ATI RN
Physical Assessment Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which of the following regarding jugular venous pulsations is a systolic phenomenon?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The upstroke of the "a" wave in the jugular venous pulsations coincides with systole. The "a" wave is caused by atrial contraction, which occurs during ventricular systole. In contrast, the "x" descent is a diastolic phenomenon representing the atrial relaxation, the "y" descent follows atrial emptying in early diastole, and the "v" wave corresponds to venous filling during late diastole.
Question 2 of 5
Mrs. Patton, a 48-year-old woman, comes to your office with a complaint of a breast mass. Without any other information, what is the risk of this mass being cancerous?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When a woman over the age of 40 presents with a breast mass, the risk of the mass being cancerous is around 40%. This risk is higher in older women compared to younger women. It is important for Mrs. Patton to undergo further evaluation, which may include imaging tests, a biopsy, and consultation with a specialist to confirm the diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment. It is crucial to address breast masses promptly to ensure timely management and optimal outcomes.
Question 3 of 5
A 27-year-old policewoman comes to your clinic, complaining of severe left-sided back pain radiating down into her groin. It began in the middle of the night and woke her up suddenly. It hurts in her bladder to urinate but she has no burning on the outside. She has had no frequency or urgency with urination but she has seen blood in her urine. She has had nausea with the pain but no vomiting or fever. She denies any other recent illness or injuries. Her past medical history is unremarkable. She denies tobacco or drug use and drinks alcohol rarely. Her mother has high blood pressure and her father is healthy. On examination she looks her stated age and is in obvious pain. She is lying on her left side trying to remain very still. Her cardiac, pulmonary, and abdominal examinations are unremarkable. She has tenderness just inferior to the left costovertebral angle. Her urine pregnancy test is negative and her urine analysis shows red blood cells. What type of urinary tract pain is she most likely to have?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The policewoman's presentation of severe left-sided back pain radiating down into her groin, associated with nausea, blood in urine, and tenderness just inferior to the left costovertebral angle is highly suggestive of a kidney stone causing ureteral colic. Kidney stones are solid masses made of crystals that form in the kidneys and can cause sudden severe pain as they move through the urinary tract, leading to blockage and subsequent stretching of the ureter (the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder), resulting in pain that radiates from the flank down to the groin region. The presence of blood in the urine (hematuria) is a common finding with kidney stones due to irritation and damage to the ureteral lining as the stone passes. The negative urine pregnancy test rules out pregnancy-related causes of urinary symptoms. Musculoskeletal pain is less likely given the location and character of the pain
Question 4 of 5
You are palpating the abdomen and feel a small mass. Which of the following would you do next?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When palpating the abdomen and feeling a small mass, the next step would be to perform an ultrasound. Ultrasound imaging is a non-invasive and reliable way to further evaluate the size, location, and characteristics of the mass. It can provide valuable information to determine the nature of the mass, such as whether it is a cyst, a solid mass, or another type of abnormality. This imaging modality can help guide further management and treatment decisions, such as determining if surgery is necessary or if further monitoring is required. Ultrasound is a safe and commonly used tool in assessing abdominal masses, making it an appropriate next step in this scenario.
Question 5 of 5
A 55-year-old secretary with a recent history of breast cancer, for which she underwent surgery and radiation therapy, and a history of hypertension comes to your office for a routine checkup. Which of the following aspects of the physical are important to note when assessing the patient for peripheral vascular disease in the arms?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When assessing a patient for peripheral vascular disease in the arms, it is important to examine the pulses in the upper extremities. The pulses to be assessed in this context include the radial pulse (located on the wrist at the base of the thumb) and the brachial pulse (located in the upper arm near the elbow). These pulses provide important information about blood flow and circulation in the arms. Changes in the strength, regularity, or absence of these pulses can indicate potential issues related to peripheral vascular disease. While the femoral and popliteal pulses (Choice A) are important for assessing the lower extremities, and the dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses (Choice B) are also crucial for evaluating peripheral vascular disease in the legs, the radial and brachial pulses are specifically relevant for assessing the arms. The carotid pulse (Choice C) is important for evaluating the vascular status of