ATI RN
Vital Signs Assessment ATI Quizlet Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is assessing an 80-year-old patient. Which of these findings would be expected for this patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, decreased ability to identify odors, for an 80-year-old patient due to age-related changes. As people age, the sense of smell tends to decline, affecting the ability to identify odors accurately. This is a common phenomenon in older adults due to changes in olfactory receptors and decreased sensitivity. Hypertrophy of the gums (A) is not typically associated with aging. Increased production of saliva (B) is not a common age-related change. Finer and less prominent nasal hair (D) is more likely to occur in younger individuals due to hormonal changes rather than in older adults.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is reviewing the technique of palpating for tactile fremitus with a new graduate. Which statement by the graduate nurse reflects a correct understanding of tactile fremitus? 'Tactile fremitus:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct understanding of tactile fremitus is that it is caused by sounds generated from the larynx and transmitted through the bronchopulmonary system to the chest wall. This vibration is felt by the hand during palpation. Moisture in the alveoli (choice A) does not cause tactile fremitus. Air in the subcutaneous tissues (choice B) does not relate to tactile fremitus. Blood flow through the pulmonary arteries (choice D) is not associated with tactile fremitus. The correct answer, choice C, is supported by the fact that tactile fremitus is a physical sensation felt by the hands due to the transmission of sound through the chest wall.
Question 3 of 5
A 35-year-old recent immigrant is being seen in the clinic for complaints of a cough that is associated with rust-colored sputum, low-grade afternoon fevers, and night sweats for the past 2 months. The nurse's preliminary analysis, based on this history, is that this patient may be suffering from:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Tuberculosis. The key clues in the patient's history are rust-colored sputum, low-grade fevers, and night sweats, which are classic symptoms of tuberculosis. Rust-colored sputum is indicative of blood in the sputum, a common finding in pulmonary tuberculosis. Low-grade fevers and night sweats are also typical symptoms of tuberculosis due to the body's immune response to the infection. Bronchitis (A) typically presents with cough and mucus production without the specific symptoms described. Pneumonia (B) can present with productive cough and fever, but rust-colored sputum and night sweats are less common. Pulmonary edema (D) usually presents with symptoms like shortness of breath and pink frothy sputum, not rust-colored sputum and night sweats.
Question 4 of 5
A patient is newly diagnosed with benign breast disease. The nurse recognizes which statement about benign breast disease to be true? The presence of benign breast disease:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Benign breast disease can make breasts feel lumpy or tender, which can make it harder to perform breast exams. This is due to the presence of noncancerous changes in breast tissue. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because benign breast disease does not frequently turn into cancer, is not easily reduced with hormone replacement therapy, and can be diagnosed at any age, not just before childbearing age.
Question 5 of 5
The findings from an assessment of a 70-year-old patient with swelling in his ankles include jugular venous pulsations 5 cm above the sternal angle when the head of his bed is elevated 45 degrees. The nurse knows that this finding indicates:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Elevated pressure related to heart failure. The finding of jugular venous pulsations 5 cm above the sternal angle when the head of the bed is elevated 45 degrees is indicative of elevated central venous pressure, which is commonly seen in patients with heart failure. This is known as the hepatojugular reflux test, where pressure is transmitted back to the jugular veins due to increased right atrial pressure in heart failure. This finding suggests impaired cardiac function leading to fluid overload and congestion in the venous system. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not explain the specific pathophysiological mechanism associated with the patient's presentation.