ATI RN
Assess Vital Signs Rationale Questions
Question 1 of 5
M.J., age 85, has been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. During report you were told that the family does not want her to know the diagnosis. M.J. asks you, "Am I going to die?" Which of the following is the best therapeutic response from you, the nurse?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: "Tell me what prompted that question." This response shows empathy, encourages open communication, and allows M.J. to express her concerns. By asking for clarification, the nurse can assess M.J.'s understanding and emotional state, providing an opportunity to address her fears and offer support. This approach respects M.J.'s autonomy and allows her to share her feelings. Choice B: "I will ask your physician to discuss this matter with you." This response avoids addressing M.J.'s concerns directly and may not respect her preferences for communication. Choice C: "Let's take each day as it comes." This response does not directly address M.J.'s question and may come across as dismissive of her concerns. Choice D: "I think you should discuss that with your family." This response does not acknowledge M.J.'s feelings or provide direct support, potentially undermining the therapeutic relationship between the nurse and M.J.
Question 2 of 5
An anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) avulsion fracture can be caused by forceful contraction of which muscle?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, the Sartorius muscle. An ASIS avulsion fracture occurs due to a sudden and forceful contraction of the Sartorius muscle, which attaches to the ASIS. This muscle acts to flex, abduct, and laterally rotate the hip, and its abrupt contraction can lead to avulsion of the ASIS. The other choices, such as A (Long head of the biceps femoris), B (Vastus intermedius muscle), and D (Iliopsoas muscle), do not directly attach to the ASIS and are not involved in causing this specific type of fracture.
Question 3 of 5
A fall or blow on a hyperextended (dorsiflexed) wrist can cause osteonecrosis of which bone?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Scaphoid. A fall or blow on a hyperextended wrist can disrupt blood flow to the scaphoid bone, leading to osteonecrosis. The scaphoid is vulnerable due to its location and blood supply. Lunate (B), Triquetrum (C), and Pisiform (D) are less likely to be affected in this scenario due to their different anatomical locations and blood supplies.
Question 4 of 5
The most common site of skeletal metastases is which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Axial skeleton. Skeletal metastases commonly occur in the axial skeleton due to its rich blood supply and high bone turnover rate. This makes it a favorable site for cancer cells to metastasize. Metastases in the femur, humerus, and radius are less common compared to the axial skeleton. The long bones like femur, humerus, and radius are more prone to primary bone tumors rather than metastases. Therefore, the correct answer is A as it aligns with the typical pattern of skeletal metastases.
Question 5 of 5
How can cardiac rehabilitation benefit a patient with angina pectoris?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Improve efficiency. Cardiac rehabilitation can benefit a patient with angina pectoris by improving the efficiency of the heart muscle, leading to better circulation and reduced workload on the heart. This helps in managing angina symptoms and improving overall cardiovascular health. A: Increasing myocardial oxygen consumption would worsen angina symptoms by putting more strain on the heart. B: Decreasing the maximum heart rate could limit the patient's ability to exercise and improve cardiovascular health. C: Changing the angina threshold does not directly address the underlying issue of heart efficiency and may not provide long-term benefits.