Master Physical Exam Techniques: A Comprehensive Guide for Medical Assistants

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT recommended when performing percussion?

Accepted Answer

Percussing with excessive force.

Answer

Placing the index and middle fingers together and parallel on the skin.

Answer

Using a plexor to strike the fingers on the body surface.

Answer

Auscultating immediately after percussing.

Question 2

What is the main purpose of inspection during a physical examination?

Accepted Answer

To observe the patient's general appearance and symmetry

Answer

To collect subjective information from the patient

Answer

To listen to sounds produced within the body

Question 3

When performing palpation, which of the following should be avoided?

Accepted Answer

Exerting excessive pressure

Answer

Using your thumbs

Answer

Palpating in a circular motion

Answer

Using your fingertips

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of percussion in physical examination?

Accepted Answer

Determining the presence of fluid or air in a body cavity

Answer

Assessing the size and shape of an organ

Answer

Evaluating the consistency of a tissue

Answer

Detecting the presence of inflammation

Question 5

Which of the following findings indicates a positive Babinski reflex?

Accepted Answer

Extension of the toes

Answer

Flexion of the toes

Answer

Plantar flexion of the foot

Answer

Dorsiflexion of the foot

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a component of the physical examination sequence?

Accepted Answer

Formulation of a diagnosis

Answer

Inspection

Answer

Palpation

Answer

Percussion

Question 7

During palpation, which sense is predominantly used?

Accepted Answer

Touch

Answer

Sight

Answer

Hearing

Answer

Smell

Question 8

What type of lighting is optimal for skin inspection?

Accepted Answer

Natural lighting

Answer

Bright, direct lighting

Answer

Dim, indirect lighting

Answer

Ultraviolet lighting

Question 9

What is the purpose of utilizing a tuning fork during auscultation?

Accepted Answer

To enhance the audibility of specific body structures

Answer

To determine the presence of fluid or air in a body cavity

Answer

To measure the vibration frequency of a body part

Answer

To detect abnormalities in heart rhythm

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a primary physical examination technique?

Accepted Answer

Radiography

Answer

Inspection

Answer

Palpation

Answer

Auscultation

Question 11

When palpating, which hand movement is used to assess for organ texture and consistency?

Accepted Answer

Deep pressure

Answer

Light touch

Answer

Percussion

Answer

Auscultation

Question 12

What is the intended purpose of percussion in a physical examination?

Accepted Answer

To determine resonance and dullness of body structures

Answer

To assess organ size and shape

Answer

To evaluate fluid accumulation

Answer

To measure blood pressure

Question 13

Which of the following is a characteristic sign of tachycardia?

Accepted Answer

Heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute

Answer

Heart rate below 60 beats per minute

Answer

Irregular heart rate

Answer

Strong pulse

Question 14

What is the primary purpose of blood pressure measurement?

Accepted Answer

To detect hypertension

Answer

To assess cardiac function

Answer

To evaluate hydration status

Answer

To determine oxygen saturation

Question 15

What is the fundamental difference between auscultatory and oscillometric blood pressure measurement techniques?

Accepted Answer

Auscultatory uses a stethoscope while oscillometric uses an inflatable cuff

Answer

Oscillometric is generally more accurate than auscultatory

Answer

Auscultatory is preferred for low blood pressure readings

Answer

Oscillometric is less invasive than auscultatory

Question 16

Which of the following is the correct order for performing the four basic physical examination techniques?

Accepted Answer

Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation

Answer

Palpation, inspection, percussion, auscultation

Answer

Auscultation, percussion, palpation, inspection

Answer

Percussion, auscultation, inspection, palpation

Question 17

Which of the following is a characteristic of a normal heart sound?

Accepted Answer

Low-pitched, regular

Answer

High-pitched, irregular

Answer

Muffled, intermittent

Answer

Loud, chaotic

Question 18

What is the purpose of percussing a patient's chest?

Accepted Answer

To listen for sounds produced by the lungs

Answer

To feel for any abnormalities in the lungs

Answer

To determine the size and shape of the heart

Answer

To assess the patient's breathing pattern

Question 19

What is the primary purpose of palpation in a physical examination?

Accepted Answer

To assess the location, size, and consistency of organs or tissues.

Answer

To listen to sounds produced by the body.

Answer

To observe the skin for abnormalities.

Answer

To measure the body temperature.

Question 20

Which instrument is specifically used for auscultation?

Accepted Answer

Stethoscope

Answer

Ophthalmoscope

Answer

Sphygmomanometer

Answer

Thermometer

Question 21

Which of the following is NOT included in a comprehensive neurological examination?

Accepted Answer

Blood pressure measurement.

Answer

Mental status assessment.

Answer

Cranial nerve examination.

Answer

Sensory examination.

