ATI RN
Test Bank Physical Examination and Health Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 9
A 77-year-old retired nurse has an ulcer on a lower extremity that you are asked to evaluate when you do your weekly rounds at a local long-term care facility. All of the following are responsible for causing ulcers in the lower extremities except for which condition?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is not typically associated with causing ulcers in the lower extremities. The most common causes of lower extremity ulcers are arterial insufficiency, venous insufficiency, and diminished sensation in pressure points. Arterial insufficiency leads to decreased blood flow to the lower extremities, causing tissue damage and ulcers. Venous insufficiency results in poor circulation and increased pressure in the veins, leading to ulcers. Diminished sensation in pressure points, often seen in conditions like diabetes, can cause ulcers due to lack of feeling and increased risk of trauma. So, hypertension is not directly related to the development of lower extremity ulcers.
Question 2 of 9
The following information is best placed in which category? "The patient was treated for an asthma exacerbation in the hospital last year; the patient has never been intubated."
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The information provided about the patient being treated for an asthma exacerbation and not being intubated falls under the category of adult illnesses. Asthma is a common respiratory condition that affects people of various ages but is more prevalent in adults. The fact that the patient was treated for an asthma exacerbation and has not required intubation indicates a relevant medical history related to adult illnesses and respiratory conditions. This information would be considered when evaluating and managing the patient's current health status and potential risks related to respiratory issues.
Question 3 of 9
He is afebrile and his cardiac, lung, and abdominal examinations are normal. On visualization of the anus you see no inflammation, masses, or fissures. Digital rectal examination reveals a smooth, enlarged prostate. No discrete masses are felt. There is no blood on the glove or on guaiac testing. An analysis of the urine shows no red blood cells, white blood cells, or bacteria. What disorder of the anus, rectum, or prostate is this most likely to be?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The clinical presentation described in the scenario is consistent with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, typically seen in older males. The findings of a smooth, enlarged prostate on digital rectal examination without discrete masses, along with the absence of other alarming signs such as blood in the urine or on examination, make BPH the most likely diagnosis in this case.
Question 4 of 9
Otherwise she has had no health problems. Her father has high blood pressure. Her mother had unilateral breast cancer in her 70s. The patient denies tobacco, alcohol, or drug use. She is a family law attorney and is married. Her examination is essentially unremarkable. Which risk factor of her personal and family history most puts her in danger of getting breast cancer?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most significant risk factor for breast cancer in the patient's personal and family history is having a first-degree relative with premenopausal breast cancer. This is because the age at which a family member was diagnosed with breast cancer can be indicative of potential genetic predispositions that may increase the patient's own risk of developing the disease. Women with a first-degree relative who was diagnosed with breast cancer before menopause (premenopausal) are at a higher risk themselves compared to those with a family history of postmenopausal breast cancer. In this case, the patient's mother had unilateral breast cancer in her 70s, which suggests a higher risk compared to postmenopausal breast cancer. Other factors such as early age at menarche or age at first live birth are also important in assessing breast cancer risk, but having a first-degree relative with premenopausal breast cancer is the most significant
Question 5 of 9
Where is the point of maximal impulse (PMI) normally located?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The point of maximal impulse (PMI), also known as the apical impulse, is the point where the left ventricle is closest to the chest wall. Normally, the PMI is located in the left 5th intercostal space, around 7 to 9 cm lateral to the sternum. This area corresponds to the apex of the heart. By palpating the PMI, healthcare providers can assess the size, strength, and regularity of the heart's contractions, which can provide important diagnostic information about cardiac health. Locating the PMI accurately is essential for physical examination and diagnosis of cardiac conditions.
Question 6 of 9
A 58-year-old gardener comes to your office for evaluation of a new lesion on her upper chest. The lesion appears to be "stuck on" and is oval, brown, and slightly elevated with a flat surface. It has a rough, wartlike texture on palpation. Based on this description, what is your most likely diagnosis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The description of an oval, brown, slightly elevated lesion with a flat surface and rough, wartlike texture on palpation is characteristic of a seborrheic keratosis. Seborrheic keratoses are common benign skin growths that typically occur in older adults. They can vary in color, ranging from tan to dark brown, and often have a waxy or stuck-on appearance. The lesion described does not fit the typical characteristics of actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, or squamous cell carcinoma.
Question 7 of 9
You note that a patient has anisocoria on examination. Pathologic causes of this include which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Anisocoria refers to a condition where the pupils are of unequal size. Pathologic causes of anisocoria can include conditions such as Horner's syndrome. Horner's syndrome is a rare disorder caused by damage to the sympathetic nerves of the face and eye. Symptoms can include a constricted pupil (miosis), drooping of the upper eyelid (ptosis), and decreased sweating in the affected area. This results in anisocoria, where the affected pupil is smaller than the unaffected pupil. Other options listed (B-D) do not typically lead to pathologic anisocoria.
Question 8 of 9
Which of the following occurs in respiratory distress?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In respiratory distress, the skin between the ribs moves inward with inspiration, a phenomenon known as retractions. This is a sign of increased work of breathing as the body tries to pull in more air due to difficulty in breathing. The inward movement of the skin between the ribs indicates that the individual is not able to generate enough negative pressure in the chest cavity to inhale properly. This can be seen in conditions such as asthma, pneumonia, or other respiratory issues. Skin retractions are a concerning sign and may indicate a severe respiratory compromise that requires immediate medical attention. The other options listed do not specifically describe a characteristic of respiratory distress.
Question 9 of 9
Mr. Curtiss has a history of obesity, diabetes, osteoarthritis of the knees, HTN, and obstructive sleep apnea. His BMI is 43 and he has been discouraged by his difficulty in losing weight. He is also discouraged that his goal weight is 158 pounds away. What would you tell him?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Weight loss can have a significant impact on the health problems associated with obesity. Even a modest weight loss of around 10% can lead to noticeable improvements in conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, osteoarthritis, and obstructive sleep apnea. Encouraging Mr. Curtiss to focus on achieving a meaningful but achievable goal, such as a 10% weight loss, can help him experience positive changes in his health and overall wellbeing, even if his ultimate goal weight seems far away. This approach can also help to boost his motivation and confidence in his ability to make progress towards better health.