ATI RN
Assess Vital Signs Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is using a Doppler device. This tool is primarily used to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Detect faint pulses. A Doppler device is used to detect and amplify weak pulses, making it an essential tool in assessing blood flow and circulation. It uses sound waves to detect movement, such as blood flow through vessels, and converts them into audible signals. This helps healthcare providers identify and monitor pulses in various parts of the body. A, C, and D are incorrect choices because: A: Assess joint range of motion. This is typically done using physical assessment techniques, such as observation and measurement, not with a Doppler device. C: Magnify low-pitched sounds. Doppler devices do not magnify sounds but rather detect and amplify specific types of movement-related signals. D: Examine the retina. Retinal examination is usually performed using specialized instruments like ophthalmoscopes, not Doppler devices.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is attempting to assess the femoral pulse in a patient who is obese. Which of these actions would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because asking the patient to bend their knees to the side in a froglike position helps to expose the femoral pulse in an obese patient. This position allows better access to the femoral artery, making it easier to palpate the pulse accurately. By bending the knees to the side, the nurse can avoid excess tissue and adipose obstruction, facilitating a more accurate assessment. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect: A: Asking the patient to assume a prone position would not be helpful in locating the femoral pulse as it does not provide better access to the artery. C: Firmly pressing against the bone in a semi-Fowler position may not improve the assessment of the femoral pulse in an obese patient. D: Listening with a stethoscope for pulsations is not the preferred method for assessing the femoral pulse; palpating the pulse is the standard practice, even in obese individuals.
Question 3 of 5
Alexandra is a 28-year-old editor who presents to the clinic with abdominal pain. The pain is a dull ache, located in the right upper quadrant, that she rates as a 3 at the least and an 8 at the worst. The pain started a few weeks ago, it lasts for 2 to 3 hours at a time, it comes and goes, and it seems to be worse a couple of hours after eating. She has noticed that it starts after eating greasy foods, so she has cut down on these as much as she can. Initially it occurred once a week, but now it is occurring every other day. Nothing makes it better. From this description, which of the seven attributes of a symptom has been omitted?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Associated manifestations. Associated manifestations refer to other symptoms or signs that accompany the primary symptom. In this case, the primary symptom is abdominal pain, and the description provided focuses solely on the characteristics of the pain itself (location, intensity, duration, aggravating factors), omitting any mention of other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, fever, or jaundice that may be present with certain conditions. By not including information about associated manifestations, the description lacks a complete picture of the symptom presentation, making choice B the correct answer. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the description does cover the setting in which the symptom occurs (after eating greasy foods), the quality of the pain (dull ache), and the timing of the pain (2 to 3 hours after eating).
Question 4 of 5
A 35-year-old archaeologist comes to your office (located in Phoenix, Arizona) for a regular skin check-up. She has just returned from her annual dig site in Greece. She has fair skin and reddish-blonde hair. She has a family history of melanoma. She has many freckles scattered across her skin. From this description, which of the following is not a risk factor for melanoma in this patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hair colour. The rationale for this is that fair skin, family history of melanoma, freckles, and heavy sun exposure are all known risk factors for melanoma. Reddish-blonde hair alone is not a significant risk factor for melanoma compared to the other mentioned factors. Age is a risk factor as melanoma incidence increases with age. Actinic lentigines, also known as sunspots, are associated with chronic sun exposure and are a risk factor for melanoma. Heavy sun exposure is a well-established risk factor for melanoma due to the damaging effects of UV radiation on the skin.
Question 5 of 5
The practitioner, entering the examining room to meet a patient for the first time, states: "Hello, I'm M.M., and I'm here to gather some information from you and to perform your examination. This will take about 30 minutes. D.D. is a student working with me. If it's all right with you, she will remain during the examination." Which of the following must be added to cover all aspects of the interview contract?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it covers all essential aspects of the interview contract. Firstly, mentioning confidentiality ensures patient privacy. Secondly, addressing patient costs sets clear expectations. Lastly, explaining the role of each person involved establishes transparency. Choice B is incorrect as it only covers the purpose of the interview and the role of the interviewer, missing important elements like confidentiality and patient costs. Choice C is incorrect as it lacks information on patient costs and the expectations of each person, focusing solely on the time, place, and confidentiality statement. Choice D is incorrect as it only includes the purpose of the interview and a description of the physical examination, missing crucial aspects like confidentiality, patient costs, and roles of individuals involved.