ATI RN
PN Vital Signs Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
What diagnostic test is the 'gold standard' for evaluation of the rotator cuff?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: MRI. MRI is the 'gold standard' for evaluating the rotator cuff because it provides detailed images of soft tissues like tendons and muscles. It offers superior resolution compared to other imaging modalities, allowing for accurate detection of rotator cuff tears and other pathologies. Plain x-ray (A) is not ideal for soft tissue evaluation. Physical exam (B) can provide valuable information but may not definitively diagnose rotator cuff issues. Ultrasound (D) is useful but may not offer the same level of detail and accuracy as MRI for evaluating the rotator cuff.
Question 2 of 5
Monique is a 33-year-old administrative assistant who has had intermittent lower abdominal pain approximately one week a month for the past year. It is not related to her menses. She notes relief with defecation, and a change in form and frequency of her bowel movements with these episodes. Which of the following is most likely?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Monique's symptoms of lower abdominal pain relieved by defecation, and changes in bowel movements (form and frequency) without relation to menses are classic features of IBS. IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. Colon cancer (A) typically presents with more serious symptoms like rectal bleeding and unexplained weight loss. Cholecystitis (B) involves inflammation of the gallbladder, presenting with right upper quadrant pain. Inflammatory bowel disease (C) includes conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which present with symptoms such as bloody diarrhea and weight loss.
Question 3 of 5
You are a student in the vascular surgery clinic. You are asked to perform a physical examination on a patient with known peripheral vascular disease in the legs. Which of the following aspects is important to note when you perform your examination?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale for correct answer (A): - Size: Helps assess for muscle wasting or swelling. - Symmetry: Indicates potential arterial occlusion or venous insufficiency. - Skin color: Changes may suggest poor perfusion or venous stasis. Summary of incorrect choices: - B: Muscle bulk and tone are important but secondary to circulation assessment. - C: Nodules in joints are more relevant to rheumatologic conditions. - D: Lower extremity strength is important but not as critical for vascular assessment.
Question 4 of 5
The client after having a haemorrhagic stroke has residual dysphagia. When a diet order is initiated, the nurse avoids doing which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Giving the client thin liquids can be dangerous for someone with dysphagia as it can increase the risk of aspiration. Thickening liquids to the consistency of oatmeal helps prevent aspiration. Placing food on the unaffected side of the mouth can assist in swallowing. Allowing plenty of time for chewing and swallowing is important for safe eating.
Question 5 of 5
A client arrives in the emergency department with and is diagnosed with ischemic stroke. A possible treatment option is tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) administration. Which is the priority nursing assessment?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Time of onset of current stroke. This is the priority nursing assessment because the effectiveness of t-PA administration is time-dependent, with a narrow window of 4.5 hours from symptom onset. Knowing the time of onset will help determine if the client is within the appropriate timeframe for t-PA administration, which can improve outcomes. A: Current medications - While important, knowing the time of onset is more critical for timely intervention in ischemic stroke. B: Complete physical and history - Important for overall assessment but not as time-sensitive as determining the stroke onset time. D: Upcoming surgical procedures - Not relevant for immediate management of ischemic stroke with t-PA.