ATI RN
nclex practice questions 2023 health assessment Questions
Question 1 of 9
A 72-year-old patient has a history of hypertension and chronic lung disease. An important question for the nurse to include in history-taking would be:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: "Have you noticed any dryness in your mouth?" This question is important as dryness in the mouth can be a side effect of certain medications used to manage hypertension and chronic lung disease. Dry mouth can lead to oral health issues and impact the patient's overall well-being. A: "Do you use a fluoride supplement?" is not directly relevant to the patient's medical history of hypertension and lung disease. B: "Have you had tonsillitis in the last year?" is not as crucial as dry mouth in relation to managing hypertension and lung disease. C: "At what age did you get your first tooth?" is not pertinent to the current medical conditions and management of hypertension and lung disease. In summary, the question about dryness in the mouth is the most relevant as it pertains to potential medication side effects and oral health implications for the patient with hypertension and chronic lung disease.
Question 2 of 9
An assessment of a 23-year-old patient reveals the following: an auricle that is tender and reddish blue in colour and has small vesicles. What additional information would the nurse need to know?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Any recent drainage from the ear. This is crucial because drainage could indicate an infection or other underlying issue causing the auricle symptoms. Hearing changes (option A) may not be directly related to the auricle findings. Recent trauma (option C) would be more evident on inspection. Prolonged cold exposure (option D) is less likely to cause the described symptoms.
Question 3 of 9
While performing an examination of a 3-year-old with a suspected ear infection, the nurse would:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Performing the otoscopic examination at the end of the assessment is the best approach for a 3-year-old with a suspected ear infection. This allows the child to become familiar with the nurse and the environment, reducing anxiety and increasing cooperation. It also prevents the child from becoming upset early in the examination, making it easier to complete the assessment. Choice A is incorrect because omitting the otoscopic exam based on the presence of a fever could lead to a missed diagnosis. Choice B is incorrect as pulling the ear up and back before inserting the speculum is not recommended as it may cause discomfort and increase resistance from the child. Choice C is incorrect as having the mother leave the room may increase the child's anxiety and make the examination more challenging.
Question 4 of 9
The nurse notices that a patient's palpebral fissures are not symmetrical. On examination, the nurse may find that there has been damage to:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice C (CN VII) is correct: 1. Palpebral fissures are controlled by muscles innervated by CN VII (facial nerve). 2. Damage to CN VII can result in facial asymmetry, affecting palpebral fissures. 3. CN III (choice A) controls eye movement, not palpebral fissures. 4. CN V (choice B) controls facial sensation, not palpebral fissures. 5. CN VIII (choice D) controls hearing and balance, not palpebral fissures. Summary: Choice C is correct as damage to CN VII affects palpebral fissures due to facial muscle innervation. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not control the muscles responsible for palpebral fissures.
Question 5 of 9
During an ophthalmoscopic examination of a patient, the examiner notes areas of exudate that look like"cotton wool" or fluffy grey-white cumulus clouds. Which of the possible problems below does this finding indicate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Diabetes. The presence of "cotton wool" or fluffy grey-white cumulus clouds on ophthalmoscopic examination indicates retinal nerve fiber layer infarcts due to microvascular damage, which is a common finding in diabetic retinopathy. This occurs due to ischemia and subsequent axonal swelling. In diabetes, hyperglycemia can lead to damage in the blood vessels supplying the retina, resulting in microaneurysms, hemorrhages, exudates, and ultimately vision loss if left untreated. Summary of other choices: B: Hyperthyroidism - This condition primarily affects the thyroid gland and does not directly cause the characteristic retinal findings described. C: Glaucoma - Glaucoma is a condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure and optic nerve damage, which does not typically present with the specific retinal findings mentioned. D: Hypotension - Low blood pressure may lead to retinal artery occlusion or ischemic optic neuropathy,
Question 6 of 9
A woman in her second trimester of pregnancy mentions that since becoming pregnant she has had"more nosebleeds than ever." The nurse recognizes that this is due to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: increased vascularity in the upper respiratory tract as a result of the pregnancy. During pregnancy, hormonal changes lead to increased blood flow in the body, including the nasal passages, causing them to become more sensitive and prone to bleeding. This explains why the woman is experiencing more nosebleeds. Incorrect Choices: A: coagulation problems in the patient - This is incorrect as pregnancy is associated with hypercoagulability rather than coagulation problems. C: increased susceptibility to colds and nasal irritation - While pregnancy can lower immunity, this does not directly cause nosebleeds. D: inappropriate use of nasal sprays - This is not relevant to the situation described and does not explain the increased nosebleeds due to pregnancy.
Question 7 of 9
The nurse suspects that a patient has otitis media. Which of the following findings of the tympanic membrane are early signs of otitis media?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Red and bulging. In otitis media, the tympanic membrane becomes red and bulging due to inflammation and fluid accumulation. This is an early sign as it indicates increased pressure within the middle ear. Choice B (Hypomobility) is incorrect because it refers to decreased movement of the tympanic membrane, which is not specific to otitis media. Choice C (Retraction with landmarks clearly visible) is incorrect as it suggests the tympanic membrane is pulled inward, which is more indicative of otitis media with effusion rather than acute otitis media. Choice D (Flat, slightly pulled in at the center, and moves with insufflation) is incorrect as it describes a normal or retracted tympanic membrane rather than the characteristic red and bulging appearance seen in otitis media.
Question 8 of 9
During a well-baby checkup, the mother expresses concern that her 2-month-old infant is not able to hold her head up when she is pulled to a sitting position. Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: 1. Head control typically develops around 4 months, so it is normal for a 2-month-old to lack this skill. 2. Reassuring the mother that her baby is within the normal developmental range is important for reducing parental anxiety. 3. Avoiding overly alarming responses helps maintain trust and open communication with the parent. Summary: - Choice B is incorrect as it does not address the mother's concern and may come across as dismissive. - Choice C is incorrect as it may unnecessarily worry the mother and lead to undue stress. - Choice D is incorrect as it introduces a serious and unlikely scenario without evidence at this stage of development.
Question 9 of 9
Which of the following statements regarding visual pathways and visual fields is true?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the image formed on the retina is indeed upside down and reversed from its actual appearance in the outside world due to the way light rays are refracted and focused by the cornea and lens. This phenomenon is known as the inverted retinal image. Choice A is incorrect as visual pathways cross at the optic chiasm, so the right side of the brain interprets vision for the left visual field from both eyes. Choice C is incorrect as light rays are refracted at the cornea and lens, not through the transparent media of the eye before striking the pupil. Choice D is incorrect as light impulses are conducted through the optic nerve to the occipital lobes, not the temporal lobes, where the primary visual cortex is located.