ATI RN
nclex physical and health assessment questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
During an interview, the patient says that he experiences a sensation as if"everything around him is spinning." The nurse recognizes that the portion of the ear responsible for this sensation is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: the bony labyrinth. The bony labyrinth is the portion of the inner ear that includes the vestibular system responsible for balance and spatial orientation. This system detects rotational movements and contributes to the sensation of vertigo or spinning. Choice A, the cochlea, is responsible for hearing. Choice B, CN VIII (vestibulocochlear nerve), transmits auditory and balance-related information but is not the physical structure responsible for the sensation of spinning. Choice C, the organ of Corti, is located within the cochlea and is responsible for auditory transduction, not balance sensations.
Question 2 of 5
When performing the corneal light reflex assessment, the nurse notes that the light is reflected at the 2 o'clock position in each eye. The nurse would:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: document this as an asymmetrical light reflex. This finding indicates an asymmetry in the corneal light reflex, suggesting a possible deviation in eye alignment or muscle weakness. It is essential to document this observation for further evaluation and monitoring. Choice A is incorrect as asymmetry in the light reflex is not a normal finding. Referring for further evaluation (Choice B) would be appropriate if the asymmetry persists or is associated with other concerning symptoms. Performing the confrontation test (Choice D) is not necessary for this specific assessment and finding.
Question 3 of 5
A 70-year-old patient reports to the nurse that he is having trouble hearing, especially when he is in large groups. He says he"can't always tell where the sound is coming from" and the words often sound"mixed up." What might the nurse suspect as the cause for this?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Degeneration of nerves in the inner ear. This is likely the cause of the patient's hearing difficulties, as age-related degeneration of nerves in the inner ear can lead to difficulty distinguishing sounds and determining their direction. Atrophy of the apocrine glands (Choice A) and cilia becoming coarse and stiff (Choice B) are not related to hearing loss. Scarring of the tympanic membrane (Choice D) would affect sound conduction but not the perception of sound direction and clarity.
Question 4 of 5
A visitor from Poland who does not speak English appears somewhat apprehensive while the nurse is examining his neck. He would probably be most comfortable if the nurse were examining his thyroid:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it demonstrates cultural sensitivity and respect for the patient's comfort. Placing the nurse's thumbs on either side of the trachea and tilting the patient's head forward is a non-threatening and non-invasive approach to examining the thyroid. This position allows the nurse to assess the thyroid gland without causing discomfort or intimidation to the patient. Choice A is incorrect because having the nurse's hands placed firmly around the neck from behind may be perceived as invasive and threatening to the patient. Choice B is incorrect because having the nurse's thumbs on the patient's neck with eyes averted toward the ceiling may come across as awkward and unprofessional. Choice D is incorrect because tilting the patient's head backward can cause discomfort and may not be culturally sensitive as it can be perceived as invasive.
Question 5 of 5
While performing a voice test to assess hearing in a patient, which of the following would the nurse do?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B Rationale: 1. Whispering two-syllable words ensures a low volume, requiring the patient to focus on clarity. 2. Asking the patient to repeat tests their ability to hear and understand the whispered words accurately. 3. Whispering helps eliminate the influence of lip-reading, ensuring accurate assessment. Summary: A: Shielding the lips while speaking would hinder the patient's ability to hear clearly. C: Placing a finger in the ear would not be appropriate as it could affect the accuracy of the test. D: Standing at a specific distance does not ensure accurate assessment of hearing ability.