ATI RN
Chapter 12 Vital Signs Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 52-year-old man presents with a complaint of chest pain. The pain is crushing and radiates to his left arm. He has a history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus. His vital signs are as follows: BP 150/90 mm Hg, pulse 105 bpm, and respiratory rate 20 breaths/min. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most likely diagnosis for the 52-year-old man presenting with crushing chest pain radiating to his left arm, along with a history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus, is myocardial infarction (MI). The elevated blood pressure and pulse rate are indicative of the heart's increased workload and potential cardiac compromise. The classic presentation of chest pain radiating to the left arm suggests cardiac involvement. MI is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Angina is a possibility but is less likely given the severity and duration of the pain. Aortic dissection typically presents with severe tearing chest pain and different vital sign abnormalities. Pulmonary embolism usually presents with sudden onset shortness of breath and tachypnea, not crushing chest pain.
Question 2 of 5
A 50-year-old woman with a history of alcohol use presents with jaundice, abdominal pain, and ascites. Her serum bilirubin and liver enzymes are elevated. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most likely diagnosis is C: Cirrhosis. This is supported by the patient's history of alcohol use, jaundice, elevated bilirubin and liver enzymes, abdominal pain, and ascites. Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease often caused by excessive alcohol consumption, leading to liver damage and dysfunction. The other choices are less likely as chronic pancreatitis typically presents with pancreatic enzyme abnormalities, hepatitis presents with viral infection symptoms, and cholecystitis presents with gallbladder inflammation symptoms.
Question 3 of 5
During an abdominal examination, the nurse hears high-pitched, tinkling bowel sounds. What is the most likely cause of this finding?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The high-pitched, tinkling bowel sounds indicate hyperperistalsis in response to bowel obstruction, leading to air and fluid passing through the narrowed area. This finding is consistent with option B, gastrointestinal obstruction. Normal peristalsis (option A) would present with regular, rhythmic bowel sounds. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (option C) is unrelated to bowel sounds and presents with heartburn and regurgitation. Diverticulitis (option D) typically presents with localized tenderness and pain in the lower left abdomen, not high-pitched bowel sounds. Therefore, the correct answer is B due to the characteristic bowel sound associated with gastrointestinal obstruction.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is assessing a patient's cranial nerve function and asks the patient to stick out their tongue. Which cranial nerve is being tested?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Cranial nerve XII (hypoglossal nerve). When the nurse asks the patient to stick out their tongue, they are testing the function of the hypoglossal nerve, which innervates the muscles responsible for tongue movement. Cranial nerve X (vagus nerve) is responsible for various functions such as swallowing and speech. Cranial nerve VII (facial nerve) controls facial expressions. Cranial nerve IX (glossopharyngeal nerve) is involved in taste sensation and swallowing. Therefore, the hypoglossal nerve is specifically responsible for tongue movement, making it the correct answer in this context.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is performing a neurological assessment and asks the patient to touch their nose with their finger and then touch the nurse's finger. Which aspect of neurological function is being tested?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cerebellar function and coordination. This task, known as the finger-to-nose test, assesses the coordination and accuracy of movements controlled by the cerebellum. When the patient is asked to touch their nose and then the nurse's finger, any inaccuracies or tremors in movement indicate cerebellar dysfunction. Choice B is incorrect as cranial nerve function is not specifically tested in this task. Choice C is incorrect as proprioception, the sense of body position and movement, is not the primary focus of this test. Choice D is incorrect as memory is not being directly assessed in this task.