Is the following information subjective or objective? Mr. M. has shortness of breath that has persisted for the past 10 days; it is worse with activity and relieved by rest.

Questions 28

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Physical Assessment NCLEX Practice Questions Questions

Question 1 of 9

Is the following information subjective or objective? Mr. M. has shortness of breath that has persisted for the past 10 days; it is worse with activity and relieved by rest.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The information provided about Mr. M's shortness of breath being present for the past 10 days, worsening with activity, and relieved by rest are all objective findings. These are measurable and observable facts that can be documented by healthcare professionals through physical examination, assessment, and potentially diagnostic tests. Subjective information would involve Mr. M's personal feelings or descriptions of his symptoms, which are not included in the given information.

Question 2 of 9

A patient is describing a very personal part of her history very quickly and in great detail. How should you react to this?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this situation, it is important to prioritize active listening over taking detailed notes. By pushing away from the keyboard or putting down your pen, you are signaling to the patient that you are fully present and engaged in listening to their story. This will help foster trust and encourage the patient to continue sharing their personal history. Taking notes can be done later, but the immediate focus should be on providing a supportive and attentive environment for the patient to share their experiences.

Question 3 of 9

You are examining an unconscious patient from another region and notice Beau's lines, a transverse groove across all of her nails, about 1 cm from the proximal nail fold. What would you do next?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Beau's lines are transverse grooves or depressions in the nails that occur from a temporary disruption in nail growth. These lines can be caused by a variety of factors, including systemic diseases, medication use, trauma, or environmental stressors. However, one of the most common causes of Beau's lines is a significant physiological stress such as a severe illness or major surgery that occurred about 3 months prior to the appearance of the lines. Therefore, looking for information from family and records regarding any problems that occurred around 3 months ago is the most appropriate next step to understand the underlying cause of Beau's lines in this unconscious patient. This information can provide crucial insights into the patient's medical history and potential underlying health issues that may need to be addressed.

Question 4 of 9

Her right carotid pulse is bounding but the left carotid pulse is weak. She is afebrile but her respirations are 24 times a minute. On auscultation her lungs are clear and her cardiac examination is unremarkable. You call EMS and have her taken to the hospital's ER for further evaluation. What disorder of the chest best describes her symptoms?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A dissecting aortic aneurysm is the most likely disorder that best describes the symptoms presented. In this condition, the inner layer of the aorta tears and blood can flow between the layers of the aortic wall, causing a number of potential symptoms. A patient with a dissecting aortic aneurysm may present with a difference in pulses between the right and left sides due to decreased blood flow to one side. The bounding pulse on one side and weak pulse on the other are indicative of uneven blood flow distribution. Additionally, a dissecting aortic aneurysm can lead to respiratory symptoms such as increased respiratory rate if there is associated pain or discomfort, although clear lung sounds would not typically be expected with this condition. The condition is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate evaluation and treatment.

Question 5 of 9

Which lung sound possesses the characteristics of being louder and higher in pitch, with a short silence between inspiration and expiration and with expiration being longer than inspiration?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The characteristics described - being louder and higher in pitch, with a short silence between inspiration and expiration, and expiration being longer than inspiration - are indicative of the bronchial lung sound. The bronchial sound is typically heard over the trachea area and can be louder and higher-pitched than other lung sounds due to conduction of sounds through the bronchial tree. The short silence between inspiration and expiration is due to the short expiratory phase during which air rushes out quickly, whereas expiration is longer than inspiration in this sound due to the increased airflow velocity during expiration.

Question 6 of 9

A young man is concerned about a hard mass he has just noticed in the midline of his palate. On examination, it is indeed hard and in the midline. There are no mucosal abnormalities associated with this lesion. He is experiencing no other symptoms. What will you tell him is the most likely diagnosis?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A hard mass in the midline of the palate with no associated mucosal abnormalities is most likely a torus palatinus. Torus palatinus is a benign bony growth that often occurs in the midline of the hard palate. It is typically asymptomatic and does not require treatment unless it causes issues with function or hygiene. Leukoplakia is a clinical term used to describe a white patch in the mouth that cannot be scrapped off and is associated with a risk of cancer. Thrush (candidiasis) presents as white, creamy patches in the mouth that can be scrapped off and is caused by a yeast infection. Kaposi's sarcoma presents as red or purple patches or nodules in the mouth and is associated with immunocompromised individuals, like those with HIV/AIDS.

Question 7 of 9

Suzanne, a 25 year old, comes to your clinic to establish care. You are the student preparing to go into the examination room to interview her. Which of the following is the most logical sequence for the patient-provider interview?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The most logical sequence for the patient-provider interview is to greet the patient, establish rapport, invite the patient's story, establish the agenda, expand and clarify the patient's story, and negotiate a plan. This sequence ensures a patient-centered approach by first building a connection with the patient, allowing the patient to share their concerns and story, and then working collaboratively with the patient to address these concerns. It is important to start by building rapport to establish trust and a comfortable environment for the patient to open up about their health concerns. Inviting the patient's story allows the provider to understand the patient's perspective and how their symptoms are impacting their life. Establishing the agenda sets the priorities for the visit and ensures that both the provider and patient are on the same page. Expanding and clarifying the patient's story helps gather more detailed information, leading to a comprehensive assessment. Finally, negotiating a plan together with the patient ensures shared decision-making and a patient-centered approach

Question 8 of 9

A 29-year-old woman comes to your office. As you take the history, you notice that she is speaking very quickly, and jumping from topic to topic so rapidly that you have trouble following her. You are able to find some connections between ideas, but it is difficult. Which word describes this thought process?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When a person's thought process is characterized by speaking rapidly, jumping from topic to topic, and making loose or tangential connections between ideas, it is referred to as a "flight of ideas." This type of thought process is commonly seen in conditions such as mania, where there is a marked increase in goal-directed activity, energy, and racing thoughts. In contrast, derailment refers to a disorganized thought process where the individual is unable to maintain a logical progression in their speech. Circumstantiality involves providing excessive and unnecessary detail before eventually reaching the main point. Incoherence is used to describe speech that is incomprehensible and disjointed, lacking any logical connection between ideas.

Question 9 of 9

You are assessing a patient with joint pain and are trying to decide whether it is inflammatory or noninflammatory in nature. Which one of the following symptoms is consistent with an inflammatory process?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Nodules are a characteristic finding in an inflammatory joint condition such as rheumatoid arthritis. Nodules are small, firm lumps that can develop near the affected joint and are often indicative of an underlying inflammatory process. Tenderness, cool temperature, and ecchymosis can be seen in various musculoskeletal conditions, but nodules specifically point towards an inflammatory process in the joint.

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