ATI RN
ATI Vital Signs Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse asks, 'I would like to ask you some questions about your health and your usual daily activities so that we can better plan your stay here.' This question is found at the _____ phase of the interview process.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Opening or introduction. In the given question, the nurse is initiating the conversation by introducing the purpose of the interview and setting the stage for gathering information. This phase is crucial as it helps establish rapport and build trust with the patient. The opening phase allows the nurse to start the conversation in a structured and organized manner. Summary: This choice is incorrect because the summary phase comes at the end of the interview where the nurse would recap important points discussed. Closing: This choice is incorrect as the closing phase involves wrapping up the interview and discussing next steps or providing closure. Body: This choice is incorrect as the body phase is where the main discussion and information gathering take place.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is assessing a patient's skin. Which technique should be used to best assess skin temperature?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Dorsal surface of the hand. This is because the dorsal surface of the hand is less sensitive to temperature variations compared to the palmar surface, allowing for a more accurate assessment of skin temperature. Using the fingertips may lead to inaccurate results due to their high sensitivity to temperature changes. The ulnar portion of the hand is not commonly used for assessing skin temperature. Overall, the dorsal surface of the hand provides a more reliable and consistent assessment of skin temperature due to its lower sensitivity to temperature changes.
Question 3 of 5
When evaluating the temperature of older adults, the nurse should remember which aspect about an older adult's body temperature?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because older adults tend to have a lower baseline body temperature compared to younger adults. This is due to age-related changes in metabolism and decreased efficiency of thermoregulation. As people age, their metabolic rate decreases, leading to less heat production. Additionally, older adults may have impaired ability to adapt to temperature changes. Choice B is incorrect because young children typically have higher body temperatures than older adults. Choice C is incorrect as body temperature may vary slightly with different types of thermometers but the overall trend of lower temperature in older adults remains. Choice D is incorrect as while older adults may have decreased heat control mechanisms, their body temperature still tends to be lower rather than widely varying.
Question 4 of 5
A patient is seen in the clinic for complaints of "fainting episodes that started last week." How should the nurse proceed with the examination?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: 1. Recording blood pressure in lying, sitting, and standing positions helps assess for orthostatic hypotension. 2. Orthostatic hypotension can cause fainting episodes when changing positions. 3. Lying, sitting, and standing readings provide a comprehensive evaluation of blood pressure changes. 4. It helps in identifying if there is a significant drop in blood pressure from lying to standing. 5. This approach aligns with best practices in diagnosing syncope and fainting episodes. Summary of Other Choices: A. Taking blood pressure in arms and thighs is not relevant to assessing orthostatic changes. B. Only taking blood pressure in a lying position does not provide a complete evaluation of potential orthostatic issues. D. Averaging lying and sitting positions may miss important changes when transitioning to a standing position.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is bathing an 80-year-old man and notices that his skin is wrinkled, thin, lax, and dry. This finding would be related to which factor in the older adult?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because as individuals age, there is a natural decline in elastin production and a reduction in subcutaneous fat, leading to thin, lax, and dry skin. Increased vascularity (choice A) would not cause the described skin changes. Increased sweat and sebaceous glands (choice B) typically occur during puberty, not in older adults. An increase in elastin and a decrease in subcutaneous fat (choice C) would not result in the specific skin characteristics mentioned. Therefore, choice D is the most appropriate explanation for the observed skin changes in the elderly man.