What is the primary purpose of palpating the costovertebral angle during an abdominal assessment?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The primary purpose of palpating the costovertebral angle during an abdominal assessment is to evaluate kidney tenderness. This area is specifically associated with the kidneys, so tenderness in this region could indicate renal issues. Palpating for rebound tenderness (choice A) is typically done in the abdominal quadrants, not the costovertebral angle. Checking for abdominal aortic pulsation (choice C) is usually done in the epigastric area, not the costovertebral angle. Assessing liver size (choice D) is typically done by percussion and palpation in the right upper quadrant, not at the costovertebral angle.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cranial nerve II (optic nerve). During confrontation testing, the nurse checks each eye's peripheral vision to assess cranial nerve II function. This nerve is responsible for vision. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as cranial nerve III controls eye movement, cranial nerve IV controls eye movement of the superior oblique muscle, and cranial nerve VI controls eye movement of the lateral rectus muscle, respectively.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Review of systems. In a health history, the review of systems involves asking about specific symptoms related to different body systems. In this case, the information provided relates to symptoms associated with the cardiovascular system. The patient denying chest pain, palpitations, orthopnea, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea indicates a review of symptoms related to the cardiovascular system. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the information provided does not pertain to the patient's primary reason for seeking care (chief complaint), the current symptoms and duration (present illness), or personal and social history.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hematuria. Hematuria is the presence of blood in the urine, which is a symptom directly related to the genitourinary system. It can indicate various conditions affecting the kidneys, bladder, or other parts of the urinary tract. Tinnitus (choice B) is related to the ear, not the genitourinary system. Rhinorrhea (choice C) refers to a runny nose, which is associated with the respiratory system. Dyspnea (choice D) is a symptom of difficulty breathing, typically related to the respiratory system or cardiovascular system, not the genitourinary system.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the general survey component of the physical examination focuses on observations related to the patient's appearance, behavior, and mobility. This step is crucial in gathering initial information about the patient's overall health status and can provide important clues for further evaluation. Assessing the patient's appearance can reveal signs of distress, nutritional status, or hygiene. Observing behavior can indicate mental status or emotional state. Mobility assessment can identify physical limitations or abnormalities. A, C, and D are incorrect: A: Assessing the patient's chief complaint is part of the focused history taking, not the general survey component. C: Documenting findings from a review of systems is part of the comprehensive history taking, not the general survey. D: Evaluating vital signs is a separate component of the physical examination and not part of the general survey.