ATI RN
Physical Assessment Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which of the following is true of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: HPV (human papillomavirus) infection is a very common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can affect both men and women. It is the most common STI in the United States. While most cases of HPV infection are asymptomatic and resolve on their own, certain high-risk strains of HPV can lead to the development of various cancers, including cervical cancer. Therefore, HPV infections do cause a small but important number of cervical cancers, making option D the correct choice. Regular screening, such as Pap smears and HPV testing, are crucial for early detection and effective management of HPV-related abnormalities that could progress to cervical cancer.
Question 2 of 9
With auscultation she has distant air sounds and she has late inspiratory crackles in both lower lobes. On cardiac examination the S and S are distant and an S is heard over the apex. 1 2 3 What disorder of the chest best describes her symptoms?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The given symptoms of distant air sounds, late inspiratory crackles in both lower lobes, distant S1 and S2 heart sounds, and an S3 heart sound heard over the apex are all characteristic findings of left-sided heart failure. Distant air sounds and late inspiratory crackles indicate pulmonary congestion due to fluid accumulation in the lungs as a result of left-sided heart failure. The distant heart sounds and presence of an S3 are signs of left ventricular dysfunction. In contrast, pneumonia would typically present with more localized abnormal breath sounds and other symptoms such as fever and productive cough. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) would manifest with prolonged expiratory phase and wheezing, not late inspiratory crackles. Pleural pain is typically associated with sharp chest pain exacerbated by breathing movements, and it does not explain the constellation of symptoms described in this case. Therefore, the most likely diagnosis based on the provided symptoms
Question 3 of 9
How much does cardiovascular risk increase for each increment of 20 mm Hg systolic and 10 mm Hg diastolic in blood pressure?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Research studies have shown that for every increment of 20 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure and 10 mm Hg in diastolic blood pressure, the cardiovascular risk approximately doubles. Therefore, the cardiovascular risk increases by 50% for each increment of 20 mm Hg systolic and 10 mm Hg diastolic in blood pressure. This underlines the importance of maintaining healthy blood pressure levels to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Question 4 of 9
A 68-year-old mechanic presents to the emergency room for shortness of breath. You are concerned about a cardiac cause and measure his jugular venous pressure (JVP). It is elevated. Which one of the following conditions is a potential cause of elevated JVP?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Constrictive pericarditis is a condition where the pericardium becomes thickened and rigid, impairing diastolic filling of the heart. This leads to an increase in venous pressure, including the jugular venous pressure (JVP). The elevated JVP in constrictive pericarditis is a result of impaired ventricular filling rather than forward failure seen in heart failure. Mitral stenosis can lead to an increased JVP due to elevated left atrial pressure, but constrictive pericarditis is a more common cause of elevated JVP in this scenario. Aortic aneurysm is not typically associated with elevated JVP.
Question 5 of 9
Which of the following is true of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: HPV (human papillomavirus) infection is a very common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can affect both men and women. It is the most common STI in the United States. While most cases of HPV infection are asymptomatic and resolve on their own, certain high-risk strains of HPV can lead to the development of various cancers, including cervical cancer. Therefore, HPV infections do cause a small but important number of cervical cancers, making option D the correct choice. Regular screening, such as Pap smears and HPV testing, are crucial for early detection and effective management of HPV-related abnormalities that could progress to cervical cancer.
Question 6 of 9
Josh is a 14-year-old boy who presents with a sore throat. On examination, you notice dullness in the last intercostal space in the anterior axillary line on his left side with a deep breath. What does this indicate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The dullness in the last intercostal space in the anterior axillary line on the left side with a deep breath is suggestive of splenomegaly. However, this finding alone is not definitive for an enlarged spleen. The size of the spleen can vary, and further examination is required to confirm if the spleen is indeed enlarged. Therefore, Option B is the most appropriate choice as it indicates that the spleen is possibly enlarged, and close attention should be paid to further examination to confirm its status. Further workup, such as imaging studies or blood tests, may be necessary to evaluate the size and function of the spleen in this case.
Question 7 of 9
You are listening carefully for S splitting. Which of the following will help?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In order to listen carefully for S splitting, one should use the diaphragm with light pressure over the 2nd right intercostal space. S splitting refers to a split of the second heart sound (S2) into its two components - A2 and P2. The A2 component is normally heard as the main heart sound when the aortic valve closes, and the P2 component is heard when the pulmonic valve closes. By placing the diaphragm lightly over the 2nd right intercostal space, one can best auscultate the aortic area and listen for the timing and splitting of the S2 components. Using the bell or applying firm pressure may not allow for optimal detection of S splitting in this specific case.
Question 8 of 9
A 50-year-old body builder is upset by a letter of denial from his life insurance company. He is very lean but has gained 2 pounds over the past 6 months. You personally performed his health assessment and found no problems whatsoever. He says he is classified as "high risk" because of obesity. What should you do next?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Since the life insurance company is classifying the body builder as "high risk" due to obesity, it is important to assess whether his weight gain is primarily fat accumulation around the waist. Measuring his waist circumference can provide valuable information about the distribution of body fat. Abdominal obesity, indicated by an increased waist measurement, is a significant risk factor for health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. By measuring his waist, you can determine if his weight gain is indeed a cause for concern in terms of health risks, rather than just considering the overall weight gain. This information can help you provide more targeted advice on how to address any potential health concerns related to the weight gain.
Question 9 of 9
A college student presents with a sore throat, fever, and fatigue for several days. You notice exudates on her enlarged tonsils. You do a careful lymphatic examination and notice some scattered small, mobile lymph nodes just behind her sternocleidomastoid muscles bilaterally. What group of nodes is this?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The group of lymph nodes that lie just behind the sternocleidomastoid muscles bilaterally are known as the posterior cervical lymph nodes. These lymph nodes are part of the superficial cervical lymph node chain, which is involved in draining lymph from the head and neck region. In the case described, the presence of sore throat, fever, and enlarged tonsils with exudates suggests a likely upper respiratory tract infection or tonsillitis, leading to the enlargement of the nearby lymph nodes. The posterior cervical lymph nodes are commonly examined in cases of upper respiratory infections and tonsillitis due to their proximity to the area of infection and inflammation.