ATI RN
Vital Signs Assessment Chapter 7 Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is unable to identify any changes in sound when percussing over the abdomen of an obese patient. What should the nurse do next?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A stronger percussion stroke is needed for obese or muscular individuals.
Question 2 of 5
What physical exam finding will be observed in 'Saturday night palsy'?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Saturday night palsy, caused by radial nerve compression, results in wrist and finger drop.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is assessing a patient for signs of anemia. Which finding is most consistent with this condition?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pale conjunctivae are a common sign of anemia due to decreased red blood cell count.
Question 4 of 5
A physician orders an electrocardiogram (ECG) for a patient diagnosed with congestive heart failure. The medical record indicates the patient is currently taking digitalis. What effect would you expect digitalis to have on the patient's ECG?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Digitalis typically causes a lengthened PR interval due to its effect on atrioventricular conduction.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a newborn infant in the hospital nursery and notices that the infant is breathing rapidly but is pink, warm, and dry. Which normal respiratory rate will the nurse consider when planning care for this newborn?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Newborn respiratory rate is 30-60 breaths/min; rapid breathing within this is normal if pink, warm, dry. Lower ranges (B, C, D) apply to older ages. Choice A is correct, per neonatal norms, guiding care planning.