ATI RN
ATI Vital Signs Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 42-year-old patient of Asian descent is being seen at the clinic for an initial examination. The nurse knows that including cultural information in his health assessment is important to:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Provide culturally sensitive and appropriate care. It is crucial to include cultural information in the health assessment to ensure the patient receives care that respects their beliefs, values, and practices. This leads to better communication, trust, and adherence to treatment plans. Understanding the patient's cultural background helps healthcare providers tailor care to meet the individual's needs, preferences, and expectations. Options A and B focus on identifying illness causes and making accurate diagnoses, which are important but do not address the cultural aspect of care. Option C is not directly related to the importance of cultural information in health assessments.
Question 2 of 5
A 57-year-old maintenance worker comes to your office for evaluation of pain in his legs. He has smoked two packs per day since the age of 16, but he is otherwise healthy. You are concerned that he may have peripheral vascular disease. Which of the following is part of common or concerning symptoms for the peripheral vascular system?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Intermittent claudication. Intermittent claudication is a classic symptom of peripheral vascular disease, characterized by cramping leg pain that occurs with exertion and improves with rest. This is due to inadequate blood flow to the muscles during activity. In this case, the patient's history of smoking increases his risk for peripheral vascular disease. Choice B, chest pressure with exertion, is more indicative of cardiac issues like angina. Choice C, shortness of breath, is more associated with respiratory or cardiac conditions like heart failure. Choice D, knee pain, is not typically related to peripheral vascular disease but could be due to musculoskeletal issues.
Question 3 of 5
Which of these patients is most appropriate for the intensive care unit (ICU) charge nurse to assign to an RN who has floated from the medical unit?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because a patient with viral meningitis requiring IV antibiotics may have rapidly changing conditions that necessitate close monitoring and prompt intervention. The floated RN from the medical unit may have experience managing infectious diseases and IV medications. Choice B: The 23-year-old with a recent craniotomy is stable post-surgery and may not require immediate ICU-level care. Choice C: The 30-year-old with an ICP monitor after a head injury a week ago is likely stable and may not need the specialized care of the ICU. Choice D: The 61-year-old with increased ICP and hyperventilation therapy requires specialized care and expertise in managing neurocritical care, which the floated RN may not have.
Question 4 of 5
A client has clear fluid leaking from the nose following a basilar skull fracture. The nurse assesses that this is cerebrospinal fluid if the fluid:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) typically separates into concentric rings when placed on a white pad due to its high protein content. This phenomenon is known as the "halo sign." Additionally, CSF should test positive for glucose as it is a clear, colorless fluid that contains glucose. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because CSF is clear and tests positive for glucose, not negative. It is not typically bloody in appearance with a pH of 6, clumping together with a pH of 7, or showing any other characteristics mentioned in the incorrect choices.
Question 5 of 5
Which physical assessment finding is most indicative of fluid volume overload?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Peripheral edema. Peripheral edema is the accumulation of fluid in the extremities, indicating fluid volume overload. This is due to increased hydrostatic pressure in the capillaries. Dry mucous membranes (A) suggest dehydration, decreased skin turgor (B) is also a sign of dehydration, and postural hypotension (D) is often associated with hypovolemia. Peripheral edema is the most specific finding for fluid volume overload as it directly reflects an excess of fluid in the body.