ATI RN
EMT Vital Signs Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is reviewing percussion techniques with a newly graduated nurse. Which technique, if used by the new nurse, indicates that more review is needed?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because percussing once over each area is not an appropriate technique. Percussion involves tapping the body surface repeatedly to produce sound waves. By percussing only once, the nurse may not accurately assess the underlying structures. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because lifting the striking finger quickly, striking with the fingertip, and using the wrist are all appropriate percussion techniques that allow for proper assessment of underlying structures.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is assessing a patient for signs of dehydration. Which finding is consistent with dehydration?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C - Dry, cracked lips. Rationale: 1. Dehydration leads to decreased fluid intake and can cause dryness in the body. 2. Dry, cracked lips are a common sign of dehydration due to lack of moisture. 3. Moist mucous membranes (A) and increased skin turgor (B) are actually signs of hydration. 4. Elevated blood pressure (D) is not typically associated with dehydration; it may indicate other health issues.
Question 3 of 5
A 78-year-old client is admitted to the emergency department with numbness and weakness of the left arm and slurred speech. Which nursing intervention is priority?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Schedule for a STAT computer tomography (CT) scan of the head. This is the priority intervention because the client is showing symptoms of a possible stroke, such as slurred speech and weakness. A CT scan will help determine if the symptoms are indeed caused by a stroke and guide further treatment. Administering rt-PA (choice A) should only be done after confirming a diagnosis of ischemic stroke to prevent complications. Discussing precipitating factors (choice B) and consulting a speech pathologist (choice D) are important but not as urgent as ruling out a stroke with a CT scan.
Question 4 of 5
A physical therapist receives a referral for a two-month-old infant diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta. After completing the examination, the therapist discusses the physical therapy plan of care with the infant's parents. The PRIMARY goal of therapy is to:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Promote safe handling and positioning. For a two-month-old infant with osteogenesis imperfecta, the primary goal of therapy is to ensure safe handling and positioning to prevent fractures and injuries due to the fragile bones characteristic of the condition. This is crucial in the early stages to promote proper development and prevent complications. Improving muscle strength and diminishing tone (A) may not be appropriate at this stage due to the fragile nature of the bones. Facilitating protected weight bearing (B) is not suitable for an infant of this age with this condition. Diminishing pulmonary secretions (D) is not the primary concern in this case.
Question 5 of 5
A physical therapist assesses a patient's perception of pain using a visual analog scale (VAS). What type of data does the VAS provide?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ordinal. A visual analog scale (VAS) provides data that can be ranked in order of magnitude (e.g., mild pain, moderate pain, severe pain). This indicates an ordinal scale, where the categories have a meaningful order but the differences between them may not be equal. Nominal data (choice A) is used for categories with no inherent order. Interval (choice C) and ratio (choice D) scales involve equal intervals and a true zero point, which are not present in VAS data.