A patient repeatedly seems to have difficulty coming up with a word. He says, 'I was on my way to work, and when I got there, the thing that you step into that goes up in the air was so full that I decided to take the stairs.' The nurse will note on his chart that he is using or experiencing:

Questions 64

ATI RN

ATI RN Test Bank

Assessing Vital Signs Questions

Question 1 of 5

A patient repeatedly seems to have difficulty coming up with a word. He says, 'I was on my way to work, and when I got there, the thing that you step into that goes up in the air was so full that I decided to take the stairs.' The nurse will note on his chart that he is using or experiencing:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Circumlocution. Circumlocution refers to the use of indirect or roundabout ways of expressing oneself, often due to difficulty in finding the right word. In this case, the patient struggles to recall the word "elevator" and instead describes it as "the thing that you step into that goes up in the air." This behavior is characteristic of circumlocution. Blocking (A) refers to a sudden interruption in train of thought or speech production, which is not evident in this scenario. Neologism (B) is the creation of new words or phrases, which is not demonstrated here. Circumstantiality (D) involves unnecessary and excessive detail in conversation, which is not the primary issue in this case.

Question 2 of 5

During auscultation of the heart, the nurse hears a murmur. What instrument should be used to further assess this murmur?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Bell of the stethoscope. The bell of the stethoscope is used to assess low-frequency sounds like heart murmurs. Murmurs are often soft and low-pitched, requiring the bell for optimal detection. The diaphragm (Choice A) is used for high-frequency sounds. The electrocardiogram (Choice C) records the heart's electrical activity, not the physical sounds. The Doppler device (Choice D) is used to assess blood flow and velocity, not heart sounds. Therefore, the bell of the stethoscope is the appropriate instrument to further assess the heart murmur.

Question 3 of 5

During an examination of a child, the nurse considers that physical growth is the best index of a child's:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: General health. Physical growth is a reflection of overall health status in children. Adequate growth indicates proper nutrition, absence of chronic illness, and normal development. Monitoring growth parameters like height and weight can provide valuable insights into a child's well-being. The other choices are incorrect because while genetics (B) can influence growth potential, it doesn't directly indicate the current health status. Nutritional status (C) is important for growth but doesn't encompass all aspects of health. Activity and exercise patterns (D) are important for overall health but don't solely determine a child's general health status.

Question 4 of 5

A patient's blood pressure is 118/82 mm Hg. He asks the nurse, "What do the numbers mean?" The nurse's best reply is:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because it accurately explains that the top number (systolic pressure) reflects the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts. This is important information as it indicates the maximum pressure exerted on the arteries during a heartbeat. The bottom number represents diastolic pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats. This information helps assess overall cardiovascular health. Choice A is incorrect because just stating the numbers are normal does not provide any educational value to the patient. Choice B is incorrect as it inaccurately describes the diastolic pressure. Choice D is incorrect as it simplifies the explanation and focuses on the wrong aspect of blood pressure.

Question 5 of 5

Which of these specific measurements is the best index of a child's general health?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Height and weight. These measurements provide important indicators of a child's growth and development, which are key components of overall health. Height and weight measurements can help assess nutritional status, growth patterns, and potential health issues. Vital signs (A) are important for monitoring immediate health status but do not provide a comprehensive view of general health. Head circumference (C) is primarily used in infancy to assess brain development. Chest circumference (D) is not typically used as a general health indicator in children. In summary, height and weight measurements offer a holistic view of a child's health by evaluating growth, nutrition, and overall well-being.

Access More Questions!

ATI RN Basic


$89/ 30 days

ATI RN Premium


$150/ 90 days

Similar Questions