NRSG 105 Quiz 2
Use rubbing alcohol or 2% acetic acid eardrops after every swim
A 17-year-old student is a swimmer on her high school's swim team. She has had three bouts of otitis externa this season and wants to know what to do to prevent it. The nurse instructs her to: a. Use a cotton-tipped swab to dry the ear canals thoroughly after each swim. b. Use rubbing alcohol or 2% acetic acid eardrops after every swim. c. Irrigate the ears with warm water and a bulb syringe after each swim. d. Rinse the ears with a warmed solution of mineral oil and hydrogen peroxide.
Meningeal inflammation
A 19-year-old college student is brought to the emergency department with a severe headache he describes as, "Like nothing I've ever had before." His temperature is 40° C, and he has a stiff neck. The nurse looks for other signs and symptoms of which problem? a.Head injury b.Cluster headache c.Migraine headache d.Meningeal inflammation
Is a characteristic of recruitment.
A 31-year-old patient tells the nurse that he has noticed pain in his left ear when people speak loudly to him. The nurse knows that this finding: a. Is normal for people of his age. b. Is a characteristic of recruitment. c. May indicate a middle ear infection. d. Indicates that the patient has a cerumen impaction.
VIII
The nurse is reviewing the function of the cranial nerves (CNs). Which CN is responsible for conducting nerve impulses to the brain from the organ of Corti? a. I b. III c. VIII d. XI
Dark retinal background
Which of these assessment findings would the nurse expect to see when examining the eyes of a black patient? a. Increased night vision b. Dark retinal background c. Increased photosensitivity d. Narrowed palpebral fissures
Abdomen.
A father brings in his 2-month-old infant to the clinic because the infant has had diarrhea for the last 24 hours. He says his baby has not been able to keep any formula down and that the diarrhea has been at least every 2 hours. The nurse suspects dehydration. The nurse should test skin mobility and turgor over the infant's: a. Sternum. b. Forehead. c. Forearms. d. Abdomen.
Lyme disease.
A few days after a summer hiking trip, a 25-year-old man comes to the clinic with a rash. On examination, the nurse notes that the rash is red, macular, with a bull's eye pattern across his midriff and behind his knees. The nurse suspects: a. Rubeola. b. Lyme disease. c. Allergy to mosquito bites. d. Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Parotid gland.
A male patient with a history of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has come in for an examination and he states, "I think that I have the mumps." The nurse would begin by examining the: a.Thyroid gland. b.Parotid gland. c.Cervical lymph nodes. d.Mouth and skin for lesions.
Seborrheic keratoses, which do not become cancerous
A man has come in to the clinic for a skin assessment because he is worried he might have skin cancer. During the skin assessment the nurse notices several areas of pigmentation that look greasy, dark, and "stuck on" his skin. Which is the best prediction? a. Senile lentigines, which do not become cancerous b. Actinic keratoses, which are precursors to basal cell carcinoma c. Acrochordons, which are precursors to squamous cell carcinoma d. Seborrheic keratoses, which do not become cancerous
"By approximately 3 months of age, infants develop more coordinated eye movements and can fixate on an object."
A mother asks when her newborn infant's eyesight will be developed. The nurse should reply: a. "Vision is not totally developed until 2 years of age." b. "Infants develop the ability to focus on an object at approximately 8 months of age." c. "By approximately 3 months of age, infants develop more coordinated eye movements and can fixate on an object." d. "Most infants have uncoordinated eye movements for the first year of life."
Is mobile and not hard.
A patient says that she has recently noticed a lump in the front of her neck below her "Adam's apple" that seems to be getting bigger. During the assessment, the finding that leads the nurse to suspect that this may not be a cancerous thyroid nodule is that the lump (nodule): a.Is tender. b.Is mobile and not hard. c.Disappears when the patient smiles. d.Is hard and fixed to the surrounding structures.
Peripheral vasoconstriction.
A patient comes in for a physical examination and complains of "freezing to death" while waiting for her examination. The nurse notes that her skin is pale and cool and attributes this finding to: a. Venous pooling. b. Peripheral vasodilation. c. Peripheral vasoconstriction. d. Decreased arterial perfusion.
Hordeolum (stye).
A patient comes into the clinic complaining of pain in her right eye. On examination, the nurse sees a pustule at the lid margin that is painful to touch, red, and swollen. The nurse recognizes that this is a: a. Chalazion. b. Hordeolum (stye). c. Dacryocystitis. d. Blepharitis.
Pitting
A patient has been admitted for severe psoriasis. The nurse expects to see what finding in the patient's fingernails? a. Splinter hemorrhages b. Paronychia c. Pitting d. Beau lines
Color variation
A patient tells the nurse that he has noticed that one of his moles has started to burn and bleed. When assessing his skin, the nurse pays special attention to the danger signs for pigmented lesions and is concerned with which additional finding? a. Color variation b. Border regularity c. Symmetry of lesions d. Diameter of less than 6 mm
.Experienced a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or stroke.
A patient visits the clinic because he has recently noticed that the left side of his mouth is paralyzed. He states that he cannot raise his eyebrow or whistle. The nurse suspects that he has: a.Cushing syndrome. b.Parkinson disease. c.Bell palsy. d.Experienced a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or stroke.
Conduct vibrations of sounds to the inner ear.
A patient with a middle ear infection asks the nurse, "What does the middle ear do?" The nurse responds by telling the patient that the middle ear functions to: a. Maintain balance. b. Interpret sounds as they enter the ear. c. Conduct vibrations of sounds to the inner ear. d. Increase amplitude of sound for the inner ear to function.
Thyroid
A patient's laboratory data reveal an elevated thyroxine (T4) level. The nurse would proceed with an examination of the _____ gland. a.Thyroid b.Parotid c.Adrenal d.Parathyroid
Soft, whooshing, pulsatile; bell
A patient's thyroid gland is enlarged, and the nurse is preparing to auscultate the thyroid gland for the presence of a bruit. A bruit is a __________ sound that is heard best with the __________ of the stethoscope. a.Low gurgling; diaphragm b.Loud, whooshing, blowing; bell c.Soft, whooshing, pulsatile; bell d.High-pitched tinkling; diaphragm
Carbon monoxide poisoning.
A semiconscious woman is brought to the emergency department after she was found on the floor in her kitchen. Her face, nail beds, lips, and oral mucosa are a bright cherry-red color. The nurse suspects that this coloring is due to: a. Polycythemia. b. Carbon monoxide poisoning. c. Carotenemia. d. Uremia.
The front with the nurse's thumbs placed on either side of his trachea and his head tilted forward.
A visitor from Poland who does not speak English seems to be somewhat apprehensive about the nurse examining his neck. He would probably be more comfortable with the nurse examining his thyroid gland from: a.Behind with the nurse's hands placed firmly around his neck. b.The side with the nurse's eyes averted toward the ceiling and thumbs on his neck. c.The front with the nurse's thumbs placed on either side of his trachea and his head tilted forward. d.The front with the nurse's thumbs placed on either side of his trachea and his head tilted backward.
Objective vertigo.
During an examination, the nurse notices that the patient stumbles a little while walking, and, when she sits down, she holds on to the sides of the chair. The patient states, "It feels like the room is spinning!" The nurse notices that the patient is experiencing: a. Objective vertigo. b. Subjective vertigo. c. Tinnitus. d. Dizziness.
Tinnitus.
During an examination, the patient states he is hearing a buzzing sound and says that it is "driving me crazy!" The nurse recognizes that this symptom indicates: a. Vertigo. b. Pruritus. c. Tinnitus. d. Cholesteatoma.
Develops over a short period, Person is exhibiting memory impairment or deficits, Occurs as a result of a medical condition, such as systemic infection.
The nurse is assessing a patient who is admitted with possible delirium. Which of these are manifestations of delirium? Select all that apply. a. Develops over a short period. b. Person is experiencing apraxia. c. Person is exhibiting memory impairment or deficits. d. Occurs as a result of a medical condition, such as systemic infection. e. Person is experiencing agnosia.
Air conduction is the normal pathway for hearing.
The nurse is assessing a patient who may have hearing loss. Which of these statements is true concerning air conduction? a. Air conduction is the normal pathway for hearing. b. Vibrations of the bones in the skull cause air conduction. c. Amplitude of sound determines the pitch that is heard. d. Loss of air conduction is called a conductive hearing loss.
Convergence of the axes of the eyes
The nurse is assessing a patient's eyes for the accommodation response and would expect to see which normal finding? a. Dilation of the pupils b. Consensual light reflex c. Conjugate movement of the eyes d. Convergence of the axes of the eyes
Pupillary constriction when looking at a near object
The nurse is testing a patient's visual accommodation, which refers to which action? a. Pupillary constriction when looking at a near object b. Pupillary dilation when looking at a far object c. Changes in peripheral vision in response to light d. Involuntary blinking in the presence of bright light
Presence of shadows, which may indicate glaucoma.
When a light is directed across the iris of a patient's eye from the temporal side, the nurse is assessing for: a. Drainage from dacryocystitis. b. Presence of conjunctivitis over the iris. c. Presence of shadows, which may indicate glaucoma. d. Scattered light reflex, which may be indicative of cataracts.
