ATI RN
Vital Signs Assessment for Nurses Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is preparing to assess a patient's blood pressure. Which action is essential for obtaining an accurate reading?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Using a cuff that covers two-thirds of the patient's upper arm. This is essential for obtaining an accurate blood pressure reading because using a cuff that is too small can result in falsely elevated readings, while using a cuff that is too large can result in falsely low readings. By covering two-thirds of the upper arm, the cuff ensures proper compression of the brachial artery, allowing for an accurate measurement. A: Positioning the patient's arm above the level of the heart is not essential for obtaining an accurate reading and can lead to inaccurate results. C: Deflating the cuff at a rate of 5-10 mm Hg per second is important but not as crucial as using the correct cuff size. D: Having the patient stand during the measurement is not recommended as blood pressure should be measured with the patient in a seated or lying position for accuracy.
Question 2 of 5
A patient referred to physical therapy with chronic low back pain has failed to make any progress toward meeting established goals in over three weeks of treatment. The physical therapist has employed a variety of treatment techniques but has yet to observe improvement. What is the most appropriate next step?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Re-examine the patient and establish new goals. This is the most appropriate next step because if the patient has not shown progress in over three weeks, it indicates a need to reassess the current treatment plan and goals. By re-examining the patient, the therapist can identify any factors hindering progress and adjust the treatment plan accordingly. This proactive approach ensures the patient receives the most effective care. Choice A: Transferring the patient to another therapist does not address the root cause of the lack of progress and may disrupt continuity of care. Choice C: Simply continuing to modify the treatment plan without re-evaluating the patient may not lead to improved outcomes. Choice D: Alerting the referring physician should be done after reassessment and establishing new goals, as the physician may require updated information but is not the immediate next step.
Question 3 of 5
A physical therapist educates a patient on how to use a mechanical lift to transfer a family member from bed to a wheelchair. The therapist explains that the MOST important instruction for the caregiver is to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Position the sling appropriately under the patient. This is crucial as an improperly positioned sling can lead to discomfort or injury for the patient during the transfer. By ensuring the sling is correctly placed, the caregiver can provide proper support and enhance the safety of the transfer. Placing the patient's arms outside of the sling (choice A) is important but not as critical as positioning the sling correctly. Locking the lift after positioning the patient in the wheelchair (choice C) is important for safety but not as crucial as ensuring the sling placement. Maintaining good body mechanics during the transfer (choice D) is also important for the caregiver's safety, but the priority should be on positioning the sling properly to ensure the patient's safety and comfort.
Question 4 of 5
A physical therapist evaluates a patient with suspected carpal tunnel syndrome. Which clinical test is MOST appropriate to confirm the diagnosis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Phalen's test. This test involves the patient flexing their wrists for 60 seconds to reproduce symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. This maneuver compresses the median nerve, causing numbness and tingling in the fingers. Phalen's test is specific for carpal tunnel syndrome. Other choices are not specific to this condition. Finkelstein test is for De Quervain's tenosynovitis, Tinel's sign at the elbow is for ulnar nerve entrapment, and Empty can test is for rotator cuff pathology.
Question 5 of 5
A physical therapist evaluates a patient following a transtibial amputation. Which factor is MOST likely to contribute to knee instability during gait?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Prosthesis aligned in excessive dorsiflexion. Excessive dorsiflexion can lead to increased knee flexion during stance phase of gait, causing knee instability. Weak hip abductors (A) may contribute to Trendelenburg gait but not knee instability. A prosthesis that is too short (C) may result in decreased step length but not necessarily knee instability. A socket too tight (D) can cause discomfort and skin breakdown but is unlikely to directly lead to knee instability.