ATI RN
nclex practice questions 2023 health assessment Questions
Question 1 of 9
The nurse is assessing the skin of a patient who has acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Which of the following will the nurse most likely observe?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Erythematous scaly patch with sharp margins in the sacral area. In patients with AIDS, this presentation is most likely indicative of a common opportunistic infection called tinea corporis. This fungal infection often presents as erythematous scaly patches with well-defined borders. The location in the sacral area is also common due to the warm and moist environment. Choice A, tinea capitis, is a fungal infection of the scalp and is not typically associated with AIDS. Choice B describes a presentation more indicative of a condition like seborrheic dermatitis rather than an AIDS-related skin manifestation. Choice D describes a presentation more typical of tinea corporis, which is not commonly seen in the axilla region in patients with AIDS.
Question 2 of 9
The primary purpose of the ciliated mucous membrane in the nose is to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: filter out dust and bacteria. The ciliated mucous membrane in the nose traps dust and bacteria present in the inhaled air through the mucus layer and then moves them towards the throat to be swallowed or expelled. This helps in protecting the respiratory system from harmful particles. Choice A is incorrect as the warming of inhaled air is primarily done by the nasal passages and sinuses, not the ciliated mucous membrane. Choice C is incorrect because the filtering of coarse particles is also done by the nasal hairs and the mucous membrane working together, not just the ciliated mucous membrane alone. Choice D is incorrect as the movement of air through the nares is mainly controlled by the size of the nostrils and is not the primary function of the ciliated mucous membrane.
Question 3 of 9
The nurse is examining a patient's ears and notices cerumen in the external canal. Which of the following statements about cerumen is correct?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: The purpose of cerumen is to protect and lubricate the ear. Cerumen, commonly known as earwax, acts as a natural barrier to prevent dust, debris, and microorganisms from entering the ear canal. It also helps to lubricate the skin in the ear canal and prevent dryness and itching. Choice A is incorrect because sticky, honey-colored cerumen is not necessarily a sign of infection; it can occur due to various factors. Choice B is incorrect as the presence of cerumen does not solely indicate poor hygiene; everyone produces earwax regardless of hygiene practices. Choice D is incorrect as cerumen can sometimes block the ear canal and impair sound transmission rather than aid it.
Question 4 of 9
During an ophthalmoscopic examination of a patient, the examiner notes areas of exudate that look like"cotton wool" or fluffy grey-white cumulus clouds. Which of the possible problems below does this finding indicate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Diabetes. The presence of "cotton wool" or fluffy grey-white cumulus clouds on ophthalmoscopic examination indicates retinal nerve fiber layer infarcts due to microvascular damage, which is a common finding in diabetic retinopathy. This occurs due to ischemia and subsequent axonal swelling. In diabetes, hyperglycemia can lead to damage in the blood vessels supplying the retina, resulting in microaneurysms, hemorrhages, exudates, and ultimately vision loss if left untreated. Summary of other choices: B: Hyperthyroidism - This condition primarily affects the thyroid gland and does not directly cause the characteristic retinal findings described. C: Glaucoma - Glaucoma is a condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure and optic nerve damage, which does not typically present with the specific retinal findings mentioned. D: Hypotension - Low blood pressure may lead to retinal artery occlusion or ischemic optic neuropathy,
Question 5 of 9
A patient has been diagnosed with"strep throat." Which complication may occur without treatment?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is a possible complication of untreated strep throat due to an abnormal immune response to the streptococcal infection. This can lead to inflammation in various parts of the body, particularly the heart, joints, skin, and brain. If left untreated, rheumatic fever can cause serious long-term damage to the heart valves. The other choices are incorrect because Rubella is a viral infection causing a rash, Leukoplakia is a precancerous condition of the mouth, and Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection characterized by a red rash. These conditions are not directly associated with untreated strep throat.
Question 6 of 9
A 10-year-old is at the clinic for"a sore throat lasting 6 days." Which of the following would be consistent with an acute infection?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. In an acute infection, such as streptococcal pharyngitis, the tonsils may exhibit yellowish exudates due to bacterial pus formation. This is consistent with the presence of inflammation and infection. Choices A, B, and C describe varying degrees of tonsillar enlargement and white debris, which could be present in different conditions but are not as specific to acute infection. Therefore, the presence of yellowish exudates on the tonsils is the key indicator of an acute bacterial infection like strep throat.
Question 7 of 9
Which of the following cranial nerves (CNs) is responsible for conducting nerve impulses to the brain from the organ of Corti?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: CN VIII. The vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII) is responsible for conducting nerve impulses from the organ of Corti in the inner ear to the brain. This nerve specifically carries auditory information to the brainstem and auditory cortex for processing. Choice A (CN I) is incorrect as it is the olfactory nerve responsible for smell. Choice B (CN III) is incorrect as it is the oculomotor nerve responsible for eye movement. Choice D (CN XI) is incorrect as it is the accessory nerve responsible for neck and shoulder movements.
Question 8 of 9
A patient reports a severe throbbing headache in the frontotemporal area of his head that he experienced while studying for an examination, He says that the headache was somewhat relieved when he lay down. He tells the nurse that his mother also used to get these headaches. The nurse suspects that he may be suffering from:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: migraine headaches. The patient's symptoms of severe throbbing headache in the frontotemporal area, triggered by stress (studying for an exam), partially relieved by lying down, and family history of similar headaches are indicative of migraines. Migraines commonly present with these characteristics, often exacerbated by stress and have a genetic component. A: Hypertension does not typically present with throbbing headaches in a specific area or relief with lying down. B: Cluster headaches are characterized by severe, unilateral headaches around the eye area, not frontotemporal. C: Tension headaches usually present as dull, constant pressure-type headaches, not throbbing, and do not have the familial pattern described by the patient.
Question 9 of 9
During an admission assessment, the nurse notices that a male patient has an enlarged and rather thick skull. The nurse suspects acromegaly and would further assess for:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step 1: The nurse notices an enlarged and thick skull, which are common signs of acromegaly. Step 2: Acromegaly results from excess growth hormone, leading to changes in facial features. Step 3: Coarse facial features such as enlarged nose, lips, and jaw are classic signs of acromegaly. Step 4: Therefore, assessing for coarse facial features is crucial in confirming acromegaly. Summary: A: Exophthalmos is associated with hyperthyroidism, not acromegaly. B: Bowed long bones are seen in conditions like rickets, not acromegaly. D: An acorn-shaped cranium is not a typical feature of acromegaly.