Physical Assessment Practice Questions

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The presentation is highly suggestive of appendicitis, especially given the migration of pain from the periumbilical region to the right lower quadrant (just medial and inferior to the iliac crest). The worsening of pain with motion, along with associated symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and fever, are typical features of appendicitis. The classic presentation of appendicitis is pain starting around the umbilicus (due to visceral innervation) and then shifting to the right lower quadrant (due to irritation of the parietal peritoneum). Surgical intervention is usually required promptly to prevent complications like perforation, which can lead to peritonitis and sepsis.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: HPV (human papillomavirus) infection is a very common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can affect both men and women. It is the most common STI in the United States. While most cases of HPV infection are asymptomatic and resolve on their own, certain high-risk strains of HPV can lead to the development of various cancers, including cervical cancer. Therefore, HPV infections do cause a small but important number of cervical cancers, making option D the correct choice. Regular screening, such as Pap smears and HPV testing, are crucial for early detection and effective management of HPV-related abnormalities that could progress to cervical cancer.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A tightly fitted blood pressure cuff can result in a false high reading by compressing the underlying artery too much, causing an inaccurate measurement. It is important to ensure that the blood pressure cuff is appropriately sized for the patient's arm to obtain an accurate reading. The other factors listed, such as the patient being seated quietly, measuring on a bare arm, and supporting the patient's arm at the correct level, all contribute to obtaining an accurate measurement of blood pressure.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The presentation of multiple burning erosions on the shaft of the penis along with tender inguinal adenopathy is indicative of genital herpes caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Primary herpes simplex infection typically presents with painful ulcers and lymphadenopathy. The ulcers are often shallow with well-defined borders and can be associated with systemic symptoms such as fever and malaise. In contrast, primary syphilis is characterized by a painless chancre at the site of infection, usually on the genitals. Chancroid can also present with painful ulcers, but it is less common in developed countries. Gonorrhea typically presents with urethral discharge, dysuria, or other symptoms of urethritis, rather than erosions on the penis shaft.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The presentation is highly suggestive of appendicitis, especially given the migration of pain from the periumbilical region to the right lower quadrant (just medial and inferior to the iliac crest). The worsening of pain with motion, along with associated symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and fever, are typical features of appendicitis. The classic presentation of appendicitis is pain starting around the umbilicus (due to visceral innervation) and then shifting to the right lower quadrant (due to irritation of the parietal peritoneum). Surgical intervention is usually required promptly to prevent complications like perforation, which can lead to peritonitis and sepsis.