TNCC Physical Assessment Questions and Answers
2024
A nurse is assessing a patient's neck with the patient seated. Which of the following is considered an
unexpected finding?
A. Jugular vein distention
B. Midline trachea
C. Lack of bruits in carotid arteries
D. Thyroid symmetry bilaterally
Jugular vein distention
Rationale: Jugular vein distention is an unexpected finding. Lack of carotid artery bruits, a midline
trachea, and bilateral thyroid symmetry are expected findings.
Neck rotation on each side should be:
A. 120 degrees
B. 70 degrees
C. 10 degrees
D. 45 degrees
70 degrees
Rationale: Neck rotation should be 70 degrees on each side. Neck flexion and extension should each be
45 degrees.
Which of the following cranial nerves is assessed by observing the patient making specific facial
movements?
A. Cranial Nerve VII
B. Cranial nerve XI
C. Olfactory nerve
D. Acoustic nerve
Cranial nerve VII
Rationale: The facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) is assessed by observing the patient making specific facial
movements. Cranial Nerve XI is assessed by having the patient shrug against resistance. The olfactory
nerve is assessed by having a patient close his or her eyes, inhale deeply, and identifying the smell. The
acoustic nerve is assessed by performing the whispered voice test.
A nurse is inspecting the patient's ears with an otoscope. Which of the following findings would be
considered normal?
2024
A nurse is assessing a patient's neck with the patient seated. Which of the following is considered an
unexpected finding?
A. Jugular vein distention
B. Midline trachea
C. Lack of bruits in carotid arteries
D. Thyroid symmetry bilaterally
Jugular vein distention
Rationale: Jugular vein distention is an unexpected finding. Lack of carotid artery bruits, a midline
trachea, and bilateral thyroid symmetry are expected findings.
Neck rotation on each side should be:
A. 120 degrees
B. 70 degrees
C. 10 degrees
D. 45 degrees
70 degrees
Rationale: Neck rotation should be 70 degrees on each side. Neck flexion and extension should each be
45 degrees.
Which of the following cranial nerves is assessed by observing the patient making specific facial
movements?
A. Cranial Nerve VII
B. Cranial nerve XI
C. Olfactory nerve
D. Acoustic nerve
Cranial nerve VII
Rationale: The facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) is assessed by observing the patient making specific facial
movements. Cranial Nerve XI is assessed by having the patient shrug against resistance. The olfactory
nerve is assessed by having a patient close his or her eyes, inhale deeply, and identifying the smell. The
acoustic nerve is assessed by performing the whispered voice test.
A nurse is inspecting the patient's ears with an otoscope. Which of the following findings would be
considered normal?
