ATI RN
EMT Vital Signs Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is performing a cranial nerve assessment and asks the patient to smile. Which cranial nerve is being tested?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cranial nerve VII (facial nerve). When the nurse asks the patient to smile, they are assessing the function of the facial muscles, which is innervated by cranial nerve VII. This nerve controls facial expression, including smiling. Cranial nerve V (trigeminal nerve) is responsible for sensation in the face and chewing, not facial expression. Cranial nerve IX (glossopharyngeal nerve) is involved in swallowing and taste, not facial movement. Cranial nerve X (vagus nerve) controls various autonomic functions like heart rate and digestion, not facial muscles.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is performing a neurological assessment and asks the patient to squeeze their hands. Which of the following is being tested?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Motor function and strength. When the nurse asks the patient to squeeze their hands, they are assessing the patient's ability to generate force through muscle contractions, which tests motor function and strength. This action primarily involves the upper extremity muscles and requires intact nerve pathways from the brain to the muscles. Incorrect Choices: A: Cerebellar function is responsible for coordination, balance, and muscle tone, not squeezing hands. C: Sensory function involves detecting stimuli like touch, pain, temperature, and vibration, which are not directly tested by squeezing hands. D: Coordination is tested through tasks requiring precise movements and smooth performance, such as finger-to-nose or heel-to-shin tests, not squeezing hands.
Question 3 of 5
A 60-year-old woman presents with a complaint of joint pain, particularly in the knees. She reports that the pain is worse with activity and improves with rest. She has a history of obesity. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most likely diagnosis for the 60-year-old woman with joint pain worsened by activity and improved with rest, along with a history of obesity, is osteoarthritis (OA). OA is the most common type of arthritis in older individuals, often affecting weight-bearing joints like the knees. The pain pattern described aligns with OA, as it typically worsens with activity due to the degeneration of cartilage and improves with rest. Rheumatoid arthritis (B) is less likely as it typically presents with symmetrical joint involvement and morning stiffness. Gout (C) is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain in joints due to the buildup of uric acid crystals and is less likely based on the provided information. Psoriatic arthritis (D) is associated with psoriasis skin lesions, which are not mentioned in the scenario, making it less likely.
Question 4 of 5
During a neurological assessment, the nurse asks the patient to touch their nose with their finger and then touch the nurse's finger. Which function is being assessed?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cerebellar function and coordination. This test, known as the finger-to-nose test, assesses the coordination and fine motor skills controlled by the cerebellum. The patient's ability to accurately touch their nose and the nurse's finger evaluates the cerebellar function. Choice B (Cranial nerve function) is incorrect because this test primarily assesses motor coordination rather than cranial nerve function. Choice C (Proprioception) is incorrect as proprioception evaluates the awareness of body position, not coordination. Choice D (Memory) is incorrect as the finger-to-nose test does not assess memory but rather motor function.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is performing a respiratory assessment and hears crackles in the lower lung fields. What is the most likely cause of this finding?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The crackles heard in the lower lung fields suggest fluid accumulation, characteristic of pulmonary edema. This condition occurs when there is an excess of fluid in the lungs, often due to heart failure. Pneumothorax (choice B) involves air in the pleural space, not fluid. Asthma (choice C) and COPD (choice D) typically present with wheezing and airway obstruction, not crackles. Overall, crackles in the lower lung fields are most indicative of pulmonary edema.