ATI RN
Assessing Vital Signs ATI Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which of the following symptoms is most likely to be documented under the neurological system in the review of systems?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tingling in the hands. Neurological symptoms typically involve abnormalities in the nervous system, such as tingling in the hands, which could indicate nerve damage or dysfunction. This symptom is commonly associated with conditions like peripheral neuropathy. Choices B, C, and D are not typically documented under the neurological system. Cough is related to the respiratory system, abdominal pain is related to the gastrointestinal system, and difficulty urinating is related to the genitourinary system. Therefore, the most appropriate choice related to the neurological system among the options provided is A.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is assessing a patient's cranial nerve II (optic nerve) function. Which test is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Perform the confrontation test. This test evaluates the peripheral visual field by comparing the patient's visual field with the examiner's. It specifically assesses cranial nerve II function, as it tests the patient's ability to see objects in their peripheral vision. Asking the patient to follow an object with their eyes (A) primarily tests eye movement controlled by cranial nerves III, IV, and VI. Testing the corneal reflex (C) evaluates cranial nerves V and VII, involved in the sensation and motor function of the cornea. Assessing the patient's ability to smile (D) is related to cranial nerve VII function, responsible for facial muscle control.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is assessing the patient's ability to stand on one leg with their eyes closed. Which aspect of neurological function is being tested?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Proprioception and balance. Standing on one leg with eyes closed tests proprioception, the body's awareness of its position in space, and balance, the ability to maintain an upright posture. This task primarily involves sensory input from the lower extremities and integration in the brain. B: Cerebellar function primarily involves coordination and fine motor control, not specifically tested by standing on one leg with eyes closed. C: Cranial nerve function typically assesses functions such as vision, facial sensation, and muscle movement, not directly tested by this task. D: Coordination involves the integration of motor skills, which are not the primary focus of standing on one leg with eyes closed.
Question 4 of 5
A 30-year-old man presents with a complaint of shortness of breath and a cough. He has a history of asthma. On examination, he has wheezing and use of accessory muscles during respiration. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Asthma exacerbation. The patient's symptoms of shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, and history of asthma point towards an asthma exacerbation. Wheezing and use of accessory muscles are classic signs of an asthma attack. Pneumonia (A) would typically present with fever and productive cough. Pulmonary embolism (C) commonly presents with sudden onset dyspnea and chest pain. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (D) would typically have a history of smoking and chronic cough. In this case, the patient's history of asthma and current symptoms make asthma exacerbation the most likely diagnosis.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is performing a neurological assessment and asks the patient to touch their nose with their finger. Which aspect of neurological function is being tested?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Coordination and balance. When the nurse asks the patient to touch their nose with their finger, they are assessing the patient's ability to perform a coordinated movement accurately. This test specifically evaluates the patient's coordination and balance, as it involves the integration of sensory input and motor output. The cerebellum plays a crucial role in coordinating movements, making option A partially correct but not as specific as option D. Cranial nerve function (option B) is not directly assessed with this task. Proprioception (option C) refers to the awareness of the position and movement of the body, which is important for coordination but not the primary focus of this test.