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.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Asthma exacerbation. The patient's symptoms of shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, and history of asthma point towards an asthma exacerbation. Wheezing and use of accessory muscles are classic signs of an asthma attack. Pneumonia (A) would typically present with fever and productive cough. Pulmonary embolism (C) commonly presents with sudden onset dyspnea and chest pain. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (D) would typically have a history of smoking and chronic cough. In this case, the patient's history of asthma and current symptoms make asthma exacerbation the most likely diagnosis.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Coordination and balance. When the nurse asks the patient to touch their nose with their finger, they are assessing the patient's ability to perform a coordinated movement accurately. This test specifically evaluates the patient's coordination and balance, as it involves the integration of sensory input and motor output. The cerebellum plays a crucial role in coordinating movements, making option A partially correct but not as specific as option D. Cranial nerve function (option B) is not directly assessed with this task. Proprioception (option C) refers to the awareness of the position and movement of the body, which is important for coordination but not the primary focus of this test.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Asthma. Wheezing during exhalation is a common characteristic of asthma due to airway constriction. In asthma, the airways become inflamed and narrowed, leading to difficulty in breathing and wheezing sounds during exhalation. Asthma is a chronic condition that can be triggered by various factors such as allergens or exercise. Summary of Incorrect Choices: B: Pulmonary fibrosis - Pulmonary fibrosis is characterized by scarring of lung tissue, leading to stiff and less flexible lungs. It typically presents with crackles on auscultation, not wheezing. C: Pneumonia - Pneumonia is an infection of the lung tissue, usually presenting with crackles or decreased breath sounds, not typically wheezing. D: Pulmonary embolism - Pulmonary embolism is a blockage in the pulmonary artery, often causing sudden shortness of breath and chest pain, but not typically associated with whe

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Edema in the lower extremities. In heart failure, the heart is unable to pump effectively, leading to fluid buildup in the body, causing edema. Increased respiratory rate (B) may occur but is not specific to heart failure. Decreased blood pressure (C) and bounding pulse (D) are not typically seen in heart failure but may be present in other conditions. Edema is a classic sign of heart failure due to fluid retention from decreased cardiac output.