Sensory-perceptive abilities
When assessing aging adults, the nurse knows that one of the first things that should be assessed before making judgments about their mental status is: a. Presence of phobias b. General intelligence c. Presence of irrational thinking patterns d. Sensory-perceptive abilities
Shine a light across the pupil from the side, and observe for direct and consensual pupillary constriction.
When assessing the pupillary light reflex, the nurse should use which technique? a. Shine a penlight from directly in front of the patient, and inspect for pupillary constriction. b. Ask the patient to follow the penlight in eight directions, and observe for bilateral pupil constriction. c. Shine a light across the pupil from the side, and observe for direct and consensual pupillary constriction. d. Ask the patient to focus on a distant object. Then ask the patient to follow the penlight to approximately 7 cm from the nose.
Sternomastoid and trapezius.
When examining a patient's CN function, the nurse remembers that the muscles in the neck that are innervated by CN XI are the: a.Sternomastoid and trapezius. b.Spinal accessory and omohyoid. c.Trapezius and sternomandibular. d.Sternomandibular and spinal accessory.
Consider this a normal finding.
When performing the corneal light reflex assessment, the nurse notes that the light is reflected at 2 o'clock in each eye. The nurse should: a. Consider this a normal finding. b. Refer the individual for further evaluation. c. Document this finding as an asymmetric light reflex. d. Perform the confrontation test to validate the findings.
Is caused by increased sebum production.
A 13-year-old girl is interested in obtaining information about the cause of her acne. The nurse should share with her that acne: a. Is contagious. b. Has no known cause. c. Is caused by increased sebum production. d. Has been found to be related to poor hygiene.
More information should be gathered to decide whether her dress is appropriate.
A 19-year-old woman comes to the clinic at the insistence of her brother. She is wearing black combat boots and a black lace nightgown over the top of her other clothes. Her hair is dyed pink with black streaks throughout. She has several pierced holes in her nares and ears and is wearing an earring through her eyebrow and heavy black makeup. The nurse concludes that: a. She probably does not have any problems. b. She is only trying to shock people and that her dress should be ignored. c. She has a manic syndrome because of her abnormal dress and grooming. d. More information should be gathered to decide whether her dress is appropriate.
Consider this a normal finding.
A 2-week-old infant can fixate on an object but cannot follow a light or bright toy. The nurse would: a. Consider this a normal finding. b. Assess the pupillary light reflex for possible blindness. c. Continue with the examination, and assess visual fields. d. Expect that a 2-week-old infant should be able to fixate and follow an object.
Level of consciousness and cognitive abilities
A 20-year-old construction worker has been brought into the emergency department with heat stroke. He has delirium as a result of a fluid and electrolyte imbalance. For the mental status examination, the nurse should first assess the patients: a. Affect and mood b. Memory and affect c. Language abilities d. Level of consciousness and cognitive abilities
Tetracyclines for acne
A 22-year-old woman comes to the clinic because of severe sunburn and states, "I was out in the sun for just a couple of minutes." The nurse begins a medication review with her, paying special attention to which medication class? a. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs for pain b. Tetracyclines for acne c. Proton pump inhibitors for heartburn d. Thyroid replacement hormone for hypothyroidism
Pick up the pencil in your left hand, move it to your right hand, and place it on the table.
A 23-year-old patient in the clinic appears anxious. Her speech is rapid, and she is fidgety and in constant motion. Which of these questions or statements would be most appropriate for the nurse to use in this situation to assess attention span? a. How do you usually feel? Is this normal behavior for you? b. I am going to say four words. In a few minutes, I will ask you to recall them. c. Describe the meaning of the phrase, Looking through rose-colored glasses. d. Pick up the pencil in your left hand, move it to your right hand, and place it on the table.
Are you having any disturbing dreams?
A 26-year-old woman was robbed and beaten a month ago. She is returning to the clinic today for a follow-up assessment. The nurse will want to ask her which one of these questions? a. How are things going with the trial? b. How are things going with your job? c. Tell me about your recent engagement! d. Are you having any disturbing dreams?
Are you feeling so hopeless that you feel like hurting yourself now?
A 30-year-old female patient is describing feelings of hopelessness and depression. She has attempted self-mutilation and has a history of suicide attempts. She describes difficulty sleeping at night and has lost 10 pounds in the past month. Which of these statements or questions is the nurses best response in this situation? a. Do you have a weapon? b. How do other people treat you? c. Are you feeling so hopeless that you feel like hurting yourself now? d. People often feel hopeless, but the feelings resolve within a few weeks.
Otosclerosis.
A 31-year-old patient tells the nurse that he has noticed a progressive loss in his hearing. He says that it does seem to help when people speak louder or if he turns up the volume of a television or radio. The most likely cause of his hearing loss is: a. Otosclerosis. b. Presbycusis. c. Trauma to the bones. d. Frequent ear infections.
Chloasma.
A 35-year-old pregnant woman comes to the clinic for a monthly appointment. During the assessment, the nurse notices that she has a brown patch of hyperpigmentation on her face. The nurse continues the skin assessment aware that another finding may be: a. Keratoses. b. Xerosis. c. Chloasma. d. Acrochordons.
Refer the patient because of the suggestion of melanoma on the basis of her symptoms.
A 40-year-old woman reports a change in mole size, accompanied by color changes, itching, burning, and bleeding over the past month. She has a dark complexion and has no family history of skin cancer, but she has had many blistering sunburns in the past. The nurse would: a. Tell the patient to watch the lesion and report back in 2 months. b. Refer the patient because of the suggestion of melanoma on the basis of her symptoms. c. Ask additional questions regarding environmental irritants that may have caused this condition. d. Tell the patient that these signs suggest a compound nevus, which is very common in young to middle-aged adults.
Senile angiomas.
A 42-year-old woman complains that she has noticed several small, slightly raised, bright red dots on her chest. On examination, the nurse expects that the spots are probably: a. Anasarca. b. Scleroderma. c. Senile angiomas. d. Latent myeloma.
Tinea capitis.
A 45-year-old farmer comes in for a skin evaluation and complains of hair loss on his head. His hair seems to be breaking off in patches, and he notices some scaling on his head. The nurse begins the examination suspecting: a. Tinea capitis. b. Folliculitis. c. Toxic alopecia. d. Seborrheic dermatitis.
Recall; after a 30-minute delay
A 45-year-old woman is at the clinic for a mental status assessment. In giving her the Four Unrelated Words Test, the nurse would be concerned if she could not ____ four unrelated words ____. a. Invent; within 5 minutes b. Invent; within 30 seconds c. Recall; after a 30-minute delay d. Recall; after a 60-minute delay
Know that floaters are usually insignificant and are caused by condensed vitreous fibers.
A 52-year-old patient describes the presence of occasional floaters or spots moving in front of his eyes. The nurse should: a. Examine the retina to determine the number of floaters. b. Presume the patient has glaucoma and refer him for further testing. c. Consider these to be abnormal findings, and refer him to an ophthalmologist. d. Know that floaters are usually insignificant and are caused by condensed vitreous fibers.
Basal cell carcinoma
A 52-year-old woman has a papule on her nose that has rounded, pearly borders and a central red ulcer. She said she first noticed it several months ago and that it has slowly grown larger. The nurse suspects which condition? a. Acne b. Basal cell carcinoma c. Melanoma d. Squamous cell carcinoma
Observe the distance between the palpebral fissures.
A 60-year-old man is at the clinic for an eye examination. The nurse suspects that he has ptosis of one eye. How should the nurse check for this? a. Perform the confrontation test. b. Assess the individual's near vision. c. Observe the distance between the palpebral fissures. d. Perform the corneal light test, and look for symmetry of the light reflex.
Clubbing of the nails
A 65-year-old man with emphysema and bronchitis has come to the clinic for a follow-up appointment. On assessment, the nurse might expect to see which finding? a. Anasarca b. Scleroderma c. Pedal erythema d. Clubbing of the nails
Macular degeneration.
A 68-year-old woman is in the eye clinic for a checkup. She tells the nurse that she has been having trouble reading the paper, sewing, and even seeing the faces of her grandchildren. On examination, the nurse notes that she has some loss of central vision but her peripheral vision is normal. These findings suggest that she may have: a. Macular degeneration. b. Vision that is normal for someone her age. c. The beginning stages of cataract formation. d. Increased intraocular pressure or glaucoma.
Nerve degeneration in the inner ear
A 70-year-old patient tells the nurse that he has noticed that he is having trouble hearing, especially in large groups. He says that he "can't always tell where the sound is coming from" and the words often sound "mixed up." What might the nurse suspect as the cause for this change? a. Atrophy of the apocrine glands b. Cilia becoming coarse and stiff c. Nerve degeneration in the inner ear d. Scarring of the tympanic membrane
"Clusters of melanocytes that appear after extensive sun exposure."
A 70-year-old woman who loves to garden has small, flat, brown macules over her arms and hands. She asks, "What causes these liver spots?" The nurse tells her, "They are: a. "Signs of decreased hematocrit related to anemia." b. "Due to the destruction of melanin in your skin from exposure to the sun." c. "Clusters of melanocytes that appear after extensive sun exposure." d. "Areas of hyperpigmentation related to decreased perfusion and vasoconstriction."
The woman could be at increased risk for infection and lesions because of her chronic disease.
