NUR600/NUR 600 Exam 2 V1 | Advanced
Health Assess Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. When conducting a health history, which component includes the patient’s reason for
seeking care in their own words?
A. Review of Systems
B. Chief Complaint
C. Past Medical History
D. Family History
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The chief complaint is the primary reason a patient seeks medical
attention. It is best documented using the patient’s own words to ensure accuracy and
perspective. This helps the practitioner focus the physical examination on the most
pressing issues identified by the patient.
2. Which percussion note is typically heard over a normal, air-filled lung?
A. Dullness
B. Tympany
C. Resonance
D. Flatness
,Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Resonance is the low-pitched, hollow sound heard over normal lung
tissue. Dullness is usually heard over solid organs like the liver or areas of consolidation.
Tympany is more characteristic of gas-filled structures like the stomach.
3. When assessing for skin turgor in an adult, where is the most reliable site to check for
dehydration?
A. Back of the hand
B. Forehead
C. Clavicle or Sternum
D. Abdomen
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The skin over the clavicle or sternum is the most reliable site for
assessing turgor in adults because it is less affected by age-related loss of elasticity.
Reduced turgor or ‘tenting’ suggests significant dehydration. The back of the hand is often
unreliable due to thinning skin in older populations.
4. A patient presents with a yellowing of the sclera. Which condition is the clinician most
likely to suspect?
A. Anemia
B. Jaundice
, C. Hypoxia
D. Carotenemia
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Jaundice is characterized by a yellowish discoloration of the skin and
sclera due to elevated bilirubin levels. It is often associated with liver disease or hemolytic
processes. Clinicians should differentiate this from carotenemia, which does not color the
sclera.
5. What does the presence of ‘clubbing’ of the fingernails usually indicate?
A. Chronic hypoxia
B. Acute bacterial infection
C. Iron deficiency anemia
D. Fungal infection
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Clubbing is a change in the angle between the nail and the nail base,
often exceeding 180 degrees. It is most commonly associated with chronic respiratory or
cardiovascular diseases that cause long-term hypoxia. The nails become rounded and
bulbous as a result of connective tissue proliferation.
Health Assess Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. When conducting a health history, which component includes the patient’s reason for
seeking care in their own words?
A. Review of Systems
B. Chief Complaint
C. Past Medical History
D. Family History
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The chief complaint is the primary reason a patient seeks medical
attention. It is best documented using the patient’s own words to ensure accuracy and
perspective. This helps the practitioner focus the physical examination on the most
pressing issues identified by the patient.
2. Which percussion note is typically heard over a normal, air-filled lung?
A. Dullness
B. Tympany
C. Resonance
D. Flatness
,Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Resonance is the low-pitched, hollow sound heard over normal lung
tissue. Dullness is usually heard over solid organs like the liver or areas of consolidation.
Tympany is more characteristic of gas-filled structures like the stomach.
3. When assessing for skin turgor in an adult, where is the most reliable site to check for
dehydration?
A. Back of the hand
B. Forehead
C. Clavicle or Sternum
D. Abdomen
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The skin over the clavicle or sternum is the most reliable site for
assessing turgor in adults because it is less affected by age-related loss of elasticity.
Reduced turgor or ‘tenting’ suggests significant dehydration. The back of the hand is often
unreliable due to thinning skin in older populations.
4. A patient presents with a yellowing of the sclera. Which condition is the clinician most
likely to suspect?
A. Anemia
B. Jaundice
, C. Hypoxia
D. Carotenemia
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Jaundice is characterized by a yellowish discoloration of the skin and
sclera due to elevated bilirubin levels. It is often associated with liver disease or hemolytic
processes. Clinicians should differentiate this from carotenemia, which does not color the
sclera.
5. What does the presence of ‘clubbing’ of the fingernails usually indicate?
A. Chronic hypoxia
B. Acute bacterial infection
C. Iron deficiency anemia
D. Fungal infection
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Clubbing is a change in the angle between the nail and the nail base,
often exceeding 180 degrees. It is most commonly associated with chronic respiratory or
cardiovascular diseases that cause long-term hypoxia. The nails become rounded and
bulbous as a result of connective tissue proliferation.
