ATI RN
ATI Vital Signs Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
During an acute episode of dyspnea in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, which breathing technique may help to reduce symptoms and the work of breathing?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pursed-lip breathing. This technique involves inhaling slowly through the nose and exhaling through pursed lips, which helps to keep the airways open longer, improve oxygen exchange, and reduce the work of breathing. It also helps to prevent small airways from collapsing, making it easier for COPD patients to breathe. Choice A: Controlled cough may be helpful in clearing secretions but does not specifically address reducing dyspnea and work of breathing. Choice B: Huffing is a technique used for clearing secretions and may not be as effective in reducing dyspnea during an acute episode. Choice D: Breath holds can lead to increased carbon dioxide levels and might worsen symptoms in COPD patients.
Question 2 of 5
A 42-year-old patient of Asian descent is being seen at the clinic for an initial examination. The nurse knows that including cultural information in his health assessment is important to:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Provide culturally sensitive and appropriate care. It is crucial to include cultural information in the health assessment to ensure the patient receives care that respects their beliefs, values, and practices. This leads to better communication, trust, and adherence to treatment plans. Understanding the patient's cultural background helps healthcare providers tailor care to meet the individual's needs, preferences, and expectations. Options A and B focus on identifying illness causes and making accurate diagnoses, which are important but do not address the cultural aspect of care. Option C is not directly related to the importance of cultural information in health assessments.
Question 3 of 5
A college student presents with a sore throat, fever, and fatigue for several days. You notice exudates on her enlarged tonsils. You do a careful lymphatic examination and notice some scattered small, mobile lymph nodes just behind her sternocleidomastoid muscles bilaterally. What group of nodes is this?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Posterior cervical nodes. These nodes are located just behind the sternocleidomastoid muscles, which is consistent with the student's presentation of sore throat and enlarged tonsils. The posterior cervical nodes drain the posterior neck, scalp, and parts of the head and neck region, making them likely to be involved in an infection of the tonsils. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Submandibular nodes are located under the mandible, B: Tonsillar nodes are not a distinct group of lymph nodes, and C: Occipital nodes are located at the back of the head.
Question 4 of 5
A 57-year-old maintenance worker comes to your office for evaluation of pain in his legs. He has smoked two packs per day since the age of 16, but he is otherwise healthy. You are concerned that he may have peripheral vascular disease. Which of the following is part of common or concerning symptoms for the peripheral vascular system?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Intermittent claudication. Intermittent claudication is a classic symptom of peripheral vascular disease, characterized by cramping leg pain that occurs with exertion and improves with rest. This is due to inadequate blood flow to the muscles during activity. In this case, the patient's history of smoking increases his risk for peripheral vascular disease. Choice B, chest pressure with exertion, is more indicative of cardiac issues like angina. Choice C, shortness of breath, is more associated with respiratory or cardiac conditions like heart failure. Choice D, knee pain, is not typically related to peripheral vascular disease but could be due to musculoskeletal issues.
Question 5 of 5
Which of these patients is most appropriate for the intensive care unit (ICU) charge nurse to assign to an RN who has floated from the medical unit?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because a patient with viral meningitis requiring IV antibiotics may have rapidly changing conditions that necessitate close monitoring and prompt intervention. The floated RN from the medical unit may have experience managing infectious diseases and IV medications. Choice B: The 23-year-old with a recent craniotomy is stable post-surgery and may not require immediate ICU-level care. Choice C: The 30-year-old with an ICP monitor after a head injury a week ago is likely stable and may not need the specialized care of the ICU. Choice D: The 61-year-old with increased ICP and hyperventilation therapy requires specialized care and expertise in managing neurocritical care, which the floated RN may not have.