Mr. W. is a 51-year-old auto mechanic who comes to the emergency room wanting to be checked out for the symptom of chest pain. As you listen to him describe his symptom in more detail, you say "Go on," and later, "Mm-hmmm." This is an example of which of the following skilled interviewing techniques?

Questions 81

ATI RN

ATI RN Test Bank

Jarvis Physical Examination and Health Assessment 9th Edition Test Bank Questions

Question 1 of 5

Mr. W. is a 51-year-old auto mechanic who comes to the emergency room wanting to be checked out for the symptom of chest pain. As you listen to him describe his symptom in more detail, you say "Go on," and later, "Mm-hmmm." This is an example of which of the following skilled interviewing techniques?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Facilitation involves using verbal and nonverbal cues to encourage the patient to continue talking. In this scenario, saying "Go on" and "Mm-hmm" indicates active listening and prompts Mr. W. to elaborate on his symptoms. This technique helps gather more information and shows empathy without imposing personal assumptions or judgments. Echoing involves repeating the patient's last words, nonverbal communication refers to gestures and body language, and an empathic response involves acknowledging and validating the patient's feelings. In this case, the best fit is facilitation as it encourages further discussion without interrupting or steering the conversation.

Question 2 of 5

An 18-year-old college freshman presents to the clinic for evaluation of gastroenteritis. You measure the patient's temperature and it is 104 degrees Fahrenheit. What type of pulse would you expect to feel during his initial examination?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Large amplitude, forceful. A high fever, like 104 degrees Fahrenheit, typically leads to an increased heart rate and stronger pulse. This is the body's way of compensating for the fever and increased metabolic demands. A pulse with large amplitude and forceful quality indicates a higher cardiac output to support the body's needs during the fever. Choices B and C are incorrect because a small amplitude, weak pulse is unlikely with a high fever, and a normal pulse may not be expected in this scenario. Choice D, bigeminal, refers to an abnormal heart rhythm pattern characterized by every other beat being premature and is unrelated to the patient's fever.

Question 3 of 5

A 19-year-old college student, Todd, is brought to your clinic by his mother. She is concerned that there is something seriously wrong with him. She states for the past 6 months his behavior has become peculiar and he has flunked out of college. Todd denies any recent illness or injuries. His past medical history is remarkable only for a broken foot. His parents are both healthy. He has a paternal uncle who had similar symptoms in college. The patient admits to smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol. He also admits to marijuana use but none in the last week. He denies using any other substances. He denies any feelings of depression or anxiety. While speaking with Todd and his mother you do a complete physical examination, which is essentially normal. When you question him on how he is feeling, he says that he is very worried that Microsoft has stolen his software for creating a better browser. He tells you he has seen a black van in his neighborhood at night and he is sure that it is full of computer tech workers stealing his work through special gamma waves. You ask him why he believes they are trying to steal his programs. He replies that the technicians have been telepathing their intents directly into his head. He says he hears these conversations at night so he knows this is happening. Todd's mother then tells you, "See, I told you . . . he's crazy. What do I do about it?" While arranging for a psychiatry consult, what psychotic disorder do you think Todd has?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Schizophrenia. Todd presents with a history of peculiar behavior, academic decline, paranoid delusions, and auditory hallucinations. These are classic symptoms of schizophrenia, a chronic and severe mental disorder. Schizoaffective disorder (A) involves a mix of schizophrenia symptoms and mood disturbances, but Todd does not exhibit significant mood symptoms. Psychotic disorder due to a medical illness (B) would require evidence of a medical condition causing Todd's symptoms, which is not present. Substance-induced psychotic disorder (C) would require Todd's symptoms to be solely due to substance use, but his symptoms persist despite marijuana abstinence. Therefore, based on Todd's symptoms and history, the most likely diagnosis is schizophrenia.

Question 4 of 5

A 28-year-old patient comes to the office for evaluation of a rash. At first there was only one large patch, but then more lesions erupted suddenly on the back and torso; the lesions itch. On physical examination, you note that the pattern of eruption is like a Christmas tree and that there are a variety of erythematous papules and macules on the cleavage lines of the back. Based on this description, what is the most likely diagnosis?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pityriasis rosea. The key features that point towards this diagnosis include the sudden eruption of lesions in a Christmas tree pattern on the back and torso, along with itching. Pityriasis rosea commonly presents with a single large patch followed by smaller lesions in a distinct pattern. Other choices can be ruled out based on the description provided. Tinea versicolor typically presents with hypo- or hyperpigmented patches, not the erythematous papules and macules described. Psoriasis usually presents with thick, silvery scales, not erythematous lesions in a Christmas tree pattern. Atopic eczema may present with erythematous papules, but the Christmas tree pattern and acute onset described are not typical.

Question 5 of 5

A young man comes to you with an extremely pruritic rash over his knees and elbows which has come and gone for several years. It seems to be worse in the winter and improves with some sun exposure. On examination, you notice scabbing and crusting with some silvery scale, and you are observant enough to notice small "pits" in his nails. What would account for these findings?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Psoriasis. The key clinical features described, such as pruritic rash with scabbing, crusting, silvery scale, and nail pitting, are classic signs of psoriasis. The presence of small "pits" in the nails, known as nail pitting, is a common finding in psoriasis. The worsening of symptoms in winter and improvement with sun exposure is also typical of psoriasis. Eczema (choice A) typically presents with red, inflamed, and weeping skin lesions. Pityriasis rosea (choice B) presents with a herald patch followed by smaller similar lesions. Tinea infection (choice D) presents with scaling, redness, and itching but does not typically cause nail pitting. In this case, the combination of symptoms and nail pitting point to psoriasis as the most likely diagnosis.

Access More Questions!

ATI RN Basic


$89/ 30 days

ATI RN Premium


$150/ 90 days

Similar Questions