Ms. Whiting is a 68-year-old who comes in for her usual follow-up visit. You notice a few flat red and purple lesions, about 6 centimeters in diameter, on the ulnar aspect of her forearms but nowhere else. She doesn't mention them. They are tender when you examine them. What should you do?

Questions 27

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Physical Examination and Health Assessment 9th Edition Test Bank Questions

Question 1 of 9

Ms. Whiting is a 68-year-old who comes in for her usual follow-up visit. You notice a few flat red and purple lesions, about 6 centimeters in diameter, on the ulnar aspect of her forearms but nowhere else. She doesn't mention them. They are tender when you examine them. What should you do?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The presence of new flat red and purple lesions that are tender on the ulnar aspect of Ms. Whiting's forearms raises concerns and warrants further investigation. Since she did not mention them, it is important to ask how she acquired them to gather more information. This will help determine the cause of the lesions and provide clues to potential underlying conditions or recent activities that could be related to their development. It is important not to dismiss these lesions as old without proper evaluation, as they could indicate a recent injury, infection, or other medical issues that may require attention.

Question 2 of 9

Suzanne is a 20-year-old college student who complains of chest pain. This is intermittent and is located to the left of her sternum. There are no associated symptoms. On examination, you hear a short, high-pitched sound in systole, followed by a murmur which increases in intensity until S . This is heard best over the apex. When she squats, this noise moves later in systole along with the murmur. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The clinical presentation described in the question is consistent with mitral valve prolapse (MVP). MVP is characterized by the improper closure of the mitral valve leaflets during systole, leading to the prolapse of one or both leaflets into the left atrium. The classic auscultatory findings in MVP include a mid-systolic click followed by a late systolic murmur. The click is the result of sudden tensing of the chordae tendineae as the mitral valve prolapses, and the murmur occurs as blood leaks backward (mitral regurgitation) due to imperfect valve closure.

Question 3 of 9

Mrs. Lenzo weighs herself every day with a very accurate balance-type scale. She has noticed that over the past 2 days she has gained 4 pounds. How would you best explain this?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The most likely explanation for Mrs. Lenzo noticing a 4-pound weight gain over just 2 days is fluctuations in body fluid. Our body weight can fluctuate throughout the day due to factors such as hydration levels, sodium intake, and hormonal changes. It is not physically possible to gain 4 pounds of actual body mass (e.g., fat or muscle) in such a short period of time by overeating or wearing different clothing. Additionally, if Mrs. Lenzo's scale is very accurate as mentioned, it is less likely that the weight gain is due to instrument inaccuracy. Therefore, the most plausible reason for the sudden weight gain is fluctuations in body fluid retention.

Question 4 of 9

Her blood pressure and pulse are unremarkable. Her head, eyes, ears, nose, and throat examinations are unremarkable except for edema of the nasal turbinates. On auscultation she has decreased air movement, and coarse crackles are heard over the left lower lobe. There is dullness on percussion, increased fremitus during palpation, and egophony and whispered pectoriloquy on auscultation. What disorder of the thorax or lung best describes her symptoms?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The patient's symptoms point towards pneumonia. Pneumonia is characterized by infection and inflammation in the lung tissue, leading to symptoms such as decreased air movement, crackles on auscultation, dullness on percussion, increased fremitus on palpation, and abnormal breath sounds like egophony and whispered pectoriloquy. These findings are consistent with consolidation of the lung, which occurs in pneumonia as a result of fluid, inflammatory cells, and tissue debris filling the alveoli. The presence of nasal turbinates edema indicates a possible upper respiratory tract infection that may have preceded the development of pneumonia. Spontaneous pneumothorax would typically present with sudden-onset chest pain and dyspnea but would not typically cause findings of lung consolidation. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are characterized by different patterns of lung damage and symptoms, such as chronic inflammation, airflow obstruction, and hyper

