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NR 509 SHADOW HEALTH PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT – TEST
BANK 2025/2026 EDITION: COMPLETE PRACTICE QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS FOR ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT,
NURSING CLINICAL SKILLS REVIEW, AND GRADUATE
NURSING EXAM PREPARATION GUIDE,100% CORRECT,
ALREADY GRADED A+
Question 1
Which technique is correct for assessing a patient’s carotid arteries?
A. Palpate both carotids simultaneously
B. Palpate one carotid at a time
C. Auscultate carotids while patient holds breath
D. Percuss the carotid arteries
Correct Answer: B. Palpate one carotid at a time
Rationale: Simultaneous palpation may decrease cerebral blood flow,
causing dizziness or syncope. Always palpate one side at a time.
Reference: Jarvis, C. (2023). Physical Examination & Health Assessment
(8th ed.). Elsevier.
Question 2
During a physical assessment, the nurse notes a patient’s jugular vein
distention (JVD) at 45°. What does this indicate?
A. Normal finding
B. Increased central venous pressure
C. Dehydration
D. Bradycardia
Correct Answer: B. Increased central venous pressure
Rationale: JVD at >30° indicates elevated right atrial pressure, often seen in
heart failure.
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Reference: Bickley, L. S. (2024). Bates' Guide to Physical Examination and
History Taking.
Question 3
Which technique is appropriate for lung auscultation?
A. Percuss first, then inspect, then auscultate
B. Inspect, palpate, percuss, then auscultate
C. Palpate, percuss, auscultate, inspect
D. Auscultate before inspection
Correct Answer: B. Inspect, palpate, percuss, then auscultate
Rationale: Standard sequence ensures abnormalities are detected
systematically and safely.
Reference: Jarvis, 2023.
Question 4
When assessing the abdomen, the nurse should:
A. Percuss tender areas first
B. Auscultate before palpation
C. Palpate before auscultation
D. Start palpation at the left lower quadrant
Correct Answer: B. Auscultate before palpation
Rationale: Palpation can alter bowel sounds; always auscultate first.
Reference: Bickley, 2024.
Question 5
A patient presents with unilateral lower extremity swelling. Which
assessment is most important?
A. Assess capillary refill
B. Measure circumference of both legs
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C. Inspect for hair growth
D. Check ankle pulses
Correct Answer: B. Measure circumference of both legs
Rationale: Comparing both legs helps determine edema severity and
symmetry, which may indicate DVT or heart failure.
Reference: Jarvis, 2023.
Question 6
Which statement best describes the proper technique for assessing cranial
nerve II (optic)?
A. Ask the patient to shrug shoulders
B. Assess visual acuity and visual fields by confrontation
C. Test tongue movement
D. Observe facial symmetry
Correct Answer: B. Assess visual acuity and visual fields by confrontation
Rationale: Cranial nerve II controls vision; confrontation test screens visual
fields.
Reference: Bickley, 2024.
Question 7
During a neurological exam, the nurse tests rapid alternating movements
(RAM). Which assessment is this?
A. Cerebellar function
B. Sensory function
C. Cranial nerve function
D. Reflexes
Correct Answer: A. Cerebellar function
Rationale: RAM tests coordination and motor planning controlled by the
cerebellum.
Reference: Jarvis, 2023.
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Question 8
When assessing heart sounds, S1 is best heard at:
A. Base of the heart
B. Apex of the heart
C. Left upper sternal border
D. Right upper sternal border
Correct Answer: B. Apex of the heart
Rationale: S1 corresponds to closure of mitral/tricuspid valves; best heard
at apex.
Reference: Bickley, 2024.
Question 9
A patient demonstrates diminished breath sounds at the right lower lobe.
Which condition is most likely?
A. Pneumothorax
B. Atelectasis
C. Bronchitis
D. Asthma
Correct Answer: B. Atelectasis
Rationale: Collapse of alveoli reduces air entry → diminished breath
sounds in the affected lobe.
Reference: Jarvis, 2023.
Question 10
Which intervention helps ensure accurate blood pressure measurement?
