ATI RN
nclex practice questions 2023 health assessment Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which of the following is an expected normal finding in the diagnostic positions test?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: A slight amount of lid lag when moving the eyes from a superior position to an inferior position. In the diagnostic positions test, when the eyes move from an extreme superior position to an inferior position, a slight amount of lid lag is expected due to the normal anatomical structure and mechanics of the eye muscles and eyelids. This lag is a normal finding and not indicative of any underlying pathology. Rationale: A: Convergence of vision in both eyes is not a normal finding in the diagnostic positions test as convergence refers to the inward movement of both eyes towards each other to maintain single binocular vision. B: Parallel movement of both eyes is not a specific finding in the diagnostic positions test. The test is designed to assess the movement of the eyes in different directions. C: Nystagmus in extreme superior gaze is not a normal finding and indicates an abnormality in eye movement coordination, not an expected finding in the diagnostic positions test.
Question 2 of 9
When assessing inflammation in a dark-skinned person, the nurse may need to:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step 1: Dark skin may not show cyanosis well, making choice A less reliable. Step 2: Erythema refers to redness, which may not be easily visible in dark skin, making choice B less suitable. Step 3: Palpating for edema and increased warmth allows for a more reliable assessment of inflammation in dark skin, making choice C the correct answer. Step 4: Palpating for tenderness and ecchymosis may be useful but not specific to inflammation assessment in dark skin, making choice D less relevant.
Question 3 of 9
The nurse suspects that a patient has otitis media. Which of the following findings of the tympanic membrane are early signs of otitis media?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Red and bulging. In otitis media, the tympanic membrane becomes red and bulging due to inflammation and fluid accumulation. This is an early sign as it indicates increased pressure within the middle ear. Choice B (Hypomobility) is incorrect because it refers to decreased movement of the tympanic membrane, which is not specific to otitis media. Choice C (Retraction with landmarks clearly visible) is incorrect as it suggests the tympanic membrane is pulled inward, which is more indicative of otitis media with effusion rather than acute otitis media. Choice D (Flat, slightly pulled in at the center, and moves with insufflation) is incorrect as it describes a normal or retracted tympanic membrane rather than the characteristic red and bulging appearance seen in otitis media.
Question 4 of 9
The nurse is examining a patient's ears and notices cerumen in the external canal. Which of the following statements about cerumen is correct?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: The purpose of cerumen is to protect and lubricate the ear. Cerumen, commonly known as earwax, acts as a natural barrier to prevent dust, debris, and microorganisms from entering the ear canal. It also helps to lubricate the skin in the ear canal and prevent dryness and itching. Choice A is incorrect because sticky, honey-colored cerumen is not necessarily a sign of infection; it can occur due to various factors. Choice B is incorrect as the presence of cerumen does not solely indicate poor hygiene; everyone produces earwax regardless of hygiene practices. Choice D is incorrect as cerumen can sometimes block the ear canal and impair sound transmission rather than aid it.
Question 5 of 9
During a well-baby checkup, the mother expresses concern that her 2-month-old infant is not able to hold her head up when she is pulled to a sitting position. Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: 1. Head control typically develops around 4 months, so it is normal for a 2-month-old to lack this skill. 2. Reassuring the mother that her baby is within the normal developmental range is important for reducing parental anxiety. 3. Avoiding overly alarming responses helps maintain trust and open communication with the parent. Summary: - Choice B is incorrect as it does not address the mother's concern and may come across as dismissive. - Choice C is incorrect as it may unnecessarily worry the mother and lead to undue stress. - Choice D is incorrect as it introduces a serious and unlikely scenario without evidence at this stage of development.
Question 6 of 9
The nurse notes the presence of periorbital edema when performing eye assessment on a 70-year-old patient. The nurse will:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: suspect that the patient has hyperthyroidism. Periorbital edema is a common sign of hyperthyroidism due to the accumulation of fluid in the tissues around the eyes. By suspecting hyperthyroidism, the nurse can further assess for other associated symptoms and recommend appropriate diagnostic tests. Choice A (check for the presence of exophthalmos) is incorrect because exophthalmos refers to bulging eyes, which may be present in hyperthyroidism but is not directly related to periorbital edema. Choice C (ask the patient if he or she has a history of heart failure) is incorrect as periorbital edema is not typically associated with heart failure, which usually presents with generalized edema. Choice D (assess for blepharitis) is incorrect because while blepharitis can cause eyelid inflammation, it is not typically associated with periorbital edema seen in hyper
Question 7 of 9
A patient's vision is recorded as 20/30 when the Snellen eye chart is used. The nurse recognizes that these results indicate that:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: the patient can read at 6.1 m (20 ft) what a person with normal vision can read at 9.1 m (30 ft). This is because the Snellen notation 20/30 means that the patient can read at 20 feet what a person with normal vision can read at 30 feet. This ratio signifies the patient's visual acuity compared to a person with normal vision. The other choices are incorrect as they do not accurately interpret the Snellen notation or misinterpret the distance at which the patient can read the eye chart.
Question 8 of 9
A patient reports a severe throbbing headache in the frontotemporal area of his head that he experienced while studying for an examination, He says that the headache was somewhat relieved when he lay down. He tells the nurse that his mother also used to get these headaches. The nurse suspects that he may be suffering from:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: migraine headaches. The patient's symptoms of severe throbbing headache in the frontotemporal area, triggered by stress (studying for an exam), partially relieved by lying down, and family history of similar headaches are indicative of migraines. Migraines commonly present with these characteristics, often exacerbated by stress and have a genetic component. A: Hypertension does not typically present with throbbing headaches in a specific area or relief with lying down. B: Cluster headaches are characterized by severe, unilateral headaches around the eye area, not frontotemporal. C: Tension headaches usually present as dull, constant pressure-type headaches, not throbbing, and do not have the familial pattern described by the patient.
Question 9 of 9
A patient has come in for an examination and states,"I have this spot on my cheek here in front of my ear lobe. The spot seems to be getting bigger and is very tender. What do you think it is?" The nurse notes swelling below the angle of the jaw and suspects that it could be an inflammation of his:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: parotid gland. The parotid gland is located in front of the ear lobe, and swelling below the angle of the jaw is a common sign of parotid gland inflammation. The tenderness and increasing size of the spot also point towards a parotid gland issue. The other choices, such as thyroid gland (A), occipital lymph node (C), and submental lymph node (D), are incorrect as they are not typically associated with the specific symptoms described by the patient. It is essential to consider the location and function of each structure to arrive at the correct diagnosis.