A 75-year-old woman who has a history of diabetes and peripheral vascular disease has been trying to remove a corn on the bottom of her foot with a pair of scissors. The nurse will encourage her to stop trying to remove the corn with scissors because: a. The woman could be at increased risk for infection and lesions because of her chronic disease. b. With her diabetes, she has increased circulation to her foot, and it could cause severe bleeding. c. She is 75 years old and is unable to see; consequently, she places herself at greater risk for self-injury with the scissors. d. With her peripheral vascular disease, her range of motion is limited and she may not be able to reach the corn safely.
That 'soft spot' is normal, and actually allows for growth of the brain during the first year of your baby's life."
A mother brings her 2-month-old daughter in for an examination and says, "My daughter rolled over against the wall, and now I have noticed that she has this spot that is soft on the top of her head. Is something terribly wrong?" The nurse's best response would be: a."Perhaps that could be a result of your dietary intake during pregnancy." b."Your baby may have craniosynostosis, a disease of the sutures of the brain." c."That 'soft spot' may be an indication of cretinism or congenital hypothyroidism." d."That 'soft spot' is normal, and actually allows for growth of the brain during the first year of your baby's life."
Trichotillomania; her child probably has a habit of absentmindedly twirling her hair.
A mother brings her child into the clinic for an examination of the scalp and hair. She states that the child has developed irregularly shaped patches with broken-off, stublike hair in some places; she is worried that this condition could be some form of premature baldness. The nurse tells her that it is: a. Folliculitis that can be treated with an antibiotic. b. Traumatic alopecia that can be treated with antifungal medications. c. Tinea capitis that is highly contagious and needs immediate attention. d. Trichotillomania; her child probably has a habit of absentmindedly twirling her hair.
Head circumference should be greater than chest circumference at birth.
A mother brings her newborn in for an assessment and asks, "Is there something wrong with my baby? His head seems so big." Which statement is true regarding the relative proportions of the head and trunk of the newborn? a.At birth, the head is one fifth the total length. b.Head circumference should be greater than chest circumference at birth. c.The head size reaches 90% of its final size when the child is 3 years old. d.When the anterior fontanel closes at 2 months, the head will be more proportioned to the body.
Normal and is called the tonic neck reflex, which should disappear between 3 and 4 months of age.
A mother brings in her newborn infant for an assessment and tells the nurse that she has noticed that whenever her newborn's head is turned to the right side, she straightens out the arm and leg on the same side and flexes the opposite arm and leg. After observing this on examination, the nurse tells her that this reflex is: a.Abnormal and is called the atonic neck reflex. b.Normal and should disappear by the first year of life. c.Normal and is called the tonic neck reflex, which should disappear between 3 and 4 months of age. d.Abnormal. The baby should be flexing the arm and leg on the right side of his body when the head is turned to the right.
Impetigo.
A mother has noticed that her son, who has been to a new babysitter, has some blisters and scabs on his face and buttocks. On examination, the nurse notices moist, thin-roofed vesicles with a thin erythematous base and suspects: a. Eczema. b. Impetigo. c. Herpes zoster. d. Diaper dermatitis.
Cutis marmorata.
A newborn infant has Down syndrome. During the skin assessment, the nurse notices a transient mottling in the trunk and extremities in response to the cool temperature in the examination room. The infant's mother also notices the mottling and asks what it is. The nurse knows that this mottling is called: a. Café au lait. b. Carotenemia. c. Acrocyanosis. d. Cutis marmorata.
The newborn's skin is more permeable than that of the adult.
A newborn infant is in the clinic for a well-baby checkup. The nurse observes the infant for the possibility of fluid loss because of which of these factors? a. Subcutaneous fat deposits are high in the newborn. b. Sebaceous glands are overproductive in the newborn. c. The newborn's skin is more permeable than that of the adult. d. The amount of vernix caseosa dramatically rises in the newborn.
Cluster headaches.
A patient reports excruciating headache pain on one side of his head, especially around his eye, forehead, and cheek that has lasted approximately to 2 hours, occurring once or twice each day. The nurse should suspect: a.Hypertension. b.Cluster headaches. c.Tension headaches. d.Migraine headaches.
shattered look to the light rays reflecting off the cornea
A patient comes into the emergency department after an accident at work. A machine blew dust into his eyes, and he was not wearing safety glasses. The nurse examines his corneas by shining a light from the side across the cornea. What findings would suggest that he has suffered a corneal abrasion? a. Smooth and clear corneas b. Opacity of the lens behind the cornea c. Bleeding from the areas across the cornea d. Shattered look to the light rays reflecting off the cornea
Excess blood in the dilated superficial capillaries
A patient comes to the clinic and states that he has noticed that his skin is redder than normal. The nurse understands that this condition is due to hyperemia and knows that it can be caused by: a. Decreased amounts of bilirubin in the blood b. Excess blood in the underlying blood vessels c. Decreased perfusion to the surrounding tissues d. Excess blood in the dilated superficial capillaries
Distended veins
A patient comes to the clinic and tells the nurse that he has been confined to his recliner chair for approximately 3 days with his feet down and he asks the nurse to evaluate his feet. During the assessment, the nurse might expect to find: a. Pallor b. Coolness c. Distended veins d. Prolonged capillary filling time
XI; asking the patient to shrug her shoulders against resistance
A patient comes to the clinic complaining of neck and shoulder pain and is unable to turn her head. The nurse suspects damage to CN ______ and proceeds with the examination by _____________. a.XI; palpating the anterior and posterior triangles b.XI; asking the patient to shrug her shoulders against resistance c.XII; percussing the sternomastoid and submandibular neck muscles d.XII; assessing for a positive Romberg sign
Shadow or diminished vision in one quadrant or one half of the visual field.
A patient comes to the emergency department after a boxing match, and his left eye is swollen almost shut. He has bruises on his face and neck. He says he is worried because he "can't see well" from his left eye. The physician suspects retinal damage. The nurse recognizes that signs of retinal detachment include: a. Loss of central vision. b. Shadow or diminished vision in one quadrant or one half of the visual field. c. Loss of peripheral vision. d. Sudden loss of pupillary constriction and accommodation.
Migraine headaches
A patient complains that while studying for an examination he began to notice a severe headache in the frontotemporal area of his head that is throbbing and is somewhat relieved when he lies down. He tells the nurse that his mother also had these headaches. The nurse suspects that he may be suffering from: a.Hypertension. b.Cluster headaches. c.Tension headaches. d.Migraine headaches
Has a snake phobia.
A patient describes feeling an unreasonable, irrational fear of snakes. His fear is so persistent that he can no longer comfortably look at even pictures of snakes and has made an effort to identify all the places he might encounter a snake and avoids them. The nurse recognizes that he: a. Has a snake phobia. b. Is a hypochondriac; snakes are usually harmless. c. Has an obsession with snakes. d. Has a delusion that snakes are harmful, which must stem from an early traumatic incident involving snakes.
Lethargic
A patient drifts off to sleep when she is not being stimulated. The nurse can easily arouse her by calling her name, but the patient remains drowsy during the conversation. The best description of this patients level of consciousness would be: a. Lethargic b. Obtunded c. Stuporous d. Semialert
Constriction of both pupils occurs in response to bright light.
A patient has a normal pupillary light reflex. The nurse recognizes that this reflex indicates that: a. The eyes converge to focus on the light. b. Light is reflected at the same spot in both eyes. c. The eye focuses the image in the center of the pupil. d. Constriction of both pupils occurs in response to bright light.
Notify the patient's health care provider.
A patient has been admitted after an accident at work. During the assessment, the patient is having trouble hearing and states, "I don't know what the matter is. All of a sudden, I can't hear you out of my left ear!" What should the nurse do next? a. Make note of this finding for the report to the next shift. b. Prepare to remove cerumen from the patient's ear. c. Notify the patient's health care provider. d. Irrigate the ear with rubbing alcohol.
How long have you been feeling this way?
A patient states, I feel so sad all of the time. I cant feel happy even doing things I used to like to do. He also states that he is tired, sleeps poorly, and has no energy. To differentiate between a dysthymic disorder and a major depressive disorder, the nurse should ask which question? a. Have you had any weight changes? b. Are you having any thoughts of suicide? c. How long have you been feeling this way? d. Are you having feelings of worthlessness?
Partial thickness skin erosion is observed with a loss of epidermis or dermis, & Open blister areas have a red-pink wound bed.
A patient has been admitted to a hospital after the staff in the nursing home noticed a pressure ulcer in his sacral area. The nurse examines the pressure ulcer and determines that it is a stage II ulcer. Which of these findings are characteristic of a stage II pressure ulcer? Select all that apply. a. Intact skin appears red but is not broken. b. Partial thickness skin erosion is observed with a loss of epidermis or dermis. c. Ulcer extends into the subcutaneous tissue. d. Localized redness in light skin will blanch with fingertip pressure. e. Open blister areas have a red-pink wound bed. f. Patches of eschar cover parts of the wound.
Inappropriate affect
A patient has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. During a recent interview, he shows the nurse a picture of a man holding a decapitated head. He describes this picture as horrifying but then laughs loudly at the content. This behavior is a display of: a. Confusion b. Ambivalence c. Depersonalization d. Inappropriate affect
Will be oriented to place and person, but the patient may not be certain of the date.
A patient has been in the intensive care unit for 10 days. He has just been moved to the medical-surgical unit, and the admitting nurse is planning to perform a mental status examination. During the tests of cognitive function, the nurse would expect that he: a. May display some disruption in thought content. b. Will state, I am so relieved to be out of intensive care. c. Will be oriented to place and person, but the patient may not be certain of the date. d. May show evidence of some clouding of his level of consciousness.
