ATI RN
EMT Vital Signs Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
What is the primary purpose of performing light palpation during an abdominal examination?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The primary purpose of performing light palpation during an abdominal examination is to evaluate surface characteristics and tenderness. This technique allows the examiner to feel for any abnormalities in the skin, muscles, and superficial organs. Light palpation is not used to detect deep masses (A), which would require deeper palpation. Organ enlargement (B) is better assessed through deep palpation or percussion. Assessing bowel motility (D) is typically done through auscultation rather than palpation. Therefore, choice C is correct as it aligns with the standard procedure for light palpation during an abdominal examination.
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following best represents information documented in the 'review of systems'?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the review of systems documents the patient's symptoms and issues related to various organ systems. In this case, the patient denying chest pain, palpitations, or orthopnea indicates the absence of cardiovascular symptoms. Choice B focuses on a single blood pressure reading, which is not part of the review of systems. Choice C is specific to abdominal pain and its onset, which is not a comprehensive review of systems. Choice D pertains to family history, which is typically documented separately from the review of systems. Therefore, choice A best represents information documented in the review of systems.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is assessing a patient's level of consciousness using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). Which score indicates a moderate head injury?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B (9-12) because a GCS score of 9-12 indicates a moderate head injury. This score reflects a patient who is moderately impaired in terms of consciousness and neurological functioning. A GCS score of 13-15 (choice A) indicates mild injury, while a score of 6-8 (choice C) indicates severe injury. A score of 3-5 (choice D) indicates a critical and severe head injury, typically associated with deep coma. In summary, the GCS score of 9-12 represents a moderate head injury, while the other choices reflect different levels of severity in head injuries based on the Glasgow Coma Scale.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is performing a cranial nerve assessment and asks the patient to smile. Which cranial nerve is being tested?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cranial nerve VII (facial nerve). When the nurse asks the patient to smile, they are assessing the function of the facial muscles, which is innervated by cranial nerve VII. This nerve controls facial expression, including smiling. Cranial nerve V (trigeminal nerve) is responsible for sensation in the face and chewing, not facial expression. Cranial nerve IX (glossopharyngeal nerve) is involved in swallowing and taste, not facial movement. Cranial nerve X (vagus nerve) controls various autonomic functions like heart rate and digestion, not facial muscles.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is performing a physical assessment and notes that the patient has unilateral leg swelling. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Unilateral leg swelling is a common symptom of DVT, which is a blood clot in the deep veins of the leg. The swelling occurs due to impaired blood flow caused by the clot. It is important to consider DVT as it can lead to serious complications like pulmonary embolism. Incorrect choices: B: Congestive heart failure typically presents with bilateral leg swelling due to fluid retention. C: Peripheral artery disease usually manifests with symptoms like leg pain while walking, not necessarily swelling. D: Chronic venous insufficiency results in long-standing venous hypertension leading to skin changes like ulcers, not acute unilateral swelling.