NUR 505 Exam 3 2026 – Verified Questions
& Correct Answers with Rationales
Graduate Nursing Guide
Exam Structure:
Subject: Advanced Health Assessment
Source: NUR 505 Exam 3 Nursing
Format: Q&A Guide with Rationale
1: A nurse is assessing an infant with increasing head circumference.
When is transillumination of the infant skull indicated?
Options:
A. Increasing head circumference
B. Sunken fontanels
C. Asymmetric skull shape
D. Cranial bruising
Correct Answer: A. Increasing head circumference
Rationale:
1. Transillumination is a diagnostic technique used when there is concern
for abnormal head growth.
2. Increasing head circumference may indicate conditions like
hydrocephalus or subdural effusion.
3. It helps identify fluid collections by shining a light through the skull.
2: A nurse is reviewing genetic conditions. What is Turner Syndrome?
Options:
A. A chromosomal disorder in females in which either an X chromosome is
missing, making the person XO instead of XX, or part of one X chromosome
is deleted.
B. A condition characterized by an extra Y chromosome in males.
C. An autosomal dominant disorder causing connective tissue
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abnormalities.
D. A metabolic disorder affecting thyroid function.
Correct Answer: A. A chromosomal disorder in females in which
either an X chromosome is missing, making the person XO instead of
XX, or part of one X chromosome is deleted.
Rationale:
1. Turner Syndrome is a genetic condition affecting females.
2. It results from complete or partial monosomy of the X chromosome.
3. Key physical features include webbing of the neck, short stature, and
ovarian dysgenesis leading to infertility.
3: A nurse observes the thyroid cartilage moving downward with
inspiration. What is this finding called?
Options:
A. Upward movement of the larynx during swallowing
B. The downward movement of the thyroid cartilage toward the chest
during inspiration
C. Lateral displacement of the trachea due to mediastinal shift
D. A palpable vibration over the trachea during speech
Correct Answer: B. The downward movement of the thyroid cartilage
toward the chest during inspiration
Rationale:
1. Tracheal tugging is an observable sign where the thyroid cartilage
moves downward with inspiration.
2. It can be associated with severe airway obstruction, COPD, or other
conditions causing increased respiratory effort.
4: A nurse is assessing the posterior triangle of the neck. Which
structures are included in this region?
Options:
A. Facial artery and submandibular gland
B. Includes the external jugular vein, posterior cervical lymph nodes, and
the accessory cranial nerve
C. Thyroid gland and recurrent laryngeal nerve
D. Common carotid artery and vagus nerve
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Correct Answer: B. Includes the external jugular vein, posterior
cervical lymph nodes, and the accessory cranial nerve
Rationale:
1. The posterior triangle is bounded by the sternocleidomastoid,
trapezius, and clavicle.
2. It contains the external jugular vein, spinal accessory nerve (CN XI),
and a chain of lymph nodes.
3. These structures are relevant for physical assessment and diagnosing
pathologies.
5: A nurse is assessing the anterior triangle of the neck. Which
structures are included in this region?
Options:
A. Includes the bifurcation of the common carotid artery; anterior cervical
lymph nodes; and the facial, glossopharyngeal, vagus, accessory, and
hypoglossal cranial nerves
B. Brachial plexus and subclavian artery
C. Parotid gland and facial nerve branches
D. Thoracic duct and phrenic nerve
Correct Answer: A. Includes the bifurcation of the common carotid
artery; anterior cervical lymph nodes; and the facial,
glossopharyngeal, vagus, accessory, and hypoglossal cranial nerves
Rationale:
1. The anterior triangle contains vital neurovascular structures.
2. Knowledge of its contents is essential for performing a safe and
thorough neck examination.
3. It is important for assessing lymph nodes and evaluating for masses or
carotid artery disease.
6: A nurse is assessing an infant's fontanels. When do they typically
ossify?
Options:
A. Posterior fontanel by 6 months, anterior by 18 months
B. Posterior fontanel usually closing by 2 months of age and the anterior
fontanel closing by 12 to 15 months of age.
C. Both close by 6 months