NUR600/NUR 600 Final Exam V2 |
Advanced Health Assess Q&A with
Rationale | William Paterson University
1. When performing a physical examination, which technique should the nurse perform first
in the sequence of most body systems?
A. Palpation
B. Percussion
C. Inspection
D. Auscultation
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Inspection is the first step of the physical examination for most body
systems because it allows the examiner to observe the patient as a whole. It involves using
vision and smell to gather data before touching the patient. This initial observation can
guide the rest of the physical assessment and helps in establishing a baseline.
2. Which part of the hand is most sensitive to vibration during palpation?
A. Fingertips
B. Dorsal surface
C. Index finger and thumb
D. Ulnar surface
,Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The ulnar surface of the hand and the base of the fingers are the most
sensitive areas for detecting vibrations. This technique is specifically used when assessing
tactile fremitus in the respiratory system. In contrast, the fingertips are better for fine
tactile discrimination, and the dorsal surface is used for temperature.
3. The nurse is assessing a patient’s pain using the PQRST mnemonic. What does the ‘Q’
represent?
A. Quality
B. Quantity
C. Quicken
D. Quietness
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The ‘Q’ in the PQRST mnemonic stands for Quality or Quantity, asking
the patient to describe how the pain feels (e.g., sharp, dull, or crushing). This helps the
clinician understand the nature of the pain and its potential source. Detailed descriptions of
quality provide clues to underlying pathologies like nerve or muscle damage.
4. When auscultating heart sounds, which area is located at the second intercostal space at
the right sternal border?
A. Mitral area
B. Tricuspid area
, C. Pulmonic area
D. Aortic area
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The aortic area is located at the second intercostal space at the right
sternal border. This is where sounds from the aortic valve are best heard during systole.
Proper placement of the stethoscope is critical for distinguishing between different
valvular sounds and murmurs.
5. What is the correct order for performing an abdominal assessment?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Palpation, Percussion, Inspection, Auscultation
C. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
D. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: In an abdominal assessment, auscultation is performed immediately
after inspection to avoid altering bowel sounds. Palpation and percussion can stimulate
peristalsis, which would result in inaccurate findings if done before auscultating. This
sequence ensures that the bowel sounds heard are natural and not induced by the
examiner’s touch.
Advanced Health Assess Q&A with
Rationale | William Paterson University
1. When performing a physical examination, which technique should the nurse perform first
in the sequence of most body systems?
A. Palpation
B. Percussion
C. Inspection
D. Auscultation
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Inspection is the first step of the physical examination for most body
systems because it allows the examiner to observe the patient as a whole. It involves using
vision and smell to gather data before touching the patient. This initial observation can
guide the rest of the physical assessment and helps in establishing a baseline.
2. Which part of the hand is most sensitive to vibration during palpation?
A. Fingertips
B. Dorsal surface
C. Index finger and thumb
D. Ulnar surface
,Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The ulnar surface of the hand and the base of the fingers are the most
sensitive areas for detecting vibrations. This technique is specifically used when assessing
tactile fremitus in the respiratory system. In contrast, the fingertips are better for fine
tactile discrimination, and the dorsal surface is used for temperature.
3. The nurse is assessing a patient’s pain using the PQRST mnemonic. What does the ‘Q’
represent?
A. Quality
B. Quantity
C. Quicken
D. Quietness
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The ‘Q’ in the PQRST mnemonic stands for Quality or Quantity, asking
the patient to describe how the pain feels (e.g., sharp, dull, or crushing). This helps the
clinician understand the nature of the pain and its potential source. Detailed descriptions of
quality provide clues to underlying pathologies like nerve or muscle damage.
4. When auscultating heart sounds, which area is located at the second intercostal space at
the right sternal border?
A. Mitral area
B. Tricuspid area
, C. Pulmonic area
D. Aortic area
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The aortic area is located at the second intercostal space at the right
sternal border. This is where sounds from the aortic valve are best heard during systole.
Proper placement of the stethoscope is critical for distinguishing between different
valvular sounds and murmurs.
5. What is the correct order for performing an abdominal assessment?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Palpation, Percussion, Inspection, Auscultation
C. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
D. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: In an abdominal assessment, auscultation is performed immediately
after inspection to avoid altering bowel sounds. Palpation and percussion can stimulate
peristalsis, which would result in inaccurate findings if done before auscultating. This
sequence ensures that the bowel sounds heard are natural and not induced by the
examiner’s touch.
