ATI RN
Rn Vital Signs Assessment ATI Questions
Question 1 of 5
A physical therapist prepares to perform manual muscle testing on a patient with suspected quadriceps weakness. Which patient position would BEST isolate this muscle group?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, sitting. Sitting position isolates quadriceps as it eliminates involvement of other muscle groups. In sitting, gravity minimally affects the quadriceps, allowing for accurate testing. Side-lying (A) engages hip abductors, supine (B) involves hip flexors, and prone (C) activates hip extensors, interfering with accurate quadriceps testing.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is assessing a patient with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which test is most useful for confirming this diagnosis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: D-dimer test. The D-dimer test is a blood test that measures the presence of a substance released when a blood clot dissolves. In patients with suspected DVT, an elevated D-dimer level suggests the presence of a blood clot. This test is non-invasive, easy to perform, and can help confirm the diagnosis of DVT. A: Homan's sign is not a reliable test for DVT as it lacks specificity and sensitivity. C: Ankle-brachial index is used to assess peripheral arterial disease, not DVT. D: Chest X-ray is not useful for diagnosing DVT as it primarily shows lung and heart abnormalities.
Question 3 of 5
During a cardiovascular assessment, the nurse palpates a thrill at the base of the heart. What does this finding suggest?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Turbulent blood flow. A thrill at the base of the heart indicates turbulent blood flow, which is often associated with structural abnormalities like stenosis or regurgitation of heart valves. However, the presence of a thrill does not specifically point to a particular valve issue like mitral valve stenosis (A) or aortic regurgitation (B). It is a general indicator of turbulent blood flow, which can occur in various conditions. Heart failure (D) is a broader diagnosis that may have multiple signs and symptoms, but a thrill specifically suggests turbulent blood flow rather than heart failure.
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following examples best represents information gathered during the 'history of present illness'?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it provides specific information related to the patient's current condition. The 'history of present illness' focuses on the patient's chief complaint, including symptoms, duration, severity, and exacerbating factors. Choice A is about the patient's family history, not the current illness. Choice B refers to past medical history, not the current illness. Choice D is a vital sign measurement, which is important but not directly related to the patient's current symptoms. Therefore, choice C best represents information gathered during the 'history of present illness' as it describes the patient's current symptom pattern.
Question 5 of 5
During a musculoskeletal assessment, the nurse observes that a patient has joint redness, warmth, and swelling. What is the most likely cause of these findings?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Rheumatoid arthritis. In rheumatoid arthritis, joint redness, warmth, and swelling are common due to inflammation of the synovial membrane. This causes pain and stiffness in multiple joints. Osteoarthritis (A) typically presents with joint pain and stiffness but less inflammation. Gout (B) is characterized by sudden, severe pain, redness, and swelling in one joint, often the big toe. Bursitis (D) involves inflammation of the bursae causing localized pain and swelling, not typically seen with redness and warmth in multiple joints.