ATI RN
Neurological Vital Signs Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which of the following findings during a skin assessment requires immediate attention?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. A mole with an asymmetrical shape is concerning for melanoma, a potentially deadly skin cancer. Asymmetry is a key characteristic of melanoma, warranting immediate attention for further evaluation and possible biopsy. B is incorrect as dry skin on the elbows is a common benign condition. C is incorrect as a small, round, and brown lesion is likely a benign mole or freckle. D is incorrect as faint, white striae are typically stretch marks and not urgent. In summary, the asymmetrical shape of a mole is alarming due to its association with melanoma, making it the finding requiring immediate attention.
Question 2 of 5
A patient reports significant improvement in function following physical therapy intervention. Which component of the patient management model is being evaluated?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Outcomes. The patient's significant improvement in function after physical therapy intervention directly relates to the evaluation of outcomes. Outcomes refer to the results or effects of an intervention on a patient's health status or function. In this scenario, the improvement in function is a measurable outcome of the physical therapy intervention. Prognosis (choice A) relates to predicting the course of a condition, diagnosis (choice C) involves identifying the nature of a patient's condition, and intervention (choice D) refers to the specific treatment provided. Therefore, the patient's improvement in function aligns most closely with the evaluation of outcomes in the patient management model.
Question 3 of 5
A patient demonstrates limited active range of motion in shoulder abduction but has normal passive range of motion. The MOST likely cause of this limitation is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Rotator cuff tear. Limited active range of motion with normal passive range of motion in shoulder abduction suggests a muscle-related issue, such as a rotator cuff tear. In this case, the patient can move the shoulder when someone else assists, indicating intact passive structures and a problem with the muscles. Adhesive capsulitis (choice A) typically presents with limitations in both active and passive range of motion. Glenohumeral arthritis (choice C) usually results in decreased passive range of motion as well. Shoulder impingement (choice D) may lead to pain during certain movements, but it would not explain the specific limitation described in the question.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is performing an abdominal assessment and detects a bruit over the renal arteries. What does this finding suggest?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Renal artery stenosis. A bruit over the renal arteries indicates turbulent blood flow due to narrowed or blocked arteries, which is a classic sign of renal artery stenosis. This condition can lead to hypertension and renal dysfunction. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect: A is incorrect because a bruit is not a normal vascular sound; C is incorrect as aortic aneurysm would typically present with a pulsatile mass and not just a bruit; D is incorrect as increased peristalsis would not be detected as a bruit in the renal area.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is assessing a patient's extraocular movements. Which cranial nerves are being evaluated?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cranial nerves III, IV, and VI. These cranial nerves are responsible for controlling the extraocular muscles. Cranial nerve III (oculomotor) controls most of the eye movements, cranial nerve IV (trochlear) controls the superior oblique muscle, and cranial nerve VI (abducens) controls the lateral rectus muscle. Evaluating these cranial nerves allows the nurse to assess the full range of eye movements. Choice A (Cranial nerves II, III, and IV) includes the optic nerve (II) which is responsible for vision, not extraocular movements. Choice C (Cranial nerves V, VI, and VII) involves the trigeminal nerve (V) responsible for facial sensation, not eye movements. Choice D (Cranial nerves II, V, and VII) includes the optic nerve (II) and facial nerve (VII), which are not primarily involved in controlling extraocular movements