NCLEX Practice Questions Physical Assessment

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The most important question to ask in this scenario would be if the patient has tried to lose weight. Given the patient's significant unintentional weight loss (from 140 to 110 pounds in a year), especially in the context of a chronic cough and a long history of smoking, lung cancer becomes a top concern. Unintentional weight loss is a common symptom seen in patients with lung cancer. Therefore, understanding if the weight loss was intentional or unintentional can provide crucial information in the diagnostic evaluation for possible lung cancer.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: It is important to maintain a calm demeanor when walking into the examination room to speak with your first clinic patient, especially in a busy and high-pressure situation. Demonstrating calmness will help to build rapport with the patient, create a sense of trust, and promote effective communication. This demeanor will also convey professionalism and confidence, which are essential qualities for a healthcare provider. Displaying irritability, impatience, or boredom can negatively impact the patient-provider relationship and hinder effective communication, potentially compromising the quality of care provided.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A cough can be attributed to various anatomic regions. Cardiac conditions, such as heart failure or fluid overload, can lead to congestion in the lungs and irritation of the airway, resulting in a cough. Ophthalmologic, auditory, and endocrine regions are less commonly associated with causing a cough.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: It is important to show empathy and address Mrs. Donelan's feelings about missing her husband. By asking why Bill is not there, you are opening the door for her to talk about her emotions and potentially offer support or resources. This can help build a stronger patient-provider relationship and address any underlying emotional concerns she may have. It is important to prioritize the patient's emotional well-being along with their physical health during the visit.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The vertebral bodies of the spine involve cartilaginous joints. Cartilaginous joints are connected by cartilage, which allows for slight movement and flexibility. In the spine, the cartilaginous joints between vertebral bodies are called intervertebral discs. These discs act as shock absorbers and provide cushioning between each vertebra, helping to prevent bone-on-bone contact. In Mark's case, the presence of a bulging disc suggests that there is an issue with the cartilaginous joint between his vertebral bodies, leading to the compression of a spinal nerve and causing the burning pain down his right leg and slight foot drop.