ATI RN
Physical Assessment Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 19-year-old college sophomore comes to the clinic for evaluation of joint pains. The student has been back from spring break for 2 weeks; during her holiday, she went camping. She notes that she had a red spot, shaped like a target, but then it started spreading, and then the joint pains started. She used insect repellant but was in an area known to have ticks. She has never been sick and takes no medications routinely; she has never been sexually active. What is the most likely cause of her joint pain?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The most likely cause of the 19-year-old college sophomore's joint pain is Lyme disease. The presentation of a red spot shaped like a target (erythema migrans) that spreads, along with joint pain, is classic for Lyme disease. Additionally, the history of camping in an area known to have ticks and the history of using insect repellent support the likelihood of a tick-borne illness like Lyme disease.
Question 2 of 5
The following information is recorded in the health history: "The patient completed 8th grade. He currently lives with his wife and two children. He works on old cars on the weekend. He works in a glass factory during the week." Which category does it belong to?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The information provided pertains to the patient's educational background, living situation, family status, and work activities. This type of information falls under the personal and social history category, as it provides important context about the patient's lifestyle, living conditions, and social support network. Personal and social history is essential for understanding the patient's overall well-being and can impact their health and healthcare needs.
Question 3 of 5
A 15-year-old high school sophomore comes to the clinic for evaluation of a 3-week history of sneezing; itchy, watery eyes; clear nasal discharge; ear pain; and nonproductive cough. Which is the most likely pathologic process?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The symptoms described, such as sneezing, itchy watery eyes, clear nasal discharge, ear pain, and nonproductive cough, are classic signs of allergic rhinitis, commonly known as seasonal allergies. Allergic rhinitis is an inflammatory response triggered by allergens in the environment such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. The immune system overreacts to these allergens, releasing histamine and other chemicals that cause the symptoms experienced by the patient. In this case, the most likely pathologic process underlying the symptoms is an allergic response rather than infection, inflammation, or vascular issues.
Question 4 of 5
Jason is a 41-year-old electrician who presents to the clinic for evaluation of shortness of breath. The shortness of breath occurs with exertion and improves with rest. It has been going on for several months and initially occurred only a couple of times a day with strenuous exertion; however, it has started to occur with minimal exertion and is happening more than a dozen times per day. The shortness of breath lasts for less than 5 minutes at a time. He has no cough, chest pressure, chest pain, swelling in his feet, palpitations, orthopnea, or paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. Which of the following symptom attributes was not addressed in this description?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: While the description provides information about the duration, frequency, onset, and relieving factors of Jason's shortness of breath, it does not mention the severity of the symptom. Severity refers to the intensity or degree of the symptom, such as mild, moderate, or severe. In this case, we do not have information about how Jason would rate the severity of his shortness of breath. It can be an important attribute to consider when assessing the impact of the symptom on the individual's quality of life and the potential urgency of intervention.
Question 5 of 5
When you enter your patient's examination room, his wife is waiting there with him. Which of the following is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most appropriate action in this situation is to ask the patient if it's okay to carry out the visit with both people in the room. This shows respect for the patient's autonomy and privacy. Some patients may feel more comfortable discussing personal information without a family member present, while others may prefer having their spouse or family member involved in the conversation. By asking for the patient's preference, you are ensuring that they have the opportunity to control who is present during the consultation and are upholding their right to confidentiality.