ATI RN
Health Assessment and Physical Examination Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
A tender, painful swelling of the scrotum should suggest which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A tender, painful swelling of the scrotum is a common symptom of acute epididymitis, which is the inflammation of the epididymis. The epididymis is a tube located at the back of the testicle that stores and transports sperm. In acute epididymitis, the swelling is usually accompanied by pain, tenderness, redness, and warmth in the affected area. Other symptoms may include fever, chills, and discharge from the penis. Prompt medical evaluation and treatment are necessary to prevent complications such as abscess formation or chronic epididymitis. Strangulated inguinal hernia and torsion of the spermatic cord may present with severe pain and swelling in the scrotum, but they have distinct mechanisms and require different management approaches.
Question 2 of 5
You are excited about a positive test finding you have just noticed on physical examination of your patient. You go on to do more examination, laboratory work, and diagnostic tests, only to find that there is no sign of the disease you thought would correlate with the finding. This same experience happens several times. What should you conclude?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The repeated scenario of finding a positive test result that does not correlate with the suspected disease indicates a lack of specificity for the test in question. In such cases, it is important to use the test when there is a higher suspicion for a specific condition that is known to correlate with the finding. By using the test selectively in situations where it is more likely to provide accurate information, its utility can be maximized and unnecessary further workup can be avoided. This approach allows for a more targeted and efficient use of resources in the diagnostic process.
Question 3 of 5
Mr. Jackson is a 50-year-old African-American who has had discomfort between his scrotum and anus. He also has had some fevers and dysuria. Your rectal examination is halted by tenderness anteriorly, but no frank mass is palpable. What is your most likely diagnosis?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most likely diagnosis in this case is prostatitis. Prostatitis is the inflammation or infection of the prostate gland, which can cause symptoms such as discomfort between the scrotum and anus (perineum), fevers, and dysuria (painful urination). The tenderness anteriorly during rectal examination is consistent with prostatitis as the prostate gland is located in front of the rectum and can be tender to touch when inflamed. Prostate cancer typically presents with symptoms such as urinary frequency, nocturia, hematuria, or bone pain, and is less likely to cause the symptoms described in this scenario. Colon cancer and colonic polyps are less likely as they would not typically cause discomfort in the perineal area or dysuria.
Question 4 of 5
A patient is concerned about a dark skin lesion on her anterolateral abdomen. It has not changed, and there is no discharge or bleeding. On examination there is a medium brown circular lesion on the anterolateral wall of the abdomen. It is soft, has regular borders, is evenly pigmented, and is about 7 mm in diameter. What is this lesion?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Given the description provided, the lesion appears to be a dermatofibroma. Dermatofibromas are common benign skin lesions that typically present as a firm, solitary nodule on the skin. They commonly occur on the lower extremities but can also be found on the trunk. The characteristics of a dermatofibroma include being firm to the touch, having regular borders, being evenly pigmented, and a diameter typically less than 1 cm to 2 cm. They are usually painless and do not change significantly over time.
Question 5 of 5
A sudden, painless unilateral vision loss may be caused by which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A sudden, painless unilateral vision loss may be caused by a retinal detachment. Retinal detachment occurs when the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye, pulls away from its normal position. This can lead to visual disturbances, including sudden loss of vision in one eye. Retinal detachment can be a medical emergency and requires prompt evaluation and treatment to prevent permanent vision loss. Other conditions mentioned in the choices, such as corneal ulcer, acute glaucoma, and uveitis, may also cause vision problems but are less likely to present with a sudden and painless unilateral vision loss as a primary symptom.
Similar Questions
Join Our Community Today!
Join Over 10,000+ nursing students using Nurselytic. Access Comprehensive study Guides curriculum for ATI-RN and 3000+ practice questions to help you pass your ATI-RN exam.
Subscribe for Unlimited Access