ATI RN
health assessment practice questions nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
When a light is directed across the iris of the eye from the temporal side, the examiner is assessing for:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: the presence of shadows, which may indicate glaucoma. When a light is directed across the iris from the temporal side, it helps in evaluating the presence of shadows in the anterior chamber angle, which can suggest a narrow or closed angle glaucoma. This technique is known as transillumination test and is important in detecting potential glaucoma cases. A: Drainage from dacryocystitis is incorrect as it is typically assessed by pressing on the lacrimal sac area to observe for discharge. B: Conjunctivitis over the iris is incorrect as conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, not the iris. D: A scattered light reflex indicative of cataracts is incorrect as cataracts cause clouding of the lens, not scattering of light across the iris.
Question 2 of 5
During a physical education class, a student is hit in the eye with the end of a baseball bat. When examined in the emergency department, the nurse notes the presence of blood in the anterior chamber of the eye. This finding indicates the presence of:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: hyphema. Hyphema is the presence of blood in the anterior chamber of the eye, which can occur due to trauma like being hit with a baseball bat. This indicates bleeding inside the eye, specifically in the space between the cornea and iris. Hypopyon (A) is the accumulation of white blood cells in the anterior chamber. Corneal abrasion (C) is a scratch on the cornea, not related to blood in the anterior chamber. Iritis (D) is inflammation of the iris, which does not necessarily involve blood in the anterior chamber.
Question 3 of 5
When examining the ear with an otoscope, the nurse would expect to find that the tympanic membrane is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: pearly grey and slightly concave. This is because a healthy tympanic membrane should appear pearly grey in color and slightly concave in shape. The pearly grey color indicates normal transparency and reflection of light, while the slightly concave shape is indicative of a normal eardrum. Choice A is incorrect as a light pink color and slight bulge are not characteristic of a healthy tympanic membrane. Choice C is incorrect because a pulled-in appearance at the base of the cone of light suggests retraction, which is abnormal. Choice D is incorrect as a whitish color with a small fleck of light is not a typical presentation of a healthy tympanic membrane.
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following statements about air conduction is true?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because a loss of air conduction, known as conductive hearing loss, refers to a problem conducting sound waves through the outer or middle ear. This type of hearing loss can be caused by issues such as earwax buildup, fluid in the middle ear, or problems with the ear canal or eardrum. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because air conduction is not the most efficient pathway for hearing (choice A), it is not caused by vibrations of bones in the skull (choice B), and the pitch of sound is determined by the frequency, not the amplitude (choice C). Conductive hearing loss specifically relates to the transmission of sound through the outer and middle ear structures, making choice D the correct statement.
Question 5 of 5
The mother of a 2-year-old is concerned because her son has had three ear infections in the past year. Which of the following would be an appropriate response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it provides an accurate explanation for the frequent ear infections in the 2-year-old. The eustachian tube in children is indeed shorter and wider compared to adults, making it easier for infections to develop. This anatomical difference predisposes young children to ear infections. Choice A is incorrect because it falsely implies that frequent ear infections in small children are unusual only if something else is wrong. Choice B is incorrect as checking the immune system is not typically the first step in addressing recurrent ear infections. Choice C is incorrect as cerumen (earwax) does not directly contribute to ear infections in the middle ear.