ATI RN
Health Assessment Vital Signs Quizlet Questions
Question 1 of 5
What is the best way for the nurse to assess for clubbing of the fingers?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B - Check the angle of the nail bed. Clubbing is characterized by an increased angle (>180 degrees) between the nail bed and the skin. This is best assessed by looking at the nail bed directly. Inspecting for white spots (A), assessing for swelling in the fingertips (C), and observing the color of the nail beds (D) are not specific or accurate indicators of clubbing. Checking the angle of the nail bed is the most direct and reliable method to assess for clubbing of the fingers.
Question 2 of 5
During a cardiac assessment, the nurse hears an S3 heart sound. What does this finding suggest?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The presence of an S3 heart sound typically indicates heart failure. This occurs due to rapid filling of the ventricles during early diastole, indicating volume overload. This sound is commonly heard in patients with heart failure, reflecting decreased cardiac function. In contrast, option A is incorrect as an S3 is not a normal finding in young adults. Option B, mitral valve stenosis, would present with an opening snap and a diastolic murmur, not an S3 sound. Option D, aortic regurgitation, is associated with a diastolic murmur and bounding pulses, not an S3 heart sound.
Question 3 of 5
A physical therapist completes a respiratory examination on a patient diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which finding would the therapist MOST likely observe?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Increased total lung capacity. In COPD, there is typically air trapping due to decreased elasticity of the lungs and increased residual volume. This results in an increased total lung capacity as the lungs are hyperinflated. A: Decreased residual volume is incorrect because in COPD, there is air trapping leading to increased residual volume. B: Increased expiratory flow rates is incorrect because in COPD, there is airflow limitation causing decreased expiratory flow rates. C: Decreased functional residual capacity is incorrect because in COPD, there is air trapping leading to increased functional residual capacity.
Question 4 of 5
A physical therapist instructs a patient on the proper use of a walker. Which sequence of steps is MOST appropriate for a patient with a partial weight-bearing status?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because when a patient has a partial weight-bearing status, they should first advance the walker to provide support, then advance the affected leg to ensure stability, and finally advance the unaffected leg to complete the step. This sequence ensures that the patient maintains balance and support throughout the movement. Choice B is incorrect because advancing the unaffected leg first may lead to instability. Choice C is incorrect as advancing the unaffected leg before the walker does not provide proper support. Choice D is incorrect as advancing the affected leg first without walker support can risk falls.
Question 5 of 5
During a neurological assessment, the nurse observes that the patient has difficulty with heel-to-toe walking. What does this finding suggest?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cerebellar dysfunction. Heel-to-toe walking, also known as tandem gait, is a test of cerebellar function. The cerebellum is responsible for coordinating movement and balance, so difficulty with this task indicates dysfunction in the cerebellum. Cranial nerve deficit (A) typically presents with abnormalities in facial sensation or muscle weakness. Vestibular impairment (C) is associated with dizziness and balance issues, but not specifically heel-to-toe walking. Spinal cord injury (D) would manifest as motor or sensory deficits below the level of injury, not specifically affecting heel-to-toe walking.