ATI RN
nclex physical and health assessment questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
The temporomandibular joint is just below the temporal artery and anterior to the:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: mandible. The temporomandibular joint is located just below the temporal artery and it connects the mandible (lower jaw) to the temporal bone. This joint allows for movement of the jaw during actions like chewing and speaking. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the temporomandibular joint is not located near the hyoid bone (A), the vagus nerve (B), or the tragus of the ear (C). These structures are not directly associated with the temporomandibular joint's anatomical location and function.
Question 2 of 9
Which of the following findings during examination would indicate Paget's disease?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Elongated head with heavy eyebrow ridge. Paget's disease is a bone disorder characterized by abnormal bone remodeling, leading to enlarged and deformed bones. The elongated head and heavy eyebrow ridge are typical features seen in individuals with Paget's disease due to overgrowth of bones in the skull. A: Positive MacEwen's sign - This finding is associated with congenital hip dysplasia, not Paget's disease. B: Premature closure of the sagittal suture - This is a characteristic finding in craniosynostosis, not Paget's disease. C: Headache, vertigo, tinnitus, and deafness - These symptoms are more indicative of an inner ear disorder or vestibular dysfunction, not Paget's disease.
Question 3 of 9
A mother is concerned that her 18-month-old already has 12 teeth. She is wondering if this is normal for a child of this age. The nurse's best response would be:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. At 18 months, it is expected for a child to have erupted around 16 deciduous teeth. The rationale for this answer is based on dental development milestones. By age 3, most children should have their full set of 20 primary teeth. Therefore, the nurse should inform the mother that it is normal for an 18-month-old to have around 16 teeth. Choice A is incorrect as comparing the mother's teeth at that age is irrelevant to the child's dental development. Choice B is incorrect because all 20 deciduous teeth should be present by age 3, not 4. Choice C is incorrect as having 12 teeth at 18 months is below the expected number of erupted teeth for that age.
Question 4 of 9
During an assessment of an 80-year-old patient, the nurse would expect to find:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: decreased ability to identify odors. As people age, their sense of smell tends to decline due to changes in the olfactory system. This is a common phenomenon in older adults and can impact their overall quality of life. The other choices are incorrect because hypertrophy of the gums (A) is not a typical finding in older adults, increased production of saliva (B) is not directly related to aging, and finer and less prominent nasal hair (D) is not a definitive characteristic of older age.
Question 5 of 9
A visitor from Poland who does not speak English appears somewhat apprehensive while the nurse is examining his neck. He would probably be most comfortable if the nurse were examining his thyroid:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it demonstrates cultural sensitivity and respect for the patient's comfort. Placing the nurse's thumbs on either side of the trachea and tilting the patient's head forward is a non-threatening and non-invasive approach to examining the thyroid. This position allows the nurse to assess the thyroid gland without causing discomfort or intimidation to the patient. Choice A is incorrect because having the nurse's hands placed firmly around the neck from behind may be perceived as invasive and threatening to the patient. Choice B is incorrect because having the nurse's thumbs on the patient's neck with eyes averted toward the ceiling may come across as awkward and unprofessional. Choice D is incorrect because tilting the patient's head backward can cause discomfort and may not be culturally sensitive as it can be perceived as invasive.
Question 6 of 9
The nurse is performing an assessment on a 7-year-old child who has the following symptoms: chronic watery eyes, sneezing, and clear nasal drainage. The nurse notes the presence of a transverse line across the bridge of the nose, dark blue shadows under the eyes, and a double crease on the lower eyelids. These findings are characteristic of:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: allergies. The symptoms described such as chronic watery eyes, sneezing, and clear nasal drainage are classic signs of allergies. The presence of a transverse line across the bridge of the nose, dark blue shadows under the eyes, and a double crease on the lower eyelids are typical physical exam findings in children with allergic rhinitis. These signs are known as Dennie-Morgan lines, allergic shiners, and allergic crease respectively. Allergies are the most likely cause based on the symptoms and physical exam findings. Sinus infection (choice B) typically presents with purulent nasal discharge and facial pain. Nasal congestion (choice C) usually involves nasal stuffiness and may not present with the specific eye findings mentioned. An upper respiratory infection (choice D) may present with fever, cough, and nasal discharge, but the eye findings described are not characteristic of an upper respiratory infection.
Question 7 of 9
The mother of a newborn asks the nurse when her baby's eyesight will be fully developed. The nurse should say:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because vision is not fully developed until around 2 years of age. Newborns have limited visual capabilities and their visual acuity improves over time. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because infants do not develop the ability to focus on an object at 8 months (B), develop coordinated eye movements by 3 months (C), or have uncoordinated eye movements in the first year of life (D). These statements do not accurately reflect the timeline of visual development in infants.
Question 8 of 9
Which of the following best describes the test to assess the function of cranial nerve (CN) X?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because cranial nerve X, also known as the vagus nerve, controls the movement of the soft palate and uvula. Asking the patient to say "ahhh" assesses the function of CN X as the soft palate and uvula should elevate symmetrically. A: Observing the patient's ability to articulate specific words does not specifically test CN X function. B: Assessing movement of the hard palate and uvula with the gag reflex primarily tests CN IX (glossopharyngeal nerve). C: Having the patient stick out the tongue and observing for tremors or pulling to one side primarily tests CN XII (hypoglossal nerve).
Question 9 of 9
The temporomandibular joint is just below the temporal artery and anterior to the:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: mandible. The temporomandibular joint is located just below the temporal artery and it connects the mandible (lower jaw) to the temporal bone. This joint allows for movement of the jaw during actions like chewing and speaking. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the temporomandibular joint is not located near the hyoid bone (A), the vagus nerve (B), or the tragus of the ear (C). These structures are not directly associated with the temporomandibular joint's anatomical location and function.