ATI RN
Vital Signs Assessment ATI Quizlet Questions
Question 1 of 5
You note that a patient has anisocoria (unequal pupil condition) on examination. Pathologic causes of this include which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Horner's syndrome. Anisocoria in Horner's syndrome is due to sympathetic nerve dysfunction, leading to a smaller pupil (miosis) in the affected eye. This occurs because of disruption in the sympathetic pathway, causing ptosis, anhidrosis, and miosis. Benign anisocoria (choice B) is a normal physiological variation in pupil size and does not involve pathologic causes. Differing light intensities for each eye (choice C) can cause temporary unequal pupil size but is not a pathologic cause. Eye prosthesis (choice D) is an artificial eye and not a cause of anisocoria.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is preparing to use a stethoscope for auscultation. Which statement is true regarding the diaphragm of the stethoscope? The diaphragm:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Is used to listen for high-pitched sounds. The diaphragm of the stethoscope is designed to pick up high-frequency sounds like normal heart sounds and lung sounds. It should be pressed firmly against the skin to maximize sound transmission. Choice B is incorrect because low-pitched sounds are better detected with the bell of the stethoscope. Choice C is incorrect because pressing lightly would decrease the sound transmission for high-pitched sounds. Choice D is incorrect as extra heart sounds and murmurs are also better heard with the bell of the stethoscope.
Question 3 of 5
What is the primary reason for performing light palpation before deep palpation during an abdominal examination?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: To accustom the patient to being touched. This is because starting with light palpation helps the patient to relax and become accustomed to the examiner's touch, reducing discomfort and anxiety. This approach also allows the examiner to gradually assess for tenderness, muscle tone, and superficial masses before moving on to deep palpation to evaluate deeper structures. Incorrect answers: A: To assess for organ size - This is incorrect because assessing organ size is typically done through techniques such as percussion or imaging studies, not palpation. C: To detect deep masses - This is incorrect because deep masses are typically assessed during deep palpation, not light palpation. D: To check for rebound tenderness - This is incorrect because rebound tenderness is a specific test for peritoneal irritation, which is typically assessed after palpation, not before.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is assessing a patient with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which finding is expected?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Barrel-shaped chest. In COPD, air trapping leads to hyperinflation of the lungs, causing the chest to become barrel-shaped. This is due to the increase in the anteroposterior diameter. Tracheal deviation (B) suggests a mediastinal shift, not common in COPD. Asymmetrical chest expansion (C) may indicate conditions like pleural effusion or pneumothorax, not typical in COPD. Decreased tactile fremitus (D) is seen in conditions with increased air content like emphysema, not always in COPD.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is assessing a patient with anemia. Which physical assessment finding is most consistent with this condition?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pallor. Anemia is characterized by a decrease in red blood cells, leading to decreased oxygen supply to tissues. Pallor, or paleness of the skin, is a common physical finding in anemic patients due to reduced hemoglobin levels. Flushed skin (choice A) is more indicative of fever or increased blood flow. Cyanosis (choice B) occurs when there is insufficient oxygen in the blood, not necessarily related to anemia. Jaundice (choice D) is associated with liver dysfunction, not directly related to anemia. In summary, pallor is the most consistent finding in anemia due to decreased hemoglobin levels and subsequent tissue oxygenation.