ATI RN
Vital Signs Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 25-year-old woman presents with a complaint of a new onset of pain and swelling in her left knee. She has a history of psoriasis. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Psoriatic arthritis. The patient's history of psoriasis is a key clue. Psoriatic arthritis commonly affects individuals with psoriasis, presenting with joint pain and swelling. Rheumatoid arthritis (choice A) typically affects multiple joints symmetrically. Osteoarthritis (choice B) is more common in older individuals and does not have a strong association with psoriasis. Gout (choice D) is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, usually in the joint at the base of the big toe, and is not typically associated with psoriasis.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is assessing a patient for signs of dehydration. Which finding is most indicative of dehydration?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, dry mouth and tongue. Dehydration often leads to decreased saliva production, resulting in a dry mouth and tongue. This is a more specific and direct sign of dehydration compared to the other choices. Increased skin turgor (choice A) is a sign of dehydration but can be influenced by other factors. Bounding pulse (choice C) is a sign of fluid overload, not dehydration. Moist mucous membranes (choice D) are a normal finding and not indicative of dehydration. Overall, dry mouth and tongue are the most specific and reliable indicators of dehydration in a patient assessment.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is performing a cardiovascular assessment and palpates the apical pulse. What is the normal location of the apical pulse?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Fifth intercostal space, midclavicular line. This is where the apex of the heart is located, making it the normal position to palpate the apical pulse. Palpating at the second intercostal space (A) would be locating the aortic area, not the apical pulse. The fourth intercostal space (C) is where the tricuspid valve is auscultated, not where the apical pulse is palpated. The sixth intercostal space (D) is closer to the location of the mitral valve, but it is not the precise location of the apical pulse.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is performing a neurological assessment and observes that the patient has difficulty with rapid alternating movements. What condition does this finding suggest?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cerebellar dysfunction. Difficulty with rapid alternating movements is a classic sign of cerebellar dysfunction due to the cerebellum's role in coordinating smooth and coordinated movements. This finding suggests impairment in the cerebellum's ability to control motor function, leading to problems with coordination and rapid movements. Peripheral neuropathy (B) primarily affects sensory and motor functions in the peripheral nervous system, not specifically rapid alternating movements. Motor weakness (C) refers to a generalized decrease in muscle strength and is not specific to rapid alternating movements. An upper motor neuron lesion (D) typically presents with spasticity and weakness but does not specifically affect rapid alternating movements as seen in cerebellar dysfunction.
Question 5 of 5
An adult blood pressure reading of 120/80 mm Hg is:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A blood pressure reading of 120/80 mm Hg is considered normal according to widely accepted medical guidelines, such as those from the American Heart Association. The systolic pressure (120 mm Hg) represents the force when the heart contracts, and the diastolic pressure (80 mm Hg) reflects the pressure when the heart is at rest. Normal blood pressure is typically defined as systolic less than 120 mm Hg and diastolic less than 80 mm Hg, making Normal, correct. Prehypertension, applies to readings like 120-129/<80 mm Hg, but 120/80 exceeds this slightly yet remains within normal limits in many contexts. Hypotensive, indicates low blood pressure (e.g., below 90/60 mm Hg), which 120/80 clearly is not. Hypertensive, refers to high blood pressure (e.g., 130/80 mm Hg or higher), which this reading does not meet. Therefore, C is the accurate answer based on standard classifications.