ATI RN
Vital Signs Assessment Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
What physical exam finding will be observed in 'Saturday night palsy'?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Marked wrist and finger drop. In Saturday night palsy, there is compression of the radial nerve, leading to weakness of the wrist and finger extensors. This results in the characteristic presentation of wrist and finger drop. Choice B is incorrect as atrophy of the APB is seen in carpal tunnel syndrome. Choice C is incorrect as weak elbow extension is not a typical finding in Saturday night palsy. Choice D is incorrect as painless weakness and atrophy of hand intrinsic muscles are more indicative of ulnar nerve compression.
Question 2 of 5
Linda is a 29-year-old who had excruciating pain which started under her lower ribs on the right side. The pain eventually moved to her lateral abdomen and then into her right lower quadrant. Which is most likely, given this presentation?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Ureteral stone. The progression of pain from under the lower ribs to the lateral abdomen and then to the right lower quadrant is characteristic of a ureteral stone passing from the kidney towards the bladder. This pattern is known as "Loin to groin pain." Appendicitis typically presents with pain starting in the right lower quadrant without a gradual progression. Dysmenorrhea involves cramping pelvic pain related to menstruation. Ovarian cyst pain is usually localized to the lower abdomen and may not follow the described pattern.
Question 3 of 5
You are assessing a 59-year-old gas station owner for atherosclerosis in the lower extremities. In which of the following locations would the patient's pain make you concerned for this disease process?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Calf. Atherosclerosis in the lower extremities typically presents as intermittent claudication, which is characterized by pain, cramping, or fatigue in the calf muscles during physical activity. This occurs due to insufficient blood flow to the muscles affected by the narrowed arteries. Pain in the thigh (A), knee (B), or ankle (D) would not be as specific for atherosclerosis in the lower extremities, as the calf is the most common site for this condition.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is preparing to use an otoscope for an examination. Which statement is true regarding the otoscope? The otoscope:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the otoscope is a medical device specifically designed to examine the ear canal and tympanic membrane. The otoscope has a light source and a magnifying lens that allows the healthcare provider to visualize these structures. Choice A is incorrect because the otoscope is not typically used to direct light onto the sinuses. Choice B is incorrect as the otoscope uses a long, narrow speculum to visualize the ear, not a short, broad speculum. Choice C is incorrect because the otoscope is used to examine the external ear canal and tympanic membrane, not the internal ear structures.
Question 5 of 5
Which of the following assessments is most indicative of adequate peripheral circulation?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Capillary refill time less than 2 seconds. This assessment is indicative of adequate peripheral circulation because it measures how quickly blood refills in the capillaries after they have been compressed. A capillary refill time of less than 2 seconds indicates normal circulation, as it demonstrates that blood is flowing efficiently to the extremities. Rationale: A: Pallor in the extremities indicates poor circulation and reduced blood flow, which is not indicative of adequate peripheral circulation. C: Cool skin temperature in the lower extremities suggests vasoconstriction and reduced blood flow, not adequate circulation. D: Diminished dorsalis pedis pulse indicates a weak or absent pulse in the foot, which is a sign of impaired circulation and not indicative of adequate peripheral circulation.