ATI RN
nclex physical and health assessment questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which of the following is the best way to palpate the lymph nodes in the neck?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because using the index and middle fingers to palpate with gentle pressure in a rotating pattern allows for a thorough examination of the lymph nodes without causing discomfort or injury. This method helps to assess the size, shape, consistency, and tenderness of the nodes accurately. It also enables the examiner to detect any abnormalities such as enlargement or tenderness. A is incorrect as using strong pressure can be painful and lead to inaccurate assessment. B is incorrect as strong pressure can be harmful and may not provide the necessary sensitivity to detect abnormalities. C is incorrect as pinching each node can be uncomfortable and may not allow for a systematic examination of the lymph nodes.
Question 2 of 9
Which of the following findings during examination would indicate Paget's disease?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Elongated head with heavy eyebrow ridge. Paget's disease is a bone disorder characterized by abnormal bone remodeling, leading to enlarged and deformed bones. The elongated head and heavy eyebrow ridge are typical features seen in individuals with Paget's disease due to overgrowth of bones in the skull. A: Positive MacEwen's sign - This finding is associated with congenital hip dysplasia, not Paget's disease. B: Premature closure of the sagittal suture - This is a characteristic finding in craniosynostosis, not Paget's disease. C: Headache, vertigo, tinnitus, and deafness - These symptoms are more indicative of an inner ear disorder or vestibular dysfunction, not Paget's disease.
Question 3 of 9
A woman is at the clinic for a checkup and says,"My eyes have gotten puffy, and my eyebrows and hair have become coarse and dry." The nurse suspects:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: myxedema. This is a classic presentation of hypothyroidism, specifically myxedema, characterized by puffy eyes, coarse hair, and dry skin. The thyroid hormone deficiency leads to decreased metabolic activity, causing these symptoms. Cachexia (A) is severe muscle wasting seen in conditions like cancer. Cretinism (B) is congenital hypothyroidism leading to mental retardation. Scleroderma (D) is a connective tissue disorder causing skin thickening, not typically associated with these symptoms.
Question 4 of 9
The nurse is performing an assessment on a 7-year-old child who has the following symptoms: chronic watery eyes, sneezing, and clear nasal drainage. The nurse notes the presence of a transverse line across the bridge of the nose, dark blue shadows under the eyes, and a double crease on the lower eyelids. These findings are characteristic of:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: allergies. The symptoms described such as chronic watery eyes, sneezing, and clear nasal drainage are classic signs of allergies. The presence of a transverse line across the bridge of the nose, dark blue shadows under the eyes, and a double crease on the lower eyelids are typical physical exam findings in children with allergic rhinitis. These signs are known as Dennie-Morgan lines, allergic shiners, and allergic crease respectively. Allergies are the most likely cause based on the symptoms and physical exam findings. Sinus infection (choice B) typically presents with purulent nasal discharge and facial pain. Nasal congestion (choice C) usually involves nasal stuffiness and may not present with the specific eye findings mentioned. An upper respiratory infection (choice D) may present with fever, cough, and nasal discharge, but the eye findings described are not characteristic of an upper respiratory infection.
Question 5 of 9
While discussing the history of a 6-month-old infant, the mother tells the nurse that she took a great deal of aspirin while she was pregnant. What question would the nurse want to include in the history?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. The nurse would want to ask about the number of ear infections the baby has had since birth because aspirin exposure during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of developing Reye's syndrome, which can lead to recurrent ear infections. This question helps assess the baby's risk for complications related to aspirin exposure. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they are not directly related to the potential complications associated with aspirin exposure during pregnancy.
Question 6 of 9
During an interview, the patient says that he experiences a sensation as if"everything around him is spinning." The nurse recognizes that the portion of the ear responsible for this sensation is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: the bony labyrinth. The bony labyrinth is the portion of the inner ear that includes the vestibular system responsible for balance and spatial orientation. This system detects rotational movements and contributes to the sensation of vertigo or spinning. Choice A, the cochlea, is responsible for hearing. Choice B, CN VIII (vestibulocochlear nerve), transmits auditory and balance-related information but is not the physical structure responsible for the sensation of spinning. Choice C, the organ of Corti, is located within the cochlea and is responsible for auditory transduction, not balance sensations.
Question 7 of 9
Jaundice is manifested by a yellow skin colour, indicating rising levels of bilirubin in the blood. Which of the following findings is indicative of true jaundice?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step 1: Jaundice is characterized by a yellow skin color due to elevated bilirubin levels. Step 2: Yellow color extending up to the iris indicates systemic jaundice, involving the whole body. Step 3: Yellow patches throughout the sclera (Choice A) may not indicate systemic jaundice. Step 4: Skin appearing yellow under low light (Choice C) may not be specific to jaundice. Step 5: Yellow deposits on palms and soles (Choice D) are not typical signs of jaundice. Therefore, Choice B is correct as it reflects systemic jaundice, while the other choices do not fully align with the manifestation of true jaundice.
Question 8 of 9
A patient presents with excruciating pain on one side of his head, especially around his eye, forehead, and cheek, that occurs once or twice each day and lasts about 30 minutes to 2 hours. The nurse suspects:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: cluster headaches. Cluster headaches are characterized by excruciating pain on one side of the head, often around the eye, forehead, and cheek. They occur once or twice each day and last for a relatively short duration of 30 minutes to 2 hours. This pattern of symptoms aligns with the typical presentation of cluster headaches. Incorrect Choices: A: Hypertension is unlikely to present with such specific unilateral head pain patterns and timing. C: Tension headaches typically present with more diffuse, mild to moderate pain and are not typically associated with eye, forehead, or cheek pain. D: Migraine headaches usually last longer than 2 hours and are commonly associated with other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Question 9 of 9
While obtaining history for a 1-year-old from the mother, the nurse notices that the baby has had a bottle in his mouth the entire time. The mother states that"it makes a great pacifier." The best response by the nurse would be:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: "Prolonged use of a bottle can increase the risk for tooth decay and ear infections." This response is the best because it addresses the potential consequences of prolonged bottle use, which include tooth decay and ear infections. It educates the mother on the risks associated with using a bottle as a pacifier for an extended period. Rationale: 1. Tooth decay: Prolonged exposure to sugary liquids in the bottle can lead to tooth decay, as the sugar feeds bacteria in the mouth. 2. Ear infections: Bottle-feeding while lying down can increase the risk of ear infections due to fluid entering the Eustachian tube. 3. Education: The response educates the mother on the specific risks associated with prolonged bottle use, promoting informed decision-making. 4. Health promotion: By highlighting the potential negative outcomes, the nurse is advocating for the baby's health and well-being. Incorrect Choices: A: "You're right, bottles make