Physical Assessment Practice Questions

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The patient's presentation of new onset tremors, slow movements with shuffling steps (bradykinesia), decreased facial mobility, and blunt expression are characteristic features of Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement, typically presenting with tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. The presence of these symptoms in this patient, along with the absence of any other medical conditions or medication use, points toward a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. Other conditions like Cushing's syndrome, nephrotic syndrome, and myxedema are unlikely based on the patient's clinical presentation.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Audiometric testing is a very sensitive method for detecting hearing loss. It involves a series of tests that measure a person's ability to hear sounds at various frequencies and volumes. These tests can detect even subtle changes in hearing ability and provide detailed information on the type and degree of hearing loss. The whisper test and finger rub test are basic screening tests and are not as sensitive or comprehensive as audiometric testing. The tuning fork test is also used in evaluating hearing loss, but it is not as accurate or sensitive as audiometric testing. Overall, audiometric testing is considered the gold standard for diagnosing hearing loss due to its high sensitivity and ability to provide detailed information on the individual's hearing capabilities.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: When examining a patient with known peripheral vascular disease in the legs, it is important to note the size, symmetry, and skin color of the lower extremities. These aspects can provide valuable information about the circulation and potential complications related to the disease. Changes in size, such as muscle wasting or atrophy, can indicate poor circulation and muscle ischemia. Asymmetry between the two legs may point to a significant difference in blood supply to the limbs. Skin color changes, such as pallor or cyanosis, can suggest impaired blood flow. Monitoring and documenting these findings are crucial for assessing the progression or improvement of the disease and guiding treatment interventions.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The given symptoms of distant air sounds, late inspiratory crackles in both lower lobes, distant S1 and S2 heart sounds, and an S3 heart sound heard over the apex are all characteristic findings of left-sided heart failure. Distant air sounds and late inspiratory crackles indicate pulmonary congestion due to fluid accumulation in the lungs as a result of left-sided heart failure. The distant heart sounds and presence of an S3 are signs of left ventricular dysfunction. In contrast, pneumonia would typically present with more localized abnormal breath sounds and other symptoms such as fever and productive cough. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) would manifest with prolonged expiratory phase and wheezing, not late inspiratory crackles. Pleural pain is typically associated with sharp chest pain exacerbated by breathing movements, and it does not explain the constellation of symptoms described in this case. Therefore, the most likely diagnosis based on the provided symptoms

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Since the life insurance company is classifying the body builder as "high risk" due to obesity, it is important to assess whether his weight gain is primarily fat accumulation around the waist. Measuring his waist circumference can provide valuable information about the distribution of body fat. Abdominal obesity, indicated by an increased waist measurement, is a significant risk factor for health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. By measuring his waist, you can determine if his weight gain is indeed a cause for concern in terms of health risks, rather than just considering the overall weight gain. This information can help you provide more targeted advice on how to address any potential health concerns related to the weight gain.