ATI RN
nclex physical and health assessment questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
While performing a voice test to assess hearing in a patient, which of the following would the nurse do?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B Rationale: 1. Whispering two-syllable words ensures a low volume, requiring the patient to focus on clarity. 2. Asking the patient to repeat tests their ability to hear and understand the whispered words accurately. 3. Whispering helps eliminate the influence of lip-reading, ensuring accurate assessment. Summary: A: Shielding the lips while speaking would hinder the patient's ability to hear clearly. C: Placing a finger in the ear would not be appropriate as it could affect the accuracy of the test. D: Standing at a specific distance does not ensure accurate assessment of hearing ability.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is conducting a hearing assessment using the Romberg test. The nurse is assessing for:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The Romberg test assesses the maintenance of standing balance by having the patient stand with feet together, arms at the sides, and eyes closed. If the patient sways or loses balance, it may indicate proprioceptive deficits. Conductive hearing loss (A) is related to sound transmission issues in the outer or middle ear, not balance. Lateralization of hearing (B) relates to distinguishing sound direction. Sensorineural loss (C) involves inner ear or auditory nerve damage, not balance. Therefore, the correct answer is D as the Romberg test specifically evaluates standing balance.
Question 3 of 5
A 65-year-old male has reported a crusty nodule behind the pinna. Over the past 6 months, the nodule has been bleeding intermittently and has not healed. On physical assessment, the nurse finds an ulcerated crusted nodule with an indurated base. The preliminary analysis in this situation would be that this:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the characteristics described (bleeding, not healing, ulcerated, indurated base) are indicative of a potential carcinoma, such as squamous cell carcinoma. These features raise concerns about malignancy and warrant immediate referral for further evaluation and management. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because a benign sebaceous cyst (A) typically presents as a smooth, non-ulcerated mass, Darwin's tubercle (B) is a normal anatomical variation behind the ear and not associated with bleeding or ulceration, and a tophus (D) is a deposit of uric acid crystals seen in gout and would not present in this manner.
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following is a risk factor for ear infections in young children?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Second-hand cigarette smoke. Exposure to second-hand smoke can irritate and inflame the lining of the Eustachian tube, making young children more susceptible to ear infections. This is supported by research showing a clear link between exposure to cigarette smoke and increased rates of ear infections in children. Family history (A) may contribute to genetic predisposition but is not a direct risk factor. Air conditioning (B) does not directly cause ear infections. Excessive cerumen (C) can lead to blockages but is not a primary risk factor for infections.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is testing the hearing of a 78-year-old man. Which of the following age-related hearing changes should the nurse keep in mind? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Age-related hearing loss begins in the mid-40s. This is because presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, typically starts around the mid-40s due to natural aging processes affecting the inner ear. Choice B is incorrect as the progression of hearing loss can vary, being gradual for some individuals but not necessarily slow for everyone. Choice C is incorrect as high-frequency tone loss, not low-frequency, is commonly associated with aging. Choice D is incorrect as difficulty hearing consonants is more related to specific types of hearing loss, not solely age-related changes.