Question 22

Which of the following is NOT a primary technique used during a physical examination?

Accepted Answer

Aspiration

Answer

Inspection

Answer

Palpation

Answer

Auscultation

Question 23

What interpretation can be made from a tympanitic sound elicited during percussion?

Accepted Answer

Presence of air or gas

Answer

Presence of fluid

Answer

Presence of a solid mass

Answer

Cannot be determined from the given information

Question 24

Which of the following auscultatory findings is considered normal for a healthy heart?

Accepted Answer

S1 and S2 heart sounds only

Answer

Presence of murmurs

Answer

Presence of gallops

Answer

Presence of extra heart sounds

Question 25

Which of the following actions would violate patient confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Sharing the patient's personal information with family members or friends without their consent

Answer

Discussing a patient's medical history with other healthcare providers involved in their care

Answer

Documenting the patient's examination findings in their medical record

Answer

Reporting suspected cases of abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities

Question 26

Which physical examination technique is best for detecting pleural effusion?

Accepted Answer

Percussion

Answer

Inspection

Answer

Palpation

Answer

Auscultation

Question 27

Which of the following is the standard order for performing a physical examination?

Accepted Answer

Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation

Answer

Palpation, inspection, percussion, auscultation

Answer

Inspection, percussion, palpation, auscultation

Answer

Percussion, auscultation, inspection, palpation

Question 28

When using the stethoscope for auscultation, where is the diaphragm best placed for listening to heart sounds?

Accepted Answer

Over the apex of the heart

Answer

Over the base of the heart

Answer

Over the sternum

Answer

Over the carotid artery

Question 29

What is the primary purpose of percussion in physical examination?

Accepted Answer

To assess the density and air content of underlying structures

Answer

To elicit pain or tenderness

Answer

To auscultate breath sounds

Answer

To palpate the size and shape of organs

Question 30

What is the term used to describe the characteristic sound produced by tapping a resonant structure, such as the lung?

Accepted Answer

Resonance

Answer

Tympany

Answer

Dullness

Answer

Flatness

Question 31

When performing auscultation of the lungs, what is the most appropriate breathing pattern to ask the patient to use?

Accepted Answer

Slow, deep breaths

Answer

Fast, shallow breaths

Answer

Loud, forceful breaths

Answer

Holding their breath

Question 32

What is the correct order of steps for performing palpation?

Accepted Answer

Light palpation, deep palpation, ballottement

Answer

Deep palpation, light palpation, percussion

Answer

Deep palpation, percussion, light palpation

Answer

Percussion, palpation, auscultation

Question 33

How does resonance differ from hyperresonance in terms of sound characteristics when performing percussion?

Accepted Answer

Resonance is a low-pitched, hollow sound, while hyperresonance is a high-pitched, booming sound.

Answer

Resonance is a high-pitched, hollow sound, while hyperresonance is a low-pitched, booming sound.

Answer

There is no difference between resonance and hyperresonance.

Answer

Hyperresonance is a normal finding, while resonance is abnormal.

Question 34

What does pitting edema indicate when observed during physical examination?

Accepted Answer

Increased permeability of capillary membranes

Answer

Dehydration

Answer

Normal finding in elderly patients

Answer

High level of protein in the blood

Question 35

Which of the following is not considered a type of palpation technique?

Accepted Answer

Percussion

Answer

Light palpation

Answer

Deep palpation

Answer

Ballottement

Question 36

When palpating a lymph node, which technique is appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Use the fingertips with gentle pressure

Answer

Use the side of the hand with firm pressure

Answer

Use the palm of the hand with moderate pressure

Answer

Press firmly on the node with the fingertips

Question 37

In percussion, which sound indicates consolidation in the lungs?

Accepted Answer

Dull

Answer

Hyperresonant

Answer

Tympanic

Answer

Resonant

Question 38

To auscultate bowel sounds effectively, where should the stethoscope be placed?

Accepted Answer

In all four quadrants of the abdomen

Answer

Over the umbilicus exclusively

Answer

Over the ileocecal valve only

Answer

In the lower right quadrant alone

Question 39

What is the primary purpose of using a tuning fork in physical examination?

Accepted Answer

To evaluate bone conduction

Answer

To amplify auscultatory findings

Answer

To measure blood pressure

Answer

To test reflexes

Question 40

Which of the following is a clinical manifestation of crepitation?

Accepted Answer

Crackling or popping sounds

Answer

Dullness to percussion

Answer

Increased vocal resonance

Answer

Absent breath sounds

Question 41

What is the clinical significance of a positive Homans' sign?

Accepted Answer

Potential indication of deep vein thrombosis

Answer

Indication of pulmonary embolism

Answer

Indication of muscle strain

Answer

Indication of fractured bone

Question 42

Which technique is NOT considered one of the primary physical examination methods?

