ATI RN
ATI Vital Signs Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient has hard, nonpitting edema of the left lower leg and ankle. The right leg has no edema. Based on these findings, the nurse recalls that:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Nonpitting, hard edema is commonly associated with lymphatic obstruction. Lymphatic obstruction prevents the drainage of interstitial fluid, leading to accumulation and the characteristic nonpitting, hard edema. In this case, the presence of edema in only the left lower leg and ankle suggests localized lymphatic obstruction. Choice B is incorrect because alterations in arterial function typically result in arterial insufficiency and not edema. Choice C is incorrect because phlebitis of a superficial vein usually causes unilateral edema rather than bilateral edema. Choice D is incorrect as long-standing arterial obstruction typically leads to tissue ischemia rather than pitting edema.
Question 2 of 5
Dakota is a 14-year-old boy who just noticed a rash at his ankles. There is no history of exposure to ill people or other agents in the environment. He has a slight fever in the office. The rash consists of small, bright red marks. When they are pressed, the red colour remains. What should you do?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B (Consider admitting the patient to the hospital) Rationale: 1. Dakota is a 14-year-old boy with a sudden rash, slight fever, and no known exposure. 2. The rash is non-blanching which indicates a serious underlying condition like meningococcal infection. 3. Meningococcal infection can progress rapidly, leading to life-threatening complications. 4. Hospital admission allows for close monitoring, diagnostic tests, and prompt treatment if needed. Summary of other choices: A: Steroid cream is not appropriate as the rash could be a sign of a serious infection, not just inflammation. C: Relying on reassurance without proper evaluation can delay necessary treatment. D: Following up in 3 days may be too late if the condition worsens rapidly.
Question 3 of 5
When teaching a client how to effectively manage their new medication regimen, the nurse recognizes that the best method of communicating therapeutically with the client is to:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because facing the client while leaning slightly forward shows active listening and engagement, conveying respect and attentiveness. This posture encourages open communication and trust-building. Choice A is incorrect as the visitors' lounge may not provide privacy. Choice B may invade personal space and affect rapport. Choice C may not be appropriate as touch should only be used if culturally acceptable and with consent.
Question 4 of 5
If a patient is supine with knees flexed to 90 degrees and feet flat on the table, how will it be determined if the right femur is longer than the left?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because in supine position with knees flexed to 90 degrees and feet flat on the table, the right knee being anterior to the left knee indicates that the right femur is longer. This is due to the natural anatomical alignment of the femurs in relation to the knees. The other choices (A, B, C) do not accurately reflect the correct method of determining femur length discrepancy in this specific position. Choice A and B focus on the height of the knees, which may not be an accurate indicator of femur length. Choice C refers to the anterior positioning of the left knee, which is not a reliable indicator of femur length discrepancy.
Question 5 of 5
The popliteus muscle performs an important action of unlocking the knee by which mechanism?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the popliteus muscle externally rotates the femur on the tibia during a closed chain movement, such as when the foot is fixed on the ground and the leg rotates. This action helps unlock the knee by initiating the screw-home mechanism, allowing for smooth knee extension. A: Incorrect because the popliteus muscle does not internally rotate the femur on the tibia during an open chain movement. B: Incorrect because the popliteus muscle does not externally rotate the tibia on the femur during an open chain movement. D: Incorrect because the popliteus muscle does not internally rotate the tibia on the femur during a closed chain movement.