ATI RN
Assess Vital Signs Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is palpating lymph nodes during an assessment. Which characteristic of lymph nodes is concerning?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hard and fixed. This characteristic is concerning as it may indicate malignancy or infection. Normal lymph nodes should be soft, mobile, and non-tender. Hard and fixed lymph nodes can be a sign of abnormal growth or metastasis. It is important to monitor such nodes closely and further investigate any concerning findings to rule out serious conditions. Choices A, B, and C describe normal characteristics of lymph nodes and are not typically concerning during assessment.
Question 2 of 5
Which finding during an abdominal assessment suggests the presence of ascites?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Shifting dullness on percussion. Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity. When the patient is in a supine position, the fluid settles by gravity and causes dullness upon percussion in the dependent areas. Shifting dullness occurs when the patient is turned to the side, causing the fluid to shift and the dullness to move. This finding is specific to ascites. A: Hyperresonance on percussion is associated with bowel gas and is typically heard in cases of bowel obstruction. C: Borborygmi on auscultation refers to hyperactive bowel sounds and is not specific to ascites. D: Rebound tenderness on palpation indicates peritoneal irritation, often seen in cases of peritonitis, not ascites. In summary, shifting dullness on percussion is the key finding in assessing ascites due to the movement of fluid in the peritoneal cavity.
Question 3 of 5
During a neurological assessment, the nurse observes that the patient has difficulty pronating and supinating the hands rapidly. What does this finding indicate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: A cerebellar dysfunction. This finding indicates cerebellar dysfunction because the cerebellum is responsible for coordinating rapid, smooth movements such as pronation and supination. A dysfunction in the cerebellum can result in impaired coordination and control of these movements. Incorrect choices: B: A cranial nerve deficit - Cranial nerves do not directly control pronation and supination. C: Impaired proprioception - Proprioception is the sense of body position and movement, not directly related to pronation and supination. D: Weakness in the upper extremities - Pronation and supination are more about coordination than strength.
Question 4 of 5
The following information is best placed in which category? 'The patient has had three cesarean sections.'
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Surgeries. The statement 'The patient has had three cesarean sections' pertains to a surgical procedure rather than adult illnesses, obstetrics/gynecology, or psychiatric conditions. Cesarean sections are a type of surgery performed during childbirth, not related to adult illnesses or psychiatric disorders. Therefore, the information best fits under the category of Surgeries.
Question 5 of 5
Which of the following symptoms is relevant to the respiratory system?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cough. Cough is a symptom directly related to the respiratory system, indicating irritation or inflammation in the airways. Polyuria (A) is excessive urination related to the kidneys or endocrine system. Nausea (C) is associated with the gastrointestinal system. Dysphagia (D) is difficulty swallowing, which is related to the esophagus and not the respiratory system. Therefore, cough is the only symptom directly relevant to the respiratory system.