ATI RN
physical examination and health assessment test bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
The typical presentation of severe acute aortic regurgitation (AR) includes sudden severe shortness of breath, rapidly developing heart failure, and:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the context of severe acute aortic regurgitation (AR), the correct answer is B) Chest pain. This is because sudden severe shortness of breath and rapidly developing heart failure can lead to myocardial ischemia, which manifests as chest pain. Patients may also experience chest discomfort due to the sudden increase in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure. Option A) Dry cough is not typically associated with acute aortic regurgitation. A dry cough is more commonly seen in conditions like heart failure or reactive airway disease. Option C) Decreased blood pressure is a common finding in aortic regurgitation, but in severe acute cases, the blood pressure may actually be elevated due to increased stroke volume. Option D) Systolic murmur is a classic finding in aortic regurgitation, but in acute severe cases, the regurgitation is so rapid that a diastolic murmur may not be audible. Educationally, understanding the clinical presentation of aortic regurgitation is crucial for healthcare providers to promptly recognize and manage this life-threatening condition. Recognizing the atypical symptoms like chest pain in severe AR can aid in early diagnosis and intervention, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse practitioner diagnoses a female patient with trichomoniasis. A common chief complaint of a patient with trichomoniasis is:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the context of diagnosing trichomoniasis, the correct answer is C) Vaginal discharge. Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. One of the hallmark symptoms is a frothy, malodorous vaginal discharge that is typically yellow-green in color. This discharge is often accompanied by itching, irritation, and discomfort in the genital area. Option A) Painless, ulcerated vulvar lesion with vaginal discharge is more indicative of genital herpes or syphilis, not trichomoniasis. Option B) Fever, papules, and vaginal discharge with burning are more characteristic of a different STI like chlamydia or gonorrhea. Option D) Dyspareunia and upper abdominal pain are not typically associated with trichomoniasis. From an educational perspective, understanding the specific symptoms associated with different STIs is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Nurses and nurse practitioners need to be able to differentiate between various STIs based on presenting symptoms to provide effective care and promote patient health and well-being.
Question 3 of 5
The scoliosis patient who would cause the greatest concern for the nurse practitioner is a:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this question, the correct answer is option A) 13-year-old female with a 100° curve. The rationale behind this is that the degree of curvature in scoliosis is a critical factor in determining the severity of the condition and the potential for complications. A curve of 100° is indicative of severe scoliosis, which can lead to significant health issues such as respiratory problems, cardiac issues, and physical deformity. Option B) 17-year-old female with a 100° curve is not the greatest concern because scoliosis progression tends to be more rapid in younger individuals, thus a 13-year-old with the same degree of curvature would be at higher risk. Option C) 12-year-old female with a 50° curve is not the greatest concern as the degree of curvature is less severe compared to option A. Option D) 18-year-old female with a 50° curve is also not the greatest concern because although the age is closer to adulthood, the degree of curvature is still less severe than option A. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of understanding the progression and severity of scoliosis in different age groups and the need for early intervention and monitoring in younger patients with severe curvature to prevent complications and optimize outcomes.
Question 4 of 5
A type of breast cancer that begins with erythema and swelling of the breast and progresses rapidly is termed:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Inflammatory breast cancer. This type of breast cancer presents with erythema and swelling of the breast, indicating a rapid progression. Inflammatory breast cancer is an aggressive form of breast cancer that typically does not present as a distinct lump but rather as a diffuse swelling and redness of the breast skin. This unique presentation sets it apart from other types of breast cancer. Option A) Paget’s disease is a different condition that affects the skin of the nipple and areola, causing redness, scaling, and itching. It is not typically associated with rapid swelling of the breast. Option B) Invasive ductal carcinoma is the most common type of breast cancer, but it does not usually present with the characteristic erythema and rapid progression seen in inflammatory breast cancer. Option D) Invasive lobular carcinoma is another common type of breast cancer, but it tends to grow in a more subtle, infiltrative pattern without the rapid onset of symptoms like erythema and swelling. Understanding the specific clinical presentations of different types of breast cancer is crucial for healthcare providers involved in breast health assessment and diagnosis. Recognizing the unique features of inflammatory breast cancer can lead to timely intervention and improved outcomes for patients.
Question 5 of 5
An elderly patient has been diagnosed with a cataract. What structure in the eye has become diseased?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this question, the correct answer is C) Lens. In the case of a cataract, the lens of the eye becomes clouded, leading to vision impairment. The lens is responsible for focusing light onto the retina at the back of the eye. Option A) Retina is incorrect because the retina is the layer of tissue at the back of the eye that contains cells sensitive to light and is not typically affected by cataracts. Option B) Cornea is incorrect because the cornea is the clear outermost part of the eye that helps to focus light, but it is not the structure primarily affected by cataracts. Option D) Optic nerve is incorrect because the optic nerve transmits visual information from the retina to the brain and is not directly related to cataracts. Educationally, understanding the anatomy of the eye and common eye conditions like cataracts is essential for healthcare professionals, especially in pharmacology where knowledge of eye disorders and their treatments may be relevant. Identifying the specific structure affected in a condition like cataracts is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.