Ask the patient what medications he is currently taking.
A patient has been shown to have a sensorineural hearing loss. During the assessment, it would be important for the nurse to: a. Speak loudly so the patient can hear the questions. b. Assess for middle ear infection as a possible cause. c. Ask the patient what medications he is currently taking. d. Look for the source of the obstruction in the external ear.
Parotid gland.
A patient has come in for an examination and states, "I have this spot in front of my ear lobe on my cheek that seems to be getting bigger and is tender. What do you think it is?" The nurse notes swelling below the angle of the jaw and suspects that it could be an inflammation of his: a.Thyroid gland. b.Parotid gland. c.Occipital lymph node. d.Submental lymph node.
Lichenification.
A patient has had a "terrible itch" for several months that he has been continuously scratching. On examination, the nurse might expect to find: a. A keloid. b. A fissure. c. Keratosis. d. Lichenification.
Wernickes aphasia
A patient has had a cerebrovascular accident (stroke). He is trying very hard to communicate. He seems driven to speak and says, I buy obie get spirding and take my train. What is the best description of this patients problem? a. Global aphasia b. Brocas aphasia c. Echolalia d. Wernickes aphasia
Rubella can damage the infant's organ of Corti, which will impair hearing.
A patient in her first trimester of pregnancy is diagnosed with rubella. Which of these statements is correct regarding the significance of this in relation to the infant's hearing? a. Rubella may affect the mother's hearing but not the infant's. b. Rubella can damage the infant's organ of Corti, which will impair hearing. c. Rubella is only dangerous to the infant in the second trimester of pregnancy. d. Rubella can impair the development of CN VIII and thus affect hearing.
Plan to defer the rest of the mental status examination.
A patient is admitted to the unit after an automobile accident. The nurse begins the mental status examination and finds that the patient has dysarthric speech and is lethargic. The nurses best approach regarding this examination is to: a. Plan to defer the rest of the mental status examination. b. Skip the language portion of the examination, and proceed onto assessing mood and affect. c. Conduct an in-depth speech evaluation, and defer the mental status examination to another time. d. Proceed with the examination, and assess the patient for suicidal thoughts because dysarthria is often accompanied by severe depression.
Caused by the complete absence of melanin pigment
A patient is especially worried about an area of skin on her feet that has turned white. The health care provider has told her that her condition is vitiligo. The nurse explains to her that vitiligo is: a. Caused by an excess of melanin pigment b. Caused by an excess of apocrine glands in her feet c. Caused by the complete absence of melanin pigment d. Related to impetigo and can be treated with an ointment
Damage to the trigeminal nerve.
A patient is unable to differentiate between sharp and dull stimulation to both sides of her face. The nurse suspects: a.Bell palsy. b.Damage to the trigeminal nerve. c.Frostbite with resultant paresthesia to the cheeks. d.Scleroderma.
Shorten the distance between the patient and the chart until the letters are seen, and record that distance.
A patient is unable to read even the largest letters on the Snellen chart. The nurse should take which action next? a. Refer the patient to an ophthalmologist or optometrist for further evaluation. b. Assess whether the patient can count the nurse's fingers when they are placed in front of his or her eyes. c. Ask the patient to put on his or her reading glasses and attempt to read the Snellen chart again. d. Shorten the distance between the patient and the chart until the letters are seen, and record that distance.
Circumlocution
A patient repeatedly seems to have difficulty coming up with a word. He says, I was on my way to work, and when I got there, the thing that you step into that goes up in the air was so full that I decided to take the stairs. The nurse will note on his chart that he is using or experiencing: a. Blocking b. Neologism c.Circumlocution d. Circumstantiality
Clanging
A patient repeats, I feel hot. Hot, cot, rot, tot, got. I'm a spot. The nurse documents this as an illustration of: a. Blocking b. Clanging c. Echolalia d. Neologism
The patient can read at 20 feet what a person with normal vision can read at 30 feet.
A patient's vision is recorded as 20/30 when the Snellen eye chart is used. The nurse interprets these results to indicate that: a. At 30 feet the patient can read the entire chart. b. The patient can read at 20 feet what a person with normal vision can read at 30 feet. c. The patient can read the chart from 20 feet in the left eye and 30 feet in the right eye. d. The patient can read from 30 feet what a person with normal vision can read from 20 feet.
Has poor vision.
A patient's vision is recorded as 20/80 in each eye. The nurse interprets this finding to mean that the patient: a. Has poor vision. b. Has acute vision. c. Has normal vision. d. Is presbyopic.
More noticeable facial bones are probably due to a combination of factors related to aging, such as decreased elasticity, subcutaneous fat, and moisture in her skin.
A patient, an 85-year-old woman, is complaining about the fact that the bones in her face have become more noticeable. What explanation should the nurse give her? a.Diets low in protein and high in carbohydrates may cause enhanced facial bones. b.Bones can become more noticeable if the person does not use a dermatologically approved moisturizer. c.More noticeable facial bones are probably due to a combination of factors related to aging, such as decreased elasticity, subcutaneous fat, and moisture in her skin. d.Facial skin becomes more elastic with age. This increased elasticity causes the skin to be more taught, drawing attention to the facial bones.
"Confluent and extensive patch of petechiae and ecchymoses on the feet."
A physician has diagnosed a patient with purpura. After leaving the room, a nursing student asks the nurse what the physician saw that led to that diagnosis. The nurse should say, "The physician is referring to the: a. "Blue dilation of blood vessels in a star-shaped linear pattern on the legs." b. "Fiery red, star-shaped marking on the cheek that has a solid circular center." c. "Confluent and extensive patch of petechiae and ecchymoses on the feet." d. "Tiny areas of hemorrhage that are less than 2 mm, round, discrete, and dark red in color."
At the level of the C7 vertebra.
A physician tells the nurse that a patient's vertebra prominens is tender and asks the nurse to reevaluate the area in 1 hour. The area of the body the nurse will assess is: a.Just above the diaphragm. b.Just lateral to the knee cap. c.At the level of the C7 vertebra. d.At the level of the T11 vertebra.
Perform a complete mental status examination.
A woman brings her husband to the clinic for an examination. She is particularly worried because after a recent fall, he seems to have lost a great deal of his memory of recent events. Which statement reflects the nurses best course of action? a. Perform a complete mental status examination. b. Refer him to a psychometrician. c. Plan to integrate the mental status examination into the history and physical examination. d. Reassure his wife that memory loss after a physical shock is normal and will soon subside.
Myxedema.
A woman comes to the clinic and states, "I've been sick for so long! My eyes have gotten so puffy, and my eyebrows and hair have become coarse and dry." The nurse will assess for other signs and symptoms of: a.Cachexia. b.Parkinson syndrome. c.Myxedema. d.Scleroderma.
Importance of sunscreen and avoiding direct sunlight
A woman is leaving on a trip to Hawaii and has come in for a checkup. During the examination the nurse learns that she has diabetes and takes oral hypoglycemic agents. The patient needs to be concerned about which possible effect of her medications? a. Increased possibility of bruising b. Skin sensitivity as a result of exposure to salt water c. Lack of availability of glucose-monitoring supplies d. Importance of sunscreen and avoiding direct sunlight
Any prolonged exposure to extreme cold
An assessment of a 23-year-old patient reveals the following: an auricle that is tender and reddish-blue in color with small vesicles. The nurse would need to know additional information that includes which of these? a. Any change in the ability to hear b. Any recent drainage from the ear c. Recent history of trauma to the ear d. Any prolonged exposure to extreme cold
Dry mucous membranes and cracked lips
An older adult woman is brought to the emergency department after being found lying on the kitchen floor for 2 days; she is extremely dehydrated. What would the nurse expect to see during the examination? a. Smooth mucous membranes and lips b. Dry mucous membranes and cracked lips c. Pale mucous membranes d. White patches on the mucous membranes
Increased intracranial pressure.
An ophthalmic examination reveals papilledema. The nurse is aware that this finding indicates: a. Retinal detachment. b. Diabetic retinopathy. c. Acute-angle glaucoma. d. Increased intracranial pressure.
Tell me what you plan to do once you are discharged from the hospital.
During a mental status assessment, which question by the nurse would best assess a persons judgment? a. Do you feel that you are being watched, followed, or controlled? b. Tell me what you plan to do once you are discharged from the hospital. c. What does the statement, People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones, mean to you? d. What would you do if you found a stamped, addressed envelope lying on the sidewalk?
How do you feel today?
During a mental status examination, the nurse wants to assess a patients affect. The nurse should ask the patient which question? a. How do you feel today? b. Would you please repeat the following words? c. Have these medications had any effect on your pain? d. Has this pain affected your ability to get dressed by yourself?
Hyphema.
During a physical education class, a student is hit in the eye with the end of a baseball bat. When examined in the emergency department, the nurse notices the presence of blood in the anterior chamber of the eye. This finding indicates the presence of: a. Hypopyon. b. Hyphema. c. Corneal abrasion. d. Pterygium.
Jaundice
During a skin assessment, the nurse notices that a Mexican-American patient has skin that is yellowish-brown; however, the skin on the hard and soft palate is pink and the patient's scleras are not yellow. From this finding, the nurse could probably rule out: a. Pallor b. Jaundice c. Cyanosis d. Iron deficiency
Head control is usually achieved by 4 months of age."
