Which of the following may be missed unless the patient is placed in the left lateral decubitus position and auscultated with the bell?

Questions 28

ATI RN

ATI RN Test Bank

Jarvis Physical Examination and Health Assessment Practice Questions Questions

Question 1 of 5

Which of the following may be missed unless the patient is placed in the left lateral decubitus position and auscultated with the bell?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Placing the patient in the left lateral decubitus position and auscultating with the bell is important to detect subtle sounds like the mitral stenosis murmur, opening snap of the mitral valve, and S3 and S4 gallops. The left lateral decubitus position helps bring the heart closer to the chest wall, allowing for better transmission of these sounds that may be missed in the supine position.

Question 2 of 5

He is afebrile. His abdominal examination reveals normal bowel sounds, but he is very tender in the left upper quadrant and epigastric area. He has no Murphy's sign or tenderness in the right lower quadrant. The remainder of his abdominal examination is normal. His rectal, prostate, penile, and testicular examinations are normal. He has no inguinal hernias or tenderness with that examination. Blood work is pending. What etiology of abdominal pain is most likely causing his symptoms?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The patient's presentation of tenderness in the left upper quadrant and epigastric area, along with normal bowel sounds, is suggestive of acute pancreatitis. This condition typically presents with severe, steady epigastric pain that may radiate to the back or left upper quadrant. Patients may also have tenderness on physical examination in these areas. Acute pancreatitis is commonly associated with risk factors such as gallstones or excessive alcohol consumption.

Question 3 of 5

Today her pressure is 168/94 and pressure on the other arm is similar. What would you do next?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, with a blood pressure of 168/94 on both arms, it indicates poorly controlled hypertension. Hypertension can have various causes, including kidney-related issues. Referring the patient to nephrology would be the appropriate next step to evaluate and manage any potential underlying kidney conditions contributing to the uncontrolled blood pressure. The nephrologist can conduct further tests and assessments to determine the root cause and provide specialized care for the patient's condition. This approach ensures a comprehensive evaluation and targeted management plan for the patient's hypertension.

Question 4 of 5

A 57-year-old maintenance worker comes to your office for evaluation of pain in his legs. He has smoked two packs per day since the age of 16, but he is otherwise healthy. You are concerned that he may have peripheral vascular disease. Which of the following is part of common or concerning symptoms for the peripheral vascular system?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Intermittent claudication is a common symptom of peripheral vascular disease. It is characterized by muscle pain or cramping in the legs, usually in the calves, thighs, or buttocks, that occurs during physical activity such as walking and is relieved by rest. This symptom is due to inadequate blood flow to the muscles during exercise. It is important to assess for intermittent claudication in patients with risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, and hypertension, as it may indicate underlying peripheral arterial disease. The other symptoms listed (chest pressure with exertion, shortness of breath, knee pain) are not typically associated with peripheral vascular disease.

Question 5 of 5

Mr. Edwards complains of cramps and difficulties with walking. The cramps occur in his calves consistently after walking about 100 yards. After a period of rest, he can start to walk again, but after 100 yards these same symptoms recur. Which of the following would suggest spinal stenosis as a cause of this pain?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Relief of the pain with bending at the waist is a key hallmark of spinal stenosis. This position helps relieve the pressure on the nerves in the spinal canal, which is often the root cause of the leg symptoms experienced by the patient. The symptoms described by Mr. Edwards, such as cramps in the calves after walking a certain distance, followed by relief with rest and recurrence upon walking again, are highly suggestive of spinal stenosis. This condition involves narrowing of the spinal canal, leading to compression of the nerves and resulting in symptoms like leg cramps, weakness, and difficulty walking, especially with prolonged activity. The relief of symptoms when bending forward (e.g., leaning on a shopping cart while walking) is a characteristic feature of neurogenic claudication associated with spinal stenosis.

Access More Questions!

ATI RN Basic


$89/ 30 days

ATI RN Premium


$150/ 90 days

Similar Questions