ATI RN
Assessing Vital Signs ATI Questions
Question 1 of 5
The following information is recorded in the health history: 'The patient has had abdominal pain for 1 week. The pain lasts for 30 minutes at a time; it comes and goes. The severity is 7 to 9 on a scale of 1 to 10. It is accompanied by nausea and vomiting. It is located in the mid-epigastric area.' Which of these categories does it belong to?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Present illness. The present illness section of a health history includes detailed information about the current health problem, such as the duration, characteristics, severity, associated symptoms, and location of the symptoms. In this case, the information provided about the patient's abdominal pain, including its duration, intensity, pattern, associated symptoms, and location, falls under the present illness category. This information is essential for healthcare providers to understand the current health issue and make an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Choice A (Chief complaint) typically refers to the main reason for the patient seeking medical attention, which is usually a concise statement in the patient's own words. The information provided is more detailed than a typical chief complaint. Choice C (Personal and social history) includes information about the patient's lifestyle, habits, social support, and past medical history. The information provided is focused on the current health issue rather than personal or social background. Choice D (Review of systems) involves a systematic inquiry
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following symptoms is most likely to be documented under the neurological system in the review of systems?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tingling in the hands. Neurological symptoms typically involve abnormalities in the nervous system, such as tingling in the hands, which could indicate nerve damage or dysfunction. This symptom is commonly associated with conditions like peripheral neuropathy. Choices B, C, and D are not typically documented under the neurological system. Cough is related to the respiratory system, abdominal pain is related to the gastrointestinal system, and difficulty urinating is related to the genitourinary system. Therefore, the most appropriate choice related to the neurological system among the options provided is A.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is performing a respiratory assessment and notes that the patient has an increased work of breathing. What is the priority action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administer oxygen as prescribed. When a patient has an increased work of breathing, providing oxygen helps improve oxygenation and reduces the respiratory effort. It is the priority action to address potential hypoxia. Encouraging deep breathing exercises (A) may worsen the situation by increasing respiratory effort. Chest physiotherapy (C) is not indicated as the primary intervention for increased work of breathing. Providing a bronchodilator treatment (D) may be beneficial but addressing oxygenation is the priority.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is assessing a patient's cranial nerve II (optic nerve) function. Which test is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Perform the confrontation test. This test evaluates the peripheral visual field by comparing the patient's visual field with the examiner's. It specifically assesses cranial nerve II function, as it tests the patient's ability to see objects in their peripheral vision. Asking the patient to follow an object with their eyes (A) primarily tests eye movement controlled by cranial nerves III, IV, and VI. Testing the corneal reflex (C) evaluates cranial nerves V and VII, involved in the sensation and motor function of the cornea. Assessing the patient's ability to smile (D) is related to cranial nerve VII function, responsible for facial muscle control.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is assessing the patient's ability to stand on one leg with their eyes closed. Which aspect of neurological function is being tested?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Proprioception and balance. Standing on one leg with eyes closed tests proprioception, the body's awareness of its position in space, and balance, the ability to maintain an upright posture. This task primarily involves sensory input from the lower extremities and integration in the brain. B: Cerebellar function primarily involves coordination and fine motor control, not specifically tested by standing on one leg with eyes closed. C: Cranial nerve function typically assesses functions such as vision, facial sensation, and muscle movement, not directly tested by this task. D: Coordination involves the integration of motor skills, which are not the primary focus of standing on one leg with eyes closed.