ATI RN
Physical Assessment Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
How much does cardiovascular risk increase for each increment of 20 mm Hg systolic and 10 mm Hg diastolic in blood pressure?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Research studies have shown that for every increment of 20 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure and 10 mm Hg in diastolic blood pressure, the cardiovascular risk approximately doubles. Therefore, the cardiovascular risk increases by 50% for each increment of 20 mm Hg systolic and 10 mm Hg diastolic in blood pressure. This underlines the importance of maintaining healthy blood pressure levels to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Question 2 of 9
A 35-year-old archaeologist comes to your office (located in Phoenix, Arizona) for a regular skin check-up. She has just returned from her annual dig site in Greece. She has fair skin and reddish-blonde hair. She has a family history of melanoma. She has many freckles scattered across her skin. From this description, which of the following is not a risk factor for melanoma in this patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the given scenario, being a 35-year-old archaeologist with fair skin, a family history of melanoma, and many freckles scattered across her skin are all risk factors for melanoma. Age (choice A) is a relevant risk factor as melanoma incidence increases with age. Actinic lentigines (choice C), also known as sunspots, are precancerous skin lesions that can increase the risk of developing melanoma. Heavy sun exposure (choice D) is a significant risk factor as cumulative sun exposure over time can contribute to the development of melanoma.
Question 3 of 9
A 15-year-old high school sophomore comes to the clinic for evaluation of a 3-week history of sneezing; itchy, watery eyes; clear nasal discharge; ear pain; and nonproductive cough. Which is the most likely pathologic process?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The symptoms described, such as sneezing, itchy watery eyes, clear nasal discharge, ear pain, and nonproductive cough, are classic signs of allergic rhinitis, commonly known as seasonal allergies. Allergic rhinitis is an inflammatory response triggered by allergens in the environment such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. The immune system overreacts to these allergens, releasing histamine and other chemicals that cause the symptoms experienced by the patient. In this case, the most likely pathologic process underlying the symptoms is an allergic response rather than infection, inflammation, or vascular issues.
Question 4 of 9
Marion presents to your office with back pain associated with constipation and urinary retention. Which of the following is most likely?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Marion's presentation of back pain associated with constipation and urinary retention is concerning for cauda equina syndrome. Cauda equina syndrome is a rare but serious condition caused by the compression of the bundle of nerves at the bottom of the spinal cord, known as the cauda equina. This compression can result in a variety of symptoms, including back pain, sciatica, changes in bowel and bladder function (such as constipation and urinary retention), as well as lower extremity weakness or numbness.
Question 5 of 9
Chris is a 20-year-old college student who has had abdominal pain for 3 days. It started at his umbilicus and was associated with nausea and vomiting. He was unable to find a comfortable position. Yesterday, the pain became more severe and constant. Now, he hesitates to walk, because any motion makes the pain much worse. It is localized just medial and inferior to his iliac crest on the right. Which of the following is most likely?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The presentation is highly suggestive of appendicitis, especially given the migration of pain from the periumbilical region to the right lower quadrant (just medial and inferior to the iliac crest). The worsening of pain with motion, along with associated symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and fever, are typical features of appendicitis. The classic presentation of appendicitis is pain starting around the umbilicus (due to visceral innervation) and then shifting to the right lower quadrant (due to irritation of the parietal peritoneum). Surgical intervention is usually required promptly to prevent complications like perforation, which can lead to peritonitis and sepsis.
Question 6 of 9
How much does cardiovascular risk increase for each increment of 20 mm Hg systolic and 10 mm Hg diastolic in blood pressure?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Research studies have shown that for every increment of 20 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure and 10 mm Hg in diastolic blood pressure, the cardiovascular risk approximately doubles. Therefore, the cardiovascular risk increases by 50% for each increment of 20 mm Hg systolic and 10 mm Hg diastolic in blood pressure. This underlines the importance of maintaining healthy blood pressure levels to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Question 7 of 9
With auscultation she has distant air sounds and she has late inspiratory crackles in both lower lobes. On cardiac examination the S and S are distant and an S is heard over the apex. 1 2 3 What disorder of the chest best describes her symptoms?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The given symptoms of distant air sounds, late inspiratory crackles in both lower lobes, distant S1 and S2 heart sounds, and an S3 heart sound heard over the apex are all characteristic findings of left-sided heart failure. Distant air sounds and late inspiratory crackles indicate pulmonary congestion due to fluid accumulation in the lungs as a result of left-sided heart failure. The distant heart sounds and presence of an S3 are signs of left ventricular dysfunction. In contrast, pneumonia would typically present with more localized abnormal breath sounds and other symptoms such as fever and productive cough. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) would manifest with prolonged expiratory phase and wheezing, not late inspiratory crackles. Pleural pain is typically associated with sharp chest pain exacerbated by breathing movements, and it does not explain the constellation of symptoms described in this case. Therefore, the most likely diagnosis based on the provided symptoms
Question 8 of 9
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 group of lymph nodes that lie just behind the sternocleidomastoid muscles bilaterally are known as the posterior cervical lymph nodes. These lymph nodes are part of the superficial cervical lymph node chain, which is involved in draining lymph from the head and neck region. In the case described, the presence of sore throat, fever, and enlarged tonsils with exudates suggests a likely upper respiratory tract infection or tonsillitis, leading to the enlargement of the nearby lymph nodes. The posterior cervical lymph nodes are commonly examined in cases of upper respiratory infections and tonsillitis due to their proximity to the area of infection and inflammation.
Question 9 of 9
When you enter your patient's examination room, his wife is waiting there with him. Which of the following is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most appropriate action in this situation is to ask the patient if it's okay to carry out the visit with both people in the room. This shows respect for the patient's autonomy and privacy. Some patients may feel more comfortable discussing personal information without a family member present, while others may prefer having their spouse or family member involved in the conversation. By asking for the patient's preference, you are ensuring that they have the opportunity to control who is present during the consultation and are upholding their right to confidentiality.