WEEK 6 MIDTERM EXAM ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT:
WALDEN UNIVERSITY (ALL 100 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS )
Question 1
When performing an abdominal assessment, the advanced practice nurse
should first:
A) Palpate for tenderness.
B) Percuss for organ borders.
C) Auscultate for bowel sounds.
D) Inspect the contour and skin.
E) Deeply palpate for masses.
Correct Answer: D) Inspect the contour and skin.
Rationale: The correct sequence for abdominal assessment is
Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, and then Palpation. Inspection
is always the initial step.
Question 2
A 68-year-old male client reports a sudden onset of "the worst headache of
my life." He has a history of hypertension. Upon examination, his vital signs
are BP 190/110 mmHg, HR 60 bpm, RR 18 bpm. Which neurological finding
would be most concerning for a potential subarachnoid hemorrhage?
A) Bilateral ptosis.
B) Positive Babinski reflex.
C) Nuchal rigidity.
D) Ataxia.
E) Tremors.
Correct Answer: C) Nuchal rigidity.
Rationale: "Worst headache of my life" is a classic symptom of
subarachnoid hemorrhage. Nuchal rigidity (stiff neck), often
accompanied by photophobia, is a common sign of meningeal
irritation caused by blood in the subarachnoid space.
Question 3
When assessing a client's pupillary response, the advanced practice nurse
notes that the pupils are unequal in size. This condition is termed:
A) Miosis.
B) Mydriasis.
C) Anisocoria.
D) Diplopia.
E) Nystagmus.
,Correct Answer: C) Anisocoria.
Rationale: Anisocoria is the medical term for unequal pupil size.
Miosis is pupil constriction, mydriasis is pupil dilation, diplopia is
double vision, and nystagmus is involuntary eye movement.
Question 4
A 45-year-old female client complains of chronic fatigue, weight gain, cold
intolerance, and constipation. On physical examination, the nurse
practitioner notes dry, coarse skin, periorbital edema, and a slow heart rate.
These findings are most consistent with:
A) Hyperthyroidism.
B) Addison's disease.
C) Cushing's syndrome.
D) Hypothyroidism.
E) Diabetes mellitus.
Correct Answer: D) Hypothyroidism.
Rationale: The constellation of symptoms (fatigue, weight gain, cold
intolerance, constipation) and physical findings (dry skin, edema,
bradycardia) are classic presentations of hypothyroidism due to a
decreased metabolic rate.
Question 5
When performing a focused cardiac assessment, the advanced practice
nurse palpates a thrill at the second intercostal space, right sternal border.
This finding is most likely associated with:
A) Mitral regurgitation.
B) Pulmonic stenosis.
C) Aortic stenosis.
D) Ventricular septal defect.
E) Tricuspid regurgitation.
Correct Answer: C) Aortic stenosis.
Rationale: A thrill felt at the second intercostal space, right sternal
border, is often associated with significant aortic stenosis, where
turbulent blood flow through the narrowed aortic valve creates a
palpable vibration.
Question 6
A client presents with sudden onset of severe, unilateral lower abdominal
pain, vaginal spotting, and a missed menstrual period. On pelvic
examination, the advanced practice nurse notes a tender adnexal mass. This
presentation is highly suspicious for:
, A) Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
B) Ovarian cyst rupture.
C) Appendicitis.
D) Ectopic pregnancy.
E) Urinary tract infection (UTI).
Correct Answer: D) Ectopic pregnancy.
Rationale: The classic triad of abdominal pain, amenorrhea (missed
period), and vaginal spotting, especially with a tender adnexal
mass, are red flags for an ectopic pregnancy, which is a life-
threatening emergency.
Question 7
During an ear examination, the advanced practice nurse uses an otoscope.
Which of the following findings would be considered normal for the tympanic
membrane?
A) Bulging and erythematous.
B) Retracted with absent light reflex.
C) Perforated with purulent drainage.
D) Pearly gray and translucent.
E) Opaque with air-fluid levels.
Correct Answer: D) Pearly gray and translucent.
Rationale: A healthy tympanic membrane is typically pearly gray,
translucent, and slightly concave, with a visible light reflex and
bony landmarks.
Question 8
Which of the following lung sounds is characterized by high-pitched, musical,
squeaking sounds, most commonly heard on expiration, and associated with
bronchoconstriction?
A) Rhonchi.
B) Crackles (rales).
C) Stridor.
D) Wheezes.
E) Pleural friction rub.
Correct Answer: D) Wheezes.
Rationale: Wheezes are high-pitched, whistling sounds caused by
narrowed airways, often heard in conditions like asthma or COPD.
Rhonchi are low-pitched, crackles are discrete non-musical sounds,
and stridor is a harsh, high-pitched inspiratory sound indicating
upper airway obstruction.