ATI RN
Vital Signs Assessment Chapter 7 Questions
Question 1 of 9
A tender, painful swelling of the scrotum should suggest which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A tender, painful swelling of the scrotum can be a medical emergency. All of these conditions should be considered, as well as acute orchitis.
Question 2 of 9
The nurse is preparing for a class in early detection of breast cancer. Which statement is true with regard to breast cancer in black women in the United States?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Black women have a higher mortality rate from breast cancer than white women and are more likely to die of their disease. In addition, black women are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with regional or distant breast cancer than are white women. These racial differences in mortality rates may be related to an insufficient use of screening measures and a lack of access to health care.
Question 3 of 9
A patient with longstanding COPD was told by another practitioner that his liver was enlarged and this needed to be assessed. Which of the following would be reasonable to do next?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Measuring the liver span is most appropriate as COPD can cause the diaphragm to flatten and push the liver down, giving a false impression of hepatomegaly. The total span measurement helps distinguish true enlargement from displacement.
Question 4 of 9
The nurse is assessing a patient's peripheral pulses. Which pulse is located on the top of the foot?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The dorsalis pedis pulse is located on the top of the foot and is an important indicator of peripheral circulation.
Question 5 of 9
Ms. Wright comes to your office, complaining of palpitations. While checking her pulse you notice an irregular rhythm. When you listen to her heart, every fourth beat sounds different. It sounds like a triplet rather than the usual "lub dup." How would you document your examination?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A regularly irregular rhythm, such as every fourth beat sounding different, is consistent with a pattern like a ventricular bigeminy or trigeminy.
Question 6 of 9
Which of the following is true regarding breast self-examination?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Although self-examination has not been shown to reduce mortality and is not recommended by all groups making screening recommendations, many choose to teach women a systematic method in which to examine their breasts. A high proportion of breast masses are detected by breast self-examination.
Question 7 of 9
A home healthcare nurse notices that his assigned patient uses a mercury thermometer. He asks the nurse what to do if it breaks. Which of the following is not correct?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Flushing mercury is incorrect and hazardous, per the answer key, risking contamination. Not vacuuming , ventilating , and discarding clothing are safe steps. Nurses educate on mercury's toxicity to prevent environmental harm.
Question 8 of 9
Which of the following is an example of a sign?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Signs are objective findings observed or measured during the physical exam, like a temperature of 102° F.
Question 9 of 9
A patient has had a cerebrovascular accident (stroke). He is trying very hard to communicate. He seems driven to speak and says, 'I buy obie get spirding and take my train.' What is the best description of this patient's problem?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In Wernicke's aphasia, speech is fluent but incomprehensible with word substitutions and made-up words. Patients often have a strong urge to speak but their speech lacks meaningful content.