Free Practice Quiz Question List

3 Focused Physical Examination Online Quiz Questions

Use this free practice quiz with 20 questions to review 3 Focused Physical Examination, test your knowledge, and prepare for your next test or exam.

20 questions

True or false

1 point

True or false: Observation of a patient should continue throughout the examination, not stop when formal examination maneuvers begin.

A
True
B
False

True or false

1 point

True or false: If a vital-sign value is reassuring, it can be used to rule out deterioration even when the patient shows concerning signs.

A
True
B
False

Fill in the blank

1 point

When examining a patient with abdominal pain, begin palpation gently from the most painful area.

Fill in the blank

1 point

When documenting examination findings, include location, side, quality, and relevant .

Choose one

1 point

A patient’s symptoms and examination findings suggest the initial assessment may not cover the full concern. Which approach best reflects a focused physical examination?

A
Select techniques that address the clinical question, then expand or redirect the examination if findings or changes in condition call for it.
B
Complete every maneuver in a routine sequence before considering the patient's symptoms.
C
Limit the examination to the patient's main symptom, even if other findings or risk factors suggest a broader assessment.
D
Use the same examination sequence for every patient to ensure consistency.

Choose one

1 point

A patient being assessed for shortness of breath begins using more effort to breathe and becomes less alert. What is the most appropriate response?

A
Reassess only at the next scheduled interval if oxygen saturation is reassuring.
B
Give prompt clinical attention to increased work of breathing or a change in mental status.
C
Complete percussion and palpation before responding to any change in mental status.
D
Defer further assessment unless the patient reports chest pain.

True or false

1 point

True or false: Before a sensitive or intimate examination, explain the steps, obtain specific consent, and follow local chaperone and policy requirements.

A
True
B
False

Choose one

1 point

Which entry communicates respiratory examination findings most objectively?

A
The patient is breathing poorly.
B
The patient appears to have a serious respiratory problem.
C
Respiratory rate 26 breaths/min; using accessory muscles; speaks in short phrases; breath sounds present bilaterally.
D
The patient's breathing is abnormal.

Choose all

1 point

You are preparing a patient for a focused examination. Which actions are appropriate? Select all that apply.

A
Confirm the patient's identity before beginning.
B
Expose the whole body to avoid needing to adjust draping.
C
Explain the examination and obtain permission.
D
Ask about pain and mobility limits.
E
Use the same positioning and pace regardless of the patient's condition.
F
Provide privacy and expose only the area being examined.

Choose all

1 point

When communicating examination findings, which practices support clear, objective communication? Select all that apply.

A
Describe what was observed separately from what it may mean.
B
Replace specific findings with a broad label such as “abnormal.”
C
Include relevant location, side, quality, and measurements.
D
Present an uncertain interpretation as a confirmed finding.
E
Acknowledge uncertainty when it is present.

Open ended

1 point

A patient's symptoms worsen after an intervention. Describe what you should reassess, what comparisons and documentation are needed, and what to do if findings continue to worsen.

Written response

1 point

What two-word term describes the concern that the selected examination techniques should address?

Choose one

1 point

A patient with abdominal pain is stable enough for a focused examination. Which sequence follows the recommended order of abdominal examination techniques?

A
Inspect, palpate, auscultate, then percuss.
B
Inspect, auscultate, percuss, then palpate.
C
Auscultate, palpate, inspect, then percuss.
D
Percuss, inspect, palpate, then auscultate.

Choose one

1 point

A patient reports a new symptom, and the initial assessment reveals no other concerns. Which approach best reflects a focused physical examination?

A
Complete the same routine sequence for every patient before considering the concern.
B
Select maneuvers that address the immediate clinical question, then expand if findings or risk factors warrant it.
C
Limit the examination to the patient’s stated symptom, even if other findings are concerning.
D
Perform every available maneuver so the examination is comprehensive.

Choose one

1 point

A patient has limited mobility and says that one position increases their discomfort. What is the best way to proceed with a focused examination?

A
Continue with the standard position and pace so the findings can be compared with routine examinations.
B
Avoid asking about discomfort until all planned maneuvers are complete.
C
Ask about pain, mobility limits, and preferences, then adapt positioning and pace.
D
Examine the entire body before explaining the examination to avoid interrupting the sequence.

Written response

1 point

After inspecting a patient's abdomen, which examination technique is generally performed before percussion and palpation?

Choose one

1 point

Before conducting a sensitive or intimate examination, which action is appropriate?

A
Explain the steps, obtain specific consent, and follow local chaperone and policy requirements.
B
Proceed if the patient gave permission for the general examination, without explaining the steps.
C
Ask a chaperone to obtain consent while the clinician begins the examination.
D
Delay explaining the examination until after it is complete.

Choose one

1 point

A patient's pulse is elevated shortly after walking into the examination room. Which approach is best when interpreting the measurement?

A
Use the current measurement alone because it is the most recent value.
B
Compare the measurement only with a general reference range.
C
Ignore the measurement if the patient does not report symptoms.
D
Consider the measurement conditions and baseline along with the patient's symptoms, medications, activity, and trends.

Written response

1 point

During palpation, a patient's pain or distress increases. Name one appropriate action the examiner should take.

Written response

1 point

When examining a patient with a suspected limb injury, what should you avoid if it could aggravate the injury? Enter a concise phrase naming the action to avoid.