ATI RN
Assess Vital Signs Questions
Question 1 of 5
When examining the mouth of an older patient, the nurse recognizes which finding is due to the aging process?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because as individuals age, the papillae on the tongue tend to flatten, resulting in a smoother appearance. This is a normal part of the aging process. Choice A is incorrect as teeth appearing shorter is more likely due to wear and tear or dental issues. Choice C, beefy red buccal mucosa, may indicate inflammation or infection, not necessarily related to aging. Choice D, a painless lump on the dorsum of the tongue, should be further investigated as it could be a sign of a more serious condition.
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following statements is true regarding the internal structures of the breast? The breast is made up of:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rationale: 1. The breast is composed of fibrous tissue, which provides structural support. 2. Glandular tissue is present for milk production. 3. Adipose tissue is essential for storing energy and padding. 4. Option A is incorrect as the breast contains minimal muscle tissue. 5. Option C is incorrect as lactiferous ducts are part of the milk delivery system, not the entire breast. 6. Option D is incorrect as glandular tissue does not attach to the chest wall.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is reviewing risk factors for breast cancer. Which of these women have risk factors that place them at a higher risk for breast cancer?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Answer D is correct because having a first-degree relative (mother) with breast cancer is a significant risk factor for developing breast cancer. This increases the individual's risk compared to the general population. Choice A (37-year-old who is slightly overweight) is not a direct risk factor for breast cancer. Choice B (42-year-old who has had ovarian cancer) is not a known risk factor for breast cancer, although there is a link between ovarian and breast cancer. Choice C (45-year-old who has never been pregnant) is a risk factor for breast cancer but not as significant as having a family history of the disease.
Question 4 of 5
In assessing a 70-year-old man, the nurse finds the following: blood pressure 140/100 mm Hg; heart rate 104 beats per minute and slightly irregular; and the split S2 heart sound. Which of these findings can be explained by expected hemodynamic changes related to age?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B - Increase in systolic blood pressure Rationale: 1. Age-related vascular changes lead to decreased arterial compliance. 2. Decreased arterial compliance results in increased systolic blood pressure. 3. This explains the elevated systolic blood pressure in the 70-year-old man. Other Choices: A. Increase in resting heart rate - Not typically age-related; may indicate other issues. C. Decrease in diastolic blood pressure - Usually remains stable or slightly increases with age. D. Increase in diastolic blood pressure - Not a common age-related change; may indicate other underlying conditions.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is using a Doppler device. This tool is primarily used to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Detect faint pulses. A Doppler device is used to detect and amplify weak pulses, making it an essential tool in assessing blood flow and circulation. It uses sound waves to detect movement, such as blood flow through vessels, and converts them into audible signals. This helps healthcare providers identify and monitor pulses in various parts of the body. A, C, and D are incorrect choices because: A: Assess joint range of motion. This is typically done using physical assessment techniques, such as observation and measurement, not with a Doppler device. C: Magnify low-pitched sounds. Doppler devices do not magnify sounds but rather detect and amplify specific types of movement-related signals. D: Examine the retina. Retinal examination is usually performed using specialized instruments like ophthalmoscopes, not Doppler devices.