ATI RN
Vital Signs Assessment for Nurses Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which contraction generates the least force?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Fast concentric. During fast concentric contractions, the muscle shortens quickly, generating the least force compared to other contractions. This is because the muscle fibers have less time to develop tension, resulting in lower force production. Slow eccentric contractions (choice A) generate more force as the muscle lengthens under tension. Fast eccentric contractions (choice B) produce more force than fast concentric contractions due to the muscle lengthening while under tension. Slow concentric contractions (choice C) generate more force than fast concentric contractions as the muscle shortens slowly, allowing for greater force development.
Question 2 of 5
Sudden, painful unilateral loss of vision may be caused by which of the following conditions?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Optic neuritis. Optic neuritis causes sudden, painful unilateral vision loss due to inflammation of the optic nerve. This condition often presents with reduced visual acuity, color vision changes, and afferent pupillary defect. Vitreous hemorrhage (A) typically causes painless vision loss, while central retinal artery occlusion (B) results in sudden painless vision loss. Macular degeneration (C) usually causes gradual central vision loss without pain.
Question 3 of 5
A daycare worker presents to your office with jaundice. She denies IV drug use, blood transfusion, and travel and has not been sexually active for the past 10 months. Which type of hepatitis is most likely?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hepatitis A. Jaundice without risk factors for other types of hepatitis indicates an acute infection, which is most commonly caused by Hepatitis A virus. This virus is usually transmitted through contaminated food or water, making it more likely for a daycare worker to contract due to close contact with children. Hepatitis B is typically transmitted through blood or sexual contact, which the worker denies. Hepatitis C is also transmitted through blood, which is not reported. Hepatitis D requires Hepatitis B infection for replication, and since Hepatitis B is not indicated in this case, Hepatitis D is unlikely.
Question 4 of 5
You are obtaining an arterial blood gas in the radial artery on a retired cab driver who has been hospitalized in the intensive care unit for a stroke. You are concerned about the possibility of arterial insufficiency. You perform the Allen test. This means that you:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Checked for patency of the ulnar artery. The Allen test is used to assess the collateral circulation of the hand before arterial blood sampling from the radial artery. This involves occluding both the ulnar and radial arteries and then releasing pressure on the ulnar artery while observing the return of color to the hand. If the ulnar artery is patent, the hand should regain color within 5-10 seconds, indicating adequate collateral circulation. This is important to prevent ischemic complications. Choice A (Checked for patency of the radial artery) is incorrect because the Allen test specifically evaluates the ulnar artery's patency, not the radial artery. Choice B (Checked for patency of the brachial artery) is incorrect because the Allen test focuses on the collateral circulation in the hand, not the brachial artery. Choice D (Checked for patency of the femoral artery) is incorrect because the Allen test is not used to assess the femoral artery
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with a cerebral aneurysm who reports a severe headache. Which action should the nurse perform?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Calling the physician immediately is crucial because a severe headache in a client with a cerebral aneurysm may indicate a rupture, a life-threatening emergency. The physician needs to be notified promptly for urgent intervention. Reassessing the client in 15 minutes (Choice A) may delay necessary action. Administering an analgesic (Choice B) without knowing the underlying cause of the headache could mask symptoms and delay appropriate treatment. Informing the nurse manager (Choice C) is not the priority; direct communication with the physician for immediate medical intervention is essential in this situation.