Exam 3: Techniques and Equipment for Physical Assessment

What tool does the nurse use to assess the patient's near vision?

A patient has been complaining of abdominal cramping and gas; the nurse notes that his abdomen is slightly distended. Which sound does the nurse expect to hear during percussion of this patient's abdomen?

Which explanation is most appropriate for a nurse preparing to palpate a patient's neck?

A patient is complaining of pain over the maxillary sinuses. Which device does the nurse use to determine if there is air or fluid in the patient's sinuses?

How does the nurse detect an extra heart sound in an adult?

Where does the nurse attach the sensor probe of the pulse oximeter to measure an adult patient's oxygen saturation?

How does the nurse detect a pulse when using a Doppler?

When does a nurse use a Pederson or Graves speculum for examination of a patient?

How does the nurse perform the bimanual technique of palpation to assess organs?

Using an ophthalmoscope, how does the nurse bring a patient's interior eye structures into focus?

A nurse suspects that a large skin lesion on the patient's forearm is a fungal infection. Which device does the nurse use to confirm his suspicion?

A nurse is preparing to assess a patient's ability to detect vibrations. Which piece of equipment is appropriate for this assessment?

What is the most important nursing action to reduce transmission of microorganisms prior to initiation of the physical assessment?

Which action by the nurse describes the correct technique for using an otoscope on an adult?

The nurse is unable to hear the patient's breath sounds. What checks does the nurse make of the stethoscope to determine the cause of this problem?

While assessing a patient's lower extremities, the nurse suspects the lower extremities feel cooler than the upper extremities. To confirm this suspicion, how does the nurse compare the temperatures of the lower extremities with the upper extremities?

How does a nurse assess for fluid in a patient's abdomen?

Which nurse is performing the technique of light palpation appropriately?

When does a nurse choose to use skinfold calipers when collecting assessment data?

The nurse is using the Snellen chart to assess a patient's vision. The patient states that the green line on the chart is shorter than the red line. What is the interpretation of this finding?