Which of the following examples represents a subjective finding?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Subjective findings are based on the patient's symptoms or feelings that cannot be directly observed or measured. In this case, choice C - "The patient reports pain in the right upper quadrant" is the correct answer because it represents a subjective finding as it is based on the patient's self-report of pain. Choices A, B, and D are objective findings as they can be directly observed or measured by the healthcare provider. Pitting edema in the legs, tenderness in the right upper quadrant, and a pulse of 90 are all objective findings that can be assessed through physical examination or measurement.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administer oxygen as prescribed. When a patient has an increased work of breathing, providing oxygen helps improve oxygenation and reduces the respiratory effort. It is the priority action to address potential hypoxia. Encouraging deep breathing exercises (A) may worsen the situation by increasing respiratory effort. Chest physiotherapy (C) is not indicated as the primary intervention for increased work of breathing. Providing a bronchodilator treatment (D) may be beneficial but addressing oxygenation is the priority.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Perform the confrontation test. This test evaluates the peripheral visual field by comparing the patient's visual field with the examiner's. It specifically assesses cranial nerve II function, as it tests the patient's ability to see objects in their peripheral vision. Asking the patient to follow an object with their eyes (A) primarily tests eye movement controlled by cranial nerves III, IV, and VI. Testing the corneal reflex (C) evaluates cranial nerves V and VII, involved in the sensation and motor function of the cornea. Assessing the patient's ability to smile (D) is related to cranial nerve VII function, responsible for facial muscle control.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Proprioception and balance. Standing on one leg with eyes closed tests proprioception, the body's awareness of its position in space, and balance, the ability to maintain an upright posture. This task primarily involves sensory input from the lower extremities and integration in the brain. B: Cerebellar function primarily involves coordination and fine motor control, not specifically tested by standing on one leg with eyes closed. C: Cranial nerve function typically assesses functions such as vision, facial sensation, and muscle movement, not directly tested by this task. D: Coordination involves the integration of motor skills, which are not the primary focus of standing on one leg with eyes closed.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Asthma exacerbation. The patient's symptoms of shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, and history of asthma point towards an asthma exacerbation. Wheezing and use of accessory muscles are classic signs of an asthma attack. Pneumonia (A) would typically present with fever and productive cough. Pulmonary embolism (C) commonly presents with sudden onset dyspnea and chest pain. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (D) would typically have a history of smoking and chronic cough. In this case, the patient's history of asthma and current symptoms make asthma exacerbation the most likely diagnosis.