Accepted Answer

Measurement

Answer

Inspection

Answer

Palpation

Answer

Percussion

Question 43

During auscultation, what term describes a rhythmic, repetitive sound?

Accepted Answer

Murmur

Answer

Crackles

Answer

Wheezes

Answer

Rhonchi

Question 44

Which order represents the correct progression of palpation techniques?

Accepted Answer

Light, medium, deep

Answer

Deep, medium, light

Answer

Medium, deep, light

Answer

Light, deep, medium

Question 45

Upon percussion, what is the expected finding for a healthy lung?

Accepted Answer

Resonance

Answer

Dullness

Answer

Hyperresonance

Answer

Tympany

Question 46

Which of the following is an indication of jugular vein distension?

Accepted Answer

Elevated neck veins while sitting upright

Answer

Elevated neck veins while lying down

Answer

Prominent carotid pulse

Answer

Enlarged liver

Question 47

What is the main purpose of inspection during a physical examination?

Accepted Answer

To observe abnormalities in color, shape, movement, and size

Answer

To detect tenderness, swelling, or masses

Answer

To listen for body sounds

Answer

To measure vital signs

Question 48

Which of the following is NOT a type of percussion technique?

Accepted Answer

Auscultatory

Answer

Direct

Answer

Indirect

Answer

Immediate

Question 49

What is the recommended procedure for abdominal palpation?

Accepted Answer

Apply gentle pressure while palpating for masses or tenderness

Answer

Place one hand on the abdomen and use the other to palpate

Answer

Use both hands to palpate deeply into the abdomen

Answer

Move your hands in a circular motion during palpation

Question 50

Which of the following physical examination techniques involves observing the patient's body to assess its size, shape, and color?

Accepted Answer

Inspection

Answer

Palpation

Answer

Percussion

Answer

Auscultation

Question 51

When performing palpation, what is the appropriate sequence of movements to follow?

Accepted Answer

Light to deep palpation

Answer

Deep to light palpation

Answer

Circular to linear palpation

Answer

Linear to circular palpation

Question 52

What is the primary purpose of performing percussion during a physical examination?

Accepted Answer

To elicit sounds that indicate the characteristics of underlying structures

Answer

To determine the size and location of organs

Answer

To evaluate the consistency and elasticity of tissues

Answer

To listen for heart and lung sounds

Question 53

Which breath sound is considered normal when auscultating the lungs?

Accepted Answer

Vesicular

Answer

Bronchial

Answer

Friction rub

Answer

Wheeze

Question 54

What is a positive Babinski reflex indicative of?

Accepted Answer

Extension of the big toe and fanning of the other toes

Answer

Flexion of the big toe and curling of the other toes

Answer

Absence of big toe movement

Answer

Inversion of the foot

Question 55

What is the primary purpose of the Romberg test?

Accepted Answer

To assess balance and coordination

Answer

To evaluate muscle strength

Answer

To test deep tendon reflexes

Answer

To assess cerebellar function

Question 56

Which tool is specifically designed for listening to sounds produced within the body, such as heartbeats or breath sounds?

Accepted Answer

Stethoscope

Answer

Otoscope

Answer

Sphygmomanometer

Question 57

During a physical examination, which sequence of techniques is typically followed?

Accepted Answer

Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation

Answer

Palpation, inspection, auscultation, percussion

Answer

Auscultation, percussion, inspection, palpation

Answer

Percussion, auscultation, palpation, inspection

Question 58

Which examination technique involves gently tapping the body to create sound vibrations that can reveal information about underlying structures?

Accepted Answer

Percussion

Answer

Inspection

Answer

Palpation

Question 59

During inspection, what is the primary focus of observation?

Accepted Answer

Visual characteristics, such as color, shape, and texture

Answer

Texture and temperature of body tissues

Answer

Sounds produced by the body

Answer

Pain or discomfort experienced by the patient

Question 60

Which body region is typically excluded from palpation during a physical examination?

Accepted Answer

Cervical spine

Answer

Heart

Answer

Lungs

Answer

Abdomen

Question 61

To accurately assess skin temperature during a physical examination, which technique is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Palpation

Answer

Percussion

Answer

Inspection

Question 62

Which of the following techniques is excluded from the basic physical examination techniques?

Accepted Answer

Biopsy

Answer

Inspection

Answer

Palpation

Answer

Auscultation

Question 63

During auscultation, which instrument is used to amplify and interpret internal body sounds?

Accepted Answer

Stethoscope

Answer

Otoscope

Answer

Ophthalmoscope

Answer

Sphygmomanometer

Question 64

What is the purpose of percussion in a physical examination?

Accepted Answer

To assess organ size and density

Answer

To determine fluid accumulation in the lungs

Answer

To evaluate muscle tone

Answer

To detect nerve damage