ATI RN
Assess Vital Signs Rationale Questions
Question 1 of 5
A fall or blow on a hyperextended (dorsiflexed) wrist can cause osteonecrosis of which bone?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Scaphoid. A fall or blow on a hyperextended wrist can disrupt blood flow to the scaphoid bone, leading to osteonecrosis. The scaphoid is vulnerable due to its location and blood supply. Lunate (B), Triquetrum (C), and Pisiform (D) are less likely to be affected in this scenario due to their different anatomical locations and blood supplies.
Question 2 of 5
How can cardiac rehabilitation benefit a patient with angina pectoris?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Improve efficiency. Cardiac rehabilitation can benefit a patient with angina pectoris by improving the efficiency of the heart muscle, leading to better circulation and reduced workload on the heart. This helps in managing angina symptoms and improving overall cardiovascular health. A: Increasing myocardial oxygen consumption would worsen angina symptoms by putting more strain on the heart. B: Decreasing the maximum heart rate could limit the patient's ability to exercise and improve cardiovascular health. C: Changing the angina threshold does not directly address the underlying issue of heart efficiency and may not provide long-term benefits.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following is the most effective type of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) stimulator?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: High frequency, low intensity. This type of TENS stimulator is most effective because high frequency helps to block pain signals from reaching the brain, while low intensity ensures safety and prevents muscle contractions. High frequency stimulates nerve fibers that inhibit pain transmission, providing relief without causing discomfort. A: High frequency, high intensity can be too harsh and may lead to muscle contractions, causing discomfort. C: Low frequency, high intensity may not effectively block pain signals and can cause muscle contractions or discomfort. D: Low frequency, low intensity may not provide sufficient pain relief as it might not effectively block pain signals.
Question 4 of 5
A patient is brought by ambulance to the emergency department with multiple traumas received in an automobile accident. He is alert and cooperative, but his injuries are quite severe. How would the nurse proceed with data collection?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. In this scenario, the nurse should prioritize immediate actions to ensure the patient's survival. By simultaneously asking history questions, performing the examination, and initiating life-saving measures, the nurse can quickly gather essential information while addressing the patient's critical needs. This approach allows for efficient data collection without compromising the patient's well-being. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not prioritize the patient's immediate needs. A delays life-saving measures by collecting history first, which can be detrimental in a critical situation. C focuses on detailed history information that is not essential for immediate care. D delays gathering any history information, which is crucial for understanding the patient's condition and providing appropriate care.
Question 5 of 5
A young woman undergoes cranial nerve testing. On touching the soft palate, her uvula deviates to the left. Which of the following is likely?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: CN X lesion on the right. When the uvula deviates to the left upon touching the soft palate, it indicates a lesion of the right vagus nerve (CN X). The uvula is innervated by the vagus nerve, and when there is a lesion on the right side, the uvula will deviate away from the affected side due to the unopposed action of the intact left vagus nerve. Choices A and B are incorrect because cranial nerve IX (glossopharyngeal nerve) does not innervate the uvula. Choice C is incorrect as a lesion of the left vagus nerve would cause the uvula to deviate to the right, not the left.