Question 5 of 9

He is afebrile. His cardiac, lung, and abdominal examinations are normal. Visualization of the anus shows no erythema, masses, or inflammation. Digital rectal examination elicits an irregular, firm mass on the posterior side of the rectum. After you remove your finger you notice frank blood on your glove. What anal or rectal disorder is this patient most likely to have?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The patient in this scenario presents with symptoms suggestive of an anorectal disorder. The presence of an irregular, firm mass on the posterior side of the rectum, along with frank blood seen on the glove after a digital rectal examination, raises suspicion for an underlying anorectal cancer. Anorectal cancer can present with symptoms such as rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, palpable masses, and weight loss. In this case, the findings of an irregular mass and rectal bleeding are concerning for a malignant process such as anorectal cancer. Further evaluation with imaging studies and biopsy would be warranted for confirmation and to guide appropriate management.

Question 6 of 9

When using an interpreter to facilitate an interview, where should the interpreter be positioned?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When using an interpreter to facilitate an interview, it is recommended that the interpreter be positioned next to the patient. This allows the examiner to maintain eye contact with the patient and observe their nonverbal cues, while also being able to hear the interpreter clearly. Placing the interpreter between the examiner and the patient may create a barrier to communication and make it difficult for all parties to observe each other's expressions and body language. Having the interpreter behind the examiner could make it challenging to fully see the patient's lips and nonverbal cues, which are essential in communication. Placing the interpreter in a corner of the room may also lead to decreased engagement and interaction among the participants. Therefore, positioning the interpreter next to the patient provides the most effective communication flow and allows for better observation and understanding during the interview.

Question 7 of 9

A 26-year-old violinist comes to your clinic, complaining of anxiety. He is a first chair violinist in the local symphony orchestra and has started having symptoms during performances, such as sweating, shaking, and hyperventilating. It has gotten so bad that he has thought about giving up his first chair status so he does not have to play the solo during one of the movements. He says that he never has these symptoms during rehearsals or when he is practicing. He denies having any of these symptoms at any other time. His past medical history is unremarkable. He denies any tobacco use, drug use, or alcohol abuse. His parents are both healthy. On examination you see a young man who appears worried. His vital signs and physical examination are unremarkable. What type of anxiety disorder best describes his situation?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The young violinist is experiencing symptoms of anxiety specifically related to performing in front of others, which is characteristic of social phobia (also known as social anxiety disorder). The symptoms occur only during performances, indicating the anxiety is triggered by social situations where he is the center of attention. His ability to perform without symptoms during rehearsals or practice sessions further supports the diagnosis of social phobia, as the anxiety is specifically related to public performance. In contrast, panic disorder is characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks that are not situation-specific, and specific phobia involves an intense fear of a specific object or situation, neither of which fully match this patient's presentation. Generalized anxiety disorder involves excessive worry and anxiety about various aspects of life, which is not the main feature of this case.

Question 8 of 9

Ms. Whiting is a 68-year-old who comes in for her usual follow-up visit. You notice a few flat red and purple lesions, about 6 centimeters in diameter, on the ulnar aspect of her forearms but nowhere else. She doesn't mention them. They are tender when you examine them. What should you do?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The presence of new flat red and purple lesions that are tender on the ulnar aspect of Ms. Whiting's forearms raises concerns and warrants further investigation. Since she did not mention them, it is important to ask how she acquired them to gather more information. This will help determine the cause of the lesions and provide clues to potential underlying conditions or recent activities that could be related to their development. It is important not to dismiss these lesions as old without proper evaluation, as they could indicate a recent injury, infection, or other medical issues that may require attention.

Question 9 of 9

Which of the following conditions involves a tight prepuce which, once retracted, cannot be returned?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Paraphimosis is a condition where the foreskin is retracted behind the glans penis and cannot be returned to its original position. This can lead to swelling and constriction of the penis, causing pain and potential damage to the tissue due to decreased blood flow. Phimosis (Choice A) refers to a tight prepuce that cannot be retracted over the glans penis. Balanitis (Choice C) is inflammation of the glans penis, often associated with poor hygiene or infections. Balanoposthitis (Choice D) refers to inflammation of both the glans penis and the foreskin.

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