ATI RN
Vital Signs Assessment ATI Quizlet Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which of the following is an indication for microwave diathermy?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Microwave diathermy is used to increase heat to muscles, joints, and tissues, aiding in pain relief, improving circulation, and promoting healing. Choice A is correct as it helps increase heat to muscles. Choice C is also correct as it helps increase heat to joints. Choice B is incorrect because microwave diathermy is not typically used for resolving hematomas, as other modalities like cold therapy are more effective. Therefore, D is the correct answer as it encompasses all the indications for microwave diathermy.
Question 2 of 5
A young patient presents with a left-sided mass in her abdomen. You confirm that it is present in the left upper quadrant. Which of the following would support that this represents an enlarged kidney rather than her spleen?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the presence of normal tympany over the left upper quadrant indicates that gas-filled structures, such as the stomach or intestines, are present. This suggests that the mass is not the spleen, which is a solid organ that would produce dullness to percussion. A: A palpable 'notch' along its edge is more indicative of an enlarged spleen rather than a kidney. B: The inability to push your fingers between the mass and the costal margin suggests a mass that is closely adherent to the ribs, which could be seen in both enlarged kidney and spleen. D: The ability to push your fingers medial and deep to the mass could also be seen in both kidney and spleen enlargements.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is preparing to use a stethoscope for auscultation. Which statement is true regarding the diaphragm of the stethoscope? The diaphragm:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Is used to listen for high-pitched sounds. The diaphragm of the stethoscope is designed to pick up high-frequency sounds like normal heart sounds and lung sounds. It should be pressed firmly against the skin to maximize sound transmission. Choice B is incorrect because low-pitched sounds are better detected with the bell of the stethoscope. Choice C is incorrect because pressing lightly would decrease the sound transmission for high-pitched sounds. Choice D is incorrect as extra heart sounds and murmurs are also better heard with the bell of the stethoscope.
Question 4 of 5
What is the primary reason for performing light palpation before deep palpation during an abdominal examination?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: To accustom the patient to being touched. This is because starting with light palpation helps the patient to relax and become accustomed to the examiner's touch, reducing discomfort and anxiety. This approach also allows the examiner to gradually assess for tenderness, muscle tone, and superficial masses before moving on to deep palpation to evaluate deeper structures. Incorrect answers: A: To assess for organ size - This is incorrect because assessing organ size is typically done through techniques such as percussion or imaging studies, not palpation. C: To detect deep masses - This is incorrect because deep masses are typically assessed during deep palpation, not light palpation. D: To check for rebound tenderness - This is incorrect because rebound tenderness is a specific test for peritoneal irritation, which is typically assessed after palpation, not before.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is assessing a patient with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which finding is expected?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Barrel-shaped chest. In COPD, air trapping leads to hyperinflation of the lungs, causing the chest to become barrel-shaped. This is due to the increase in the anteroposterior diameter. Tracheal deviation (B) suggests a mediastinal shift, not common in COPD. Asymmetrical chest expansion (C) may indicate conditions like pleural effusion or pneumothorax, not typical in COPD. Decreased tactile fremitus (D) is seen in conditions with increased air content like emphysema, not always in COPD.