NR509 Advanced Physical Assessment Final Exam Quiz Bank | Chamberlain College | Latest 2021–2022 | Questions and Answers | Highly Rated

NR509 Advanced Physical Assessment
Final Exam Quiz Bank | Chamberlain
College | Latest 2021–2022 | Questions
and Answers | Highly Rated


This comprehensive quiz bank for the NR509 Advanced Physical Assessment Final Exam at
Chamberlain College contains 100 multiple-choice questions, reflecting the typical number in
final exams and quiz banks for the 2021/2022 curriculum (based on student resources and
practice exams). Questions cover head-to-toe assessment techniques, focused exams, clinical
reasoning, and special populations, aligned with Bates' Guide to Physical Examination and
History Taking (13th Edition, Bickley) and Chamberlain's NR509 objectives. Each question
includes four answer options (A–D), the correct answer marked with bold, and a short rationale
explaining why it is correct and why the other options are incorrect.



Question 1
What is the primary purpose of the general survey in a physical assessment?
A) To obtain a quick overview of the patient's overall health status
B) To perform a detailed organ system examination
C) To confirm specific diagnoses
D) To prescribe treatments based on symptoms

Correct Answer: A
Rationale : The general survey provides an initial impression of the patient's appearance,
behavior, and vital signs (Bickley, 13th Ed., Ch. 1). Option B is incorrect (detailed exam follows).
Option C is incorrect (diagnosis requires full assessment). Option D is incorrect (treatment after
diagnosis).



Question 2
During a head-to-toe assessment, which finding would prompt immediate intervention?
A) Mild bilateral pedal edema
B) Unilateral pupil dilation

,C) Normal S1 and S2 heart sounds
D) Symmetric deep tendon reflexes

Correct Answer: B
Rationale : Unilateral pupil dilation suggests increased intracranial pressure, a medical
emergency (Bickley, 13th Ed., Ch. 6). Option A is incorrect (common in elderly). Option C is
incorrect (normal). Option D is incorrect (normal).



Question 3
A 45-year-old male reports chest pain. What is the first step in the cardiovascular assessment?
A) Palpate the pulses
B) Auscultate heart sounds
C) Inspect the jugular veins
D) Perform an ECG

Correct Answer: A
Rationale : Palpation assesses pulse strength and rhythm, providing baseline data for chest pain
(Bickley, 13th Ed., Ch. 8). Option B is incorrect (follows palpation). Option C is incorrect
(secondary). Option D is incorrect (diagnostic, after initial assessment).



Question 4
What technique is used to assess for fluid in the pleural space?
A) Percussion for dullness
B) Auscultation for wheezes
C) Palpation for crepitus
D) Inspection for symmetry

Correct Answer: A
Rationale : Dullness to percussion indicates pleural effusion (Bickley, 13th Ed., Ch. 7). Option B
is incorrect (airway obstruction). Option C is incorrect (fracture). Option D is incorrect (normal
symmetry).



Question 5
In the abdominal exam, what is the purpose of light palpation?
A) Detect superficial tenderness
B) Assess organ size
C) Identify masses
D) Evaluate rebound tenderness

,Correct Answer: A
Rationale : Light palpation detects superficial tenderness or guarding (Bickley, 13th Ed., Ch. 9).
Option B is incorrect (deep palpation). Option C is incorrect (deep palpation). Option D is
incorrect (specific test).



Question 6
A patient has a positive Romberg test. What does this suggest?
A) Sensory dysfunction
B) Motor weakness
C) Cerebellar ataxia
D) Visual impairment

Correct Answer: A
Rationale : Romberg test assesses proprioception; positive indicates sensory dysfunction
(Bickley, 13th Ed., Ch. 10). Option B is incorrect (strength test). Option C is incorrect
(finger-to-nose). Option D is incorrect (eyes open).



Question 7
What is the normal range for deep tendon reflexes?
A) 0
B) 1+ to 2+
C) 3+
D) 4+

Correct Answer: B
Rationale : Normal reflexes are 1+ (diminished) to 2+ (average) (Bickley, 13th Ed., Ch. 10).
Option A is incorrect (absent). Option C is incorrect (brisk). Option D is incorrect (hyperactive).



Question 8
During a breast exam, what finding requires referral?
A) Dimpling of skin
B) Symmetric breasts
C) Mobile mass <1 cm
D) Nipple discharge in lactation

Correct Answer: A
Rationale : Skin dimpling suggests malignancy due to ligament shortening (Bickley, 13th Ed.,
Ch. 12). Option B is incorrect (normal). Option C is incorrect (benign). Option D is incorrect
(normal).

, Question 9
What is the Weber test used to assess?
A) Conductive vs. sensorineural hearing loss
B) Tinnitus
C) Vertigo
D) Ear canal patency

Correct Answer: A
Rationale : Weber test lateralizes sound to determine hearing loss type (Bickley, 13th Ed., Ch.
6). Option B is incorrect (subjective). Option C is incorrect (Dix-Hallpike). Option D is incorrect
(otoscopy).



Question 10
A patient has a positive straight leg raise test at 30 degrees. What does this indicate?
A) Lumbar radiculopathy
B) Hip joint pathology
C) Muscle strain
D) Spinal stenosis

Correct Answer: A
Rationale : Positive straight leg raise suggests lumbar nerve root irritation (Bickley, 13th Ed., Ch.
11). Option B is incorrect (hip flexion). Option C is incorrect (no pain). Option D is incorrect
(bilateral).



Question 11
What is the primary purpose of the otoscope in ear assessment?
A) Visualize the tympanic membrane
B) Measure hearing acuity
C) Test balance
D) Assess Eustachian tube function

Correct Answer: A
Rationale : Otoscope visualizes the ear canal and tympanic membrane (Bickley, 13th Ed., Ch.
6). Option B is incorrect (audiometry). Option C is incorrect (Romberg). Option D is incorrect
(swallowing test).



Question 12
In the musculoskeletal exam, what does the Phalen's test assess?