HEALTH ASSESSMENT EXAM 3 NSG3160 - COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE QUESTIONS COMPLETE WITH 100% VERIFIED ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS

HEALTH ASSESSMENT EXAM 3 NSG3160 - COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE QUESTIONS COMPLETE WITH 100% VERIFIED ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS 1. What is the primary characteristic of a heart murmur? A) High-pitched scratching sound heard best with the bell B) Blowing, swooshing sound indicating turbulent blood flow C) Low-pitched rumbling sound heard only during systole D) Clicking sound that occurs with valve closure Correct Answer: B) Blowing, swooshing sound indicating turbulent blood flow Explanation: A murmur is produced by turbulent blood flow within the heart, creating a distinctive blowing or swooshing sound. It is not typically high-pitched and scratchy (which describes a pericardial friction rub), nor is it limited to systole or characterized as a clicking sound. ________________________________________ 2. Which of the following is NOT considered a modifiable risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD)? A) Hypertension B) Smoking C) Family history D) High cholesterol Correct Answer: C) Family history Explanation: Family history is a non-modifiable risk factor for CAD, while hypertension, smoking, obesity, high cholesterol, and diabetes are all modifiable through lifestyle changes and medical management. ________________________________________ 3. At which anatomical location would you auscultate the mitral valve? A) Second right intercostal space B) Second left intercostal space C) Left lower sternal border D) Fifth intercostal space at the left midclavicular line Correct Answer: D) Fifth intercostal space at the left midclavicular line Explanation: The mitral valve is best heard at the fifth intercostal space around the left midclavicular line. The second right interspace is for aortic, second left for pulmonic, and left lower sternal border for tricuspid valve auscultation. ________________________________________ 4. A pericardial friction rub is best described as: A) A low-pitched rumbling sound heard during diastole B) A high-pitched, scratchy sound heard with the diaphragm when the patient is sitting up C) A blowing sound heard best with the bell of the stethoscope D) A palpable vibration felt on the chest wall Correct Answer: B) A high-pitched, scratchy sound heard with the diaphragm when the patient is sitting up Explanation: Pericardial friction rub results from inflammation of the pericardium. It is characterized as high-pitched and scratchy, best heard with the diaphragm of the stethoscope when the patient is sitting up and leaning forward. ________________________________________ 5. When assessing for jugular venous pressure, at what angle should the patient be positioned? A) 30 degrees B) 45 degrees C) 60 degrees D) 90 degrees Correct Answer: B) 45 degrees Explanation: The patient should be positioned at approximately 45 degrees when estimating jugular venous pressure. This allows for accurate visualization of the jugular venous pulsations and proper measurement of central venous pressure. ________________________________________ 6. A thrill on cardiac assessment is best described as: A) An audible high-pitched sound heard with the stethoscope B) A visible pulsation on the chest wall C) A palpable vibration feeling like the throat of a purring cat D) A clicking sensation felt during systole Correct Answer: C) A palpable vibration feeling like the throat of a purring cat Explanation: A thrill is a palpable vibration on the chest wall that feels similar to the throat of a purring cat. It indicates turbulent blood flow and often helps locate the origin of loud murmurs. ________________________________________ 7. What is the recommended exercise prescription for cardiac health? A) 3 times per week, 20 minutes each session B) 5 times per week, at least 30 minutes each session C) Daily, 60 minutes each session D) 4 times per week, 45 minutes each session Correct Answer: B) 5 times per week, at least 30 minutes each session Explanation: Current recommendations for cardiovascular health include moderate-intensity exercise at least 5 times per week for a minimum of 30 minutes each session. This frequency and duration help maintain cardiovascular fitness and reduce risk factors. ________________________________________ 8. What should you do when you hear a split S2 during assessment? A) Have the patient hold their breath to confirm the finding B) Ask the patient to cough and reassess C) Concentrate on the split as you watch the person's chest rise and fall with normal breathing D) Immediately refer the patient for echocardiography Correct Answer: C) Concentrate on the split as you watch the person's chest rise and fall with normal breathing Explanation: When hearing a split S2, you should focus on the split while observing the patient's normal breathing pattern. The split typically fades in with inhalation and fades out with exhalation every fourth heartbeat, which is a normal physiological finding. ________________________________________ 9. Which of the following is a key expected finding in an older adult patient during cardiac assessment? A) Decreased systolic blood pressure B) Increase in systolic pressure from arteriosclerosis C) Presence of ventricular hypertrophy D) Decreased resting heart rate Correct Answer: B) Increase in systolic pressure from arteriosclerosis Explanation: In older adults, arteriosclerosis causes stiffening of the arteries, leading to an increase in systolic blood pressure. The presence of supraventricular dysrhythmias is also a common finding in this population. ________________________________________ 10. What is the appropriate patient teaching for a patient who smokes? A) Reduce smoking to 5 cigarettes per day B) Switch to e-cigarettes as a safer alternative C) Teach about smoking cessation and exercise D) Advise that smoking only affects lung health Correct Answer: C) Teach about