ATI RN
Vital Signs Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which assessment technique is used to evaluate for the presence of fluid in the abdominal cavity?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Shifting dullness. This technique involves percussing the abdomen to determine if there is a change from tympanic to dull sound while the patient changes positions. This change in sound indicates the presence of fluid in the abdominal cavity, known as ascites. Rebound tenderness (A) is used to assess for peritoneal irritation, not fluid. Light palpation (C) is used to assess superficial abdominal tenderness and masses, not fluid. Deep palpation (D) is used to assess for deeper abdominal masses or organ enlargement, not fluid.
Question 2 of 5
A 65-year-old man with a history of hypertension presents with a complaint of shortness of breath on exertion and swelling in his legs. His physical examination reveals bilateral pedal edema, crackles at the lung bases, and jugular venous distention. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Congestive heart failure. Given the patient's history of hypertension, presenting symptoms of shortness of breath, pedal edema, crackles in the lungs, and jugular venous distention are classic signs of congestive heart failure. These symptoms are indicative of fluid overload and impaired cardiac function leading to fluid accumulation in the lungs and extremities. Other choices can be ruled out based on the lack of corresponding symptoms and physical examination findings related to those conditions. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (A) typically presents with chronic cough, wheezing, and sputum production. Pulmonary embolism (C) presents with sudden onset dyspnea, chest pain, and tachycardia. Renal failure (D) may present with decreased urine output, electrolyte abnormalities, and signs of uremia.
Question 3 of 5
A 25-year-old woman presents with a complaint of dizziness and fainting. On examination, her blood pressure is 90/60 mm Hg. Which of the following is the most likely cause of her symptoms?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Postural hypotension. This condition typically presents with symptoms of dizziness and fainting upon standing due to a drop in blood pressure. In this case, the blood pressure of 90/60 mm Hg indicates hypotension, which is exacerbated by changes in position. Acute myocardial infarction (B) presents with chest pain and ECG changes, not dizziness. Arrhythmia (C) can cause palpitations but not necessarily dizziness. Hyperthyroidism (D) can cause palpitations and weight loss but not typically dizziness and fainting.
Question 4 of 5
A 25-year-old woman presents with a complaint of a new onset of pain and swelling in her left knee. She has a history of psoriasis. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Psoriatic arthritis. The patient's history of psoriasis is a key clue. Psoriatic arthritis commonly affects individuals with psoriasis, presenting with joint pain and swelling. Rheumatoid arthritis (choice A) typically affects multiple joints symmetrically. Osteoarthritis (choice B) is more common in older individuals and does not have a strong association with psoriasis. Gout (choice D) is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, usually in the joint at the base of the big toe, and is not typically associated with psoriasis.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is performing a respiratory assessment and notes that the patient has crackles in the lower lung fields. What is the most likely cause of this finding?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pulmonary edema. Crackles in the lower lung fields are indicative of fluid accumulation in the alveoli, which is characteristic of pulmonary edema. This condition is commonly seen in heart failure when the heart is unable to effectively pump blood, leading to fluid backup in the lungs. Pleural effusion (A) is the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, not in the alveoli. Pneumonia (B) typically presents with other symptoms like fever and productive cough. COPD (D) is characterized by airflow limitation and is not directly associated with crackles due to fluid accumulation.