ATI RN
EMT Vital Signs Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which of the following is not an indication for cold therapy?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Arterial insufficiency. Cold therapy is contraindicated in cases of arterial insufficiency because it can further constrict blood vessels, worsening circulation. A: Acute sprains benefit from cold therapy to reduce inflammation. B: Spasticity can be alleviated by cold therapy as it helps to reduce muscle tone. D: Chronic muscle spasm can also be relieved by cold therapy to decrease muscle spasms and pain. Therefore, arterial insufficiency is the only condition where cold therapy should be avoided.
Question 2 of 5
Which is the proper sequence of examination for the abdomen?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct sequence for examining the abdomen is inspection, auscultation, percussion, and palpation. Inspection assesses overall appearance, distension, scars, and masses. Auscultation listens for bowel sounds and vascular bruits. Percussion helps identify organ borders and assess for fluid or air accumulation. Palpation evaluates tenderness, masses, and organ size. This order ensures a systematic and thorough assessment. Choice A is incorrect because palpation should occur after percussion. Choice B is incorrect as auscultation should come before percussion. Choice D is incorrect because inspection should precede auscultation.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is reviewing percussion techniques with a newly graduated nurse. Which technique, if used by the new nurse, indicates that more review is needed?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because percussing once over each area is not an appropriate technique. Percussion involves tapping the body surface repeatedly to produce sound waves. By percussing only once, the nurse may not accurately assess the underlying structures. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because lifting the striking finger quickly, striking with the fingertip, and using the wrist are all appropriate percussion techniques that allow for proper assessment of underlying structures.
Question 4 of 5
A patient has suddenly developed shortness of breath and appears to be in significant respiratory distress. After calling the physician and placing the patient on oxygen, which action should the nurse take next?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Percuss the thorax bilaterally, noting any differences in percussion tones. This action should be taken next because it can provide valuable information about the underlying cause of the patient's respiratory distress. Percussion can help identify abnormal air or fluid accumulation in the lungs or pleural space, which could be contributing to the breathing difficulties. It is an important assessment technique to determine if there are changes in lung density or presence of abnormal sounds. Counting respirations (A) is important but may not provide immediate information on the cause of distress. Waiting for a chest x-ray (C) can delay necessary interventions. Inspecting the thorax for masses or bleeding (D) is not as crucial as assessing for changes in percussion tones in a patient experiencing sudden respiratory distress.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is assessing a patient for signs of dehydration. Which finding is consistent with dehydration?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C - Dry, cracked lips. Rationale: 1. Dehydration leads to decreased fluid intake and can cause dryness in the body. 2. Dry, cracked lips are a common sign of dehydration due to lack of moisture. 3. Moist mucous membranes (A) and increased skin turgor (B) are actually signs of hydration. 4. Elevated blood pressure (D) is not typically associated with dehydration; it may indicate other health issues.