ATI RN
EMT Vital Signs Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is performing a physical assessment and notes that the patient has unilateral leg swelling. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Unilateral leg swelling is a common symptom of DVT, which is a blood clot in the deep veins of the leg. The swelling occurs due to impaired blood flow caused by the clot. It is important to consider DVT as it can lead to serious complications like pulmonary embolism. Incorrect choices: B: Congestive heart failure typically presents with bilateral leg swelling due to fluid retention. C: Peripheral artery disease usually manifests with symptoms like leg pain while walking, not necessarily swelling. D: Chronic venous insufficiency results in long-standing venous hypertension leading to skin changes like ulcers, not acute unilateral swelling.
Question 2 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 3 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 4 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.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is assessing a patient's lungs and hears a low-pitched gurgling sound during inspiration. What is the most likely cause of this finding?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Rhonchi. Rhonchi are low-pitched continuous lung sounds caused by airway secretions or mucus. They are typically heard during inspiration and expiration. Fine crackles (A) are high-pitched, discontinuous sounds caused by fluid in the alveoli. Wheezing (C) is a high-pitched musical sound caused by narrowed airways. Pleural friction rub (D) is a grating sound heard during inspiration and expiration, caused by inflammation of the pleura. Therefore, the presence of low-pitched gurgling sounds during inspiration points towards rhonchi as the most likely cause.