ATI RN
Vital Signs Assessment Chapter 7 Questions
Question 1 of 5
Mark each of the following statements as therapeutic or nontherapeutic. h. "No need to cry. Let's move on to a different topic."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the context of therapeutic communication, the correct answer is B) Nontherapeutic. This response is nontherapeutic because it dismisses the individual's feelings by implying that they should stop crying and move on, which can be invalidating and insensitive. In therapeutic communication, it is important to acknowledge and validate the person's emotions before redirecting the conversation. Option A) Therapeutic would have been the correct choice if the response had acknowledged the person's emotions first before transitioning to a different topic. Effective therapeutic communication involves active listening, empathy, and validation of emotions to build trust and rapport with the individual. In an educational context, understanding the principles of therapeutic communication is essential for healthcare providers to establish effective relationships with patients. By recognizing and responding appropriately to patients' emotions, healthcare professionals can promote trust, understanding, and collaboration in the care process. This skill is particularly crucial in situations where patients may be experiencing distress or vulnerability, such as during vital signs assessments.
Question 2 of 5
The glenohumeral joint (shoulder girdle complex) involves articulation of the humeral head with the glenoid fossa. Approximately what percentage of the humeral head articulates with the glenoid fossa?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B) 30%. In the glenohumeral joint, the humeral head articulates with the glenoid fossa, forming a ball-and-socket joint. The glenoid fossa is relatively shallow compared to the humeral head, so only about 30% of the humeral head's surface area makes contact with the glenoid fossa. This limited contact area allows for a wide range of motion at the shoulder joint while sacrificing some stability. Option A) 15% is incorrect because this would suggest a much smaller articulation surface, limiting the range of motion and stability of the joint. Option C) 50% is incorrect as this would imply a more stable joint with less mobility. Option D) 70% is also incorrect because this would result in a much more stable but less mobile joint than what is actually observed in the shoulder joint. Understanding the percentage of articulation between the humeral head and the glenoid fossa is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially those involved in assessing and treating shoulder injuries. By knowing this anatomy, clinicians can better understand the mechanisms of injury, diagnose conditions, and develop appropriate treatment plans to help patients regain optimal function and mobility in the shoulder girdle complex.
Question 3 of 5
What physical exam finding will be observed in 'Saturday night palsy'?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In 'Saturday night palsy,' there is compression or injury to the radial nerve, resulting in weakness or paralysis of the wrist and finger extensor muscles. The correct answer, option A, "Marked wrist and finger drop," directly correlates with this characteristic presentation. This physical exam finding is a hallmark of radial nerve dysfunction. Option B, "Atrophy of abductor pollicis brevis (APB)," is associated with median nerve injury rather than radial nerve dysfunction seen in 'Saturday night palsy.' Option C, "Weak elbow extension," typically points to a different nerve involvement, such as the musculocutaneous nerve. Option D, "Painless weakness and atrophy of hand intrinsic muscle," does not align with the typical presentation of 'Saturday night palsy,' which is characterized by weakness in the wrist and finger extensors. Educationally, understanding specific physical exam findings associated with nerve injuries is crucial for accurate clinical assessments. Recognizing these patterns aids in localizing the nerve injury and determining appropriate management strategies. This knowledge is particularly important for healthcare professionals involved in diagnosing and treating patients with neurological conditions or injuries.
Question 4 of 5
The patient's record, laboratory studies, objective data, and subjective data combine to form the:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the context of vital signs assessment, the correct answer is A) Data base. The data base refers to the comprehensive collection of information including the patient's record, laboratory studies, objective data (measurable, observable data like vital signs), and subjective data (information provided by the patient). This combined information forms the foundation for making clinical decisions and providing appropriate care. Option B) Admitting data specifically pertains to the information gathered when a patient is admitted to a healthcare facility and may not encompass all the necessary data for a complete assessment. Option C) Financial statement is unrelated to the process of collecting and analyzing patient data for vital signs assessment. Option D) Discharge summary is a document prepared at the end of a patient's hospital stay to summarize the treatment provided and future care plans, but it does not encompass the entire range of data needed for vital signs assessment. Understanding the concept of a data base in healthcare is crucial for healthcare professionals to accurately assess patients, make informed decisions, and provide optimal care. By recognizing and utilizing the data base effectively, healthcare providers can ensure the delivery of high-quality and personalized patient care.
Question 5 of 5
Which of these would be formulated by a nurse using diagnostic reasoning?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the context of vital signs assessment, the correct answer is C) Diagnostic hypothesis. A nurse uses diagnostic reasoning to formulate a diagnostic hypothesis based on the data gathered from the vital signs assessment. This involves analyzing the information collected, identifying patterns or abnormalities, and formulating a tentative conclusion about the potential health issue or condition the patient may be experiencing. Option A) Nursing diagnosis is incorrect because it refers to the identification and labeling of a patient's actual or potential response to a health problem, which comes after the diagnostic process. Option B) Medical diagnosis is also incorrect as it is the identification of a disease or condition based on specific signs, symptoms, and diagnostic tests conducted by a physician. Option D) Diagnostic assessment is not the most appropriate answer as it refers to the process of evaluating a patient's health status through various assessments and tests but does not involve the formulation of a diagnostic hypothesis. Educationally, understanding the distinction between nursing diagnosis, medical diagnosis, diagnostic hypothesis, and diagnostic assessment is crucial for nurses to effectively assess, plan, and implement patient care. Developing strong diagnostic reasoning skills enables nurses to make informed decisions, prioritize interventions, and collaborate with healthcare team members to provide holistic and individualized care to patients.