ATI RN
Assessing Vital Signs Questions
Question 1 of 5
During a visit to the clinic, a patient states, 'The doctor just told me he thought I ought to stop smoking. He doesn't understand how hard I've tried. I just don't know the best way to do it. What should I do?' The nurse's most appropriate response in this case would be:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "Would you like some information about the different ways a person can quit smoking?" Rationale: 1. Empathy: This response shows empathy by acknowledging the patient's struggle and offering support. 2. Patient-Centered Care: By asking if the patient would like information, the nurse involves the patient in decision-making. 3. Education: Providing information about quitting smoking empowers the patient to make an informed choice. 4. Non-judgmental: This response avoids judgment or pressure, which can help the patient feel more comfortable seeking help. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: This response is directive and lacks empathy, potentially making the patient feel judged or pressured. C: While empathetic, this response does not offer practical help or information to address the patient's concerns. D: This response is confrontational and assumes the patient should already know about the smoking cessation program, which may come across as dismissive.
Question 2 of 5
During an examination of a child, the nurse considers that physical growth is the best index of a child's:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: General health. Physical growth is a reflection of overall health status in children. Adequate growth indicates proper nutrition, absence of chronic illness, and normal development. Monitoring growth parameters like height and weight can provide valuable insights into a child's well-being. The other choices are incorrect because while genetics (B) can influence growth potential, it doesn't directly indicate the current health status. Nutritional status (C) is important for growth but doesn't encompass all aspects of health. Activity and exercise patterns (D) are important for overall health but don't solely determine a child's general health status.
Question 3 of 5
A patient's blood pressure is 118/82 mm Hg. He asks the nurse, "What do the numbers mean?" The nurse's best reply is:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it accurately explains that the top number (systolic pressure) reflects the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts. This is important information as it indicates the maximum pressure exerted on the arteries during a heartbeat. The bottom number represents diastolic pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats. This information helps assess overall cardiovascular health. Choice A is incorrect because just stating the numbers are normal does not provide any educational value to the patient. Choice B is incorrect as it inaccurately describes the diastolic pressure. Choice D is incorrect as it simplifies the explanation and focuses on the wrong aspect of blood pressure.
Question 4 of 5
Which of these specific measurements is the best index of a child's general health?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Height and weight. These measurements provide important indicators of a child's growth and development, which are key components of overall health. Height and weight measurements can help assess nutritional status, growth patterns, and potential health issues. Vital signs (A) are important for monitoring immediate health status but do not provide a comprehensive view of general health. Head circumference (C) is primarily used in infancy to assess brain development. Chest circumference (D) is not typically used as a general health indicator in children. In summary, height and weight measurements offer a holistic view of a child's health by evaluating growth, nutrition, and overall well-being.
Question 5 of 5
A patient comes to the clinic and states that he has noticed that his skin is redder than normal. The nurse understands that this condition is due to hyperemia and knows that it can be caused by:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Excess blood in the dilated superficial capillaries. Hyperemia is characterized by an increase in blood flow to a specific area, leading to redness. This is caused by vasodilation of superficial capillaries, allowing more blood to flow through the area. Choices A and C are incorrect because decreased amounts of bilirubin in the blood and decreased perfusion do not lead to hyperemia. Choice B is incorrect because excess blood in the underlying blood vessels does not directly cause the redness seen in hyperemia.