ATI RN
EMT Vital Signs Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
What structures pass through Guyon's canal (ulnar tunnel at the wrist)?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Guyon's canal houses the ulnar nerve and ulnar artery. 2. This canal is located at the wrist, between the pisiform and hook of the hamate. 3. The correct answer, choice C, includes both the ulnar nerve and ulnar artery passing through Guyon's canal. 4. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they include structures that do not pass through Guyon's canal, such as the extensor carpi ulnaris and adductor pollicis.
Question 2 of 5
The nursing process is a sequential method of problem solving that nurses use and includes which steps?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it accurately reflects the sequential steps of the nursing process. Assessment is the first step to gather data, followed by diagnosis to analyze and identify the problem. Outcome identification sets goals, planning creates a care plan, implementation executes the plan, and evaluation assesses the effectiveness. Choice A is incorrect because it includes treatment before the diagnosis step, and lacks outcome identification and implementation steps. Choice B is incorrect because it includes admission and discharge planning before the assessment and planning steps. Choice C is incorrect because it includes admission and diagnosis before the assessment step, and lacks outcome identification.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following is not an indication for cold therapy?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Arterial insufficiency. Cold therapy is contraindicated in cases of arterial insufficiency because it can further constrict blood vessels, worsening circulation. A: Acute sprains benefit from cold therapy to reduce inflammation. B: Spasticity can be alleviated by cold therapy as it helps to reduce muscle tone. D: Chronic muscle spasm can also be relieved by cold therapy to decrease muscle spasms and pain. Therefore, arterial insufficiency is the only condition where cold therapy should be avoided.
Question 4 of 5
Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in African-Americans and the second leading cause of blindness overall. What features would be noted on funduscopic examination?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increased cup-to-disc ratio. On funduscopic examination of a patient with glaucoma, one would typically observe an increased cup-to-disc ratio, indicating optic nerve damage. This is a key feature of glaucoma diagnosis as it signifies progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells. AV nicking, cotton wool spots, and microaneurysms are not specific findings in glaucoma, but rather associated with other conditions such as hypertensive retinopathy and diabetic retinopathy. Therefore, they are not indicative of glaucoma on funduscopic examination.
Question 5 of 5
Which is the proper sequence of examination for the abdomen?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct sequence for examining the abdomen is inspection, auscultation, percussion, and palpation. Inspection assesses overall appearance, distension, scars, and masses. Auscultation listens for bowel sounds and vascular bruits. Percussion helps identify organ borders and assess for fluid or air accumulation. Palpation evaluates tenderness, masses, and organ size. This order ensures a systematic and thorough assessment. Choice A is incorrect because palpation should occur after percussion. Choice B is incorrect as auscultation should come before percussion. Choice D is incorrect because inspection should precede auscultation.