ATI RN
EMT Vital Signs Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient comes to the clinic and tells the nurse that he has been confined to his recliner chair for approximately 3 days with his feet down and he asks the nurse to evaluate his feet. During the assessment, the nurse might expect to find:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Distended veins. When a patient has been confined with his feet down for an extended period, it can lead to venous pooling in the lower extremities, causing the veins to become distended. This occurs due to decreased venous return and increased pressure in the veins. Pallor, coolness, and prolonged capillary filling time would not be expected findings in this situation as they are more indicative of arterial insufficiency or decreased perfusion, which is not the primary concern in this scenario. Distended veins are a common manifestation of venous stasis, making it the most appropriate choice in this context.
Question 2 of 5
A 31-year-old patient tells the nurse that he has noticed a progressive loss in his hearing. He says that it does seem to help when people speak louder or if he turns up the volume of a television or radio. The most likely cause of his hearing loss is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Otosclerosis. Otosclerosis is a condition characterized by abnormal bone growth in the middle ear, specifically the stapes bone. This abnormal bone growth can lead to conductive hearing loss, which may result in the patient experiencing progressive hearing loss. In this case, the patient's symptoms of hearing improvement with louder sounds or increased volume suggest a conductive hearing loss, which is common in otosclerosis. Choice B: Presbycusis, is age-related hearing loss and typically presents as a gradual decline in hearing over time, not necessarily with a sudden progressive loss as described in the scenario. Choice C: Trauma to the bones would likely result in a more sudden onset of hearing loss, not a progressive loss as described in the scenario. Choice D: Frequent ear infections may lead to temporary hearing loss due to fluid buildup or damage to the ear structures, but the symptoms described in the scenario are more indicative of a chronic condition like otosclerosis.
Question 3 of 5
The projections in the nasal cavity that increase the surface area are called the:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Turbinates. Turbinates are bony projections in the nasal cavity that increase surface area for warming, humidifying, and filtering air. Meatus (A) refers to the openings in the nasal cavity, septum (B) is the cartilage dividing the nostrils, and Kiesselbach plexus (D) is a vascular area in the anterior nasal septum. These choices are incorrect as they do not specifically refer to the structures that increase surface area in the nasal cavity.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is assessing a 3 year old for "drainage from the nose." On assessment, a purulent drainage that has a very foul odor is noted from the left naris and no drainage is observed from the right naris. The child is afebrile with no other symptoms. What should the nurse do next?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Perform an otoscopic examination of the left nares. This is the correct next step to further assess the purulent drainage with a foul odor. By performing an otoscopic examination, the nurse can visualize the nasal passage and identify any underlying issues such as a possible foreign body, infection, or inflammation. It is important to rule out any potential serious conditions that may require medical intervention. Choice A is incorrect because antibiotics should not be prescribed without a proper assessment and diagnosis. Choice B is incorrect as waiting for a week can potentially lead to worsening of the condition. Choice D is incorrect as purulent drainage with a foul odor is not normal and should be further investigated.
Question 5 of 5
Which statement about the apices of the lungs is true? The apices of the lungs:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (B): The apices of the lungs extend 3 to 4 cm above the inner third of the clavicles. This is because the lungs extend superiorly in the thoracic cavity, reaching above the clavicles at their highest points. This anatomical fact is essential to understand the complete lung anatomy. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: Incorrect. The apices of the lungs are not at the level of the second rib anteriorly. They extend higher in the thoracic cavity. C: Incorrect. The apices of the lungs are not located at the sixth rib anteriorly and the eighth rib laterally. They are positioned higher in the thoracic cavity. D: Incorrect. The apices of the lungs do not rest on the diaphragm at the fifth intercostal space in the midclavicular line. They extend above this point towards the clavicles.