During a well-baby checkup, a mother is concerned because her 2-month-old infant cannot hold her head up when she is pulled to a sitting position. Which response by the nurse is appropriate? a."Head control is usually achieved by 4 months of age." b."You shouldn't be trying to pull your baby up like that until she is older." c."Head control should be achieved by this time." d."This inability indicates possible nerve damage to the neck muscles."
Hydrocephalus
During a well-baby checkup, the nurse notices that a 1-week-old infant's face looks small compared with his cranium, which seems enlarged. On further examination, the nurse also notices dilated scalp veins and downcast or "setting sun" eyes. The nurse suspects which condition? a.Craniotabes b.Microcephaly c.Hydrocephalus d.Caput succedaneum
Coarse facial features.
During an admission assessment, the nurse notices that a male patient has an enlarged and rather thick skull. The nurse suspects acromegaly and would further assess for: a.Exophthalmos. b.Bowed long bones. c.Coarse facial features. d.Acorn-shaped cranium.
Is a normal finding, and no further follow-up is necessary.
During an assessment of a 20-year-old Asian patient, the nurse notices that he has dry, flaky cerumen in his canal. What is the significance of this finding? This finding: a. Is probably the result of lesions from eczema in his ear. b. Represents poor hygiene. c. Is a normal finding, and no further follow-up is necessary. d. Could be indicative of change in cilia; the nurse should assess for hearing loss
Dehydration
During an assessment of an infant, the nurse notes that the fontanels are depressed and sunken. The nurse suspects which condition? a.Rickets b.Dehydration c.Mental retardation d.Increased intracranial pressure
Presence of small brown macules on the sclera
During an assessment of the sclera of a black patient, the nurse would consider which of these an expected finding? a. Yellow fatty deposits over the cornea b. Pallor near the outer canthus of the lower lid c. Yellow color of the sclera that extends up to the iris d. Presence of small brown macules on the sclera
Assessing for other signs of ectropion
During an assessment, the nurse notices that an older adult patient has tears rolling down his face from his left eye. Closer examination shows that the lower lid is loose and rolling outward. The patient complains of his eye feeling "dry and itchy." Which action by the nurse is correct? a. Assessing the eye for a possible foreign body b. Documenting the finding as ptosis c. Assessing for other signs of ectropion d. Contacting the prescriber; these are signs of basal cell carcinoma
Continue the examination because a bruit is a normal finding for this age.
During an examination of a 3-year-old child, the nurse notices a bruit over the left temporal area. The nurse should: a.Continue the examination because a bruit is a normal finding for this age. b.Check for the bruit again in 1 hour. c.Notify the parents that a bruit has been detected in their child. d.Stop the examination, and notify the physician.
Firm but freely movable.
During an examination of a female patient, the nurse notes lymphadenopathy and suspects an acute infection. Acutely infected lymph nodes would be: a.Clumped. b.Unilateral. c.Firm but freely movable. d.Firm and nontender.
Is exhibiting a normal enlargement of the thyroid gland during pregnancy.
During an examination of a patient in her third trimester of pregnancy, the nurse notices that the patient's thyroid gland is slightly enlarged. No enlargement had been previously noticed. The nurse suspects that the patient: a.Has an iodine deficiency. b.Is exhibiting early signs of goiter. c.Is exhibiting a normal enlargement of the thyroid gland during pregnancy. d.Needs further testing for possible thyroid cancer.
Absence of drainage from the puncta when pressing against the inner orbital rim
During an examination of the eye, the nurse would expect what normal finding when assessing the lacrimal apparatus? a. Presence of tears along the inner canthus b. Blocked nasolacrimal duct in a newborn infant c. Slight swelling over the upper lid and along the bony orbit if the individual has a cold d. Absence of drainage from the puncta when pressing against the inner orbital rim
Patient experiences tunnel vision in the late stages, Vision loss begins with peripheral vision, & Virtually no symptoms are exhibited.
During an examination, a patient states that she was diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma 2 years ago. The nurse assesses for characteristics of open-angle glaucoma. Which of these are characteristics of open-angle glaucoma? Select all that apply. a. Patient may experience sensitivity to light, nausea, and halos around lights. b. Patient experiences tunnel vision in the late stages. c. Immediate treatment is needed. d. Vision loss begins with peripheral vision. e. Open-angle glaucoma causes sudden attacks of increased pressure that cause blurred vision. f. Virtually no symptoms are exhibited.
Observing the patient and inferring health or dysfunction
During an examination, the nurse can assess mental status by which activity? a. Examining the patients electroencephalogram b. Observing the patient as he or she performs an intelligence quotient (IQ) test c. Observing the patient and inferring health or dysfunction d. Examining the patients response to a specific set of questions
Xerosis.
During an examination, the nurse finds that a patient has excessive dryness of the skin. The best term to describe this condition is: a. Xerosis. b. Pruritus. c. Alopecia. d. Seborrhea.
Temporal arteritis
During an examination, the nurse finds that a patient's left temporal artery is tortuous and feels hardened and tender, compared with the right temporal artery. The nurse suspects which condition? a.Crepitation b.Mastoiditis c.Temporal arteritis d.Bell palsy
Using gentle pressure, palpate with both hands to compare the two sides.
During an examination, the nurse knows that the best way to palpate the lymph nodes in the neck is described by which statement? a.Using gentle pressure, palpate with both hands to compare the two sides. b.Using strong pressure, palpate with both hands to compare the two sides. c.Gently pinch each node between one's thumb and forefinger, and then move down the neck muscle. d.Using the index and middle fingers, gently palpate by applying pressure in a rotating pattern.
Take this pill? The pill is red. I see red. Red velvet is soft, soft as a baby's bottom.
During an examination, the nurse notes that a patient is exhibiting flight of ideas. Which statement by the patient is an example of flight of ideas? a. My stomach hurts. Hurts, spurts, burts. b. Kiss, wood, reading, ducks, onto, maybe. c. Take this pill? The pill is red. I see red. Red velvet is soft, soft as a baby's bottom. d. I wash my hands, wash them, wash them. I usually go to the sink and wash my hands.
Compulsive disorder
During an interview, the nurse notes that the patient gets up several times to wash her hands even though they are not dirty. This behavior is an example of: a. Social phobia b. Compulsive disorder c. Generalized anxiety disorder d. Posttraumatic stress disorder
Labyrinth.
During an interview, the patient states he has the sensation that "everything around him is spinning." The nurse recognizes that the portion of the ear responsible for this sensation is the: a. Cochlea. b. CN VIII. c. Organ of Corti. d. Labyrinth.
Yeast or fungal infection
During an otoscopic examination, the nurse notices an area of black and white dots on the tympanic membrane and the ear canal wall. What does this finding suggest? a. Malignancy b. Viral infection c. Blood in the middle ear d. Yeast or fungal infection
Echolalia
During morning rounds, the nurse asks a patient, How are you today? The patient responds, You today, you today, you today! and mumbles the words. This speech pattern is an example of: a. Echolalia b. Clanging c. Word salad d. Perseveration
Stimulated by CNs III, IV, and VI.
During ocular examinations, the nurse keeps in mind that movement of the extraocular muscles is: a. Decreased in the older adult. b. Impaired in a patient with cataracts. c. Stimulated by cranial nerves (CNs) I and II. d. Stimulated by CNs III, IV, and VI.
Man believes that his dead wife is talking to him.
During reporting, the nurse hears that a patient is experiencing hallucinations. Which is an example of a hallucination? a. Man believes that his dead wife is talking to him. b. Woman hears the doorbell ring and goes to answer it, but no one is there. c. Child sees a man standing in his closet. When the lights are turned on, it is only a dry cleaning bag. d. Man believes that the dog has curled up on the bed, but when he gets closer he sees that it is a blanket.
Melanocytes.
During the aging process, the hair can look gray or white and begin to feel thin and fine. The nurse knows that this occurs because of a decrease in the number of functioning: a. Metrocytes. b. Fungacytes. c. Phagocytes. d. Melanocytes.
Pupils of unequal size.
In a patient who has anisocoria, the nurse would expect to observe: a. Dilated pupils. b. Excessive tearing. c. Pupils of unequal size. d. Uneven curvature of the lens.
Enlarged superficial cervical nodes
In an individual with otitis externa, which of these signs would the nurse expect to find on assessment? a. Rhinorrhea b. Periorbital edema c. Pain over the maxillary sinuses d. Enlarged superficial cervical nodes
Whisper a set of random numbers and letters, and then ask the patient to repeat them.
In performing a voice test to assess hearing, which of these actions would the nurse perform? a. Shield the lips so that the sound is muffled. b. Whisper a set of random numbers and letters, and then ask the patient to repeat them. c. Ask the patient to place his finger in his ear to occlude outside noise. d. Stand approximately 4 feet away to ensure that the patient can really hear at this distance.
Perform the otoscopic examination at the end of the assessment
In performing an examination of a 3-year-old child with a suspected ear infection, the nurse would: a. Omit the otoscopic examination if the child has a fever. b. Pull the ear up and back before inserting the speculum. c. Ask the mother to leave the room while examining the child. d. Perform the otoscopic examination at the end of the assessment
Consider the red glow a normal reflection of the ophthalmoscope light off the inner retina.
