ATI RN
PN Vital Signs Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 30-year-old man presents with a complaint of frequent headaches. He describes them as severe and one-sided, lasting 30 minutes to an hour. He reports that the headaches are often associated with eye watering and nasal congestion. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Cluster headache. This is because the patient's symptoms of severe one-sided headaches lasting 30 minutes to an hour, associated with eye watering and nasal congestion, are classic features of cluster headaches. These headaches are often described as excruciating and occur in clusters or cycles. Other choices can be ruled out based on the specific characteristics of the headaches described. Migraines typically last longer, tension-type headaches are usually bilateral and milder in intensity, and sinus headaches are often associated with sinus infections which the patient does not present with.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is assessing a patient's abdomen and notes that the patient has a firm, non-tender mass. What is the next step in the assessment?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Refer the patient for imaging. When a nurse encounters a firm, non-tender mass in the abdomen, it is important to proceed with imaging to determine the nature of the mass. Imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI can provide valuable information about the size, location, and characteristics of the mass. This step is crucial in identifying the potential underlying causes of the mass, such as tumors, cysts, or other abnormalities. Option A is incorrect because percussion is not typically used to assess for fluid in a mass. Option B is incorrect as palpation may not be safe if the mass is suspected to be malignant. Option C is incorrect as auscultation for bowel sounds may not provide relevant information about the mass. The best course of action is to refer the patient for imaging to further evaluate the mass accurately.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is performing an abdominal assessment and detects a pulsatile mass in the midline of the abdomen. What condition is most likely associated with this finding?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Abdominal aortic aneurysm. The detection of a pulsatile mass in the midline of the abdomen is highly indicative of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. This is because the aorta runs in the midline of the abdomen, and an aneurysm in this area can present as a pulsatile mass. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because cholecystitis, pancreatitis, and gastritis do not typically present with a pulsatile mass in the midline of the abdomen.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is assessing a patient's heart sounds and notes that the patient has a S3 heart sound. What condition is most likely associated with this finding?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Heart failure. An S3 heart sound is often indicative of volume overload and impaired ventricular function, both of which are common in heart failure. The S3 sound occurs in early diastole when the ventricle is rapidly filling. In contrast, choices B, C, and D are not typically associated with S3 heart sounds. Mitral valve regurgitation causes a murmur, aortic stenosis causes a systolic murmur, and pulmonary embolism does not typically produce S3 heart sounds.
Question 5 of 5
96.0 to 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit is the normal temperature range of which age group?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Neonate, is correct because the normal body temperature range for newborns (birth to 28 days) is approximately 96.0°F to 99.5°F, depending on measurement site (e.g., axillary). Neonates have immature thermoregulation, leading to a slightly wider and lower range than adults. Toddler (1-3 years), typically has a range closer to 97.5°F-100.4°F. Adolescent, aligns with adult norms (97°F-99°F). Middle adult, also falls within 97°F-99°F, narrower than the neonate range. Neonates susceptibility to environmental changes and less efficient hypothalamus function explain this broader range. Clinical practice confirms 96.0°F-99.5°F as typical for neonates, especially in controlled settings like nurseries, making C the accurate answer based on pediatric physiology.