MSN Advanced Health Assessment

Question 1

When performing an abdominal assessment, which sequence of examination techniques is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation

Answer

Auscultation precedes palpation and percussion in abdominal assessment to avoid artificially altering bowel sounds.

Question 2

Which cranial nerves are primarily assessed when testing the gag reflex?

Accepted Answer

CN IX (Glossopharyngeal) and CN X (Vagus)

Answer

The gag reflex tests CN IX (afferent/sensory limb) and CN X (efferent/motor limb).

Question 3

Dullness on percussion over a lung field most commonly indicates which condition?

Accepted Answer

Consolidation or pleural effusion

Answer

Dull percussion notes result from fluid or solid tissue replacing air-filled lung, as occurs with consolidation or pleural effusion.

Question 4

The Allen test is performed prior to radial artery cannulation to assess:

Accepted Answer

Ulnar and radial artery collateral circulation patency

Answer

The Allen test confirms adequate ulnar collateral circulation before radial artery cannulation to prevent hand ischemia.

Question 5

A patient presents with a positive Phalen's test (wrist flexion for 60 seconds reproduces symptoms). This finding is most associated with:

Accepted Answer

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Answer

Phalen's test increases pressure within the carpal tunnel, reproducing median nerve compression symptoms characteristic of carpal tunnel syndrome.

MSN - Master Of Science In Nursing Degree Practice Test