In using the ophthalmoscope to assess a patient's eyes, the nurse notices a red glow in the patient's pupils. On the basis of this finding, the nurse would: a. Suspect that an opacity is present in the lens or cornea. b. Check the light source of the ophthalmoscope to verify that it is functioning. c. Consider the red glow a normal reflection of the ophthalmoscope light off the inner retina. d. Continue with the ophthalmoscopic examination, and refer the patient for further evaluation.
"Your son's eustachian tube is shorter and wider than yours because of his age, which allows for infections to develop more easily."
The mother of a 2-year-old is concerned because her son has had three ear infections in the past year. What would be an appropriate response by the nurse? a. "It is unusual for a small child to have frequent ear infections unless something else is wrong." b. "We need to check the immune system of your son to determine why he is having so many ear infections." c. "Ear infections are not uncommon in infants and toddlers because they tend to have more cerumen in the external ear." d. "Your son's eustachian tube is shorter and wider than yours because of his age, which allows for infections to develop more easily."
The purpose of the tubes is to decrease the pressure and allow for drainage.
The mother of a 2-year-old toddler is concerned about the upcoming placement of tympanostomy tubes in her son's ears. The nurse would include which of these statements in the teaching plan? a. The tubes are placed in the inner ear. b. The tubes are used in children with sensorineural loss. c. The tubes are permanently inserted during a surgical procedure. d. The purpose of the tubes is to decrease the pressure and allow for drainage.
Turns his or her head to localize the sound.
The nurse assesses the hearing of a 7-month-old by clapping hands. What is the expected response? The infant: a. Turns his or her head to localize the sound. b. Shows no obvious response to the noise. c. Shows a startle and acoustic blink reflex. d. Stops any movement, and appears to listen for the sound.
Global
The nurse discovers speech problems in a patient during an assessment. The patient has spontaneous speech, but it is mostly absent or is reduced to a few stereotypical words or sounds. This finding reflects which type of aphasia? a. Global b. Brocas c. Dysphonic d. Wernickes
Contains sensory receptors.
The nurse educator is preparing an education module for the nursing staff on the dermis layer of skin. Which of these statements would be included in the module? The dermis: a. Contains mostly fat cells. b. Consists mostly of keratin. c. Is replaced every 4 weeks. d. Contains sensory receptors.
Replaced every 4 weeks.
The nurse educator is preparing an education module for the nursing staff on the epidermal layer of skin. Which of these statements would be included in the module? The epidermis is: a. Highly vascular. b. Thick and tough. c. Thin and nonstratified. d. Replaced every 4 weeks.
Severe dehydration
The nurse has discovered decreased skin turgor in a patient and knows that this finding is expected in which condition? a. Severe obesity b. Childhood growth spurts c. Severe dehydration d. Connective tissue disorders such as scleroderma
Nonpalpable.
The nurse has just completed a lymph node assessment on a 60-year-old healthy female patient. The nurse knows that most lymph nodes in healthy adults are normally: a.Shotty. b.Nonpalpable. c.Large, firm, and fixed to the tissue. d.Rubbery, discrete, and mobile.
Cognitive impairment
The nurse is administering a Mini-Cog test to an older adult woman. When asked to draw a clock showing the time of 10:45, the patient drew a clock with the numbers out of order and with an incorrect time. This result indicates which finding? a. Cognitive impairment b. Amnesia c. Delirium d. Attention-deficit disorder
High-tone frequency loss
The nurse is performing an ear examination of an 80-year-old patient. Which of these findings would be considered normal? a. High-tone frequency loss b. Increased elasticity of the pinna c. Thin, translucent membrane d. Shiny, pink tympanic membrane
Head circumference greater than chest circumference, Fontanels firm and slightly concave, & Nonpalpable cervical lymph nodes
The nurse is assessing a 1-month-old infant at his well-baby checkup. Which assessment findings are appropriate for this age? Select all that apply. a.Head circumference equal to chest circumference b.Head circumference greater than chest circumference c.Head circumference less than chest circumference d.Fontanels firm and slightly concave e.Absent tonic neck reflex f.Nonpalpable cervical lymph nodes
Bloody or clear watery drainage can indicate a basal skull fracture.
The nurse is assessing a 16-year-old patient who has suffered head injuries from a recent motor vehicle accident. Which of these statements indicates the most important reason for assessing for any drainage from the ear canal? a. If the drum has ruptured, then purulent drainage will result. b. Bloody or clear watery drainage can indicate a basal skull fracture. c. The auditory canal many be occluded from increased cerumen. d. Foreign bodies from the accident may cause occlusion of the canal.
May take a little longer to respond, but his general knowledge and abilities should not have declined.
The nurse is assessing a 75-year-old man. As the nurse begins the mental status portion of the assessment, the nurse expects that this patient: a. Will have no decrease in any of his abilities, including response time. b. Will have difficulty on tests of remote memory because this ability typically decreases with age. c. May take a little longer to respond, but his general knowledge and abilities should not have declined. d. Will exhibit had a decrease in his response time because of the loss of language and a decrease in general knowledge.
Yellow color of the sclera that extends up to the iris
The nurse is assessing a patient who has liver disease for jaundice. Which of these assessment findings is indicative of true jaundice? a. Yellow patches in the outer sclera b. Yellow color of the sclera that extends up to the iris c. Skin that appears yellow when examined under low light d. Yellow deposits on the palms and soles of the feet where jaundice first appears
Test for color vision once between the ages of 4 and 8 years.
The nurse is assessing color vision of a male child. Which statement is correct? The nurse should: a. Check color vision annually until the age of 18 years. b. Ask the child to identify the color of his or her clothing. c. Test for color vision once between the ages of 4 and 8 years. d. Begin color vision screening at the child's 2-year checkup.
Nail bases with an angle of 180 degrees or greater and nail bases that feel spongy.
The nurse is assessing for clubbing of the fingernails and expects to find: a. Nail bases that are firm and slightly tender. b. Curved nails with a convex profile and ridges across the nails. c. Nail bases that feel spongy with an angle of the nail base of 150 degrees. d. Nail bases with an angle of 180 degrees or greater and nail bases that feel spongy.
Palpating the skin for edema and increased warmth
The nurse is assessing for inflammation in a dark-skinned person. Which technique is the best? a. Assessing the skin for cyanosis and swelling b. Assessing the oral mucosa for generalized erythema c. Palpating the skin for edema and increased warmth d. Palpating for tenderness and local areas of ecchymosis
I know my name is John. I am at the hospital in Spokane. I couldn't tell you what date it is, but I know that it is February of a new year 2010.
The nurse is assessing orientation in a 79-year-old patient. Which of these responses would lead the nurse to conclude that this patient is oriented? a. I know my name is John. I couldn't tell you where I am. I think it is 2010, though. b. I know my name is John, but to tell you the truth, I get kind of confused about the date. c. I know my name is John; I guess I'm at the hospital in Spokane. No, I don't know the date. d. I know my name is John. I am at the hospital in Spokane. I couldn't tell you what date it is, but I know that it is February of a new year 2010.
All aspects of mental status in children are interdependent.
The nurse is assessing the mental status of a child. Which statement about children and mental status is true? a. All aspects of mental status in children are interdependent. b. Children are highly labile and unstable until the age of 2 years. c. Children's mental status is largely a function of their parents level of functioning until the age of 7 years. d. A child's mental status is impossible to assess until the child develops the ability to concentrate.
Kaposi's sarcoma.
The nurse is assessing the skin of a patient who has acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and notices multiple patchlike lesions on the temple and beard area that are faint pink in color. The nurse recognizes these lesions as: a. Measles (rubeola). b. Kaposi's sarcoma. c. Angiomas. d. Herpes zoster.
Head and neck, arms, inguinal area, and axillae.
The nurse is aware that the four areas in the body where lymph nodes are accessible are the: a.Head, breasts, groin, and abdomen. b.Arms, breasts, inguinal area, and legs. c.Head and neck, arms, breasts, and axillae. d.Head and neck, arms, inguinal area, and axillae.
An increased loss of elastin and a decrease in subcutaneous fat
The nurse is bathing an 80-year-old man and notices that his skin is wrinkled, thin, lax, and dry. This finding would be related to which factor in the older adult? a. Increased vascularity of the skin b. Increased numbers of sweat and sebaceous glands c. An increase in elastin and a decrease in subcutaneous fat d. An increased loss of elastin and a decrease in subcutaneous fat
The outer layer of the eye is very sensitive to touch.
The nurse is performing an external eye examination. Which statement regarding the outer layer of the eye is true? a. The outer layer of the eye is very sensitive to touch. b. The outer layer of the eye is darkly pigmented to prevent light from reflecting internally. c. The trigeminal nerve (CN V) and the trochlear nerve (CN IV) are stimulated when the outer surface of the eye is stimulated. d. The visual receptive layer of the eye in which light waves are changed into nerve impulses is located in the outer layer of the eye.
Unequal pupillary constriction in response to light
The nurse is performing an eye assessment on an 80-year-old patient. Which of these findings is considered abnormal? a. Decrease in tear production b. Unequal pupillary constriction in response to light c. Presence of arcus senilis observed around the cornea d. Loss of the outer hair on the eyebrows attributable to a decrease in hair follicles
Passive cigarette smoke
The nurse is conducting a child safety class for new mothers. Which factor places young children at risk for ear infections? a. Family history b. Air conditioning c. Excessive cerumen d. Passive cigarette smoke
I never did too good in school.
