A physical therapist evaluates a patient with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Which symptom is MOST likely during exercise?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), the correct answer is A) Leg pain relieved by rest. This is known as intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD. During exercise, the muscles in the legs do not receive an adequate blood supply due to narrowed arteries, leading to pain. Resting allows the muscles to recover from the lack of oxygen and nutrients, relieving the pain temporarily. Option B) Muscle spasms during activity is less likely because muscle spasms are not a typical symptom of PAD. The primary symptom is pain due to ischemia, not spasms. Option C) Swelling in the distal extremities is not a common symptom of PAD. Swelling typically occurs in conditions like venous insufficiency, not arterial issues like PAD. Option D) Numbness and tingling are more commonly associated with nerve-related issues like neuropathy rather than PAD, which primarily affects blood flow to the extremities. Educationally, understanding the characteristic symptoms of PAD is crucial for healthcare providers like physical therapists to accurately assess and manage patients with this condition. Recognizing the pattern of intermittent claudication helps in early detection, appropriate intervention, and optimizing patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the context of vital signs assessment, understanding the difference between signs and symptoms is crucial for accurate patient evaluation. A symptom is a subjective indication of a patient's condition that is reported by the individual themselves, such as chest pain. In this scenario, "D) Chest pain" is the correct answer because it is a symptom that the patient experiences and describes. On the other hand, options A, B, and C (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate) are examples of vital signs, which are objective measurements that can be observed and quantified. These parameters provide valuable information about a patient's physiological status but do not directly reflect the patient's reported symptoms. Educationally, distinguishing between signs and symptoms is fundamental in healthcare to accurately assess, diagnose, and treat patients. Understanding this difference helps healthcare providers interpret patient data effectively and communicate findings with clarity to ensure proper patient care. By recognizing that symptoms are subjective experiences reported by the patient, healthcare professionals can better address patient concerns and provide appropriate interventions.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is option C: "The patient states, 'I have a fever and chills.'" This statement accurately describes the chief complaint. In a healthcare setting, the chief complaint is the patient's own words describing the primary reason for seeking medical attention. It is essential in guiding further assessment and treatment. Option A provides a scenario but does not directly quote the patient's complaint, making it less specific. Option B focuses on associated symptoms rather than the primary complaint. Option D mentions a symptom the patient denies, which is not the same as stating the chief complaint. In an educational context, understanding the concept of chief complaint is crucial for healthcare professionals to prioritize and address the patient's primary concerns effectively. By recognizing and documenting the chief complaint accurately, healthcare providers can better diagnose and treat patients. This skill is fundamental in providing patient-centered care and ensuring positive health outcomes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In a respiratory assessment, when a nurse observes a patient with a prolonged expiration phase, the most likely condition associated with this finding is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The rationale behind this is that in COPD, which includes conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema, there is an obstruction of airflow in the lungs. This obstruction can lead to difficulties in exhaling air, resulting in a prolonged expiration phase. Patients with COPD often experience air trapping in the lungs due to narrowed airways, leading to this characteristic finding. The other options can be ruled out for the following reasons: A) Asthma typically presents with wheezing and a prolonged expiration phase is not a common feature. B) Pneumonia is characterized by symptoms such as fever, cough with sputum production, and chest pain, rather than a prolonged expiration phase. D) Pulmonary embolism usually presents with sudden onset shortness of breath, chest pain, and sometimes coughing up blood, not necessarily a prolonged expiration phase. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for nurses to accurately assess and identify respiratory conditions in patients. It also highlights the importance of recognizing specific clinical manifestations to provide appropriate interventions and care tailored to the patient's condition.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Genu recurvatum. Genu recurvatum is a condition where the knees hyperextend beyond a normal range. This can be observed during a musculoskeletal assessment when the knees appear to bend backward excessively. A) Genu valgum refers to knock knees where the knees angle inward, which is not the case in hyperextension. B) Genu varum is a condition where the knees bow outward, again not indicative of hyperextension. D) Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can affect the knees but does not specifically present as hyperextension. Understanding musculoskeletal assessments is crucial for nurses to identify various conditions accurately. Recognizing the specific presentation of genu recurvatum can help in determining appropriate interventions and referrals for the patient. It is essential for nurses to be able to differentiate between different musculoskeletal abnormalities to provide comprehensive care.