ATI RN
Vital Signs Physical Assessment Techniques Questions
Question 1 of 5
During a musculoskeletal assessment, the nurse notes that the patient has a tender, swollen joint with decreased range of motion. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Rheumatoid arthritis. In rheumatoid arthritis, patients typically present with tender, swollen joints and decreased range of motion due to joint inflammation and synovial thickening. This autoimmune condition affects multiple joints symmetrically. Osteoarthritis (A) is characterized by joint pain and stiffness, but not usually significant swelling or systemic symptoms like in rheumatoid arthritis. Gout (C) is characterized by sudden, severe pain, redness, and swelling, typically affecting one joint, often the big toe. Bursitis (D) is inflammation of the bursae sacs, causing localized pain and swelling, but not typically associated with significant joint stiffness or systemic symptoms as in rheumatoid arthritis.
Question 2 of 5
A patient has intravenous fluids infusing in the right arm. How should the nurse obtain the blood pressure on this patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: IV fluids in the right arm interfere with accurate blood pressure measurement due to altered circulation and pressure. Taking it in the left arm avoids this, ensuring a reliable reading. Using the right arm risks inaccuracy. A small cuff doesnt address the IV issue and may overestimate pressure. Reporting inability is unnecessary when the left arm is viable. Choice B is correct, reflecting standard practice to use the unaffected limb.
Question 3 of 5
The patient has a temperature of 105.2°F. The nurse is attempting to lower temperature by providing tepid sponge baths and placing cool compresses in strategic body locations. Which technique is the nurse using to lower the patient's temperature?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tepid sponge baths and cool compresses lower temperature via conduction , transferring heat from the skin to the cooler objects through direct contact. Radiation involves heat loss to the environment without contact, not the primary method here. Convection requires air movement (e.g., fans), not used. Evaporation occurs with moisture vaporizing, a minor effect with tepid water but not dominant. Choice B is correct as conduction is the main mechanism, aligning with nursing interventions to reduce fever by physically drawing heat away from the body.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is preparing to assess the blood pressure of a 3 year old. How should the nurse proceed?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
Question 5 of 5
Cyanosis is ...
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.