ATI RN
Vital Signs Assessment Chapter 7 Questions
Question 1 of 5
During an assessment, the nurse knows that expected assessment findings in the normal adult lung include the presence of:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C) Muffled voice sounds and symmetric tactile fremitus. In a normal adult lung assessment, the presence of muffled voice sounds indicates that sound is transmitted normally through the lung tissue. This is a normal finding. Symmetric tactile fremitus means that vibrations are felt equally on both sides of the chest when the patient speaks. This finding is also normal in a healthy adult. Option A) Adventitious sounds and limited chest expansion are indicative of abnormal lung findings such as crackles or wheezes, which suggest underlying respiratory conditions. Limited chest expansion may be seen in conditions like pneumonia or pleural effusion. Option B) Increased tactile fremitus and dull percussion tones are associated with lung consolidation, a condition where lung tissue becomes solid instead of filled with air. This is often seen in conditions like pneumonia. Option D) Absent voice sounds and hyperresonant percussion tones can be indicative of conditions like pneumothorax, where air accumulates in the pleural space leading to decreased or absent breath sounds and hyperresonance upon percussion. Educationally, understanding normal lung assessment findings is crucial for nurses to differentiate between normal and abnormal findings, which can guide further diagnostic and treatment decisions. By recognizing what is expected in a healthy adult lung, nurses can provide better patient care and identify early signs of respiratory issues.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is preparing for a class in early detection of breast cancer. Which statement is true with regard to breast cancer in black women in the United States?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Black women have a higher mortality rate from breast cancer than white women and are more likely to die of their disease. In addition, black women are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with regional or distant breast cancer than are white women. These racial differences in mortality rates may be related to an insufficient use of screening measures and a lack of access to health care.
Question 3 of 5
When listening to heart sounds, the nurse knows the valve closures that can be heard best at the base of the heart are:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this question, the correct answer is C) Aortic and pulmonic. When listening to heart sounds, the nurse can hear the aortic and pulmonic valve closures best at the base of the heart. This is because these valves are located at the base of the heart where the major blood vessels exit. The aortic valve is on the left side, and the pulmonic valve is on the right side at the base of the heart. Option A) Mitral and tricuspid is incorrect because these valves are located at the apex of the heart and are best heard at the lower left sternal border. Option B) Tricuspid and aortic is incorrect because the tricuspid valve is best heard at the lower left sternal border along the tricuspid area. Option D) Mitral and pulmonic is incorrect because the mitral valve is best heard at the apex of the heart, while the pulmonic valve is best heard at the left upper sternal border. Understanding the specific locations of the heart valves and where they are best auscultated is crucial for accurate assessment and diagnosis of cardiac conditions. By knowing where to listen for each valve, nurses can detect abnormalities and provide appropriate care to their patients.
Question 4 of 5
While auscultating heart sounds on a 7-year-old child for a routine physical examination, the nurse hears an S3, a soft murmur at the left midsternal border, and a venous hum when the child is standing. What would be a correct interpretation of these findings?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, option B is the correct interpretation of the findings. It is crucial to understand that children often exhibit innocent murmurs, which are common and considered normal variations. An S3 sound can also be normal in children due to the compliant nature of their ventricles. The venous hum heard when the child is standing is likely due to increased blood flow in the jugular vein, which is a normal finding. Option A is incorrect because an S3 sound alone does not necessarily indicate heart disease in children. Option C is incorrect as these findings do not specifically point to congenital problems. Option D is incorrect as a venous hum does not indicate an aneurysm. In an educational context, it is essential for healthcare providers to be aware of the variations in normal findings in pediatric patients to prevent unnecessary alarm or further testing. Understanding the nuances of pediatric auscultation helps in accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of children's health conditions.
Question 5 of 5
A tender, painful swelling of the scrotum should suggest which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) All of the above. When a patient presents with a tender, painful swelling of the scrotum, it can be indicative of various pathologies related to the male reproductive system. Understanding why each option is right or wrong is crucial for clinical assessment and decision-making. A) Acute epididymitis: This condition involves inflammation of the epididymis, resulting in scrotal pain and swelling. It is often accompanied by symptoms such as fever and urinary symptoms. The tender, painful swelling described in the question aligns with the presentation of acute epididymitis. B) Strangulated inguinal hernia: While a hernia can also cause scrotal swelling, a strangulated inguinal hernia typically presents with severe pain, tenderness, and a firm, irreducible mass in the groin area. This differs from the specific description of a tender, painful swelling of the scrotum. C) Torsion of the spermatic cord: Testicular torsion is a medical emergency characterized by the twisting of the spermatic cord, leading to compromised blood flow to the testicle. This condition presents with sudden, severe testicular pain and swelling but may not necessarily involve the scrotum itself. Educational Context: Vital signs assessment is crucial in identifying and diagnosing various medical conditions. By understanding the specific signs and symptoms associated with different pathologies, healthcare providers can make informed decisions regarding patient care. In this case, recognizing the significance of a tender, painful swelling of the scrotum as a red flag symptom for multiple serious conditions highlights the importance of prompt evaluation and appropriate management.