NUR 6001/NUR6001 Exam 3 V3 | Advanced
Health Assessment Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. When assessing the cranial nerves, the clinician asks the patient to puff out their cheeks
and smile. Which cranial nerve is being evaluated?
A. Cranial Nerve V (Trigeminal)
B. Cranial Nerve XII (Hypoglossal)
C. Cranial Nerve IX (Glossopharyngeal)
D. Cranial Nerve VII (Facial)
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Cranial Nerve VII, the facial nerve, is responsible for the muscles of
facial expression. Testing involves asking the patient to smile, frown, and puff out their
cheeks to ensure symmetry. Deficits in these movements may indicate a peripheral or
central nerve lesion.
2. A positive Brudzinski sign is characterized by which of the following findings?
A. Pain in the neck when the hip is flexed
B. Numbness in the lower extremities during neck rotation
C. Resistance to extension of the leg at the knee
D. Involuntary flexion of the hips and knees when the neck is flexed
,Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Brudzinski’s sign is a clinical indicator of meningeal irritation, often
seen in meningitis. When the clinician flexes the patient’s neck, a positive result occurs if
the patient involuntarily flexes their hips and knees. This reflexive action is caused by the
tension placed on the inflamed meninges.
3. Which maneuver is specifically used to assess for a torn meniscus in the knee?
A. Lachman test
B. McMurray test
C. Phalen’s test
D. Bulge sign
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The McMurray test involves rotating the lower leg while extending
the knee from a flexed position. A palpable click or pop along the joint line suggests a
meniscal tear. This test is highly specific for evaluating the integrity of the medial and
lateral menisci.
4. In an infant, at what age is the anterior fontanelle expected to close?
A. 2 to 3 months
B. 12 to 18 months
C. 6 to 9 months
, D. 24 to 30 months
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The anterior fontanelle is the largest of the soft spots on a newborn’s
head and is diamond-shaped. It typically closes between 12 and 18 months of age as the
skull bones fuse. Delayed closure may indicate conditions like rickets or increased
intracranial pressure.
5. Which of the following describes the correct technique for assessing the Romberg sign?
A. The patient stands with feet together and eyes closed for 20 seconds.
B. The patient walks heel-to-toe in a straight line.
C. The patient hops on one foot for 10 seconds.
D. The patient performs rapid alternating hand movements.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The Romberg test evaluates cerebellar function and proprioception
by assessing the patient’s balance. The clinician asks the patient to stand with feet together
and eyes closed while staying nearby for safety. A positive Romberg sign occurs if the
patient loses balance or sways significantly.
6. When assessing muscle strength, a grade of 3/5 indicates:
A. Full range of motion against gravity and full resistance
B. Full range of motion with gravity eliminated
Health Assessment Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. When assessing the cranial nerves, the clinician asks the patient to puff out their cheeks
and smile. Which cranial nerve is being evaluated?
A. Cranial Nerve V (Trigeminal)
B. Cranial Nerve XII (Hypoglossal)
C. Cranial Nerve IX (Glossopharyngeal)
D. Cranial Nerve VII (Facial)
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Cranial Nerve VII, the facial nerve, is responsible for the muscles of
facial expression. Testing involves asking the patient to smile, frown, and puff out their
cheeks to ensure symmetry. Deficits in these movements may indicate a peripheral or
central nerve lesion.
2. A positive Brudzinski sign is characterized by which of the following findings?
A. Pain in the neck when the hip is flexed
B. Numbness in the lower extremities during neck rotation
C. Resistance to extension of the leg at the knee
D. Involuntary flexion of the hips and knees when the neck is flexed
,Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Brudzinski’s sign is a clinical indicator of meningeal irritation, often
seen in meningitis. When the clinician flexes the patient’s neck, a positive result occurs if
the patient involuntarily flexes their hips and knees. This reflexive action is caused by the
tension placed on the inflamed meninges.
3. Which maneuver is specifically used to assess for a torn meniscus in the knee?
A. Lachman test
B. McMurray test
C. Phalen’s test
D. Bulge sign
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The McMurray test involves rotating the lower leg while extending
the knee from a flexed position. A palpable click or pop along the joint line suggests a
meniscal tear. This test is highly specific for evaluating the integrity of the medial and
lateral menisci.
4. In an infant, at what age is the anterior fontanelle expected to close?
A. 2 to 3 months
B. 12 to 18 months
C. 6 to 9 months
, D. 24 to 30 months
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The anterior fontanelle is the largest of the soft spots on a newborn’s
head and is diamond-shaped. It typically closes between 12 and 18 months of age as the
skull bones fuse. Delayed closure may indicate conditions like rickets or increased
intracranial pressure.
5. Which of the following describes the correct technique for assessing the Romberg sign?
A. The patient stands with feet together and eyes closed for 20 seconds.
B. The patient walks heel-to-toe in a straight line.
C. The patient hops on one foot for 10 seconds.
D. The patient performs rapid alternating hand movements.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The Romberg test evaluates cerebellar function and proprioception
by assessing the patient’s balance. The clinician asks the patient to stand with feet together
and eyes closed while staying nearby for safety. A positive Romberg sign occurs if the
patient loses balance or sways significantly.
6. When assessing muscle strength, a grade of 3/5 indicates:
A. Full range of motion against gravity and full resistance
B. Full range of motion with gravity eliminated
