ATI RN
Physical Assessment Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Francis is a middle-aged man who noted right-sided lower abdominal pain after straining with yard work. Which of the following would make a hernia more likely?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Inguinal hernias are common types of hernias that occur in the groin area. When a person strains, the hernia may become more noticeable as the abdominal contents push through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. The absence of symmetry of the inguinal areas with straining indicates that there is a hernia present, as the bulge or protrusion in the groin area becomes more prominent with straining. This makes a hernia more likely in this case. Therefore, option D is the correct choice in this scenario. The other options do not directly point to the presence of a hernia.
Question 2 of 5
Her cardiac, lung, and abdominal examinations are normal. On visualization of her anus, no inflammation, masses, or fissures are noted. When she is asked to bear down, you see a rosette of red mucosa prolapsing from the anus. On digital rectal examination there are no masses and no blood is found on the glove. What disorder of the anus or rectum is this likely to be?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The findings described in the scenario point towards rectal prolapse. Rectal prolapse, also known as procidentia or rectal procidentia, is the full-thickness protrusion of the rectal wall through the anus. The characteristic presentation often includes the protrusion of a rosette of red mucosa from the anus when the patient bears down. This is consistent with the visual assessment mentioned in the scenario.
Question 3 of 5
You are assessing a patient with diffuse joint pains and want to make sure that only the joints are the problem, and that the pain is not related to other diseases. Which of the following is a systemic cause of joint pain?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Lupus is a systemic autoimmune disease that can affect various organs and tissues throughout the body, including the joints. Joint pain in lupus is usually accompanied by other systemic symptoms such as fatigue, fever, skin rashes, and organ involvement. It is important to consider lupus as a potential cause of joint pain in a patient with diffuse joint symptoms to ensure proper management and treatment. Gout, osteoarthritis, and spondylosis are more localized conditions that primarily affect the joints without the systemic involvement typically seen in lupus.
Question 4 of 5
A 58-year-old man comes to your office complaining of bilateral back pain that now awakens him at night. This has been steadily increasing for the past 2 months. Which one of the following is the most reassuring in this patient with back pain?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this patient with bilateral back pain that awakens him at night, the most reassuring finding is that the pain is bilateral. Bilateral symptoms are less likely to be associated with red flags such as malignancy or infection compared to unilateral symptoms. While back pain in individuals over the age of 50, pain at night, and pain lasting more than 1 month are concerning features, the fact that the pain in this patient is bilateral provides some reassurance. However, further evaluation is still warranted to determine the exact cause of the pain and appropriate management.
Question 5 of 5
A high school football player injured his wrist in a game. He is tender between the two tendons at the base of the thumb. Which of the following should be considered?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: DeQuervain's tenosynovitis is a condition that involves inflammation of the tendons located at the base of the thumb. The tendons affected are the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis. It typically causes pain and tenderness at the base of the thumb, which can worsen with certain movements of the wrist and thumb. In the case of the high school football player, his tenderness between the two tendons at the base of the thumb is suggestive of DeQuervain's tenosynovitis. It is a common overuse injury in athletes, especially those involved in activities that require repetitive hand and wrist movements, such as gripping a football during play. Treatment usually involves rest, splinting, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy.