ATI RN
EMT Vital Signs Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which of the following best represents information documented in the 'review of systems'?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the review of systems documents the patient's symptoms and issues related to various organ systems. In this case, the patient denying chest pain, palpitations, or orthopnea indicates the absence of cardiovascular symptoms. Choice B focuses on a single blood pressure reading, which is not part of the review of systems. Choice C is specific to abdominal pain and its onset, which is not a comprehensive review of systems. Choice D pertains to family history, which is typically documented separately from the review of systems. Therefore, choice A best represents information documented in the review of systems.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is performing a cranial nerve assessment and asks the patient to smile. Which cranial nerve is being tested?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cranial nerve VII (facial nerve). When the nurse asks the patient to smile, they are assessing the function of the facial muscles, which is innervated by cranial nerve VII. This nerve controls facial expression, including smiling. Cranial nerve V (trigeminal nerve) is responsible for sensation in the face and chewing, not facial expression. Cranial nerve IX (glossopharyngeal nerve) is involved in swallowing and taste, not facial movement. Cranial nerve X (vagus nerve) controls various autonomic functions like heart rate and digestion, not facial muscles.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is performing a physical assessment and notes that the patient has unilateral leg swelling. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Unilateral leg swelling is a common symptom of DVT, which is a blood clot in the deep veins of the leg. The swelling occurs due to impaired blood flow caused by the clot. It is important to consider DVT as it can lead to serious complications like pulmonary embolism. Incorrect choices: B: Congestive heart failure typically presents with bilateral leg swelling due to fluid retention. C: Peripheral artery disease usually manifests with symptoms like leg pain while walking, not necessarily swelling. D: Chronic venous insufficiency results in long-standing venous hypertension leading to skin changes like ulcers, not acute unilateral swelling.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is performing a neurological assessment and asks the patient to squeeze their hands. Which of the following is being tested?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Motor function and strength. When the nurse asks the patient to squeeze their hands, they are assessing the patient's ability to generate force through muscle contractions, which tests motor function and strength. This action primarily involves the upper extremity muscles and requires intact nerve pathways from the brain to the muscles. Incorrect Choices: A: Cerebellar function is responsible for coordination, balance, and muscle tone, not squeezing hands. C: Sensory function involves detecting stimuli like touch, pain, temperature, and vibration, which are not directly tested by squeezing hands. D: Coordination is tested through tasks requiring precise movements and smooth performance, such as finger-to-nose or heel-to-shin tests, not squeezing hands.
Question 5 of 5
A 60-year-old woman presents with a complaint of joint pain, particularly in the knees. She reports that the pain is worse with activity and improves with rest. She has a history of obesity. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most likely diagnosis for the 60-year-old woman with joint pain worsened by activity and improved with rest, along with a history of obesity, is osteoarthritis (OA). OA is the most common type of arthritis in older individuals, often affecting weight-bearing joints like the knees. The pain pattern described aligns with OA, as it typically worsens with activity due to the degeneration of cartilage and improves with rest. Rheumatoid arthritis (B) is less likely as it typically presents with symmetrical joint involvement and morning stiffness. Gout (C) is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain in joints due to the buildup of uric acid crystals and is less likely based on the provided information. Psoriatic arthritis (D) is associated with psoriasis skin lesions, which are not mentioned in the scenario, making it less likely.