ATI RN
Vital Signs Assessment for Nurses Questions
Question 1 of 5
In trying to communicate with a client with cerebral vascular accident (stroke) and aphasia, which of the following actions by the nurse would be least helpful to the client?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because completing the client's sentences does not promote their communication skills development. It can be frustrating for the client and may hinder their progress in regaining speech abilities. A is correct because speaking slowly can help the client understand better. B is correct as it gives the client time to process and respond. D is correct as maintaining eye contact can enhance communication and show respect. Completing the client's sentences should be avoided as it undermines their autonomy and potential for improvement.
Question 2 of 5
A physical therapist educates a patient on how to use a mechanical lift to transfer a family member from bed to a wheelchair. The therapist explains that the MOST important instruction for the caregiver is to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Position the sling appropriately under the patient. This is crucial as an improperly positioned sling can lead to discomfort or injury for the patient during the transfer. By ensuring the sling is correctly placed, the caregiver can provide proper support and enhance the safety of the transfer. Placing the patient's arms outside of the sling (choice A) is important but not as critical as positioning the sling correctly. Locking the lift after positioning the patient in the wheelchair (choice C) is important for safety but not as crucial as ensuring the sling placement. Maintaining good body mechanics during the transfer (choice D) is also important for the caregiver's safety, but the priority should be on positioning the sling properly to ensure the patient's safety and comfort.
Question 3 of 5
A physical therapist evaluates a patient with suspected carpal tunnel syndrome. Which clinical test is MOST appropriate to confirm the diagnosis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Phalen's test. This test involves the patient flexing their wrists for 60 seconds to reproduce symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. This maneuver compresses the median nerve, causing numbness and tingling in the fingers. Phalen's test is specific for carpal tunnel syndrome. Other choices are not specific to this condition. Finkelstein test is for De Quervain's tenosynovitis, Tinel's sign at the elbow is for ulnar nerve entrapment, and Empty can test is for rotator cuff pathology.
Question 4 of 5
A physical therapist evaluates a patient following a transtibial amputation. Which factor is MOST likely to contribute to knee instability during gait?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Prosthesis aligned in excessive dorsiflexion. Excessive dorsiflexion can lead to increased knee flexion during stance phase of gait, causing knee instability. Weak hip abductors (A) may contribute to Trendelenburg gait but not knee instability. A prosthesis that is too short (C) may result in decreased step length but not necessarily knee instability. A socket too tight (D) can cause discomfort and skin breakdown but is unlikely to directly lead to knee instability.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is performing an otoscopic examination on a child and notes that the tympanic membrane is red and bulging. What condition does this finding suggest?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Otitis media. In otitis media, the middle ear becomes infected and inflamed, causing the tympanic membrane to appear red and bulging. This can be due to the accumulation of fluid and pus behind the eardrum. Otitis externa (choice A) involves inflammation of the ear canal, not the middle ear. A perforated eardrum (choice C) would show a hole or tear in the membrane rather than redness and bulging. Choice D is incorrect as a red and bulging tympanic membrane is not a normal finding in children.