical rationale based on evidence-based practice and Chamberlain University nursing
curriculum standards.
▸ Use this guide to prepare for Exam 1 and for clinical application in health assessment practice.
SECTION I — PERIPHERAL VASCULAR DISEASE Q1–Q15
1. What are the risk factors for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?
CORRECT ANSWER: Atherosclerosis, Hypertension, Obesity, Diabetes, Smoking, Being male, Sedentary
lifestyle.
RATIONALE: Smoking and diabetes are the strongest risk factors for PAD. PAD is a marker for systemic
atherosclerosis.
2. What health history questions should be asked for cardiovascular assessment?
CORRECT ANSWER: Current/history of heart disease, shortness of breath with exertion, waking at night SOB
(paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea), number of pillows used, chest/arm/leg discomfort, swollen glands, cardiac
medications, recent tests (cholesterol, ECG, BP), lifestyle (diet, exercise, smoking, stress).
RATIONALE: Orthopnea (number of pillows) indicates heart failure. PND is a classic sign of left ventricular failure.
, 3. What is acute arterial ischemia and what causes it?
CORRECT ANSWER: Sudden interruption of blood flow in an artery. Usually caused by embolization of a
thrombus from the heart. Can also occur with aneurysms, plaque dislodgement, endovascular procedures,
venous thrombi, or hypovolemia/hyperviscosity/hypercoagulability.
RATIONALE: Emboli most commonly originate from the heart (AFib, mural thrombus). Acute limb ischemia is a
medical emergency.
4. What are the two arterial ischemic diseases?
CORRECT ANSWER: Buerger's disease (thromboangiitis obliterans) and Raynaud's phenomenon (syndrome).
RATIONALE: Buerger's disease is strongly associated with smoking. Raynaud's causes vasospasm of digital arteries
in response to cold/stress.
5. Where do aortic aneurysms occur and what are risk factors?
CORRECT ANSWER: Thoracic cavity (TAA) or abdominal cavity (AAA). Risk factors: increased age, male
gender, HTN, CAD, tobacco use, PAD, and family history.
RATIONALE: AAAs are often asymptomatic and found incidentally. Bruit slightly left of midline in periumbilical area
suggests AAA.
6. How is an aortic aneurysm diagnosed and treated?
CORRECT ANSWER: Diagnosis by ruling out MI, CT scan or MRI. Ultrasound for monitoring. Surgery is the
most common treatment.
RATIONALE: Screening ultrasound for AAA recommended for men 65-75 with smoking history. Repair when size >5.5
cm or rapid growth.
7. What is chronic venous insufficiency?
CORRECT ANSWER: Caused by incompetent valves that allow backward blood flow, causing tissue damage
and bulging veins.
RATIONALE: Venous stasis leads to hemosiderin deposition (brown discoloration). Elevation of legs improves
symptoms (unlike arterial disease).
8. What are clinical manifestations of peripheral venous disease (PVD)?
CORRECT ANSWER: Legs feeling achy or heavy, burning and throbbing and itchy, muscle cramps, edema,
pain worse if position is not frequently changed.
RATIONALE: Symptoms worsen with prolonged standing or sitting. Elevation relieves symptoms (unlike arterial
disease).