A. Place cuff over clothing
B. Support patient’s arm at heart level
C. Measure immediately after exercise
D. Use a cuff one size smaller than needed
NR 509 SHADOW HEALTH PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT – TEST
BANK 2025/2026 EDITION: COMPLETE PRACTICE QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS FOR ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT,
NURSING CLINICAL SKILLS REVIEW, AND GRADUATE
NURSING EXAM PREPARATION GUIDE,100% CORRECT,
ALREADY GRADED A+
Question 1
Which technique is correct for assessing a patient’s carotid arteries?
A. Palpate both carotids simultaneously
B. Palpate one carotid at a time
C. Auscultate carotids while patient holds breath
D. Percuss the carotid arteries
Correct Answer: B. Palpate one carotid at a time
Rationale: Simultaneous palpation may decrease cerebral blood flow,
causing dizziness or syncope. Always palpate one side at a time.
Reference: Jarvis, C. (2023). Physical Examination & Health Assessment
(8th ed.). Elsevier.
Question 2
During a physical assessment, the nurse notes a patient’s jugular vein
distention (JVD) at 45°. What does this indicate?
A. Normal finding
B. Increased central venous pressure
C. Dehydration
D. Bradycardia
Correct Answer: B. Increased central venous pressure
Rationale: JVD at >30° indicates elevated right atrial pressure, often seen in
heart failure.
,2|Page
Reference: Bickley, L. S. (2024). Bates' Guide to Physical Examination and
History Taking.
Question 3
Which technique is appropriate for lung auscultation?
A. Percuss first, then inspect, then auscultate
B. Inspect, palpate, percuss, then auscultate
C. Palpate, percuss, auscultate, inspect
D. Auscultate before inspection
Correct Answer: B. Inspect, palpate, percuss, then auscultate
Rationale: Standard sequence ensures abnormalities are detected
systematically and safely.
Reference: Jarvis, 2023.
Question 4
When assessing the abdomen, the nurse should:
A. Percuss tender areas first
B. Auscultate before palpation
C. Palpate before auscultation
D. Start palpation at the left lower quadrant
Correct Answer: B. Auscultate before palpation
Rationale: Palpation can alter bowel sounds; always auscultate first.
Reference: Bickley, 2024.
Question 5
A patient presents with unilateral lower extremity swelling. Which
assessment is most important?
A. Assess capillary refill
B. Measure circumference of both legs
,3|Page
C. Inspect for hair growth
D. Check ankle pulses
Correct Answer: B. Measure circumference of both legs
Rationale: Comparing both legs helps determine edema severity and
symmetry, which may indicate DVT or heart failure.
Reference: Jarvis, 2023.
Question 6
Which statement best describes the proper technique for assessing cranial
nerve II (optic)?
A. Ask the patient to shrug shoulders
B. Assess visual acuity and visual fields by confrontation
C. Test tongue movement
D. Observe facial symmetry
Correct Answer: B. Assess visual acuity and visual fields by confrontation
Rationale: Cranial nerve II controls vision; confrontation test screens visual
fields.
Reference: Bickley, 2024.
Question 7
During a neurological exam, the nurse tests rapid alternating movements
(RAM). Which assessment is this?
A. Cerebellar function
B. Sensory function
C. Cranial nerve function
D. Reflexes
Correct Answer: A. Cerebellar function
Rationale: RAM tests coordination and motor planning controlled by the
cerebellum.
Reference: Jarvis, 2023.
, 4|Page
Question 8
When assessing heart sounds, S1 is best heard at:
A. Base of the heart
B. Apex of the heart
C. Left upper sternal border
D. Right upper sternal border
Correct Answer: B. Apex of the heart
Rationale: S1 corresponds to closure of mitral/tricuspid valves; best heard
at apex.
Reference: Bickley, 2024.
Question 9
A patient demonstrates diminished breath sounds at the right lower lobe.
Which condition is most likely?
A. Pneumothorax
B. Atelectasis
C. Bronchitis
D. Asthma
Correct Answer: B. Atelectasis
Rationale: Collapse of alveoli reduces air entry → diminished breath
sounds in the affected lobe.
Reference: Jarvis, 2023.
Question 10
Which intervention helps ensure accurate blood pressure measurement?
A. Place cuff over clothing
B. Support patient’s arm at heart level
C. Measure immediately after exercise
D. Use a cuff one size smaller than needed
