ATI RN
Vital Signs Assessment Quizlet Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is reviewing the development of the newborn infant. Regarding the sinuses, which statement is true in relation to a newborn infant?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this question, option D is correct: "Maxillary and ethmoid sinuses are the only sinuses present at birth." This is because newborn infants only have their maxillary and ethmoid sinuses developed at birth. Option A is incorrect because the sphenoid sinuses are not full size at birth; they develop later in life. Option B is incorrect because maxillary sinuses do not reach full size after puberty; they are present at birth. Option C is also incorrect as frontal sinuses are not fairly well developed at birth; they develop as the child grows older. Educationally, understanding the development of sinuses in newborns is crucial for healthcare providers, especially nurses, as it helps in assessing normal growth and identifying any abnormalities. This knowledge is essential for providing appropriate care and intervention when needed. By knowing which sinuses are present at birth, nurses can better monitor the respiratory health of newborns and detect any potential issues early on.
Question 2 of 5
During an examination of the anterior thorax, the nurse is aware that the trachea bifurcates anteriorly at the:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this question, the correct answer is B) Sternal angle. The sternal angle, also known as the angle of Louis, is an important landmark on the anterior thorax where the manubrium of the sternum articulates with the body of the sternum. At this level, the trachea bifurcates into the right and left main bronchi, making it a crucial anatomical reference point for healthcare professionals during assessments. Option A) Costal angle is incorrect because the costal angle refers to the acute angle formed by the lower border of the rib cage meeting at the xiphoid process, not where the trachea bifurcates. Option C) Xiphoid process is incorrect because the xiphoid process is a small cartilaginous extension at the inferior end of the sternum and is not the site where the trachea bifurcates. Option D) Suprasternal notch is incorrect because this is the hollow U-shaped depression just above the manubrium of the sternum and is not where the trachea bifurcates. Educationally, understanding anatomical landmarks like the sternal angle is crucial for healthcare professionals to accurately locate structures during assessments. By knowing where the trachea bifurcates, nurses can better assess respiratory function and potential airway obstructions. This knowledge is fundamental in clinical practice for providing safe and effective patient care.
Question 3 of 5
A patient has a long history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). During the assessment, the nurse will most likely observe which of these?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the context of a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the correct observation during assessment would be an anteroposterior-to-transverse diameter ratio of 1:1 (Option D). This finding is indicative of a barrel chest, a common characteristic in COPD patients due to chronic air trapping and hyperinflation of the lungs. This physical change occurs as a compensatory mechanism to accommodate the increased residual volume in the lungs. Option A, unequal chest expansion, is typically seen in conditions like pneumothorax or pleural effusion, not specifically in COPD. Option B, increased tactile fremitus, is associated with conditions like pneumonia or lung consolidation, not a typical finding in COPD. Option C, atrophied neck and trapezius muscles, is more commonly observed in conditions causing muscle wasting or denervation, not directly related to COPD. Educationally, understanding these specific physical assessment findings in COPD patients is crucial for nurses to provide comprehensive care, monitor disease progression, and intervene appropriately. Recognizing the significance of a 1:1 anteroposterior-to-transverse diameter ratio can aid in early detection of complications and guide treatment decisions in COPD management.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is reviewing statistics regarding breast cancer. Which woman, aged 40 years in the United States, has the highest risk for developing breast cancer?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The incidence of breast cancer varies within different cultural groups. White women have a higher incidence of breast cancer than black women starting at age 45 years; but black women have a higher incidence before age 45 years. Asian, Hispanic, and American Indian women have a lower risk for development of breast cancer.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is reviewing the anatomy and physiologic functioning of the heart. Which statement best describes what is meant by atrial kick?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D) The atria contract toward the end of diastole and push the remaining blood into the ventricles. Atrial kick refers to the additional boost of blood into the ventricles that occurs when the atria contract just before ventricular systole. This action helps to optimize ventricular filling, increasing the amount of blood pumped out to the body. Option A is incorrect because the atria do not contract during systole; they contract during diastole. Option B is incorrect as palpitations are sensations of rapid or irregular heartbeats, not related to atrial kick. Option C is also incorrect as it describes the pressure exerted against the atria, not the action of the atria contracting to push blood into the ventricles. Understanding atrial kick is crucial in comprehending cardiac physiology and its impact on cardiac output. Atrial kick accounts for approximately 15-20% of ventricular filling, highlighting its significance in maintaining adequate cardiac function. Educating healthcare professionals on this concept enhances their ability to assess and interpret vital signs accurately, leading to improved patient care outcomes.