The nurse is conducting a patient interview. Which statement made by the patient should the nurse more fully explore during the interview? a. I sleep like a baby. b. I have no health problems. c. I never did too good in school. d. I am not currently taking any medications.
The image formed on the retina is upside down and reversed from its actual appearance in the outside world.
The nurse is conducting a visual examination. Which of these statements regarding visual pathways and visual fields is true? a. The right side of the brain interprets the vision for the right eye. b. The image formed on the retina is upside down and reversed from its actual appearance in the outside world. c. Light rays are refracted through the transparent media of the eye before striking the pupil. d. Light impulses are conducted through the optic nerve to the temporal lobes of the brain.
Eccrine glands.
The nurse is examining a patient who tells the nurse, "I sure sweat a lot, especially on my face and feet but it doesn't have an odor." The nurse knows that this condition could be related to: a. Eccrine glands. b. Apocrine glands. c. Disorder of the stratum corneum. d. Disorder of the stratum germinativum.
The purpose of cerumen is to protect and lubricate the ear.
The nurse is examining a patient's ears and notices cerumen in the external canal. Which of these statements about cerumen is correct? a. Sticky honey-colored cerumen is a sign of infection. b. The presence of cerumen is indicative of poor hygiene. c. The purpose of cerumen is to protect and lubricate the ear. d. Cerumen is necessary for transmitting sound through the auditory canal.
Optic disc that is a yellow-orange color
The nurse is examining a patient's retina with an ophthalmoscope. Which finding is considered normal? a. Optic disc that is a yellow-orange color b. Optic disc margins that are blurred around the edges c. Presence of pigmented crescents in the macular area d. Presence of the macula located on the nasal side of the retina
Her mother states that her daughter prefers to play with toddlers instead of kids her own age while in daycare.
The nurse is performing a mental status assessment on a 5-year-old girl. Her parents are undergoing a bitter divorce and are worried about the effect it is having on their daughter. Which action or statement might lead the nurse to be concerned about the girls mental status? a. She clings to her mother whenever the nurse is in the room. b. She appears angry and will not make eye contact with the nurse. c. Her mother states that she has begun to ride a tricycle around their yard. d. Her mother states that her daughter prefers to play with toddlers instead of kids her own age while in daycare.
Mental status functioning is inferred through the assessment of an individuals behaviors.
The nurse is performing a mental status examination. Which statement is true regarding the assessment of mental status? a. Mental status assessment diagnoses specific psychiatric disorders. b. Mental disorders occur in response to everyday life stressors. c. Mental status functioning is inferred through the assessment of an individuals behaviors. d. Mental status can be directly assessed, similar to other systems of the body (e.g., heart sounds, breath sounds).
Know that these are scars caused from frequent ear infections.
The nurse is performing a middle ear assessment on a 15-year-old patient who has had a history of chronic ear infections. When examining the right tympanic membrane, the nurse sees the presence of dense white patches. The tympanic membrane is otherwise unremarkable. It is pearly, with the light reflex at 5 o'clock and landmarks visible. The nurse should: a. Refer the patient for the possibility of a fungal infection. b. Know that these are scars caused from frequent ear infections. c. Consider that these findings may represent the presence of blood in the middle ear. d. Be concerned about the ability to hear because of this abnormality on the tympanic membrane.
Could be a potential carcinoma, and the patient should be referred for a biopsy.
The nurse is performing an assessment on a 65-year-old man. He reports a crusty nodule behind the pinna. It intermittently bleeds and has not healed over the past 6 months. On physical assessment, the nurse finds an ulcerated crusted nodule with an indurated base. The preliminary analysis in this situation is that this: a. Is most likely a benign sebaceous cyst. b. Is most likely a keloid. c. Could be a potential carcinoma, and the patient should be referred for a biopsy. d. Is a tophus, which is common in the older adult and is a sign of gout.
Allergies.
The nurse is performing an assessment on a 7-year-old child who has symptoms of chronic watery eyes, sneezing, and clear nasal drainage. The nurse notices the presence of a transverse line across the bridge of the nose, dark blue shadows below the eyes, and a double crease on the lower eyelids. These findings are characteristic of: a.Allergies. b.Sinus infection. c.Nasal congestion. d.Upper respiratory infection.
Test for strabismus by performing the corneal light reflex test.
The nurse is performing an eye-screening clinic at a daycare center. When examining a 2-year-old child, the nurse suspects that the child has a "lazy eye" and should: a. Examine the external structures of the eye. b. Assess visual acuity with the Snellen eye chart. c. Assess the child's visual fields with the confrontation test. d. Test for strabismus by performing the corneal light reflex test.
Pulling the pinna up and back before inserting the speculum
The nurse is performing an otoscopic examination on an adult. Which of these actions is correct? a. Tilting the person's head forward during the examination b. Once the speculum is in the ear, releasing the traction c. Pulling the pinna up and back before inserting the speculum d. Using the smallest speculum to decrease the amount of discomfort
Is a screening instrument designed to detect children who are slow in development.
The nurse is performing the Denver II screening test on a 12-month-old infant during a routine well-child visit. The nurse should tell the infants parents that the Denver II: a. Tests three areas of development: cognitive, physical, and psychological b. Will indicate whether the child has a speech disorder so that treatment can begin. c. Is a screening instrument designed to detect children who are slow in development. d. Is a test to determine intellectual ability and may indicate whether problems will develop later in school.
Parallel movement of both eyes
The nurse is performing the diagnostic positions test. Normal findings would be which of these results? a. Convergence of the eyes b. Parallel movement of both eyes c. Nystagmus in extreme superior gaze d. Slight amount of lid lag when moving the eyes from a superior to an inferior position
Please point to articles in the room and parts of the body as I name them.
The nurse is planning health teaching for a 65-year-old woman who has had a cerebrovascular accident (stroke) and has aphasia. Which of these questions is most important to use when assessing mental status in this patient? a. Please count backward from 100 by seven. b. I will name three items and ask you to repeat them in a few minutes. c. Please point to articles in the room and parts of the body as I name them. d. What would you do if you found a stamped, addressed envelope on the sidewalk?
Give him the Four Unrelated Words Test.
The nurse is planning to assess new memory with a patient. The best way for the nurse to do this would be to: a. Administer the FACT test. b. Ask him to describe his first job. c. Give him the Four Unrelated Words Test. d. Ask him to describe what television show he was watching before coming to the clinic.
Petechiae: Tiny punctate hemorrhages, 1 to 3 mm, round and discrete, dark red, purple, or brown in color, Vesicle: Known as a friction blister, Nodule: Solid, elevated, and hard or soft growth that is larger than 1 cm
The nurse is preparing for a certification course in skin care and needs to be familiar with the various lesions that may be identified on assessment of the skin. Which of the following definitions are correct? Select all that apply. a. Petechiae: Tiny punctate hemorrhages, 1 to 3 mm, round and discrete, dark red, purple, or brown in color b. Bulla: Elevated, circumscribed lesion filled with turbid fluid (pus) c. Papule: Hypertrophic scar d. Vesicle: Known as a friction blister e. Nodule: Solid, elevated, and hard or soft growth that is larger than 1 cm
Use the Snellen chart positioned 20 feet away from the patient.
The nurse is preparing to assess the visual acuity of a 16-year-old patient. How should the nurse proceed? a. Perform the confrontation test. b. Ask the patient to read the print on a handheld Jaeger card. c. Use the Snellen chart positioned 20 feet away from the patient. d. Determine the patient's ability to read newsprint at a distance of 12 to 14 inches.
Gathering mental status information during the health history interview is usually sufficient.
The nurse is preparing to conduct a mental status examination. Which statement is true regarding the mental status examination? a. A patients family is the best resource for information about the patients coping skills. b. Gathering mental status information during the health history interview is usually sufficient. c. Integrating the mental status examination into the health history interview takes an enormous amount of extra time. d. To get a good idea of the patients level of functioning, performing a complete mental status examination is usually necessary.
Pulling the pinna down
The nurse is preparing to do an otoscopic examination on a 2-year-old child. Which one of these reflects the correct procedure? a. Pulling the pinna down b. Pulling the pinna up and back c. Slightly tilting the child's head toward the examiner d. Instructing the child to touch his chin to his chest
The normal membrane may appear thick and opaque.
The nurse is preparing to perform an otoscopic examination of a newborn infant. Which statement is true regarding this examination? a. Immobility of the drum is a normal finding. b. An injected membrane would indicate an infection. c. The normal membrane may appear thick and opaque. d. The appearance of the membrane is identical to that of an adult.
This examination is a good tool to detect delirium and dementia and to differentiate these from psychiatric mental illness.
The nurse is providing instructions to newly hired graduates for the minimental state examination (MMSE). Which statement best describes this examination? a. Scores below 30 indicate cognitive impairment. b. The MMSE is a good tool to evaluate mood and thought processes. c. This examination is a good tool to detect delirium and dementia and to differentiate these from psychiatric mental illness. d. The MMSE is useful tool for an initial evaluation of mental status. Additional tools are needed to evaluate cognition changes over time.
