ATI RN
Vital Signs Assessment Chapter 7 Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is preparing for a class in early detection of breast cancer. Which statement is true with regard to breast cancer in black women in the United States?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Black women have a higher mortality rate from breast cancer than white women and are more likely to die of their disease. In addition, black women are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with regional or distant breast cancer than are white women. These racial differences in mortality rates may be related to an insufficient use of screening measures and a lack of access to health care.
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following is an example of a sign?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Signs are objective findings observed or measured during the physical exam, like a temperature of 102° F.
Question 3 of 5
Mr. Patel is a 64-year-old man who was told by another care provider that his liver is enlarged. Although he is a life-long smoker, he has never used drugs or alcohol and has no knowledge of liver disease. Indeed, on examination, a liver edge is palpable 4 centimeters below the costal arch. Which of the following would you do next?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A liver edge palpable this far below the costal arch should not be ignored. Ultrasound and laboratory investigation are reasonable if the liver is actually enlarged. Mr. Patel has developed emphysema with flattening of the diaphragms. This pushes a normal-sized liver below the costal arch so that it appears to be enlarged. A liver span should be determined by percussing down the chest wall until dullness is heard. A measurement is then made between this point and the lower border of the liver to determine its span; 6–12 centimeters in the mid-clavicular line is normal. Percussion is the only way to assess liver size on examination, and in this case it saved the patient much inconvenience and expense.
Question 4 of 5
During an assessment of a 20-year-old Asian patient, the nurse notices that he has dry, flaky cerumen in his canal. What is the significance of this finding? This finding:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Asians and Native Americans are more likely to have dry cerumen, whereas Blacks and Whites usually have wet cerumen.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is performing an abdominal assessment and notes that the patient has a positive Murphy's sign. What condition is most likely present?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A positive Murphy's sign, where the patient experiences pain upon palpation of the gallbladder, suggests cholecystitis.