ATI RN
Vital Signs Assessment Chapter 7 Questions
Question 1 of 9
Core body temperature is highest at:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Late afternoon, is correct because core body temperature peaks around 4 pm to 6 pm due to circadian rhythms governed by the hypothalamus. It rises throughout the day from a low of ~97°F (4-6 am) to a high of ~98.6°F-100°F, reflecting increased metabolic activity. Early morning, is the nadir, not peak. Noon, is midway, not the highest. Evening, sees a decline post-peak. Studies show this diurnal pattern in healthy adults, with late afternoon aligning with maximal alertness and physical performance. Nurses consider this when assessing fevere.g., a 99°F reading at 5 pm might be normal variation. Thus, C is accurate based on physiological circadian evidence.
Question 2 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 3 of 9
During an assessment, the nurse uses the profile sign to detect:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse should use the profile sign (viewing the finger from the side) to detect early clubbing.
Question 4 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 5 of 9
A physical therapist plans to measure blood pressure and identifies the patient's brachial artery. The therapist knows that proper positioning of the cuff is essential. To avoid errors, the cuff should be positioned:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Proper blood pressure measurement requires the cuff to be directly over the brachial artery.
Question 6 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 7 of 9
Which of the following best describes subjective information?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Subjective information is based on the patient's personal experience, such as feeling short of breath.
Question 8 of 9
G.R. is a 75-year-old male who presents to the emergency department with chest pain, palpitations, and appears pale and diaphoretic. As the history and physical are completed, the following problems emerge. Please label them first-, second-, or third-level priority problems. b. Serum potassium 2.7 mmol/L (low), Glucose 225 mg/dL (high)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Low potassium and high glucose levels are critical and require immediate attention, making this a first-level priority.
Question 9 of 9
Which of these would be formulated by a nurse using diagnostic reasoning?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Diagnostic reasoning involves formulating a diagnostic hypothesis based on collected data.