ATI RN
ATI Vital Signs Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
A grandmother brings her 13-year-old grandson for evaluation of a collapsed breastbone that has been present for quite awhile. He has no symptoms but is embarrassed about his appearance.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Funnel chest (pectus excavatum). Pectus excavatum is characterized by a depression or concave appearance of the breastbone (sternum). In this case, the 13-year-old grandson has a collapsed breastbone, which aligns with the description of pectus excavatum. This condition is often asymptomatic but can cause embarrassment due to the appearance. Barrel chest (choice A) refers to an increase in the anteroposterior diameter of the chest often seen in conditions like COPD, not related to a collapsed breastbone. Pigeon chest (choice C) is the opposite of pectus excavatum, where the sternum protrudes outward. Thoracic kyphoscoliosis (choice D) involves a combination of kyphosis (excessive outward curvature of the spine) and scoliosis (sideways curvature of the spine), not directly related to a collapsed breastbone.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse asks, 'I would like to ask you some questions about your health and your usual daily activities so that we can better plan your stay here.' This question is found at the _____ phase of the interview process.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Opening or introduction. In the given question, the nurse is initiating the conversation by introducing the purpose of the interview and setting the stage for gathering information. This phase is crucial as it helps establish rapport and build trust with the patient. The opening phase allows the nurse to start the conversation in a structured and organized manner. Summary: This choice is incorrect because the summary phase comes at the end of the interview where the nurse would recap important points discussed. Closing: This choice is incorrect as the closing phase involves wrapping up the interview and discussing next steps or providing closure. Body: This choice is incorrect as the body phase is where the main discussion and information gathering take place.
Question 3 of 5
Which of these techniques uses the sense of touch to assess texture, temperature, moisture, and swelling?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Palpation. Palpation is the technique of using the sense of touch to assess various aspects such as texture, temperature, moisture, and swelling. It involves feeling the body with the hands to gather information about the underlying structures. Inspection (B) is the visual examination, not tactile. Percussion (C) is tapping on the body to listen for sounds, not assessing through touch. Auscultation (D) is listening to sounds within the body using a stethoscope, not related to touch assessment.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is assessing a patient's skin. Which technique should be used to best assess skin temperature?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Dorsal surface of the hand. This is because the dorsal surface of the hand is less sensitive to temperature variations compared to the palmar surface, allowing for a more accurate assessment of skin temperature. Using the fingertips may lead to inaccurate results due to their high sensitivity to temperature changes. The ulnar portion of the hand is not commonly used for assessing skin temperature. Overall, the dorsal surface of the hand provides a more reliable and consistent assessment of skin temperature due to its lower sensitivity to temperature changes.
Question 5 of 5
When evaluating the temperature of older adults, the nurse should remember which aspect about an older adult's body temperature?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because older adults tend to have a lower baseline body temperature compared to younger adults. This is due to age-related changes in metabolism and decreased efficiency of thermoregulation. As people age, their metabolic rate decreases, leading to less heat production. Additionally, older adults may have impaired ability to adapt to temperature changes. Choice B is incorrect because young children typically have higher body temperatures than older adults. Choice C is incorrect as body temperature may vary slightly with different types of thermometers but the overall trend of lower temperature in older adults remains. Choice D is incorrect as while older adults may have decreased heat control mechanisms, their body temperature still tends to be lower rather than widely varying.