ATI RN
NCLEX Practice Questions Physical Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 9
Adam is a very successful 15-year-old student and athlete. His mother brings him in today because he no longer studies, works out, or sees his friends. This has gone on for a month and a half. When you speak with him alone in the room, he states it "would be better if he were not here." What would you do next?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: It is crucial to assess Adam's suicide risk immediately due to the statements he made about it being better if he were not here. This indicates possible suicidal ideation, which requires urgent attention and intervention. Asking directly about suicidal thoughts and intentions can help determine the level of risk and ensure that appropriate support and resources are provided to Adam. It is important to take any mention of suicide seriously and prioritize the safety and well-being of the individual in such situations.
Question 2 of 9
A patient presents for evaluation of a cough. Which of the following anatomic regions can be responsible for a cough?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A cough can be attributed to various anatomic regions. Cardiac conditions, such as heart failure or fluid overload, can lead to congestion in the lungs and irritation of the airway, resulting in a cough. Ophthalmologic, auditory, and endocrine regions are less commonly associated with causing a cough.
Question 3 of 9
Phil comes to your office with left "shoulder pain." You find that the pain is markedly worse when his left arm is drawn across his chest (adduction). Which of the following would you suspect?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The presentation of pain that is markedly worse when the left arm is drawn across the chest (adduction) is characteristic of a rotator cuff tear. This is because when the arm is adducted, it puts stress on the torn rotator cuff tendons, causing pain. In contrast, subacromial bursitis typically presents with pain during overhead movements, acromioclavicular joint involvement may present with pain localized to the joint itself, and adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) typically presents with pain and stiffness that worsens with all movements.
Question 4 of 9
She is concerned about her risk for developing heart disease. Which of the following factors is used to estimate the 10-year risk of developing coronary heart disease?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Ethnicity is one of the factors used to estimate the 10-year risk of developing coronary heart disease. Different ethnic groups may have varying risks for heart disease based on genetic predisposition, lifestyle factors, and cultural practices. For example, individuals of South Asian descent have been found to have a higher risk of heart disease compared to other ethnic groups. Therefore, considering ethnicity is essential when assessing the overall risk of developing heart disease in an individual.
Question 5 of 9
A patient with hearing loss by whisper test is further examined with a tuning fork, using the Weber and Rinne maneuvers. The abnormal results are as follows: bone conduction is greater than air on the left, and the patient hears the sound of the tuning fork better on the left. Which of the following is most likely?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Otosclerosis is a condition characterized by abnormal bone growth in the middle ear, specifically around the stapes bone. In cases of otosclerosis, the bone conduction is greater than air conduction on the affected side, which is seen in the scenario described. The Weber test localizes to the affected ear, meaning the patient hears the sound of the tuning fork better in the left ear in this case. This is because the abnormal bone growth can restrict the movement of the ossicles, leading to a conductive hearing loss. Otosclerosis typically affects one ear, and its presentation aligns with the results of the hearing tests performed in this case.
Question 6 of 9
Despite having high BP readings in the office, Mr. Kelly tells you that his readings at home are much lower. He checks them twice a day at the same time of day and has kept a log. How do you respond?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Mr. Kelly's scenario is consistent with the phenomenon called "white coat hypertension," where an individual's blood pressure readings are elevated in a medical setting due to anxiety or stress, but are normal when measured at home. This discrepancy between office and home readings is a key indicator of white coat hypertension. Additionally, the fact that Mr. Kelly has been consistently monitoring his blood pressure at home and has kept a log supports the likelihood that his elevated readings in the office are primarily due to the stress of being in that environment. It is important to acknowledge white coat hypertension as a common occurrence and not necessarily a reflection of true high blood pressure that requires immediate medical intervention.
Question 7 of 9
The components of the health history include all of the following except which one?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When conducting a health history assessment, the components typically include the review of systems, present illness, and personal and social items. The review of systems involves asking specific questions related to each system of the body to gather comprehensive information about the patient's overall health. Present illness focuses on the current chief complaint and symptoms the patient is experiencing. Personal and social items encompass details such as lifestyle habits, family history, medical history, and social support systems. The thorax and lungs are typically assessed as part of the physical examination, not specifically in the health history documentation.
Question 8 of 9
Which of the following represents metrorrhagia?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Metrorrhagia refers to abnormal bleeding between menstrual periods. This can manifest as spotting or heavier bleeding outside of the regular menstrual cycle. It is important to differentiate metrorrhagia from other types of abnormal bleeding such as menorrhagia (excessive flow), oligomenorrhea (infrequent bleeding), and polymenorrhea (fewer than 21 days between menses) in order to address and diagnose the underlying cause accurately.
Question 9 of 9
A mother brings her 11 month old to you because her mother-in-law and others have told her that her baby is jaundiced. She is eating and growing well and performing the developmental milestones she should for her age. On examination you indeed notice a yellow tone to her skin from head to toe. Her sclerae are white. To which area should your next questions be related?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Since the baby is exhibiting jaundice, which is a condition characterized by the yellowing of the skin, it is important to inquire about the family history of liver diseases. Jaundice can be a sign of liver dysfunction or disease, so understanding the family history of liver diseases can provide valuable insights into potential underlying causes for the baby's jaundice. In this case, it is crucial to explore this area further to determine if there may be any genetic predispositions or familial conditions that could be contributing to the baby's presentation of jaundice.