ATI RN
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
Her abdominal examination reveals a gravid uterus but is otherwise unremarkable. On visualization of the anus there is a slight red, moist- appearing protrusion from the anus. As you have her bear down, the protrusion grows larger. On digital rectal examination you can feel an enlarged tender area on the posterior side. There is some blood on the glove after the examination. What disorder of the anus or rectum best fits this presentation?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The described clinical presentation is consistent with internal hemorrhoids. The typical symptoms of internal hemorrhoids include painless rectal bleeding, protrusion from the anus during straining, and a feeling of incomplete evacuation. In this case, the protrusion is observed to be red, moist, and enlarges with bearing down, all indicative of internal hemorrhoids. The enlarged tender area felt on digital rectal examination supports the diagnosis. Additionally, the presence of blood on the glove after the examination is also suggestive of internal hemorrhoids causing bleeding. Anal fissures typically present with sharp pain during defecation and may have visible tears in the anal mucosa. External hemorrhoids are usually more painful and can be felt as a lump around the anus. Anorectal fistulas have different signs and symptoms, including discharge of pus and recurrent infections.
Question 3 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 4 of 9
A patient complains of epistaxis. Which other cause should be considered?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When a patient presents with epistaxis (nosebleed), other causes such as intracranial hemorrhage should be considered. Intracranial hemorrhage refers to bleeding within the skull, which can sometimes manifest as epistaxis. Common symptoms of intracranial hemorrhage include severe headache, altered mental status, focal neurological deficits, and sometimes, epistaxis. It is essential to assess for signs of increased intracranial pressure or neurological deficits if a patient with epistaxis has a history of trauma or other risk factors for intracranial bleeding. Immediate medical evaluation and imaging studies may be necessary to rule out intracranial hemorrhage in such cases to prevent serious consequences.
Question 5 of 9
Jean has just given birth 6 months ago and is breast-feeding her child. She has not had a period since giving birth. What does this most likely represent?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Secondary amenorrhea refers to the absence of menstruation for 3-6 months in a woman who previously had regular menstrual cycles. In this case, Jean's lack of menstruation after giving birth and while breastfeeding her child for 6 months likely indicates secondary amenorrhea. This temporary suppression of ovulation and menstruation commonly occurs during breastfeeding due to the high levels of the hormone prolactin, which is responsible for milk production and can inhibit ovulation and menstruation. It is a natural phenomenon known as lactational amenorrhea. Once breastfeeding decreases or stops, menstruation usually resumes within a few months.
Question 6 of 9
You are examining a newborn and note that the right testicle is not in the scrotum. What should you do next?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When examining a newborn and noting that the right testicle is not in the scrotum, it is important to refer the newborn to a pediatric urologist for further evaluation and management. This condition could be a case of undescended testis (cryptorchidism), where the testicle fails to descend into the scrotum. Early intervention is crucial as the undescended testis may lead to complications such as infertility, testicular cancer, and inguinal hernia. Urology specialists can determine the best course of action to bring down the testis and ensure proper testicular development. Waiting or attempting manual descent without expertise could lead to complications, so it is best to involve a urologist for proper assessment and management.
Question 7 of 9
Cody is a teenager with a history of leukemia and an enlarged spleen. Today he presents with fairly significant left upper quadrant pain. On examination of this area a rough grating noise is heard. What is this sound?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A splenic rub is a friction rub heard on auscultation in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen, typically in patients with an enlarged spleen. The rough grating noise heard during examination is due to the rubbing together of the inflamed or irritated peritoneal surfaces surrounding the spleen. This is a classic finding in patients with splenomegaly and is often associated with left upper quadrant pain. Bowel noises (borborygmi) are typically heard in the abdomen and are softer, gurgling, or rumbling in nature. Vascular noises are related to blood flow and are typically not associated with such sounds in the abdomen.
Question 8 of 9
Two weeks ago, Mary started a job which requires carrying 40-pound buckets. She presents with elbow pain worse on the right. On examination, it hurts her elbows to dorsiflex her hands against resistance when her palms face the floor. What condition does she have?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, is a condition characterized by pain and tenderness on the lateral (outside) aspect of the elbow. It is typically caused by overuse or repetitive strain of the extensor muscles in the forearm, leading to inflammation of the tendons attached to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus.
Question 9 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.