ATI RN
EMT Vital Signs Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
A physical therapist completes an evaluation on a patient with a T12 spinal cord injury. Which functional outcome is MOST likely based on this level of injury?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because a T12 spinal cord injury typically results in intact upper extremity function, allowing the patient to use crutches for ambulation with bilateral KAFOs for stability. Choice B is incorrect as a single-point cane is not typically sufficient for this level of injury. Choice C is incorrect as T12 injury usually allows for some level of independence in mobility. Choice D is incorrect as requiring a power wheelchair for community mobility is less likely with a T12 injury.
Question 2 of 5
What is the primary purpose of performing light palpation during an abdominal examination?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The primary purpose of performing light palpation during an abdominal examination is to evaluate surface characteristics and tenderness. This technique allows the examiner to feel for any abnormalities in the skin, muscles, and superficial organs. Light palpation is not used to detect deep masses (A), which would require deeper palpation. Organ enlargement (B) is better assessed through deep palpation or percussion. Assessing bowel motility (D) is typically done through auscultation rather than palpation. Therefore, choice C is correct as it aligns with the standard procedure for light palpation during an abdominal examination.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following examples includes information recorded in the 'plan' portion of the clinical record?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the 'plan' portion of the clinical record typically includes details about the intended course of action for the patient's treatment or management. In this case, providing a referral to a social worker is a specific plan of action to address the patient's needs beyond medical treatment. Choices A, C, and D provide information about the patient's current condition or symptoms, which would typically be recorded in the 'assessment' or 'subjective' portions of the clinical record.
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following best represents information documented in the 'review of systems'?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the review of systems documents the patient's symptoms and issues related to various organ systems. In this case, the patient denying chest pain, palpitations, or orthopnea indicates the absence of cardiovascular symptoms. Choice B focuses on a single blood pressure reading, which is not part of the review of systems. Choice C is specific to abdominal pain and its onset, which is not a comprehensive review of systems. Choice D pertains to family history, which is typically documented separately from the review of systems. Therefore, choice A best represents information documented in the review of systems.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is assessing a patient's level of consciousness using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). Which score indicates a moderate head injury?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B (9-12) because a GCS score of 9-12 indicates a moderate head injury. This score reflects a patient who is moderately impaired in terms of consciousness and neurological functioning. A GCS score of 13-15 (choice A) indicates mild injury, while a score of 6-8 (choice C) indicates severe injury. A score of 3-5 (choice D) indicates a critical and severe head injury, typically associated with deep coma. In summary, the GCS score of 9-12 represents a moderate head injury, while the other choices reflect different levels of severity in head injuries based on the Glasgow Coma Scale.