ATI LPN
Fundamentals of Nursing Care: Concepts, Connections & Skills
Chapter 21 : Physical Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
You have auscultated fine crackles in both the right and left lower lobes in a postoperative patient. What is the longest period of time you should allow to pass before you auscultate the breath sounds again?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Crackles may indicate fluid overload or atelectasis, requiring reassessment within 1 hour to monitor changes.
Question 2 of 5
When lightly palpating the abdomen, you notice a pulsation midline. What is the most important thing to do?
Correct Answer: E
Rationale: A midline pulsation may indicate an abdominal aortic aneurysm; stopping palpation prevents potential rupture.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following are the most important respiratory findings on a postoperative patient several hours after she has returned to her room that need immediate attention?
Correct Answer: B,C,G
Rationale: Dyspnea, orthopnea, and cyanosis indicate respiratory distress, requiring immediate intervention.
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following landmarks are used in anterior chest auscultation of the breath sounds?
Correct Answer: C,D
Rationale: Anterior chest auscultation uses the midclavicular and midsternal lines as landmarks.
Question 5 of 5
At which posterior intercostal space are the lung bases located during full inspiration?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The lung bases extend to the 10th intercostal space posteriorly during full inspiration.