ATI RN
Assess Vital Signs Rationale Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 65-year-old patient is experiencing pain in his left calf when he exercises that disappears after resting for a few minutes. The nurse recognizes that this description is most consistent with _____ the left leg.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Ischemia caused by a partial blockage of an artery supplying the left leg. In this scenario, the patient experiences pain in the left calf during exercise, which is relieved by resting, suggesting intermittent claudication. This is typically caused by partial blockage of an artery, leading to reduced blood flow and oxygen supply to the muscles during exercise. Venous obstruction (A) and claudication due to venous abnormalities (B) are related to issues in the venous system, not arterial supply. Ischemia due to complete arterial blockage (D) would result in more severe and constant pain, not relieved by resting.
Question 2 of 5
You are interviewing an elderly woman in the ambulatory setting and trying to get more information about her urinary symptoms. Which of the following techniques is not a component of adaptive questioning?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because reassuring the patient that urinary symptoms are benign and not related to cancer is not a component of adaptive questioning. Adaptive questioning involves adjusting the questioning technique based on the patient's responses to gather more information effectively. Reassurance may prematurely close the conversation or influence the patient's responses. Directed questioning (A) is a component of adaptive questioning as it helps gather information systematically. Offering multiple choices (C) helps clarify the patient's symptoms. Asking the patient to explain further (D) is also a component of adaptive questioning as it seeks detailed information to better understand the patient's experience.
Question 3 of 5
A new mother is concerned that her child occasionally "turns blue." On further questioning, she mentions that this is at her hands and feet. She does not remember the child's lips turning blue. She is otherwise eating and growing well. What would you do now?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: "Turns blue" at hands and feet without lips involvement suggests acrocyanosis, a common benign condition in newborns. Step 2: Acrocyanosis is a result of immature circulation and is typically self-limiting. Step 3: The child is otherwise well-nourished and growing, indicating no acute distress. Step 4: Reassuring the mother about acrocyanosis being normal helps alleviate her concerns. Summary: B: Echocardiogram is unnecessary as the symptoms do not suggest structural heart disease. C: Hospitalization is excessive for a benign condition like acrocyanosis. D: Casting doubt on the mother's story is not appropriate without evidence otherwise.
Question 4 of 5
M.J., age 85, has been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. During report you were told that the family does not want her to know the diagnosis. M.J. asks you, "Am I going to die?" Which of the following is the best therapeutic response from you, the nurse?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: "Tell me what prompted that question." This response shows empathy, encourages open communication, and allows M.J. to express her concerns. By asking for clarification, the nurse can assess M.J.'s understanding and emotional state, providing an opportunity to address her fears and offer support. This approach respects M.J.'s autonomy and allows her to share her feelings. Choice B: "I will ask your physician to discuss this matter with you." This response avoids addressing M.J.'s concerns directly and may not respect her preferences for communication. Choice C: "Let's take each day as it comes." This response does not directly address M.J.'s question and may come across as dismissive of her concerns. Choice D: "I think you should discuss that with your family." This response does not acknowledge M.J.'s feelings or provide direct support, potentially undermining the therapeutic relationship between the nurse and M.J.
Question 5 of 5
Sensory information to the area of skin over index finger (dermatome) is subserved by afferent fibers from which dorsal root?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C7 because the index finger is innervated by the C7 dermatome. Each spinal nerve innervates a specific area of skin called a dermatome. In this case, the C7 spinal nerve is responsible for providing sensory information to the skin over the index finger. Choices A (C5), B (C6), and D (C8) are incorrect as they do not correspond to the dermatome responsible for innervating the index finger. Therefore, the correct answer is C7 based on the specific dermatomal distribution of sensory fibers.