ATI RN
Neurological Vital Signs Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 50-year-old man presents with a complaint of abdominal pain and vomiting. He has a history of alcohol use and liver disease. On examination, he has jaundice and ascites. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most likely diagnosis is B: Cirrhosis. The patient's history of alcohol use and liver disease, along with symptoms of jaundice and ascites, strongly suggest cirrhosis. Alcohol is a common cause of cirrhosis, leading to liver damage and subsequent complications. Jaundice and ascites are classic signs of advanced liver disease. Chronic pancreatitis (choice A) typically presents with different symptoms such as persistent abdominal pain radiating to the back. Hepatitis (choice C) would present with symptoms like fatigue, nausea, and jaundice but wouldn't typically cause ascites. Gallstones (choice D) could cause abdominal pain and vomiting, but jaundice and ascites are less likely in this scenario.
Question 2 of 5
A 55-year-old woman presents with difficulty walking and reports a feeling of 'pins and needles' in her legs. She has a history of diabetes mellitus. On examination, she has decreased sensation in the lower extremities and absent ankle reflexes. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Peripheral neuropathy. Given the patient's age, symptoms, history of diabetes mellitus, decreased sensation in lower extremities, and absent ankle reflexes, peripheral neuropathy is the most likely diagnosis. Peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes and presents with sensory symptoms like 'pins and needles,' decreased sensation, and loss of reflexes. Multiple sclerosis (B) typically presents with symptoms that involve the central nervous system and often presents with visual disturbances and muscle weakness. Spinal cord compression (C) typically presents with symptoms like weakness and sensory changes in specific dermatomal patterns, which are not consistent with the patient's presentation. Parkinson's disease (D) presents with motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia, which are not seen in this patient.
Question 3 of 5
During a respiratory assessment, the nurse observes that the patient has bilateral crackles on inspiration. What is the most likely cause of this finding?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The presence of bilateral crackles on inspiration suggests fluid in the lungs, which is characteristic of pulmonary edema. Pulmonary fibrosis is associated with fine, late inspiratory crackles. Pneumonia typically presents with focal crackles in the affected area. Asthma is characterized by wheezing rather than crackles. Therefore, the correct answer is B as it aligns with the clinical presentation of bilateral crackles on inspiration in pulmonary edema.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is performing a cardiovascular assessment and notes that the patient has a bounding pulse. What condition is most likely associated with this finding?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hypervolemia. A bounding pulse is characterized by a strong and forceful heartbeat, which is typically associated with an increased volume of blood in the circulatory system. In hypervolemia, there is an excess of fluid in the blood vessels, leading to increased pressure and volume, resulting in a bounding pulse. Hypovolemia (choice A) is characterized by decreased blood volume and would not cause a bounding pulse. Aortic stenosis (choice C) is a narrowing of the aortic valve that leads to reduced blood flow from the heart and would not typically result in a bounding pulse. Bradycardia (choice D) is a slow heart rate and is not directly related to the strength or forcefulness of the pulse.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is performing a cardiovascular assessment and notes that the patient has a weak and thready pulse. What is the most likely cause of this finding?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: A weak and thready pulse indicates poor perfusion due to decreased blood volume. Step 2: Hypovolemia refers to low blood volume, leading to a weak pulse. Step 3: Hypervolemia is an excess of blood volume, which would not cause a weak pulse. Step 4: Aortic stenosis affects the heart valves, not directly causing a weak pulse. Step 5: Peripheral artery disease results in decreased blood flow to extremities, not affecting the pulse in general. Conclusion: The correct answer is A (Hypovolemia) because it directly correlates with the presentation of a weak and thready pulse, while the other choices are not the primary cause of this finding.