ATI RN
Vital Signs Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse makes which adjustment in the physical environment to promote the success of an interview?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because reducing noise helps create a conducive environment for effective communication during the interview. Noise can be distracting and hinder the patient's ability to focus and share information. Turning off televisions and radios promotes a quiet and focused setting. Choice B is incorrect because reducing the distance between the interviewer and the patient to 2 feet or less may invade the patient's personal space and make them uncomfortable. Choice C is incorrect as dim lighting may not be suitable for all patients and can affect visibility and communication. Choice D is incorrect because arranging seating across a desk or table can create a barrier and may not allow for a comfortable and open conversation.
Question 2 of 5
When using an otoscope to examine a patient, the nurse:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because when using an otoscope, the nurse should direct light onto the tympanic membrane (eardrum) to visualize its condition. This helps in assessing ear health and identifying any abnormalities or infections. Choice A is incorrect as an otoscope is not used to visualize sinuses. Choice B is incorrect as it refers to examining inner ear structures which is beyond the scope of an otoscope. Choice D is incorrect as external lesions are not typically assessed using an otoscope.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is examining a patient who is complaining of "feeling cold." Which is a mechanism of heat loss in the body?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Radiation. Heat loss through radiation occurs when the body emits infrared radiation to the surrounding environment. This is a passive process and can account for a significant amount of heat loss. Exercise (choice A) generates heat due to muscle activity, leading to increased body temperature. Metabolism (choice C) is the process by which the body converts food into energy and does not directly result in heat loss. Food digestion (choice D) also contributes to metabolic processes and energy production, rather than heat loss.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse has collected the following information on a patient: palpated blood pressure–180 mm Hg; auscultated blood pressure–170/100 mm Hg; apical pulse–60 beats per minute; radial pulse–70 beats per minute. What is the patient's pulse pressure?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The pulse pressure is calculated by subtracting the diastolic blood pressure from the systolic blood pressure. In this case, the systolic blood pressure is 170 mm Hg and the diastolic blood pressure is 100 mm Hg. Therefore, 170 - 100 = 70 mm Hg, which is the patient's pulse pressure. A: 10 - Incorrect. This value is too low for the pulse pressure given the systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings. C: 80 - Incorrect. This value is too high for the pulse pressure given the systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings. D: 100 - Incorrect. This value is equal to the diastolic blood pressure, not the pulse pressure.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is examining a patient who tells the nurse, 'I sure sweat a lot, especially on my face and feet but it doesn't have an odor.' The nurse knows that this condition could be related to:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Eccrine glands. Eccrine glands are responsible for producing sweat that is mostly composed of water and salts. Excessive sweating on the face and feet without odor is characteristic of eccrine gland activity. Eccrine glands are distributed throughout the body and help regulate body temperature through sweat production. Apocrine glands, choice B, produce a thicker sweat that can lead to body odor. Choices C and D are related to the skin's outer layers and not directly associated with sweating.