ATI RN
Neurological Vital Signs Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which of the following is a contraindication for the use of contrast baths?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D - Buerger's disease. Contrast baths involve alternating hot and cold water immersion, which can worsen symptoms in patients with Buerger's disease due to compromised blood flow. For the other options, A: Rheumatoid arthritis and C: Muscular strain are not contraindications, as contrast baths can help with inflammation and improve circulation. B: Complex regional pain syndrome may benefit from contrast baths to help with pain management.
Question 2 of 5
Bill, a 55-year-old man, presents with pain in his epigastrium which lasts for 30 minutes or more at a time and has started recently. Which of the following should be considered?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: All of the above. 1. Epigastric pain lasting 30+ minutes suggests a serious condition. 2. Peptic ulcer: Common cause of epigastric pain, especially if worsened by food. 3. Pancreatitis: Presents with severe epigastric pain that may radiate to the back. 4. Myocardial ischemia: Can manifest as epigastric discomfort, especially in older individuals. Summary: All choices are valid considerations due to the severity and location of the pain, making D the correct answer.
Question 3 of 5
A 55-year-old secretary with a recent history of breast cancer, for which she underwent surgery and radiation therapy, and a history of hypertension comes to your office for a routine checkup. Which of the following aspects of the physical are important to note when assessing the patient for peripheral vascular disease in the arms?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Radial pulse, brachial pulse. When assessing for peripheral vascular disease in the arms, it is important to check the radial and brachial pulses. The radial pulse is located at the wrist and is an indicator of arterial flow to the hand, while the brachial pulse is located in the upper arm and is important for assessing arterial flow to the forearm. In this patient with a history of breast cancer and hypertension, checking these pulses can provide valuable information about blood flow to the arms, especially after surgery and radiation therapy. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because: A: Femoral and popliteal pulses are located in the lower extremities and are not relevant for assessing peripheral vascular disease in the arms. B: Dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses are also located in the lower extremities and do not provide information about arterial flow to the arms. C: Carotid pulse is located in the neck and is
Question 4 of 5
A client is admitted to an acute care facility with a diagnosis of cerebrovascular accident (CVA). The history reveals bronchial asthma, exogenous obesity, and severe headaches. Which history finding is a risk factor for CVA?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Obesity. Obesity is a significant risk factor for cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs) due to its association with hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, all of which increase the risk of stroke. Excess weight can lead to inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and atherosclerosis, contributing to the development of CVAs. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Caucasian race is not a direct risk factor for CVA. Risk factors are based on individual health conditions rather than race. B: Female sex alone is not a risk factor for CVA. However, certain conditions more prevalent in females, such as migraine headaches or hormonal factors, could contribute to CVA risk. D: While bronchial asthma may lead to decreased oxygen supply and potentially increase stroke risk, it is not considered a major risk factor compared to obesity.
Question 5 of 5
A client has a neurological deficit involving the limbic system. Specific to this type of deficit, the nurse would document which of the following information related to the client's behavior?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Affect is flat, with periods of emotional lability. This is because the limbic system is responsible for regulating emotions and behavior. A deficit in this area can lead to flat affect (lack of emotional expression) and emotional lability (rapid changes in emotions). A: Disorientation to person, place, and time is more indicative of a deficit in cognitive function, commonly associated with the temporal lobe rather than the limbic system. C: Difficulty recalling recent events like what was eaten for breakfast is related to memory impairment, typically associated with the hippocampus rather than the limbic system. D: Inability to perform tasks like adding and subtracting or knowing the current president is more related to executive functioning and memory, associated with the frontal lobe rather than the limbic system. In summary, the correct answer is B because it directly relates to the emotional and behavioral aspects affected by deficits in the limbic system, while the other choices are more