ATI RN
Physical Examination and Health Assessment 8th Edition Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
You are concerned that a patient has an aortic regurgitation murmur. Which is the best position to accentuate the murmur?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Leaning forward in the upright position increases venous return and systemic vascular resistance, which can help accentuate the intensity of aortic regurgitation murmur. This position helps to bring the heart closer to the chest wall, making the murmur easier to auscultate and potentially increasing its intensity.
Question 2 of 5
You notice a patient has a strong pulse and then a weak pulse. This pattern continues. Which of the following is likely?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The scenario described with a strong pulse followed by a weak pulse is characteristic of pulsus paradoxus, a finding often associated with cardiac tamponade. Cardiac tamponade is a medical emergency where there is an accumulation of fluid (such as blood) in the pericardial sac that exerts pressure on the heart, limiting its ability to pump effectively. As a result, patients may exhibit this pulsus paradoxus, where the pulse strength varies with respiration. The other conditions listed (emphysema, asthma exacerbation, severe left heart failure) are not typically associated with this specific pulsatile pattern.
Question 3 of 5
Which is true of women who have had a unilateral mastectomy?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Even after a unilateral mastectomy, women should continue to self-examine and have regular clinical examinations for any signs of recurrence or new masses. It is important to closely monitor the surgical scar area for any changes or abnormalities, as breast cancer can still occur in the remaining breast tissue. Regular breast examinations remain important in the early detection of any potential issues, even after mastectomy.
Question 4 of 5
Jim is a 60-year-old man who presents with vomiting. He denies seeing any blood with emesis, which has been occurring for 2 days. He does note a dark, granular substance resembling the coffee left in the filter after brewing. What do you suspect?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The description of dark, granular material resembling coffee grounds in the vomitus suggests upper gastrointestinal bleeding. One common cause of upper GI bleeding is a peptic ulcer, which can present with symptoms such as vomiting blood or coffee ground material. Peptic ulcers can develop in the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum). Risk factors for peptic ulcers include infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria, the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), smoking, and alcohol consumption. Prompt evaluation and management are necessary in cases of upper GI bleeding to address the underlying cause and prevent complications.
Question 5 of 5
Mr. Martin is a 72-year-old smoker who comes to you for his hypertension visit. You note that with deep palpation you feel a pulsatile mass which is about 4 centimeters in diameter. What should you do next?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The presence of a palpable pulsatile abdominal mass in a patient like Mr. Martin, who is a smoker and at risk for vascular diseases, is concerning for an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Immediate referral to a vascular surgeon is essential for further evaluation and management. AAA can be a life-threatening condition if left untreated, as it can lead to rupture and severe internal bleeding. Therefore, prompt specialist evaluation and monitoring are crucial in such cases. Waiting for 3 or 6 months for reevaluation could potentially lead to a delayed diagnosis and increase the risk of complications. Abdominal ultrasound is typically the diagnostic test of choice to confirm the presence and size of the aneurysm.