Amount of aqueous produced and resistance to its outflow at the angle of the anterior chamber
The nurse is reviewing causes of increased intraocular pressure. Which of these factors determines intraocular pressure? a. Thickness or bulging of the lens b. Posterior chamber as it accommodates increased fluid c. Contraction of the ciliary body in response to the aqueous within the eye d. Amount of aqueous produced and resistance to its outflow at the angle of the anterior chamber
Loss of lens elasticity
The nurse is reviewing in age-related changes in the eye for a class. Which of these physiologic changes is responsible for presbyopia? a. Degeneration of the cornea b. Loss of lens elasticity c. Decreased adaptation to darkness d. Decreased distance vision abilities
It helps equalize air pressure on both sides of the tympanic membrane.
The nurse is reviewing the structures of the ear. Which of these statements concerning the eustachian tube is true? a. The eustachian tube is responsible for the production of cerumen. b. It remains open except when swallowing or yawning. c. The eustachian tube allows passage of air between the middle and outer ear. d. It helps equalize air pressure on both sides of the tympanic membrane.
"Is there any relationship between the ear pain and the discharge you mentioned?"
The nurse is taking the history of a patient who may have a perforated eardrum. What would be an important question in this situation? a. "Do you ever notice ringing or crackling in your ears?" b. "When was the last time you had your hearing checked?" c. "Have you ever been told that you have any type of hearing loss?" d. "Is there any relationship between the ear pain and the discharge you mentioned?"
Progression of hearing loss is slow. The aging person may find it harder to hear consonants than vowels. Sounds may be garbled and difficult to localize.
The nurse is testing the hearing of a 78-year-old man and is reminded of the changes in hearing that occur with aging that include which of the following? Select all that apply. a. Hearing loss related to aging begins in the mid 40s. b. Progression of hearing loss is slow. c. The aging person has low-frequency tone loss. d. The aging person may find it harder to hear consonants than vowels. e. Sounds may be garbled and difficult to localize. f. Hearing loss reflects nerve degeneration of the middle ear.
Lesions that run together.
The nurse just noted from the medical record that the patient has a lesion that is confluent in nature. On examination, the nurse expects to find: a. Lesions that run together. b. Annular lesions that have grown together. c. Lesions arranged in a line along a nerve route. d. Lesions that are grouped or clustered together.
Circulatory status.
The nurse keeps in mind that a thorough skin assessment is extremely important because the skin holds information about a person's: a. Support systems. b. Circulatory status. c. Socioeconomic status. d. Psychological wellness.
Tragus.
The nurse needs to palpate the temporomandibular joint for crepitation. This joint is located just below the temporal artery and anterior to the: a.Hyoid bone. b.Vagus nerve. c.Tragus. d.Mandible.
Auricle.
The nurse needs to pull the portion of the ear that consists of movable cartilage and skin down and back when administering eardrops. This portion of the ear is called the: a. Auricle. b. Concha. c. Outer meatus. d. Mastoid process.
Papule.
The nurse notices that a patient has a solid, elevated, circumscribed lesion that is less than 1 cm in diameter. When documenting this finding, the nurse reports this as a: a. Bulla. b. Wheal. c. Nodule. d. Papule.
.VII
The nurse notices that a patient's palpebral fissures are not symmetric. On examination, the nurse may find that damage has occurred to which cranial nerve (CN)? a.III b.V c.VII d.VIII
Area proximal to the enlarged node.
The nurse notices that a patient's submental lymph nodes are enlarged. In an effort to identify the cause of the node enlargement, the nurse would assess the patient's: a.Infraclavicular area. b.Supraclavicular area. c.Area distal to the enlarged node. d.Area proximal to the enlarged node.
Red-purple, maculopapular, blotchy rash behind the ears and on the face
The nurse notices that a school-aged child has bluish-white, red-based spots in her mouth that are elevated approximately 1 to 3 mm. What other signs would the nurse expect to find in this patient? a. Pink, papular rash on the face and neck b. Pruritic vesicles over her trunk and neck c. Hyperpigmentation on the chest, abdomen, and back of the arms d. Red-purple, maculopapular, blotchy rash behind the ears and on the face
Cephalhematoma.
The nurse notices that an infant has a large, soft lump on the side of his head and that his mother is very concerned. She tells the nurse that she noticed the lump approximately 8 hours after her baby's birth and that it seems to be getting bigger. One possible explanation for this is: a.Hydrocephalus. b.Craniosynostosis. c.Cephalhematoma. d.Caput succedaneum.
Ask the patient if he or she has a history of heart failure.
The nurse notices the presence of periorbital edema when performing an eye assessment on a 70-year-old patient. The nurse should: a. Check for the presence of exophthalmos. b. Suspect that the patient has hyperthyroidism. c. Ask the patient if he or she has a history of heart failure. d. Assess for blepharitis, which is often associated with periorbital edema.
Tachycardia
The nurse suspects that a patient has hyperthyroidism, and the laboratory data indicate that the patient's T4 and T3 hormone levels are elevated. Which of these findings would the nurse most likely find on examination? a.Tachycardia b.Constipation c.Rapid dyspnea d.Atrophied nodular thyroid gland
Hypomobility
The nurse suspects that a patient has otitis media. Early signs of otitis media include which of these findings of the tympanic membrane? a. Red and bulging b. Hypomobility c. Retraction with landmarks clearly visible d. Flat, slightly pulled in at the center, and moves with insufflation
Pushed to the unaffected side.
The physician reports that a patient with a neck tumor has a tracheal shift. The nurse is aware that this means that the patient's trachea is: a.Pulled to the affected side. b.Pushed to the unaffected side. c.Pulled downward. d.Pulled downward in a rhythmic pattern.
Elevates the eyelid and dilates the pupil.
When examining a patient's eyes, the nurse recalls that stimulation of the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system: a. Causes pupillary constriction. b. Adjusts the eye for near vision. c. Elevates the eyelid and dilates the pupil. d. Causes contraction of the ciliary body.
Ear dysplasia.
When examining children affected with Down syndrome (trisomy 21), the nurse looks for the possible presence of: a.Ear dysplasia. b.Long, thin neck. c.Protruding thin tongue. d.Narrow and raised nasal bridge.
Pearly gray and slightly concave.
When examining the ear with an otoscope, the nurse notes that the tympanic membrane should appear: a. Light pink with a slight bulge. b. Pearly gray and slightly concave. c. Pulled in at the base of the cone of light. d. Whitish with a small fleck of light in the superior portion.
Is expected.
When examining the eye, the nurse notices that the patient's eyelid margins approximate completely. The nurse recognizes that this assessment finding: a. Is expected. b. May indicate a problem with extraocular muscles. c. May result in problems with tearing. d. Indicates increased intraocular pressure.
Parotid; submandibular
When examining the face of a patient, the nurse is aware that the two pairs of salivary glands that are accessible to examination are the ___________ and ___________ glands. a.Occipital; submental b.Parotid; jugulodigastric c.Parotid; submandibular d.Submandibular; occipital
Most likely has serous otitis media.
When performing an otoscopic examination of a 5-year-old child with a history of chronic ear infections, the nurse sees that his right tympanic membrane is amber-yellow in color and that air bubbles are visible behind the tympanic membrane. The child reports occasional hearing loss and a popping sound with swallowing. The preliminary analysis based on this information is that the child: a. Most likely has serous otitis media. b. Has an acute purulent otitis media. c. Has evidence of a resolving cholesteatoma. d. Is experiencing the early stages of perforation.
Older adult man who tells the nurse that he is going to join his wife in heaven tomorrow and plans to use a gun
Which of these individuals would the nurse consider at highest risk for a suicide attempt? a. Man who jokes about death b. Woman who, during a past episode of major depression, attempted suicide c. Adolescent who just broke up with her boyfriend and states that she would like to kill herself d. Older adult man who tells the nurse that he is going to join his wife in heaven tomorrow and plans to use a gun
"Does your baby seem to startle with loud noises?"
While discussing the history of a 6-month-old infant, the mother tells the nurse that she took a significant amount of aspirin while she was pregnant. What question would the nurse want to include in the history? a. "Does your baby seem to startle with loud noises?" b. "Has your baby had any surgeries on her ears?" c. "Have you noticed any drainage from her ears?" d. "How many ear infections has your baby had since birth?
Is exhibiting a normal finding for a well child of this age.
While performing a well-child assessment on a 5 year old, the nurse notes the presence of palpable, bilateral, cervical, and inguinal lymph nodes. They are approximately 0.5 cm in size, round, mobile, and nontender. The nurse suspects that this child: a.Has chronic allergies. b.May have an infection. c.Is exhibiting a normal finding for a well child of this age. d.Should be referred for additional evaluation.
Heart failure
While performing an assessment of a 65-year-old man with a history of hypertension and coronary artery disease, the nurse notices the presence of bilateral pitting edema in the lower legs. The skin is puffy and tight but normal in color. No increased redness or tenderness is observed over his lower legs, and the peripheral pulses are equal and strong. In this situation, the nurse suspects that the likely cause of the edema is which condition? a. Heart failure b. Venous thrombosis c. Local inflammation d. Blockage of lymphatic drainage
Acute otitis media.
While performing the otoscopic examination of a 3-year-old boy who has been pulling on his left ear, the nurse finds that his left tympanic membrane is bright red and that the light reflex is not visible. The nurse interprets these findings to indicate a(n): a. Fungal infection. b. Acute otitis media. c. Perforation of the eardrum. d. Cholesteatoma.
