ATI RN
Vital Signs Physical Assessment Techniques Questions
Question 1 of 5
During percussion, the nurse knows that a dull percussion note elicited over a lung lobe most likely results from:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Increased density of lung tissue. A dull percussion note over a lung lobe indicates increased density of the underlying tissue, which can be due to conditions like pneumonia, atelectasis, or pulmonary fibrosis. Shallow breathing (A) would not directly cause a dull percussion note. Normal lung tissue (B) would produce a resonant percussion note. Decreased adipose tissue (C) does not influence the percussion note over the lung. Therefore, the increased density of lung tissue (D) is the most likely cause for a dull percussion note.
Question 2 of 5
During an annual physical examination, a 43-year-old patient states that she does not perform monthly breast self-examinations (BSEs). She tells the nurse that she believes that mammograms "do a much better job than I ever could to find a lump." The nurse should explain to her that:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (A): 1. BSEs may detect lumps that appear between mammograms, ensuring early detection. 2. Early detection increases the chances of successful treatment and survival. 3. BSEs empower individuals to be proactive in their own health. Summary of Incorrect Choices: B. BSEs are recommended starting at age 20, not 50. C. Mammography and BSE serve different purposes; they are not interchangeable. D. Physician examinations are important but should not replace BSEs for early detection.
Question 3 of 5
When assessing a newborn infant who is 5 minutes old, the nurse knows which of these statements to be true?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because at birth, the opening in the atrial septum known as the foramen ovale allows blood to bypass the lungs and flow from the right atrium to the left atrium. This is essential as the lungs are not functional until the baby takes its first breath. The closure of the foramen ovale typically occurs within minutes to hours after birth as the pressure changes in the heart and lungs. Choice A is incorrect because the right ventricle is typically larger and weighs more than the left ventricle in a newborn due to the lower pressure needed to pump blood to the lungs. Choice B is incorrect as the circulation of a newborn is different from that of an adult, with shunts and openings that close or change soon after birth. Choice D is incorrect as the foramen ovale closes gradually over time after birth, not just minutes before, and the ductus arteriosus closes within a few days after birth, not immediately.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is teaching a patient about the use of the diaphragm of a stethoscope. It is best used to detect:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The diaphragm of a stethoscope is best used to detect high-pitched breath sounds due to its ability to pick up higher frequency sounds. It is designed to transmit sound directly to the ear without amplifying it. High-pitched breath sounds such as wheezes or crackles are best heard using the diaphragm as it is more sensitive to these frequencies. Low-pitched heart murmurs (choice A) are better detected using the bell of the stethoscope as it is designed to pick up lower frequency sounds. Vascular bruits (choice C) are best heard with the bell as well, as they are low-frequency sounds. Extra heart sounds (choice D) may also be better detected using the bell due to their lower pitch. In summary, the diaphragm of a stethoscope is best suited for detecting high-pitched breath sounds, making choice B the correct answer in this scenario.
Question 5 of 5
Frank is a 24-year-old man who presents with multiple burning erosions on the shaft of his penis and some tender inguinal adenopathy. Which of the following is most likely?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Herpes simplex. Frank's presentation of burning erosions on the penis and inguinal adenopathy is classic for genital herpes. Primary syphilis (A) typically presents with a painless chancre at the site of infection. Chancroid (C) presents with painful genital ulcers and inguinal lymphadenopathy. Gonorrhea (D) usually manifests with urethritis and discharge, not erosions on the penis. In this case, the key features of burning erosions and inguinal adenopathy point towards herpes simplex as the most likely diagnosis.